The 5 Best Costco Deals to Grab in September
With our toolkit in hand, let’s identify the categories that consistently offer the best value. These aren’t just specific items, but types of products where Costco’s bulk model shines brightest, especially as we head into the fall season.
Best Deal #1: Shelf-Stable Pantry Staples
This is the core of Costco’s value proposition. Items with a long shelf life are perfect for bulk buying because there’s no risk of spoilage. Think of Kirkland Signature olive oil, which often has quality certifications that rival boutique brands at a fraction of the price. Other winners include pure maple syrup, large bags of organic quinoa or brown rice, canned goods like tomatoes and beans, and baking essentials. The unit price on these items almost always beats a traditional grocery store, even during a sale. Stocking up in September means you’re prepared for fall and winter cooking without having to make frequent, expensive trips to the store.
Best Deal #2: Select Frozen Foods
The frozen aisle can be a minefield of ultra-processed meals, but it also contains some of the best deals in the store. Large bags of frozen fruits are perfect for smoothies and are significantly cheaper per pound than fresh, especially for berries. The same goes for frozen vegetables like broccoli, peas, and spinach. They are picked and frozen at peak freshness, locking in nutrients and preventing the food waste that comes with buying a giant clamshell of fresh spinach you can’t finish. Plain, unseasoned frozen chicken breasts or fish fillets are also a smart buy, providing a foundation for dozens of quick weeknight meals.
Best Deal #3: Over-the-Counter Items and Supplements
If you or your family regularly use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or allergy pills, the savings at Costco are substantial. The Kirkland Signature versions contain the exact same active ingredients as the national brands, as regulated by the FDA, for a tiny fraction of the cost. A bottle of 500 tablets can cost what a bottle of 50 does at a drugstore. The key is to check the expiration date to ensure you can use it all in time. For vitamins and supplements, the same value applies, but with the crucial caveat we mentioned earlier: look for that USP Verified seal to ensure you’re getting a quality product.
Best Deal #4: Gasoline and Tires
While not a food item, the savings on gasoline directly impact your overall household budget, freeing up more money for groceries. The price at a Costco gas station is consistently several cents lower per gallon than at surrounding stations. Over a year, this adds up to a significant portion of the membership fee. Similarly, their tire center offers competitive pricing on quality brands, often with excellent warranties and free rotations. If you have a car, these two benefits alone can justify the cost of membership and represent some of the most reliable “deals” Costco offers.
Best Deal #5: Baking Basics in Bulk
As the weather cools and the holiday season approaches, baking activity ramps up in many households. Costco is the undisputed champion for baking basics. A 25-pound bag of flour or sugar, a large container of pure vanilla extract, or a massive bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips offer incredible value when measured by unit price. For a family that bakes bread, cookies, or cakes regularly, buying these staples at Costco is a financial no-brainer. The key is having adequate, airtight storage at home to maintain freshness.
