Money Saving Mom®

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, staring at an empty pantry, and wondered how on earth groceries got this expensive, you’re in good company. I hear from families all the time who are doing “all the right things” –whether its creating a budget and sticking to a list, utilizing digital coupons, or shopping all the sales — and still feel like their grocery budget is barely hanging on.

That’s why I asked over on Instagram: What are the can’t-miss, must-buy deals at Sam’s Club? The kind that actually beat regular grocery store prices and make the membership feel like a no-brainer?

And oh my goodness… you all delivered.

From everyday staples like eggs and toilet paper to hidden gems like aloe juice and bakery bread, here’s a crowd-sourced, smart-shopper-approved list of the top items people say you have to buy at Sam’s Club. Plus, I included a few tips to help you shop smarter and stretch your dollars even further!

The Top Items to Buy at Sam’s Club to Save Money

1. Rotisserie Chicken

This one came up again and again, and for good reason. A fully cooked, juicy rotisserie chicken for just a few bucks is basically a meal plan in disguise. There are so many options for using it, too: dinner tonight, chicken salad tomorrow, soup later in the week… If you’re trying to save time and money, this is a win.

Kristen shared: “We buy their pickles, decaf coffee pods, peanut butter, jelly, rotisserie, eggs, milk, Litehouse ranch (tastes like the restaurant), nuts, SO MUCH!”

2. Member’s Mark Toilet Paper

Let’s talk about the thing every family goes through faster than they expect. More than one mom admitted they were loyal to name brands… until they tried this.

Meggan said: “I swore to my husband that I would never buy generic toilet paper, but I must say the Members Mark toilet paper is the best.”

When you can buy in bulk and not sacrifice quality, that’s a household victory.

3. Paper Towels & Paper Goods

Paper towels, tissues, and paper plates All this boring-but-necessary stuff eats away at your budget. Buying these in bulk at Sam’s can mean fewer trips and a lower cost per item over time.

4. Eggs (Especially Pasture-Raised)

If your family goes through eggs like mine does, this one’s huge.

Aimee chimed in with: “Eggs! Pasture-raised eggs are such a good deal!”

High-quality eggs for less than grocery store prices? Yes, please.

5. Ground Beef (Including Grass-Fed)

Whether it’s for taco night, spaghetti, or freezer meal prep, ground beef is a staple in so many homes. Sam’s is a great place to stock up, portion it out, and freeze it for future meals.

6. Butter (Kerrygold & Member’s Mark)

Butter lovers, rejoice. Between baking, cooking, and spreading on toast, this is one of those items that adds up fast at regular grocery stores. Buying in bulk can save you a surprising amount over the year.

7. Gas

It’s easy to forget this one, but if you live near a Sam’s Club gas station, this perk alone can help offset the cost of membership. A few cents saved per gallon adds up quickly if you’re filling up regularly.

8. Trash Bags

Not glamorous, but absolutely necessary. Bulk trash bags often are a much lower price per bag than grocery store packs.

9. Coffee & Coffee Pods

Whether you’re a ground-coffee family or all about the pods, Sam’s Club is a favorite spot to stock up. Kristen mentioned Sam’s decaf pods are her go-to.

10. Produce (Berries, Lettuce, Spinach, Peppers, and More!)

If your family eats their fruits and veggies, buying produce in larger quantities can bring big savings. This is especially true for berries, which can be pricey at regular stores.

“They have organic carrots, 5lb bags for $3.99 at my store. It’s such a gift to load up on snacks in bulk and nowhere else comes close to this pricing.” – Kate

11. Meat Staples (Chicken Breasts, Turkey, Deli Meat)

Perfect for freezer stocking and easy lunches, buying deli meat in bulk is especially helpful if you’re packing school lunches every day. Sam’s Club also has great prices on chicken breasts and turkey!

12. Heavy Cream & Half-and-Half

For the coffee lovers and home cooks, this one came up a lot in the comments as a solid deal.

13. Cheese (Block, Shredded, String, Wedge)

A few readers gave Sam’s Club cheese a big thumbs up — for their prices and quality.

“We buy mozzarella cheese sticks there for a better price than at Kroger.” – Janelle

If your family likes to keep the cheese drawer stocked, this is one to check out.

14. Chicken Nuggets & Strips

For easy dinners, quick lunches, and after-school snacks, bulk bags of nuggets and strips are a favorite for busy families.

15. Snacks (Cookies, Chips, Protein Bars, Crackers)

Whether for school lunches, road trips, or soccer practice, snacks are basically their own budget category. Buying in bulk can really help here.

When available, instant savings on snacks give you even more bang for your buck as they make already-good deals even better.

16. Dishwasher Pods & Dish Soap

These are another of those boring-but-necessary purchases that feel extra good to save on.

Meggan shared a great tip: “I like to get the large jug of Dawn liquid dish soap, especially when they do instant savings. It’s a great deal.”

17. Peanut Butter & Jelly

Readers suggested this so many times! You can’t beat this great price on a classic pantry staple for families.

18. Maple Syrup & Honey

These are items that can be surprisingly expensive at regular stores, so buying in bulk can really pay off.

Daryl said it best: “Organic pure maple syrup! Cheapest price ANYWHERE!!!”

19. Salmon & Frozen Shrimp

If you’re trying to add more seafood to your meals without blowing the budget, Sam’s Club is a popular spot for both fresh and frozen options.

20. Milk & Dairy Staples

Milk, sour cream, and yogurt are all basics that disappear faster than you expect in a busy household. These items are also a great option to buy at Sam’s Club, especially if you need larger portions for a good price.

21. Bakery Items (Croissants, Bread)

These are often a great value for the quantity you get. The large quantities are perfect for bringing to a potluck brunch or teacher appreciation lunch, or you can easily freeze them for your family.

22. Yeast & Baking Staples

When it comes to flour, chocolate chips, yeast, and vanilla, if you bake at home, this section can be a goldmine.

23. Olive Oil & Coconut Oil

These were mentioned multiple times as great bulk buys for anyone who cooks regularly.

“Shredded cheese, butter, sour cream, olive oil, coconut oil, toilet paper, honey, maple syrup, all nuts.” – Shanna

24. Vitamins & Supplements

Vitamins and supplements are another category where Sam’s Club can save your family money over time, especially if you’re buying the same items month after month.

25. Frozen Fruit

Frozen fruit is one of those everyday wins at Sam’s Club that doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it absolutely deserves it. Whether you’re tossing berries into morning smoothies, stirring them into oatmeal, or keeping a bag on hand for quick desserts, buying frozen fruit in bulk can save you money and reduce food waste at the same time.

26. Flowers

If you like having fresh flowers around the house (or need a last-minute gift), Sam’s Club is a surprisingly good spot to check.

27. Clothing & Pajamas

Seasonal clothes, cozy pajamas, and basics for the family often pop up at great prices.

28. Aloe Juice (Hidden Gem!)

Christine shared a fun one: “The Aloe juice. It has aloe pieces in the juice. It’s delicious.”

Aloe juice is probably one of those things you might not expect to find, but now you’ll be looking for it.

29. Nuts (All Kinds)

Trail mix, baking nuts, and snack-size packages of nuts came up multiple times as a bulk buy people love.

30. Protein Drinks

If mornings are rushed or you’re trying to add a little extra protein to your day, Sam’s Club protein drinks can be a budget-friendly grab. Buying them in multi-packs usually brings the cost per bottle way down compared to grocery or convenience stores, making them an easy, affordable option for breakfasts on the go or post-workout refuels.

31. Diapers and Wipes

For families with little ones, this is one of those categories that can make the membership pay for itself. Bulk boxes of diapers and wipes often come in at a lower price per unit, and you won’t find yourself making last-minute store runs nearly as often.

32. Prescriptions

Sam’s Club’s pharmacy is another area where some members see meaningful savings. From prescription medications to over-the-counter staples, getting your medicines here can sometimes cost less than traditional pharmacies, especially if you’re managing multiple medications in your household. Plus, you can save time by getting your groceries and prescriptions in one stop!

33. Fleece Blankets

Amanda shared these cozy, seasonal gems: “Their big fleece blankets that are $10.88 and come in sooo many cute patterns that change seasonally.”

These make perfect throw blankets for the couch, extra layers for kids’ beds, or even easy, affordable gifts when the weather is cold.

34. Gift Cards

Glenda and Jodi both pointed out that the gift card section can feel like finding free money:

“We can get a $50 gift card for $35. Other great deals in gift cards too!” – Glenda
“Dominos gift cards!! $70 for $100. 30% off every pizza you order!!” – Jodi

From local restaurants to big-name chains, discounted gift cards are a smart way to save on things you already plan to buy, and they also make great last-minute gifts that don’t feel last-minute at all.

2 Bonus Reasons to Love Sam’s Club

The 30+ items above are reason enough to love Sam’s Club but the experience gets even better with two features your membership includes. (And, if you’re comparing Costco and Sam’s Club, only Sam’s Club offers these two bonus features.)

Bonus #1: Sam’s Club Scan & Go Feature

Sam’s Club’s Scan & Go lets you scan items as you shop, letting you skip the checkout line.

Kristen said: “The Scan & Go is my favorite feature of Sam’s!”

Being able to scan items as you shop and skip the checkout line? That’s a time-saver and a sanity-saver. Plus, it’s much easier to stick to your budget when you can easily calculate the total as you go.

Using the Scan & Go feature is as easy as 1-2-3:

• In the Sam’s Club app, tap Scan & Go.
• As you add each item to your cart, scan each item’s barcode.
• When you’re done shopping, check out in the app and show your exit code as you leave the store.

You can also use the app to place an order at the cafe (I love their $1 pretzels!), to accelerate getting gas, and to place curbside pickup orders.

Bonus #2: Sam’s Club Curbside Pickup

When comparing Sam’s Club and Costco, one of Sam’s Club’s big advantages is their curbside pickup. Browse and order from the Sam’s Club app, choose your pickup time, and pull up to the store — your groceries come to you!

No wandering warehouse aisles, no navigating crowds, and no throwing an oversized tub of trail mix into your cart just because it was there.

For busy families and budget-conscious shoppers, curbside pickup is a feature worth the membership alone — and it doesn’t cost extra. You’ll stick to your list, skip the impulse buys that warehouse stores are designed to encourage, and get back to your day faster.

Tips for Your First Visit to Sam’s Club

If you’re new to warehouse shopping, my biggest advice is this: start with what your family already uses every week. Don’t get pulled into buying things just because they’re big and look like a deal. The real savings come from replacing your regular grocery store purchases with better-priced bulk options.

Want to Try Sam’s Club for $25?

Right now, you can get a Sam’s Club membership for only $25, which makes it way more affordable to try Sam’s Club! If you’ve been on the fence about trying Sam’s Club, this is a great way to see if it actually fits your family and your budget.

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