The 10 Best Things We Bought from Costco in 2020

In one of the most troubling years we’ve ever experienced, never have I ever been more glad to be a Costco member. (And much of the Kitchn team feels the same way.) Costco has made my family feel safe as we stocked up on all the ingredients we needed for all of the cooking at home that 2020 required. (So. Much. Cooking.) And by shopping Costco’s bulk offerings, we were able to plan ahead and stretch the time between shopping trips, only going when necessary.

This year, 10 products stood out above the rest, earning them the highly coveted title of “the best things we bought at Costco this year.” Here they are.

You’re a truly rare soul if you weren’t among the throngs of people scouring stores for flour this spring. Whether you found one of these 25-pounders back in March, like our Food Editor-at-Large, Christine Gallary, or checked it off your list just in the last week, this is, hands-down, one of our best buys of the pandemic. With more at-home holidays on the horizon, a bakery-sized bag of flour is the right way to go.

Read more: The Single Best Thing to Buy at Costco This November

Even though my kids are learning from their kitchen tables this year, this set is a must-have for at-home and on-the-go meals. The stainless steel water bottle keeps drinks cool and limits the number of half-full cups you’ll find around the house. Plus, you can pack the insulated containers with fruit or veggies in the morning and stave off the “I’m hungry” echoes until after lunch.

Read more: 10 Things to Buy at Costco to Pretend You’re on Vacation

Anyone else tired of cooking? These grilled chicken skewers are a dinner savior. They taste like they’re fresh off the grill and they’re perfect for adding to salads or stuffing into pitas. Another idea: Pair these with a plate of golden, toasty tater tots and call it a day.

Read more: The Best Groceries to Buy at Costco for a Backyard Picnic

When I shared my strategy for bulk buying onions in February, I had no idea how useful that tip would be in the coming months. Instead of chopping an onion to start every meal, I pre-chop and freeze my onions. It might not seem like much, but eliminating that single step from my dinner prep has truly restored my cooking mojo.

Read more: Here’s a Smart Way to Keep That Giant Bag of Costco Onions from Going Bad

Has the price tag for Rao’s been holding you back from trying Kitchn editors’ favorite marinara sauce? When contributor Melissa Harrison Jameson spotted a twin-pack of jumbo-sized jars of Rao’s for a great deal at her local Costco, I decided that it was finally time to see what the fuss was about. And now that I’ve tasted Rao’s, I’m never going back — especially at Costco’s price!

Read more: Costco Sells Our Favorite Marinara Sauce for Super Cheap — But There’s a Catch

I picked up a big box of brownie mix right before Valentine’s Day. When uncertainty swelled weeks later, my family was so glad to be able to bake brownies at a moment’s notice. We’ll never be without a box of this again.

Read more: 10 Costco Must-Haves for Valentine’s Day

The biggest winners of 2020 are the dogs (who have had more in-person playtime than perhaps ever before). There’s no better way to say, “Thanks for the companionship!” than by giving your pet a set of Costco food court-themed toys. How cute is that pizza?

Read more: Is There Anything More Pure Than These New Costco Food Court Plus Toys for Dogs?

Kitchn has sung the praises of this olive oil before (especially once it got the thumbs up from Samin Nosrat!), and this year is no different. The oil strikes the perfect balance between versatility for everyday cooking and fruity flavor that’s just right for finishing dishes. Plus, it’s family-sized.

Read more: The 10 Best Things We Bought at Costco in February

Lifestyle Director, Lisa Freedman’s, mom tipped Kitchn off to these French-ish pancakes from Costco’s bakery section. Heat the silver dollar-sized pancakes in the microwave for just 20 seconds to serve flapjacks that are even better than what you can order out at a diner.

Read more: The $8 Costco Find That Beats New Jersey Diners

Vacuuming really isn’t a chore anymore, thanks to this Costco buy, which is easy enough for kids to maneuver too! Without cumbersome cords to contend with, floors stay cleaner because cleaning up is simply more fun.

Buy: Dyson V8 Animal+ Cordless Stick Vacuum, $379.99

What are the best things you bought at Costco this year? Let us know in the comments below.