A First Timer's Guide to Sam's Club: The 20 Must-Buy Items
I finally took the plunge. I've become a wholesale club store member. I'm now that mom who buys Goldfish crackers by the case and fruit snacks in a box bigger than my child. What took me so long? To be honest, now that I'm here, I can't really come up with a good reason, so let's just be happy I joined the party.
And although you might think of a certain store when I say "wholesale club" (we see you, Costco), I went with Sam's Club. Why? In all honesty, I was lured in by a great deal on a 4-pound bag of gummy bears (more on that later) and 50% off the membership fee.
Plus, with the new school year beginning, it was the perfect time to become a Sam's Club member. Planning a school party? They can help with kids' snacks and treats! Busy evenings have you stressing at dinner time? Sam's has got you covered! Need lots of variety for those packed school lunches every day? You can give the kids so many choices!
Want more intel on the best things to buy at Sam's Club? Read on for everything you need to know about the big-box store, plus my top 20 first-time member favorites!
Related: 55 Kid-Approved After-School Snacks
What Is Sam's Club?
Before we grab the shopping cart, let's begin with a little history. Sam's Club is a membership warehouse club that was founded by Sam Walton in 1983, twenty-one years after he founded Walmart. There are nearly 600 clubs across the United States and Puerto Rico.
Much like other warehouse stores, Sam's Club sells bulk items at a good deal and has a wide array of groceries and tons of other things, like housewares, gas and prescriptions.
Oh, and don't forget about the free samples! The day we went, we got to try frozen breakfast sandwiches, fresh green grapes, cucumber water and animal crackers. My boys were thrilled!
Related: 45 Best Lunchbox Ideas for Kids That Go Beyond A Sandwich
What Is the Sam's Club Store Brand?
Like other warehouse clubs, you'll find many national brands at Sam's Clubs, along with their private label, Member's Mark. These products are exclusive to Sam's Club and are often some of the best deals.
Related: Sam's Club Is Selling an 18-Jar Spice Rack with Free Refills
How Much Does a Sam's Club Membership Cost?
An annual Sam's Club membership costs $50, which includes one primary cardholder plus a complimentary card for another member of your household. But be on the lookout for membership deals. Mine was 50 percent off, so I only paid $25 for the year! Sam's Club basic membership includes some perks like fuel savings and same-day delivery on groceries, but there is also a $110 Sam's Club Plus option, which offers those perks plus more, including free curbside pickup, free shipping, pharmacy and optical savings.
Related: How Much Does a Costco Membership Cost?
20 Best Things To Buy at Sam's Club For a New Member
I will fully admit, the first time I walked into Sam's, I had a couple of specific items on my list. Little did I know I would fill my cart and find so many other things I wanted to take home—and I'm definitely coming back for more! Here are my top 20 finds on my first Sam's Club shopping trip.
1. Member's Mark Olive Oil $29.98 for 3 Liters
Krista Marshall
I wanted to begin with a Member's Mark product. Make a mental note of the logo so you can look for it throughout the store. I couldn't believe this huge jug of pure olive oil was under thirty bucks. I see lots of marinades and salad dressings in my future!
Related: 25 Best Olive Oil Cake Recipes
2. Kraft Mac & Cheese $14.96 for 18 Boxes
Krista Marshall
This classic childhood favorite never gets old. With all the homemade macaroni and cheese recipes I have, sometimes you just need the blue box. Even if you can find single boxes on sale for $1 each, this is still a better deal! Plus, your kids will think they won the mom (or dad) lottery!
Related: Blake Lively's Famous Mac and Cheese Recipe Starts with a Box
3. Amylu Chicken Burgers $13.98 for 10-count
Krista Marshall
These were recommended by a friend who has been a Sam's Club shopper for years. The flavors they have available change from time to time; I love the caramelized onion and bacon pack. If that's not in stock, they usually have the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese pack. I bet they'll taste great after a few minutes on the grill, and I bet you could air fry them too!
Related: The Easiest Grilled Chicken Burgers
4. Apple & Eve Juice Boxes $11.48 for 36 Boxes
Krista Marshall
It's back to school time in our house and that means packing lunchboxes every day for the next 180 days! I couldn't get these in the cart fast enough. The price is fantastic, of course, but I also love a variety pack and the fact it's 100% juice with no sugar added.
5. Sensible Portions Veggie Puffs $13.98 for 30 Individual Bags
Krista Marshall
Move over veggie straws, puffs are coming through! This variety pack includes tasty flavors like sour cream and onion, white cheddar and barbecue. They have 30% less fat than other puffed snacks and are baked instead of fried.
6. Black Forest Gummy Bears $11.76 for 4 pounds
Krista Marshall
I'm going to let you in on a little secret. This bag of gummy bears is what led me to the Sam's Club membership in the first place. I was planning my first room mom treats of the year, needed a big bag of gummies, found this online—and the rest is history. But actually, do you really need a reason to have a huge bag of gummy bears in the pantry?
7. Chex Mix $16.24 for 42 Single Serving Bags
Krista Marshall
Who doesn't love Chex Mix? These individual bags are great for the lunchbox, on-the-go snacking or any kids' party so little hands aren't sharing a community bowl!
8. Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix $8.48 for 4 Pouches
Krista Marshall
I did a double-take when I saw this box. A one-pouch box is almost four dollars in other stores, so this is a super deal! Although I do have a terrific copycat recipe for these cheesy, garlicky biscuits, sometimes this mama just needs a little help from the store on an extra busy night.
Related: 100 Best Seafood Recipes To Make At Home
9. Fresh Asparagus $5.82 for 2 Pounds
Krista Marshall
I was super impressed by Sam's fresh produce "cold room", a temperature-controlled area to help the produce and other perishables stay fresh. This asparagus caught my eye because of the thinner stalks that are always crisp but tender. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and roast in a 400-degree oven for a tasty, simple side dish.
10. Mott's Fruit Snacks $11.98 for 90 Pouches
Krista Marshall
These were actually on an "instant savings" special when I shopped, down from the original price of $12.12. Even then, it is a fantastic deal for the amount. Kids love fruit snacks, so it's great to have these in the house.
11. Frigo Cheeseheads String Cheese $10.38 for 48-count
Krista Marshall
A lunchbox staple in our house, string cheese is one of those things I always have in the fridge. Afraid you won't use this big package? Remember homemade mozzarella sticks are great for movie night too!
Related: 31 Types of Cheese To Add To Your Next Charcuterie Board
12. Member's Mark Yeast Dinner Rolls $3.98 for 24-count
Krista Marshall
Sam's has quite an extensive bakery. Pro tip: Don't walk through it when you're hungry like I did because you'll be in trouble. (The huge box of cinnamon rolls I went home with is coming later!) The minute I saw these I thought about holiday entertaining. I'm not a baker, but I would heat these up and serve them with some soft butter for a total hostess win!
13. Fresh Brussesls Sprouts $4.68 for 2 Pounds
Krista Marshall
Brussels sprouts are one of those fresh veggies I'll buy year-round if I see them, so I was happy to know that I could find them at Sam's Club. If this specific pack isn't available, they should have a 2-pound organic pack for less than a dollar more. Think you don't like Brussels sprouts? May I suggest them pan-roasted with bacon or raw in a crunchy slaw?
14. Member's Mark Snow Crab Legs $12.98/Pound
Krista Marshall
If you are a seafood fan, Sam's selection will blow you away. There are so many choices, including salmon, shrimp and these beautiful snow crab legs that are perfect for a date night in.
15. Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers $15.82 for 45 Packs
Krista Marshall
Attention all parents, everywhere. Tired of opening those big packages of Goldfish crackers only to have them go stale in the pantry? Individual packs are the answer to our lunchbox and snack success. This variety pack comes with both cheddar and my son's favorite, rainbow, so these will be a big hit in our house.
Related: 10+ Charcuterie Boards That Will Up Your Hosting Game
16. Little Bites Mini Muffins $10.48 for 20 Pouches
Krista Marshall
When your first grader eats these every morning for breakfast, you'll happily buy them by truckload. He was thrilled to see his favorite flavor, party cake, but Sam's also carries chocolate chip and brownie bites too.
17. Member's Mark Chicken Taco Kit $5.48/Pound
Krista Marshall
If hectic weeknights have you stressing about dinner, check out Sam's ready-to-eat meal kits. The day I shopped I saw this chicken taco kit, Hawaiian pulled pork, chicken enchiladas and chicken Alfredo meals too.
18. Member's Mark Cinnamon Rolls $8.98 for 8
Krista Marshall
Drooling yet? Yeah, that was me in the aisle when I found these. These delicious-looking treats are filled with cinnamon flavor with a sweet icing that only gets better after a few seconds in the microwave. Serve these at Sunday brunch and watch everyone fight over the last one.
19. Member's Mark Pecan Halves $11.78 for 2 Pounds
Krista Marshall
Calling all bakers! If you're getting your supplies anywhere other than Sam's, you are probably paying too much. It doesn't just stop at the variety of nuts they carry, either. Flour, sugar, shortening, butter—they've got everything you need for your baking adventures.
20. Member's Mark Rotisserie Chicken $4.98 for 3 Pounds
Krista Marshall
I saved the best for last! When I asked my friends what I needed to check out at Sam's, every single one said the rotisserie chicken. While many other stores have increased their price on these, Sam's has stayed steady. People were literally lined up waiting on these to come out of the oven, and after tasting the chicken, I can see why.
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