3 Ways to Maximize Your Grocery Savings at Costco

One of the biggest benefits of joining Costco is getting to save money on everyday items like groceries. But are you really maximizing your savings on food-related purchases? If you want to win financially when buying groceries at Costco, make a point to do these things.

1. Buy fresh groceries at the store instead of ordering them for same-day delivery

Costco offers same-day delivery for fresh groceries that's powered by Instacart. If you're pressed for time and it's difficult to get to the store or you hate the crowds that Costco tends to attract, this might seem like a pretty convenient way to stock your fridge. 

But there are two issues with ordering same-day grocery delivery. First, there's a markup on every item you add to your cart. 

Secondly, a shopper who's eager to cram as many grocery runs into their schedule as possible may not take the time to inspect items like produce for quality the way you would. So not only might you pay more for same-day groceries, but you might also end up throwing things out due to quality issues.

Granted, Costco will take back fresh items on the basis of them going bad quickly. But that's a hassle you'll have to deal with, as it'll require a trip to the store and a wait in the customer service line. So you may just want to do your own food shopping in person to avoid that issue and save money.

If you're inclined to order same-day groceries because you want to avoid crowds, one strategy that might work is hitting up Costco as soon as the store opens. Or, try going later at night, right before it closes. 

2. Take advantage of sale prices for non-perishables -- but only when that makes sense

Costco discounts grocery items on a rotating basis. Loading up on perishable items often doesn't make sense, since they have a limited useful life. But loading up on non-perishables could pay off because you get more time to eat them.

However, before you jump at the chance to score crackers, applesauce pouches, or cereal on sale, do two things:

1. See if your local supermarket also has a sale going
2. Ask yourself how many servings a week your family is likely to eat

You may find that there's a better deal to be had at your local grocery store. Or, you may realize that buying two bulk boxes of discounted granola bars doesn't make sense when it's just you and one of your children who eat them, and you each only tend to consume one or two bars per week.

3. Split bulk purchases with a partner if you don't need the entire supply yourself

When you buy in bulk at Costco, you can save money on a per-ounce or per-unit basis. But you're not necessarily saving money. 

The reason? Bulk purchases commonly go to waste to some degree. 

Let's say you buy a 72-slice container of cheddar cheese for $6.99 at Costco, or roughly $0.10 per slice. That may be cheaper than the supermarket price. But if you end up throwing out 36 slices because they've gone bad, your price per slice you've consumed suddenly rises to $0.20, which isn't as good a deal.

That's why it pays to split bulk purchases with a friend, neighbor, or colleague when you're not confident you'll be able to finish your entire haul yourself. If you split the cost, you'll each get a great deal. 

At a time when it's gotten so expensive to put food on the table, you might as well do what you can to reap savings. These moves could help you do just that during your Costco shopping.