5 Affordable Finds at Costco That Are Actually Worth It

Most people shop at Costco for the great deals on Kirkland Signature and bulk items. But while Costco can save you money on groceries and household items, not everything you buy will be the best value. If you're trying to cut your grocery bill -- and, let's be honest, who isn't -- here are five affordable finds at Costco that aren't toilet paper.

1. Trash bags

Price: $19.99

There's nothing worse than taking your trash out only to find you have no bag to replace it. Fortunately, Costco sells trash bags in packs of 200 and at a cheaper per-unit price than other retailers -- $0.10 a bag. For comparison, Amazon sells the same size bag for roughly $0.18 per bag ($8.99 for a pack of 50). By saving $.08 per bag, you'll save a total $16 by buying them in bulk at Costco. Yeah -- talk about some relief for your credit card.

2. Diapers

Price: $34.99

Similar to trash bags, this is one thing I hate running out of. Newborns can easily go through 10 diapers a day. Trust me -- you don't want to be panic-buying and spending an extra $2.99 for express shipping on Amazon because you've run out of diapers at 3 a.m.

A 192-count box of Kirkland Signature Diapers Sizes 1 - 2 costs $34.99, which comes out to $0.18 per diaper. For comparison, Amazon's Mama Bear size 1 diapers are $0.25 per diaper. And if you choose a name brand -- like Huggies -- you could end up spending even more.

One small note: While these diapers are a great deal, keep in mind that children grow quickly and could leave you with extra diapers that no longer fit. So avoid stocking up if your child is on the cusp of moving into a new size.

3. Croissants

Price: $7.01

I need breakfast to be fast, easy, and cheap, but don't want to skimp on taste or quality. Costco's croissants fit the bill. Since they come in a 12-pack, I pop a few in a gallon-size bag and store them in the freezer to keep them fresh longer. And at $0.58 per pastry, these are a win-win for my grocery budget.

4. Sparkling water

Price: $12.86

I'll be honest, I go through more cans of sparkling water than I'd like to admit. Buying them in bulk, then, helps me save on what's probably not the greatest habit for my budget. A 35-count case of Kirkland sparkling water is $12.86, which is just $0.37 per can. Even name brands, like La Croix, are cheaper at Costco. For instance, you can buy a 24-pack of La Croix at Costco for $10.52, while Amazon sells a 24-pack for $36.98.

5. Almond butter

Price: $7.99

This is another daily essential for me -- I use it for smoothies, spread it on my toast, and as a dip for apple slices. But it can be pricey. For example, a 16-ounce jar from Amazon Fresh is $11.68 or about $0.69 per ounce. Costco, on the other hand, sells a 27-ounce jar for just $7.99. That's 11 more ounces for $3 less.

Knowing what things to buy at Costco can save you a lot (a CNET price comparison, for instance, found that buying the right products could reduce your yearly grocery bill by over $1,000). Next time you're at Costco, take a look at some of the items mentioned above and see if they can help you improve your personal finances.