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- Costco’s biggest wins among Gen Z shoppers include viral snacks, bulk cold brew, and the iconic rotisserie chicken.
- Home essentials like Brita pitchers, storage bins, and Kirkland batteries are lowkey game-changers.
- TikTok trends and practicality collide, making Costco the go-to for budget-friendly, trendy, and sustainable buys.
What to Buy at Costco in 2025: Viral Staples, Underrated Gems, and Budget Wins
Let’s be real for a second. Walking into Costco without a list is basically a side quest. You’re dodging giant carts, following the smell of rotisserie chicken like it’s a siren song, and trying to remember if you actually needed that six-pound bag of trail mix. But hey, that’s part of the charm.
In 2025, Costco is still the MVP of bulk shopping, especially if you know what’s worth throwing in the cart. Whether you’re a snack-hunting student, a wellness-obsessed young professional, or just someone trying to stretch your dollars, there’s something here for you.
Here’s your no-fluff guide to the best Costco buys right now. From forever staples to new drops that are making serious noise on social media.
Legendary Food Staples That Never Miss
Rotisserie Chicken
Still $4.99. Still undefeated. This thing is a Costco classic for a reason. It’s fully cooked, seasoned perfectly, and works for everything from meal prep to midnight snack sessions straight out the fridge. Honestly, it’s a whole personality.
The $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo
Costco refuses to let inflation touch this icon. It’s been around forever and still hits the spot every single time. If you’ve never eaten one in the parking lot while pretending you're in a music video, you're doing it wrong.
Frozen Favorites
Stock up on those easy, toss-in-the-air-fryer meals that taste like takeout. Fan favorites include:
- Crazy Cuizine Mandarin Orange Chicken
- Deep Indian Kitchen Chicken Tikka Masala Wraps
- All the bite-sized frozen apps that magically vanish at parties
Bakery Bangers
The cheesecake is rich, the Tuxedo Cake is straight-up elite, and the Kirkland Artisan Rolls are perfect for sandwiches or just butter and vibes. Keep an eye on seasonal items too. They go fast.
Healthy Stuff That's Actually Good
Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal Shake
Plant-based. Protein-packed. And way less weird-tasting than most meal replacements. These are flying off shelves for a reason—perfect for quick breakfasts when you're late to everything.
Brainiac Breakfast Blend Pouches
Think applesauce but smarter. These fruit-oat blends are full of Omega-3s and choline, which basically means they’re brain fuel. They’re made for families, but let’s be honest, we’re all down for squeeze pouches if they taste good.
Probiotic Drinks and Snack Packs
Gut health is trending, and Costco’s keeping up.
Grab Lifeway Kefir in variety packs and seaweed snacks from Gimme for that crunchy, salty fix that doesn’t ruin your stomach later.
Pantry Wins and Home Essentials That Actually Save You Money
Kirkland Signature American Vodka
People swear this $14.69 bottle is lowkey as smooth as Grey Goose. Whether you’re mixing or sipping, this one always ends up in the cart of someone who knows.
Kirkland Signature Tuna
Not all canned tuna is created equal. This one’s meaty, clean-tasting, and worth the pantry real estate. Plus, you can flex on your friends for choosing quality over soggy weirdness.
Paper Goods and Cleaning Must-Haves
Toilet paper, paper towels, disinfecting wipes—boring? Maybe. Essential? Absolutely. And they last forever, so future you will be thankful.
Fall 2025 Finds That Are Going Off
Our Place 14-Piece Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
It’s giving clean, minimalist, and “I kinda have my life together.” If you’ve ever wanted cookware that actually looks cute on your stove, this set is a must. New this season and already trending.
Jack Link's x MrBeast Protein Beef Sticks
This collab is snack-core chaos in the best way. Grab these for your backpack, gym bag, or glove compartment. You’ll thank yourself every time hunger hits.
Langers Tart Cherry Pineapple Restful Sleep Juice
Yes, it’s part of the “sleepy girl mocktail” trend. But don’t judge until you try it. This juice blends tart cherry, pineapple, magnesium, and B6. It’s giving relaxation in a cup.
Hidden Gems That Deserve Main Character Energy
Household Storage Stuff That Feeds Your #Cleantok Fantasy
From compact lap desks to cordless mini scrubbers, Costco always has those random home gadgets you didn’t know you needed until you saw them.
Novaform ComfortGrande Mattress
This mattress is big on comfort and small on price. It consistently gets high ratings, and people say it holds up against brands that cost way more. If your back has been fighting you lately, this might be the fix.
Gift Sets and Bougie Kitchen Extras
Fancy truffle oil sets? Craft beer glasses? Yep, they’ve got those. And no, you don’t have to wait until the holidays to treat yourself.
Smart Shopping Tips From a Semi-Pro Cart Filler
- Go early in the week. Crowds are lighter and the bakery section is still full of good stuff.
- Check the app or website before you go. Some deals are online-only, while other gems are warehouse exclusives.
- Bring a buddy. You’ll need help loading the car and splitting that 48-pack of granola bars you probably didn’t need but absolutely wanted.
Costco in 2025 is more than just a place to bulk-buy granola. It’s where viral snacks, quality basics, and surprisingly aesthetic home finds come together. Whether you’re shopping for your roommates, your family, or just your next solo snack haul, there’s always something that makes the trip worth it.
Stay fueled, stocked, and a little chaotic with more shopping secrets at Woke Waves Magazine.
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