A First Timer's Guide to Sam's Club: The 25 Must-Buy Items

Sam's Club

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 classroom party? They can help with 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 25 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 card holder, 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 Is A Costco Membership Cost?

25 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 25 finds on my first Sam's Club shopping trip.

1. Member's Mark Olive Oil $17.98 for 3 Liters

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 for under twenty bucks. I see lots of marinades and salads in my future!

Related: 25 Best Olive Oil Cake Recipes

2. Kraft Mac & Cheese $15.98 for 18 Boxes

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!

3. Amylu Chicken Burgers $10.98 for 10-count

These were recommended by a friend who has been a Sam's Club shopper for years. I love that these fully cooked chicken burgers are flavored with cheese, caramelized onions and bacon. Less work for me! I bet they'll taste great after a few minutes on the grill and I bet you could air fry them too!

4. Wiejske Wyroby Petite Dill Pickles $4.64 for 46 oz.

I am a die-hard pickle fan. I will eat any pickle, and then drink the juice straight from the jar! The tiny dills happen to be my favorite though, so you know I was giddy when I found these! Look at all the garlic and seasoning- makes your mouth water, doesn't it?

Related: Why Don't All Pickle Jars Include the Word 'Pickle'? 

5. Apple & Eve Juice Boxes $11.48 for 36 Boxes

It's back to school time in our house and that means a packed lunch 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.

Related: 30 Bridal Shower Punch Recipes That Are Total Crowd Pleasers

6. Sensible Portions Veggie Puffs $14.78 for 30 Individual Bags

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.

7. Black Forest Gummy Bears $11.98 for 4 pounds

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?

8. The Little Potato Co. Little Duos $7.98 for 5 pounds

Creamer potatoes are tender, buttery and take on flavors so well. I love cooking with these bite-sized potatoes, but the price for a small bag at other stores is outrageous. These will be used in my Montreal Steak Roasted Potatoes recipe very soon!

9. Chex Mix $16.24 for 42 Single Serving Bags

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!

10. Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix $8.49 for 4 Pouches

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

11. Crunch Pak Ambrosia Apple Slices $6.98 for 2 Pounds

My son loves taking apple slices in his lunch, but they always turn brown. I've had this box in my fridge for over a week now, and there's not one brown apple in the brunch! Plus they're super crunchy and have a perfectly sweet flavor.

12. Old El Paso Stand 'n' Stuff Taco Shells $6.32 for 32-count

These are my favorite taco shells for little hands! No more trying to balance the extra taco on the plate only to watch it fall over again and again. With six sealed packs, you can use what you need and save the rest for the next Taco Tuesday.

13. Fresh Asparagus $7.53 for 2 Pounds

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.

14. Mott's Fruit Snacks $10.12 for 90 Pouches

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.

15. Frigo Cheeseheads String Cheese $9.74 for 48-count

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

16. Member's Mark Yeast Dinner Rolls $3.98 for 24-count

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!

17. Fresh Brussesls Sprouts $4.68 for 2 Pounds

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. Think you don't like Brussels sprouts? May I suggest them pan-roasted with bacon or raw in a crunchy slaw?

18. Member's Mark Snow Crab Legs $1.74/Pound

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.

19. Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers $15.82 for 45 Packs

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.

20. Hillshire Farm Yard-O-Beef $10.98 for 3 Pounds

With charcuterie boards being all the rage now, the popularity of summer sausage has gone through the roof. This three-pound stick is exactly what you need for end-of-summer parties, upcoming fall tailgating and/or Netflix nights on the couch.

Related: 10+ Charcuterie Boards That Will Up Your Hosting Game

21. Little Bites Mini Muffins $12.26 for 20 Pouches

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.

22. Member's Mark Chicken Taco Kit $5.48/Pound

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.

23. Member's Mark Cinnamon Rolls $8.98 for 8

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.

24. Member's Mark Pecan Halves $11.48 for 2 Pounds

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.

25. Member's Mark Rotisserie Chicken $4.98 for 3 Pounds

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.

Next up: 24 Best Rotisserie Chicken Recipes