Picture yourself strolling through the vast aisles at Costco. Each promises a new discovery, but only some aisles have a bargain. With its mountain of options, where do you even start? We’ve compiled a list of Costco finds that stretch your dollar to the max. From the store’s low-cost Kirkland brand to freshly baked treats, here are a few gems that will elevate your shopping experience.
1. Bulk Spices
Costco is notorious for selling items in bulk. Although many items here appear expensive at first, think again. For example, spices vary in price but expect to pay $10 on average for 18-oz or higher containers at Costco. You’ll likely spend $20 or more for the same size elsewhere. The price varies for every spice, but the savings are clear at Costco.
2. Rotisserie Chicken
Generally, you’ll find rotisserie chicken at Costco for around $5, compared to $9 at Whole Foods. Although prices vary by location and store, you can save a few bucks at Costco. Instead of mindlessly grabbing chicken, ensure you grab a fresh one. If you’re lucky, you’ll see an employee loading chicken from their trays. Otherwise, take a second to note the condition of your chicken.
3. Organic Eggs
Similar to spices, it may be beneficial to buy eggs in bulk. On average, Costco organic eggs are $11 for one 24-count carton. This is a no-brainer if eggs are a morning staple food for you and your family. Consider that you’d pay close to $10 for a dozen eggs elsewhere.
4. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a common cooking item most families have in their homes. Costco offers 66 fluid ounces for $28. Compare this to your local grocery stores that likely carry 44-fluid-ounce bottles for roughly $22. On average, olive oil has a shelf life of 18–24 months, so Costco’s won’t go bad anytime soon after buying.
5. Almond Butter
If you enjoy a nice loaf of bread smeared with almond butter, save yourself a few trips to the store by buying at Costco, which offers a 27-oz jar of almond butter for $12. Compare that to Whole Foods, which offers 16-oz jars for $9.
6. Coffee
Coffee lovers can save big at Costco, where a 100-pack of K-cups from popular coffee brands sells for $60. Compare that to stores selling K-cups for close to $10 for a 12-pack while also limiting the quantity you can buy. Even with promotions in other stores, it’s not worth it.
7. Frozen Berries
Costco offers four pounds of frozen berries for $14 on average. Compare this to local grocery stores offering a two-pound bag for the same price. Even if you have a large family, one or two packages of Costco’s four-pound frozen berries will last you a long time.
8. Cheese
Expect to pay three to four times more for cheese at your local grocery store than at Costco. Although cheese prices vary in type and amount, Costco offers cheese at $13 for 32 ounces, on average. Compare this to local grocery stores offering a 7-oz cheese for $7.
Simple math tells us you’d pay roughly $20 or more for 32 ounces of cheese at your local grocery store. Unless you have a specific brand you can’t live without, consider opting for Costco’s cheese selection.
9. Wine Selection
There are vast amounts of wines to choose from, but grocery stores often have a limited selection. However, if your local Costco offers wine, odds are you’ll save money and have a wider selection. For example, a Kirkland 25-fluid-oz bottle of wine will cost you $10.
10. Fresh Baked Goods
Who doesn’t love cupcakes? Even if cupcakes aren’t your preferred sweets of choice, you most likely enjoy something from the bakery section. Prices vary on ingredients and quantity, but you can snag decent pastries at your local Costco for under $10.
Often, pastries are bundled together, meaning you can get two packs of pastries for the listed price at Costco. Compare this to places like Whole Foods, where you pay close to $10 for sometimes less than half the goods.
11. Organic Produce
Organic produce like spinach is sold at Costco for $6 per pound compared to $15 per pound at local grocery stores. Although you can save money at Costco with your produce, consider only buying what’s necessary. For example, if you and your family don’t consume one pound of spinach every week, buy smaller quantities to avoid wasting food.
12. Batteries
Costco offers a 40-pack of AA batteries from name brands for $25. Compare this to local grocery stores offering the same product for $17 for just 16 batteries. You pay roughly 60 cents per battery versus $1 at your local grocery store. What’s not to love about these savings?
13. Prescription Glasses
Pricing will vary for prescription glasses depending on your needs. However, Costco tends to offer clear pricing. Take, for example, the many online brands that offer cheap pricing at first, and then charge an arm and a leg to add basic features. Costco frames start at $59.
14. Gift Cards
Gift cards are great when you know the restaurants or stores your friends and family enjoy the most. Costco offers clear savings, offering $10–$20 off when purchasing select gift cards. For example, you may be able to snag two $50 gift cards at a popular restaurant for only $80.
