I'm a die-hard Costco fan with an executive membership. Here are the 9 items I can't leave the store without.

Weekly Costco essentials

The shopper says she makes weekly trips to Costco and always buys its rotisserie chicken. She also names at least nine other items she considers must-haves as she starts a family and looks for nutritious, affordable meals.

Amylu is her favorite Costco brand. She says that, as a home cook and food scientist, she values making meals at home and considers the brand worth purchasing.

Staples for meals and snacks

Her list includes organic peanut butter made with only peanuts and salt, along with Kirkland Signature Italian sparkling mineral water. She likes adding flavors to the water, which she says is a household staple.

Kirkland Signature organic chicken breasts are central to her meal preparation. While Costco sells chicken cuts in value packs, she finds the organic option is often higher quality.

Yogurt, oats and bacon

She favors a large container of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt, which she says her household can enjoy, including her dog. She also uses it instead of sour cream and as a base for a Ninja Creami.

Rolled oats are another regular purchase. She makes oatmeal year-round and uses the oats in baking for added fiber, either whole or blended into oat flour. Columbus hickory-smoked turkey bacon comes in a four-pack, she says, and her household freezes each pack until needed. She uses it for breakfast burritos or when serving a crowd.

A versatile Japanese sauce

Bachan’s Japanese barbecue sauce rounds out the named selections. She says it saves time in the kitchen and can serve as a marinade or dip, among other uses.