Walking into Costco can feel like stepping into a treasure hunt. With towering shelves packed to the brim, getting lost in a sea of bulk buys, oversized carts, and sample stations tempting you at every corner is easy. However, while some products might leave you with buyer’s remorse, many are worth every penny.
If you want to get the most out of your membership, these are some of the best buys customers swear by.
Gasoline
Costco’s gas stations almost always have some of the lowest prices around. According to CNN, members can save an average of 20 to 30 cents per gallon compared to nearby stations. Over time, those savings add up, making a membership worth it for frequent drivers.
Organic Maple Syrup
Real maple syrup can be pricey, but Costco’s version offers pure quality at a fraction of the cost. It’s 100% Grade A, and customers rave about its rich, authentic taste. You’ll get a large bottle for about the same price as a small one at the grocery store.
Wine and Liquor
If your state allows Costco to sell alcohol without a membership, consider yourself lucky. Their wine selection is packed with top-rated bottles at unbeatable prices, and Kirkland’s spirits—including their vodka, rumored to be sourced from the same place as Grey Goose—are fan favorites.
Kirkland Signature Bacon
This bacon isn’t just good—it’s award-winning. Food experts frequently praise its thick-cut slices, smoky flavor, and unbeatable price per pound. Serious bacon lovers buy it in bulk and freeze extra packs for later.
Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
Costco’s optical department offers quality glasses and contacts at significantly lower prices than most retailers. According to Thekrazycouponlady, Costco has topped the Consumer Reports list of best places to buy eyeglasses for much of the last decade. Plus, members love their no-hassle return policy.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can be shockingly expensive, but Costco’s Hearing Aid Centers offer top brands at far lower prices. Their free hearing tests and follow-up services make it one of the best places to invest in hearing care without breaking the bank.
Frozen Fruit and Vegetables
Stocking up on frozen produce is a smart move for smoothie lovers and meal preppers. Costco’s frozen fruits and veggies come in large, budget-friendly bags and are often organic, making them a healthier, cost-effective option.
Nuts and Trail Mix
Costco’s bulk nuts and trail mix are a snack lover’s dream. Whether you prefer almonds, cashews, or a sweet-and-salty mix, their large tubs offer more savings than grocery store prices.
High-Quality Meats
Costco’s beef, chicken, and seafood often come from trusted suppliers and are a great value for those who buy in bulk. According to Yahoo, their prime steaks feature a USDA Prime rating, the highest rating a cut of meat in America can get. They are restaurant-quality and at a much lower cost per pound.
Toilet Paper
Many Costco shoppers swear by their toilet paper, claiming it’s softer, firmer, and more affordable than big-name brands. Since it’s sold in bulk, you won’t have to worry about running out anytime soon.
Prescription Medications
Even if you don’t have a Costco membership, you can still use their pharmacy, which often offers lower prices on prescription drugs. Consumer Reports found that Costco’s medication prices are among the best in the country, especially for generics.
Rotisserie Chicken
The $4.99 per pound rotisserie chicken is practically legendary. It’s juicy, flavorful, and big enough to feed a family. Costco loses money on these birds to lure customers into the store, knowing they’ll likely fill their carts with other goodies.
Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Costco’s in-house brand, Kirkland Signature, has built a solid reputation for quality. Their extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed and often ranks high in independent taste tests. A study from the University of California, Davis, found that many name-brand olive oils fail purity tests—but Kirkland’s consistently meets the mark.
Disclaimer – The Finance Key does not provide and does not intend to provide financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Information contained in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. The inclusion of links to third-party content is not an endorsement by The Finance Key of such content or services. Please do your due diligence and use your discretion.
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