Working up the courage to go to Costco is sometimes a workout in itself. Imagining the crowds, coming across the tempting samples and managing to remember everything your household needs while staying within your budget can be overwhelming.
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But ChatGPT can actually assist you with your Costco shopping trips by helping you make a list. GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT to make a list of things to buy on a Costco shopping trip. Here’s what it recommended.
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ChatGPT’s Costco Shopping List
ChatGPT provided a detailed and researched list that “balances quality, convenience and budget,” according to the chatbot. Here are the items it highlighted.
Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken: about $4.99 each (roughly $1.66 per pound)
Kirkland Signature almond butter: about $7.93
JonnyPops rainbow fruit stacks: about $8 to $10 (estimate based on seasonal pricing)
Sea Cuisine tortilla-crusted tilapia (frozen): about $14 to $16 (typical price)
Kirkland Greek nonfat yogurt: about $5.99
Vita Coco coconut water: about $11 to $12
Whole lemons/limes (bag): about $6 to $7
Organic baby spinach (large bag): about $5 to $6
Kirkland Signature paper towels: about $20
Kirkland Signature toilet paper: about $24
Not-A-Paper Towel (reusable cloths): about $9 to $10
Wild-caught frozen shrimp: about $15 to $18
Popcornopolis popcorn: about $7 to $8
Pure fruit bars: about $12 to $13
Perfect Bar protein bars: about $13 to $15
It should be noted that some of these options may no longer be available or may differ in price. For example, Costco’s same-day website currently lists only one option for Perfect Bar protein bars, which is over $22, but options and prices could vary at your local store. So while ChatGPT can provide a good starting point for your shopping lists, it’s also a good idea to then research the items you want at your local store to make sure they’re available at the price you’re expecting.
However, going with Costco’s estimated costs of these items, the total cost based on the high end of these price ranges would be around $178 for the full list. For a weekly grocery run, that’s not too bad, especially considering a lot of these items come in bulk and will last long beyond the week, even for a family.
Considering the average monthly grocery bill is $504, according to Ramsey Solutions, and this list would likely last at least two weeks, you could reduce the average bill from $504 to $356.
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Why These Items?
ChatGPT also provided an explanation for why it chose some of these items.
It noted that the rotisserie chicken is an unbeatable staple at a low price, and it’s ideal for quick dinners and meal prep. As for the Kirkland Signature almond butter, it explained that it was a cost-effective source of healthy fats.
It cited the Greek yogurt and frozen shrimp as high-protein versatile options that are great for quick meals, while many of the pantry and snack picks were selected for being healthy, travel-friendly and satisfying.
Lastly, it noted that the paper products were durable and eco-friendly, and they offered great bulk value.
How To Customize Your Grocery List
Furthermore, the chatbot offered to customize the list to shoppers’ needs. It said it could make the list vegan, or confined only to pantry needs or household items. If you needed to get items for a specific dish or occasion, ChatGPT could also accommodate that.
Overall, ChatGPT could be a great starting point to help you create your grocery list and maximize your savings at Costco. Just be sure to verify that the items ChatGPT provides are available at your local store and that its estimated prices line up with what your local store’s.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT for a Costco Shopping List — It Gave Me 15 Items Under $25 To Buy
