Here’s your long-awaited guide to making the most out of your Costco Membership! You’ve made the investment, now make the most of it by getting your head around what you should purchase at Costco and which products you should rather give a miss.
Members-only shopping warehouses such as Costco have great benefits - if you know how to shop. On any given Sunday afternoon you can see many people with their trolleys piled up with items such as oversized cereal boxes, big enough to feed an army... So here’s our guide on which products at Costco are good value and which you should rather avoid in order to save the most money.
Costco A Guide To The Best And Worst Deals
Skip: The Kirkland Laundry Detergent
This laundry detergent might tick the price box but is not a good choice for every other reason. You might save a few dollars on detergent, only to end up having to replace all your clothes far sooner than expected. So, skip low-quality detergent, as it only offers the illusion of good value. Not only bad for your clothes, cheap laundry detergents such as this one are not only bad for your clothes, but also bad for the environment and especially bad for your health. Kirkland Laundry detergent has been implicated in worsening allergies and bad skin reactions, provoking asthma and breathing difficulties.
Skip The Kirkland Laundry Detergent
Skip: The Books
Browsing the book section at Costco can give you great ideas on which books you would like to add to your collection, but rather just make a note of them and move on with your shopping. It might seem as if book prices are slightly lower than other regular stores, but much better discounts are available online, for example at Amazon or during sales at dedicated book stores. Your savings will be even more if you don’t mind getting a second-hand book.
Skip The Books
Don’t Miss: Olive Oil
Olive oil is wonderful to have around your kitchen due to its use in all kinds of dishes. Why not stock up on a few big containers of it? It’s a great product that will save you a considerable amount if you buy it in bulk at Costco. Costco’s olive oil is not just a great price but is also high quality, often organic and extra virgin. It’s a must-have boost to your health and your wallet and needn’t only be for special occasions.
Don't Miss Olive Oil
Skip: The Ground Coffee
Coffee is a near-religious experience for most of us. Starting the day with a morning coffee ritual is what makes everything seem better. So, you might be thinking of picking up a large jar of it at Costco is bound to save you some dollars. You could be right - buying a big container of coffee may well be cheaper than buying several smaller ones. But here is the problem: ground coffee loses its strength very quickly after coming in contact with air. Unfortunately, skipping the huge containers of coffee turns out to be the best bet in the case of coffee.
Skip The Ground Coffee
Don’t Miss: Healthy bite-sized snacks
Eating well is usually an expensive goal and is simply not accessible to everyone. One of the big reasons why chronic illnesses such as obesity are so prevalent in today's world is due to how inaccessible healthy food is. But more cost-effective options have become available in recent years, especially from Costco These healthy snacks seel for about $12 for 32 little snacks and make healthier eating more accessible to all, without breaking the bank.
Don't Miss Healthy Bite-Sized Snacks
Don’t Miss: Gas
Don't Miss Gas
Skip: Kirkland Light Beer
Beer drinkers tend to be brand-loyal at all costs, whether it’s Budweiser, Corona, Molson, Guinness or whatever and the decisions are usually not influenced by getting it at Costco or at the local convenience store. Here is some friendly advice in case you were thinking about trading in your usual brand for Kirkland beer. Rather just don’t do it and look for other ways to save, instead of sacrificing your joyful evening cold one. You will end up at the returns desk because Costco’s store brand attempt at brewing beer is not exactly a successful model.
Skip Kirkland Light Beer
Don’t Miss: The Frozen fruits
This worthwhile deal might inspire you to invest in a second freezer. But don’t avoid this deal - you will end up with more money in the bank than what you usually spend on fresh fruit. Because frozen produce can be preserved a lot longer, it really is the perfect item to buy in bulk and save money on. Check your freezer storage space before going wild and only buy what your space can handle.
Don't Miss The Frozen Fruits
Skip The Fresh Veggies and Fruit
In some cases, especially if you have a large family that consumes a lot of fresh produce, purchasing them at a large store can be a good idea, so this is a tricky one. Ut in general, if you stick to seasonal fruit and vegetables, there are often better deals to be found at smaller grocery stores. It can help you save a lot if you know what is in season, so bear this in mind before reaching for a box of peaches in winter.
Skip The Fresh Veggies And Fruit
Skip: The Spices
With spices you will face the same problem as coffee: They just don’t have a long enough shelf life to consider buying in bulk. That extra-large bottle of Italian herbs won’t look moldy, but will none-the-less lose most of its flavor over time. Unless you are responsible for feeding a hundred Italians on a regular basis, you will find it to be much more convenient to have several smaller jars of different spices for fresh and flavorful meals.
Skip The Spices
Don’t Miss: The Vanilla
Unlike spices and coffee, vanilla does not lose its fragrance and flavor over time. Provided you are not fussy about using a bottled product instead of fresh vanilla beans, a Costco bottle of vanilla essence would always be good to have at home. It makes any baked treat that much more incredible. can keep your vanilla essence in stock for those last-minute late-night baking sessions or you can keep some on hand in case you run out of the fresh vanilla beans.
Don't Miss The Vanilla
Leave behind: The Tissues
For a little sneeze, any brand of tissue would be suitable, but when a cold or flu strikes, the quality of the tissues becomes more important. Bulk-bought tissues are always good for the pocket and bank account but are almost never the best option if you need to use them excessively and are likely to suffer an irritated nose. You will want soft, high quality and low abrasion tissues when you are in real need of them.
Leave Behind The Tissues
Don’t Miss: The Tires
You’ll be getting extra low prices when the time comes to buy your summer or winter tires and on top of it, you’ll get a high quality of customer service at no extra cost. Costco has a popular Tire Centre and is the number one place people think to get their tires changed. Even those who are not Costco members will visit when its time for a new set. This one is really worth it.
Don't Miss The Tires
Skip: The Soda
Picking up a few sodas with your normal weekly shop is the normal thing to do or most. It's easy to just put them in the basket with the rest of your purchases. But if you are up for a bargain, you should check the specials elsewhere. This is because soft drinks are one of the most popular specials in all shops and the bigger stores like Costco will not always offer the best discount on these.
Skip The Soda
Skip: The Diapers
All new parents making use of disposable diapers understands the hit your budget takes. You can find diapers in large quantities, but pretty soon you have to do it all over again! That is just the life of a parent. It is really worth doing your research when it comes to diapers: Companies like Amazon and others offer additional discounts to their members that allow customers to buy even bigger quantities for less. Some will even offer you free delivery!
Skip The Diapers
Don’t miss: The Breakfast Cereals
Lots of kids love having cereal for lunch, so parents take heed. Whether it's for your kids or to share with roommates, Costco is your best bet to buy cereals for less. Cereal is often discounted at Costco and comes in very large packs. They can stay in a cupboard for a long time without losing their freshness or flavor, but don’t open many at once, they will lose their freshness after a while once opened.
Don't Miss The Breakfast Cereals
Don’t Miss: The Plastic Wrap
If you have lots of space at home, wait for the plastic wrap to go on special and stock up. Kirkland or Vitawrap are good choices for a family. Once you have it in bulk, it will be a long time before you are looking to buy it again. As well as adhering to all kinds of surfaces without an issue, this kind of plastic wrap is one of the cheapest as the box contains a huge quantity.
Don't Miss The Plastic Wrap
Skip: The Shampoo and Soap
This is the same as with soft drinks in that soaps and shampoos are often on special in all stores. You should never pay the full price for these items, just keep an eye out for the best specials in your usual stores. If you are in the habit of buying these products in advance, you don’t need to buy them in bulk, you just need to buy them when you see them on special.
Skip The Shampoo And Soap
Don’t Miss: The Oatmeal
If you are a fan of oatmeal and consume it every day, the bigger boxes will be your friend and will save your budget. If this is your daily breakfast choice, then this bulk option is superb. If you buy individual packets of oatmeal in a normal supermarket, you will end up paying at least $10 more for the same quantity. Buying oatmeal in bulk is, therefore, a bargain in its own right. Costco sizes make this a great deal.
Dont Miss The Oatmeal
Don’t Miss: The Cashew Nuts
If you have ever bought nuts, you were likely surprised by the high price, even if they are very delicious. Cashe nuts are a firm favorite for many people. Nut fans should stock up on nuts in large format bags as this will enable you to save quite a bit. They do keep for long periods of time and the lid can be resealed, offering even more protection. They can also be frozen for additional longevity.
Don't Miss The Cashew Nuts
Skip: The Condiments
Yes, condiments have a rather long shelf life and unlike coffee or spices, they don’t lose taste over time. But they do need to be kept in the fridge after opening. It’s true that condiments have a long shelf life and unlike coffee and spices, they don’t lose taste and have a long shelf-life. However, they do need to be refrigerated after opening. Most homes already struggle with refrigerator space, so you would not really be doing yourself a favor by occupying a big space in there with a giant ketchup bottle. Now add giant mustard, mayonnaise, etc… Get the picture? So unless you can a lot of extra refrigeration space to accommodate everything that is Costco-sized, we suggest giving these a miss
Skip The Condiments
Skip: The Salsa
Skip The Salsa
Don’t Miss: The Snacks
If you have school-going kids or if you are simply a compulsive snacker, you need to swing past the snack aisle in Costco to stock up on all things crunchy, salty and sweet. Pringles in particular are a complete delicacy in the chip world! The very big boxes with individually wrapped snacks offer practicality and a financially viable purchase as they last well. There is no better place to stock up on crackers, nuts, cookies, and other lunch box treats.
Don't Miss The Snacks
Don’t Miss: The Vitamins
All too often you pay a fortune for vitamins just because the brand is well-known. Meanwhile, most of the time the actual product is almost identical to the no-name brands. Vitamins are meant to boost our health without drainign our bank accounts. The large bottles of Kirkland brand vitamins are really good value. You get the very same vitamins at a much cheaper price. You won’t have to stock up very often either if you buy these in bulk.
Don't Miss The Vitamins
Don’t Miss: The Batteries
Some gadgets still need these and generally, they are not cheap. When you visit Costco next time, be sure to stock up on what you need. There are few things worse than not being able to find batteries for your TV remote. It's great to keep batteries on hand at home and at Costco the battery prices are good. Don’t be scared to purchase Kirkland brand batteries as they are in fact made by Duracell.
Don't Miss The Batteries
Don’t Miss: The Milk
Don't Miss The Milk
Don’t Miss: The Coffee Pods
For the environment and for your pocket, it is not usually recommended to buy coffee in single portions. However, this option gets much more appealing if you live on your own. Recycling used coffee pods is not just good for the environment, many companies reward you for returning their products. Most coffee pod machines will be compatible with this product and the price works out much better for you than risking bulk cans losing flavor and quality.
Don't Miss The Coffee Pods
Skip: The Toothpaste
Some products regularly come one sale across many stores and toothpaste is one of those products. It is the type of item where it doesn't matter what the size is, but the savings are what counts. When you use a certain product as much as you do toothpaste, it really helps to have it freely available. Instead of looking for toothpaste in large quantities, rather check out the weekly flyers issued by stores. Sometimes a pharmacy or supermarket will have great prices if the product is on sale
Skip The Toothpaste
Don’t Miss: The Peanut Butter
For most homes, peanut butter is a staple whether the family is large or small. No matter the family size, buying a big jar of peanut butter is always a good idea to save and always have it on hand. Just don't start spooning the good stuff out the jar like crazy! It lasts quite a long time without going bad and you won’t have to hide it from your roommates again. Also worth looking at is the organic almond butter which is a bargain at Costco.
Don't Miss The Peanut Butter
Don’t Miss: The Bagels
All kinds of bagels can be acquired in life...for a price. There are the New York bagels, the Montreal bagels, but best of all is the Costco bagels! You can’t find better value and they are great for breakfast or lunch with cream cheese. You needn’t break the bank to enjoy a good bagel. They are conveniently sold in packs of two. Pick and choose any of the flavors and remember that they freeze very well, making them a good choice to buy in bulk and save.
Don't Miss The Bagels
Skip: The Kirkland Almond Milk
Stocking up on your alternative choice of milk is a great idea, whether you are a vegan or intolerant to cow’s milk. The prices are great if you know how to shop for them. Not all alternative milk is created equal, and we suggest giving the Kirkland brand almond milk a miss. It just isn’t very good at all and the ingredient list isn’t great either, in spite of the fact that it is organic. Rather go for Almond Breeze - the other brand Costco offers.
Skip The Kirkland Almond Milk
Don’t Miss: The Tahini
If you have used tahini before in your own homemade hummus or if you use it in salad dressings, you would know that this is not a cheap product to buy. This is a key ingredient in humus, so if you are a fan of the Middle-Eastern condiment, make sure to stock up! For this reason, it’s a great idea to buy it in bulk from Costco. You will save a lot of money on this 100% pure sesame paste, but be sure to check your fridge space to keep it fresh.
Don't Miss The Tahini
Don’t Miss: Rotisserie Chicken
Picking up some fast food just before dinner time might seem like the ultimate inconvenience. It’s not too expensive and it’s fast; but what are you doing to your health? Rotisserie chickens are convenient, juicy, and delicious. You can easily make a full meal with one. How about picking up a roasted chicken from Costco instead? For only $10 you will have a great meal for the whole family and you may even have some leftovers for another meal.
Rotisserie Chicken
Don’t Miss: The Toilet Paper
It’s a necessity for most and doesn’t expire, so you should always consider getting some if the price is good. These enormous bags of Kirkland Toiletpaper are of great value. Just make sure that you have enough space in your bathroom to store these huge packs. You will need some space to store it however if you have space, you can also have the savings on a non-negotiable necessity.Paper towels are also great to buy in bulk.
Don't Miss The Toilet Paper
Don’t Miss: Maple Syrup
Most breakfast restaurant chains only offer miserable corn-based maple syrup imitations. That’s because real maple syrup is known to be expensive. This is one of the most desirable products in America, for your morning pancakes and cakes in general. But if you have a Costco membership it is totally worth investing in Kirkland’s 1L pure maple syrup. You’ll have plenty of maple syrup for months of great Sunday brunches, so we rate this a win-win deal.
Dont Miss Maple Syrup
Don’t Miss: Kirkland Bacon
Everybody loves a perfectly sliced piece of bacon, especially if it is pre-packaged and ready to cook as soon as you take it out of the freezer. Costco’s Kirkland sliced bacon takes the cake with reviewers online, with most negative feedback being related to the bundles they are packaged in. People want more bacon to each pack, as the flavor is seemingly irresistible. These bacon slices are cut particularly thickly, unlike many of the stingier competition's portions.
Kirkland Bacon
Don’t Miss: Fresh Eggs
Costco’s eggs are known for their variety and prices, both of which offer consumers good value for their hard-earned cash. Whether looking for conventional or free-range eggs, they’ve got you covered, and typically at less of a cost than their competitors. Some Reddit users have said their eggs are priced lower than $5 for five dozen, which is not too shabby by anyone’s standards. Along with bacon, eggs are an essential part of most people's breakfast routines.
Fresh Eggs
Don’t Miss: Hot Dogs & Soda
Costco’s Food Court is renowned for offering a series of hot foods that can be enjoyed in store, or taken home for a quick to reheat meal or snack. With pizza being a consumer favorite, one can be quick to eliminate another bestseller - the hot dog and soda deal. Business Insider loves it so much, they recently called it the best hot dog in the country. Its popularity may have something to do with the price staying fixed at just a dollar fifty for the last 35 years.
Hot Dogs And Soda
Don’t Miss: An Acai Bowl
Navigating menu changes with style, Costco’s food court has always been a consumer favorite, especially when it is meeting the needs of their core clientele. In recent years, the brand has worked to include more niche product choices, including doing what they can to satisfy vegan customers. The plant-based $5 acai bowl is the perfect choice in this regard. No more grumpy vegan family members when you’re keen to stop at the food court for a hearty meat meal.
An Acai Bowl
Don’t Miss: Organic Almond Butter
Finding your protein fix, especially if you’re looking at organic options, can be a difficult task. This is especially true if you’re on a tight budget at the moment. Costco’s house brand of organic almond butter provides 27 ounces of protein goodness for less than $10. Foodies have noticed that this is much cheaper than elsewhere, which has resulted in more people visiting their local Costco in addition to going for their usual grocery shop.
Organic Almond Butter
Don’t Miss: Cheese
Who doesn’t love a good dollop of cheese on pretty much anything. If you have a soft spot for adventurous choices in this department, Costco has you covered. Their cheese aisle offers extensive cheese types, spread across entry level and high-end brands. Better yet, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for at an affordable rate. Expect to fork out around $20 for a decent slab, which can be used for your next party, or to keep the family happy for the week ahead.
Cheese
Skip: Signateur Gas Grill
Who doesn’t love a good Saturday barbeque with friends or family? To do so, having a decent grill at home makes a world of difference. While Costco’s Signateur gas grills are typically about half the price of a Weber alternative, user feedback has suggested that it is much less durable than its counterpart, and replacement parts are typically out of stock a lot. On Reddit, a few users also suggest that it doesn’t give you an ample amount of heat, even when it is on the maximum level. That alone should divert you away even before asking yourself if you enjoy the design or not.
Signateur Gas Grill
Don’t Miss: Organic Berries
Organic berries come with a host of health benefits, including antioxidant properties and helping to boost your immune system. When they’re in season, consumers typically go a little nuts for them, which naturally drives up an already relatively high price point to begin with. Costco is aware of this, hence why their quantities allow the average consumer to make the most of their purchase. Selling berries at 18 ounces a pop, the per unit price is relatively competitive compared to smaller outlets.
Organic Berries
Skip: Various Prepared Foods
While there are many options for consumers to choose from whenever they step into a Costco store, especially for families on a budget, some products do tend to lean more to the pricey side of things. Costco’s prepared food options like pre-made chicken tikka masala are known for being more expensive than at local suppliers, which is something to keep in mind when planning your weekly shop. Delicious? Yes. Expensive? Absolutely. Well, that is the price of convenience, especially if you work long and tiring days.
Various Prepared Foods
Skip: Baking Ingredients
Some baking staples have a shorter lifespan than you may think. Baking powder, dried yeast and flour are typically known for needing to be used sooner rather than later. There are few moments more disturbing than finding insects inside your baking products. This is why it doesn’t pay to buy these in bulk at Costco, even though the prices are competitive. Unit-to-unit these items are more expensive than you would find elsewhere, so the average person should consider getting their supplies elsewhere.
Baking Ingredients
Don’t Miss: Kirkland Organic Coconut Water
Hydration is one of the most important things we need to keep in mind relative to our health. As our bodies are made up of over 60% water, getting our eight glasses a day can go a very long way to improving our health and giving us more energy to go about our days. Kirkland’s organic coconut water is a great way to get your daily intake with some added flavor. No wonder the product has multiple 5-star reviews online.
Kirkland Organic Coconut Water
Don’t Miss: Verka Organic Yogurt
Here’s a good deal if we ever saw one. For the price of what you can expect to pay for a 16 ounce yogurt tub elsewhere, Costco’s organic option from Verka will get you four times that amount. The brand ticks the boxes in terms of taste, texture and shelf life too. The product is so popular, that it has even made online lists of some of the best products you can buy at the retailer. Costco offers many choices of yogurt brands, but this one is certainly great value for money.
Verka Organic Yogurt
Skip: Las Fortunitas Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips can be a wonderful snack, or the perfect way to cap off a Mexican cooking evening with friends or family. Costco stocks a brand of tortilla chips from Las Fortunitas that comes in a bag large enough to double as a bin bag. Cheap beyond reason and with a decent taste, the worry is more that you will never be able to finish a single bag in one evening among a large group of guests, with the rest typically going to spoil. The hydrogenated oil contained in these chips is also not necessarily a good thing.
Las Fortunitas Tortilla Chips
Don’t Miss: Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter
Butter can do so much for any kitchen enthusiast, especially when using a natural brand. Costco is renowned for its large catalogue of options, and Kerrygold is one of the bestsellers due to the fact that it is made with milk from grass fed cows. While consumers go wild for the brand, some critics have suggested that it is typically out of stock, so call ahead to your local franchise before making the trip if you’re looking for it specifically.
Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter
Don’t Miss: Kirkland Vodka
Getting ready for the weekend with a range of drinks options from Costco is something that many consumers bank on. This is especially true when you have a big party coming up, which you need to buy a lot of liquor for. Few people are aware that their vodka is one of the most competitively priced branches of this department, which includes their own house brand. Kirkland’s brand tops the list as the best value for money, inciting a great taste typically only found with Grey Goose, and other internationally renowned vodka brands
Kirkland Vodka
Don’t Miss: Staple Generic Drugs
Over-the-counter medication helps millions of people around the country to deal with nagging problems like headaches, muscle pain, and other mild health problems. Pharmacies are well-known for being quite pricey, especially if your health insurance doesn’t cover what you need. Costco’s pharmacy department offers many generic medications at a fraction of the price, especially if you’re stocking up for a long trip with family, or just refilling your generic first aid kit at the office.
Staple Generic Drugs
Don’t Miss: Prescription Medication
Similar to over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs can be particularly pricey, and without medical insurance, the costs can add up in insurmountable ways over the course of a year. This is especially true if you suffer from a chronic illness and need to buy medication monthly or even weekly. Costco charges a special pharmacy rate which helps to make their medications cheaper than you would find elsewhere. Consumers love getting their medications refilled here too, often with some price benefits as well.
Prescription Medication
Skip: Hearing Aids
As we age, our hearing gets worse, and for some, it may even get to the point where we struggle to go about the tasks we need to get to at home or at work. Many times, insurance companies do not cover hearing aids, which can mean big bills for the person looking for one. Costco may sell cheaper versions at a reduced markup, but apparently they can be unreliable and don’t last very long. Unfortunately, with something that benefits your day-to-day life, going cheap is not the right call, so give Costco a skip this time around.
Hearing Aids
Don’t Miss: Prescription Glasses
Prescription eyewear can be expensive, especially if you need custom built specs or a rare lens type. Hopping on the internet for this kind of purchase is one way to go, but there are no guarantees that you’ll receive exactly what you were looking for in the first place. Costco’s optometry department does eye testing on site, offering special discounts to their store members. If you don’t have health insurance, exploring this as an option is a good way to go.
Prescription Glasses
Don’t Miss: Floral Arrangements for Weddings
Getting married soon? You may not have thought of Costco as a good place to look for flower arrangements, especially if you’re on a bit of a tight budget. Lifehacker recently recommended the store for their flower, bouquets and even full wedding arrangements, with prices typically giving you a lot of value for less than $500. Make your wedding day the most fabulous and memorable occasion without going over budget, as so many weddings end up doing.
Floral Arrangements For Weddings
Don’t Miss: Luggage
Before embarking on your next vacation, make sure you have a sturdy, secure suitcase to take along with you. When you are adventuring around the world, you need luggage that can handle the strain of long walks through rugged terrain. While Costco isn’t known for a large selection of cases, the ones they do stock are usually decent quality and good prices. Online influencers have noted the brand as a list of places to shop if you’re on the hunt for a bargain before your next adventure kicks off.
Luggage
Skip: Name-Brand Clothing
Costco is many things, to many people, but it is not the place where you should be shopping for designer labels. Suppliers typically make deals with big retail chains to sell items that are slightly defective, often cutting some corners in order to keep overhead margins as low as possible. If you see something you like, wonderful. If you’re going to Costco just to buy high quality clothes - consider other options like Marshalls or something similar.
Name Brand Clothing
Don’t Miss: Workwear
While you won’t be getting your latest Gucci clothing from Costco, good ol’ work shirts and pants are an easy find there, and usually at a steal. Many workers require “uniform like” clothing, with employers encouraging them to wear certain colours and types of clothing, so Costco can be a good place to look if you’d like to explore some variety within those parameters. Mid-range stores may offer something similar, but you’ll be paying extra for sure.
Workwear
Don’t Miss: Athleisure Clothes
Athleisure is a fabricated style of clothing typically worn during athletic activities. It is also a common type of clothing for those trying to be as comfortable as possible while leading an active lifestyle in general. These days, you’d be hard bent not to run into someone on their way to a spin or yoga class if you’re used to stopping over for a coffee at your local cafe. Costco offers great bargains in this regard, and unlike some competitors like Lululemon and more, the quality isn’t compromised by a good price.
Athleisure Clothes
Don’t Miss: Underwear
The odd bad review aside, most users don’t seem to have too many problems with buying underwear from Costco, especially because they provide a range of comfortable choices, coupled with affordable prices. The Costco website is full of complimentary reviews, some by people of unconventional measurements, who have found what they’re looking for. Many users suggest that the underwear also lasts substantially longer than others they have bought. This positivity is echoed by their women’s department too, which also include high quality undershirts for sale.
Underwear
Don’t Miss:Flu Vaccines
It’s never been a better time to look after your health, especially so in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Winter months can mean the onset of flu across the country, and Costco’s flu shot is perfect to safeguard yourself from this. Whether you have insurance or not, you won’t be able to beat their price. Other shots are also available, so enquire with your local store about what else you are able to do there.
Flu Vaccines
Don’t Miss: Televisions
Costco’s electronics department might not be known for providing all of the latest ranges and choices, but if you’re flexible about the type of TV you want, they’ll likely be able to help you out with something in the range of what you’re looking for. Extended warranties are on offer, meaning you’ll be leaving with peace of mind as well. Online comparison websites put Costco’s electronics department as one of the cheapest options out there relative to others on the market today.
Televisions
Don’t Miss: Golf Balls
Fancy a game of golf? Costco might not be front of mind. Few people know that their Kirkland branded golf balls are a best seller among golfers in the U.S. Websites like Golfalot ran some tests, and surprisingly, these balls were competitive relative to other premium options on the market. Better yet, these golf balls did not come with a premium price. If you are the kind of golfer who has a 'fire and forget' approach to golf, this is the best way to stock up on dispensable golf balls.
Golf Balls
Don’t Miss: Gift Cards
It’s never a bad idea to send someone a gift card if you’re not sure what to get them for a special occasion, anniversary or birthday. Costco’s gift cards are unique as they are sold at a discount on face value. It’s no surprise that this has resulted in it showing up on many “best of” lists in the build-up to the festive season, and it’s easy to see why so many consumers opt to give their loved one a choice as to what they want to buy, rather than choosing something they might not like on their behalf.
Gift Cards
Don’t Miss: Caskets
No, you’re not reading wrong. While it’s not the friendliest of topics, death is something we all have to deal with, and grief is a natural part of human existence. Funerals can be financially and emotionally draining, especially if family members are at loggerheads about the organisation process. Costco has some great deals on caskets and coffins, which can ease the burden somewhat. Known by some as offering savings of up to 50% relative to mortuaries, it can’t hurt to see what they have on offer. The company does not have approval to sell these in all States, so ask your local store if they do so before making a trip to them.
Caskets
Skip: Giant Toy Bear
Many of us will be familiar with the giant toy bear glaring over the counter when you’re in the checkout aisle at Costco. While it may be tempting to indulge yourself or a younger member of the family, it’s best not to. This nearly 100 inch stuffed bair may have good reviews online, but what can initially be seen as a special gift can quickly become an annoyance, especially in a small apartment. Making do with a smaller alternative is probably the best way to go regardless.
Giant Toy Bear
Don’t Miss: Wine
You may be surprised to hear this, but Costco has actually won awards for its wine, most recently in 2018 at the International Salute to Excellence Awards for its good quality offerings. As with any store, prices do vary and you have to pay attention to the vintage of course. From a pricing perspective, favorites like pinot grigio and pinot noir are available for under $10, the former coming in at around $8 for a 1.5-liter bottle.
Wine
Don’t Miss: Toys For The Kids
Any parent knows that toys are expensive, and often buying something new for your child means having to loosen the purse strings a little. A little bit of research goes a long way, and instead of just heading to your local toy store, consider Costco’s range of options. Typically stocked with classic kids toys that you will be familiar with, popular brands like Lego and Mattel are usually cheaper to buy here than in smaller retailers.
Toys For The Kids
Don’t Miss: Kodiak Cakes Waffle & Pancake Mix
Kodiak Cakes have a reputation for their delicious premix breakfast choices, and their pancake and waffle mixes available at Costco are simply to die for. They are also incredibly easy to make at home, even for those that struggle with baking. Not only delicious, this product is health-conscious as well, especially as it provides a plate of whole grains for the members of your family. Who said eating something delicious had to be classified as unhealthy?
Kodiak Cakes Waffle And Pancake Mix
Don’t Miss: Kirkland Hazelnut Spread
A decent hazelnut spread can be relatively hard to come by. Popular choices like Nutella are always welcome, but can put a bit of extra strain on your budget. Kirkland’s alternative comes in at a fraction of the price, and some have even argued that it is better than its more popular competitor brand. There’s only one way to find out - head over to your local Costco store and give this tub of deliciousness to go.
Kirkland Hazelnut Spread
Don’t Miss: Diced Tomatoes
Who doesn’t love a freshly diced tomato? It is the kind of fruit that can be used in a multitude of ways, whether you’re making lunch or dinner. Costco sells an organic version produced by Kirkland which should be front of mind the next time you’re looking to make a new purchase. Typically packed in boxes of eight 14.5 ounce cans, expect to pay less than $6 per box. Other brands tend to sell their organic options at more than $1.50 per can - it all adds up at the end of the day.
Diced Tomatoes
Don’t Miss: Dishwasher Pods
Owning a dishwasher is a massive privilege, but costs can add up if you have a large family, and you’re using it multiple times in a given day. Some of the more familiar name brands can be expensive, but you don’t have to go that route. Costco’s dishwasher packs contain 115 pods, retailing at $9.79 when we last checked. That adds up to 9c per load. Kirkland manufactures these pods, so you know that they are coming from a reputable source that can compete with some of the other big names out on the market.
Dishwasher Pods
Don’t Miss: Energy Shots
We all could use a little bit of extra energy in a day, and for some this comes in the form of energy drinks, gels or other variants. Costco sells energy shots in 48-count packs for around $35. This is fairly expensive relative to what else is out there on the market, so do some shopping around if you’re looking for the best possible deal. While Costco offers a lot of great deals, their energy shots are somewhat niche and expensive.
Energy Shots
Don’t Miss: Kirkland Honey
Honey is a versatile product that can be used for breakfast, tea or when fixing yourself a snack in the afternoon. There are few people that dislike honey, and even the strictest vegans cannot help themselves! Finding good quality raw, unfiltered versions can be difficult, but Costco’s Kirkland brand sources this to their stores nationwide. Better yet, you won’t be paying exorbitant prices for this high-end product. Expect a bill of less than $10 when buying a large jar from the megastore.
Kirkland Honey
Don’t Miss: Razor Blades
A close shave is easier than ever with Costco’s in-house Triple Blade razor options, dubbed by many reviewers as a cut above the rest. While the personal hygiene industry is competitive as it is, and many people lean towards Gillette as a brand to trust, this does often come with a more expensive price tag. Costco’s 14 pack cartridges cost less than $20, meaning you’re paying less than $1.50 per individual blade. Good luck finding a better deal elsewhere.
Razor Blades
Don’t Miss: Vitamin Water
Kirkland Signature Vita Rain Zero may be recognizable as a Glaceau knockoff of sorts, but the fruity, calorie-free drink is a best seller for a reason. While the label might be different, the taste is just as good, but the one thing setting the two brands apart is the price. Costco’s version costs significantly less, with a 24-count variety pack retailing at $9.99. Glaceau’s alternative is over $15. The variety pack from Kirkland even includes tea, which is a bonus for everyone who loves a good cuppa late in the afternoon.
Vitamin Water
Don’t Miss: Makeup Wipes
Ladies, it can be difficult to find high-quality makeup wipes at a good price. These are sensationally expensive products for people that love to dress themselves up daily. Many retailers offer good products, but don’t typically sell them in large packages. At Costco, their house brand make-up wipes are sold in packs of 180, with each wipe retailing at a measly 9 cents a piece. Suitable to all skin types, this deal is suitable to pocket sizes of all shapes as well.
Makeup Wipes
Don’t Miss: Baby Spinach
Baby spinach can add a whole new layer to your dinners, and a 5-ounce container at Walmart tops out at over 50c per ounce. You can even make a healthy but luxurious pasta sauce by blending the leafy vegetable! Costco has you covered, offering an alternative which is sold at nearly half the discount, coming in at 24c per ounce. That’s a whole lot of spinach for a week of healthy meals you can prep on the Sunday prior.
Baby Spinach
Skip: Cars
To clarify, while Costco sells a lot of different products across its departments, car’s aren’t exactly one of them. They do however offer car rental discounts through their store memberships, which can be a more affordable option than banking on going directly to some of the bigger rental conglomerates. Members are offered a discount that can be used with popular companies like Budget, Avis, and Alamo. The saving adds to the spending money bracket of the budget for your next holiday.
Cars
Don’t Miss: Vanilla Ice Cream
Americans are known for their love of ice cream, and many of us have childhood memories of enjoying a scoop at the park with our families. Costco sells vanilla ice cream tubs through the Kirkland brand, retailing at around $13 for four quarts. Far better than buying it by the scoop elsewhere, the challenge is not to eat the entire tub when you first dish up. Costco’s vanilla ice cream also pairs perfectly with pumpkin pie. Do some experimenting and watch your taste buds sing.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Don’t Miss: Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon
Did you know that there are serious health benefits to eating a couple of servings of fish each week? A lot of people opt for other meat alternatives, forgetting that a balanced diet is best facilitated through some variety. Pink salmon, which comes in an easy-to-open can, gets the weekly recommended dose of fish to you in one go, and the Kirkland Signature version comes packed with omega-3 fats which are great for you. Not a fan of tune? No sweat. This is a much better alternative anyway.
Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon
Don’t Miss: Dave’s Killer Bread
Bread forms the staple of many diets around the country, and while few people choose healthy loaves over conventional white loaves, Costco is trying to encourage a change in its customers through the Dave’s Killer Bread brand. Reviewers suggest that freezing this bread is the perfect way to preserve it, ensuring it doesn’t go moldy or stale, and ready to be toasted whenever you’re needing to scratch the itch for a sandwich. So, clear out a drawer in your freezer and never run out of bread!
Daves Killer Bread
Don’t Miss: Sweet Kale Gourmet Salad
Kale is not just something that rabbits like to feast on each day of their lives. Nutritionists around the country encourage people to add it to their diets, especially when it comes along with a healthy salad. Costco’s Sweet Kale Gourmet Salad not only tastes good but is colorful enough to make you feel like you’re not just eating a collection of plants. If crunch is what you’re after, as well as getting the required fiber for healthy digestion, this product is everything you need. Pair it with some hard-boiled eggs or toast and voila, it’s a meal of champions for the entire family.
Sweet Kale Gourmet Salad
Don’t Miss:Nonfat Organic Greek Yogurt
A lot of consumers steer clear of Yogurt as there is a myth related to it being fattening in large quantities. Yogurt is incredibly healthy, as it is a natural probiotic that balances your gut bacteria. As with anything in large quantities, this is true to an extent, but nonfat versions certainly help to ease up on the total calorie count. Costco’s organic greek yogurt is a consumer favorite because it works with savory and sweet dishes. Ever tried a yogurt smoothie? You’re missing out...
Nonfat Organic Greek Yogurt