Why shop for just what you need when buying in bulk can save you money? With prices rising, Costco offers great deals—but not all of them are true bargains.
We’ve done the math to help you pick the best deals and skip the rest.
Frozen Fruit
Cost: Between $1.50/lb
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Frozen fruit is one of Costco’s best deals. It lasts much longer than fresh fruit, is just as nutritious, and tastes great even in the off-season.
Plus, Kirkland frozen fruit is very affordable at just $1.50 per pound, with options ranging from berries to bananas—so you’re sure to find what you need.
Coffee
Cost: $5.50/lb
Buy it or skip it? Skip it
If you can’t start your day without coffee, Costco’s Kirkland coffee might catch your eye with its low price of $5.50 per pound.
However, this deal isn’t as great as it seems.
For true coffee lovers who care about taste, buying in bulk isn’t ideal—those large tins can leave you with stale grounds before you finish them.
Laundry Detergent
Cost: $18 per 200 oz
Buy it or skip it? Skip it
For large families running the washer daily, Costco’s $18 price for 200 oz of laundry detergent might seem like a steal.
However, laundry detergent has a six-month shelf life, so buying in bulk may not be worth it unless you’re certain you’ll use it all in time.
If not, it’s best to skip this Costco deal.
Eggs
Cost: $3.45 per dozen (varying by location)
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Eggs are a staple for most families, with many going through at least a dozen a week. While they can be pricey at farmer’s markets or local grocery stores, Costco offers a deal you shouldn’t miss.
Along with affordable prices, Costco provides a wide variety, including free-range and brown eggs, making it easy to find exactly what you need.
Nuts
Cost: $15.89/2.5 lbs
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Nuts are notoriously expensive, and their rising prices make them tough for budget-conscious families to afford.
That’s why Costco’s nut prices are so appealing.
You can get a 2.5 lb container for just $15.89—a great deal for such a large quantity.
Plus, with their long shelf life, buying nuts in bulk is both practical and affordable.
Canned Vegetables
Cost: Between $5.99/12, 6oz. cans
Buy it or skip it? Skip it
What sets Costco apart is the ability to buy food in bulk, including their giant cans of vegetables that could feed a crowd.
While this is great for large families, it’s not ideal for smaller households.
Once opened, canned vegetables need to be eaten quickly, and most people can’t finish a 6 lb can in time.
To avoid waste—or the risk of food going bad—this is one Costco deal you might want to skip.
Bacon
Cost: $12.99 for 4 lbs
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Bacon is a versatile food that freezes well, allowing you to defrost it whenever needed, like for a family carbonara, while keeping it fresh and tasty.
This makes buying in bulk a smart choice—especially at Costco.
Their bacon deals are highly competitive, offering lower prices than many other grocery stores, and they sell it in quantities you won’t often find elsewhere.
Diapers
Cost: $0.18 per diaper
Buy it or skip it? Skip it
Welcoming a new baby means going through plenty of diapers each day, so bulk-buying from Costco might seem like a smart move.
However, Costco’s diaper prices aren’t always as affordable as they appear.
It’s important to compare the price per diaper with other stores, as you can often find cheaper options by purchasing smaller packs of a different brand.
Always check the details before stocking up.
Vitamins
Cost: Varies
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Costco has everything you need for a happy, healthy life—including a wide range of vitamins. If you’re wondering whether their vitamin deals are worth it, the answer is yes.
Kirkland vitamins are just as safe and effective as big-name brands but come at a much lower price, making them a great option for anyone on a budget.
Organic Almond Butter
Cost: $12.97 for 27 oz
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Almond butter is a healthier, and some say tastier, alternative to peanut butter, but it’s often pricey and hard to find in regular grocery stores.
Costco offers a great deal with a 27-oz jar for $12.97—a much better value compared to health store prices.
Plus, it has a long shelf life, so you can enjoy it at your own pace.
Milk
Cost: Between $3.65 per gallon
Buy it or skip it? Skip it
Buying milk from Costco might seem practical and affordable, but Kirkland milk has earned a bad reputation.
Many customers complain that the poorly designed carton makes it difficult to pour, often spilling milk onto the floor instead of into your bowl.
Because of this, it’s a deal many shoppers choose to avoid.
Toilet Paper
Cost: $0.50 – $0.75 per roll
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Toilet paper is a household essential for everyone, and Costco’s affordable Kirkland toilet paper makes it easy to stock up.
With each roll costing just $0.50–$0.75, it’s perfect for buying in bulk and storing for when you need it.
This is one Costco deal you won’t want to miss!
Fresh Fruit
Cost: Between $1.05 to $1.56/lb
Buy it or skip it? Skip it
Stocking up on fruit and vegetables at Costco might seem convenient, but buying fruit in bulk often ends up being impractical.
While it may seem like a good deal, most families can’t eat large quantities of fruit before it spoils—unless you have a big family to share it with.
Spices
Cost: $5.49
Buy it or skip it? Skip it
Buying large containers of spices from Costco might seem practical if you cook daily, but it’s not always the best choice.
Spices lose freshness after about six months, so unless you can use up a giant container in that time—like garlic granules—it’s better to skip this deal.
Rotisserie Chicken
Cost: $4.99
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
After hours of grocery shopping at Costco, cooking might be the last thing on your mind. That’s where their famous rotisserie chicken comes in.
At just $4.99, it’s not only delicious but also incredibly affordable. Pair it with a salad or some Costco side dishes, and you’ve got an easy, tasty meal.
Cheese
Cost: $2.19/lbs
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Costco’s cheese selection is hard to beat. With a wide range of cheeses from around the world, including cheddar, French varieties, and even vegan options, there’s something for everyone.
At an average price of $2.19/lb, Costco offers some of the most competitive cheese prices on the market, making this a deal worth grabbing.
Olive Oil
Cost: $15.49/2 liter
Buy it or skip it? Skip it
Olive oil prices have soared recently, making it a challenging item for budget-conscious families.
While Costco offers slightly lower prices compared to some grocery stores, this deal might not be as appealing as it seems.
Customers have raised concerns about the quality of the olive oil and the impracticality of the large bottle size, which can make storage and usage cumbersome.
For many, it’s just not worth it.
Vanilla Extract
Cost: $25 for 16oz
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Vanilla extract is a staple in many kitchens, adding a rich flavor to baked goods and desserts. However, its price can often be steep.
Costco offers a fantastic deal on this essential ingredient, with a 16oz bottle of pure vanilla extract priced at just $25—significantly lower than what you’d typically find at most grocery stores.
Not only is it a cost-effective option, but the large bottle size also ensures you’ll have plenty on hand for future recipes.
Tortilla Chips
Cost: $15.49 for 54 bags
Buy it or skip it? Skip it
Tortilla chips are a popular snack, and Costco’s deal of 54 snack bags for $15.49 might seem like a steal.
However, unless you have a large family or consume chips regularly, it might not be the best option.
While they do have a decent shelf life, they won’t last forever, and buying in bulk could result in wasting a lot.
If you’re not going to use them up quickly, it’s better to pass on this deal.
Shampoo
Cost: $9.99 for 33.8 oz
Buy it or skip it? Skip it
Costco offers massive quantities of shampoo, like huge bottles of Kirkland shampoo that might last a year. While the price is affordable, the size might not be practical.
You’d likely spend more than a year finishing it, and in that time, you could purchase smaller bottles for a better deal. Plus, many people prefer to switch up their shampoo, making this bulk option less appealing.
It’s probably best to skip this deal unless you’re committed to using it long-term.
Underwear
Cost: $9.99 for 5-pack
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Costco offers great deals on underwear, like a 5-pack of women’s briefs for just $9.99. While Kirkland’s options might not be the most stylish, they’re a solid choice for those on a budget.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can find brands like Calvin Klein and Hanes, though they’ll cost more.
Overall, if you’re looking for affordability, the Kirkland pack is a great deal.
Trash Bags
Cost: $12.99 for 26
Buy it or skip it? Skip it
While Costco’s Kirkland trash bags may seem like a good deal, they’re not always the best choice. The price might not be as impressive as it seems, and you can often find cheaper options elsewhere.
Plus, some customers report that Kirkland trash bags aren’t as high quality as other brands. It’s worth considering alternatives before adding them to your cart.
Tissues
Cost: $22.99 for 12
Buy it or skip it? Skip it
Although Costco’s bulk offer of facial tissues may seem like a deal at $22.99 for several boxes, the cost per box ends up being around $1.29, which isn’t the cheapest option available.
If you’re not particularly attached to the Kirkland brand, you might find better prices elsewhere, such as at the Dollar Store, making it worth skipping this Costco deal.
Gasoline
Cost: Between $2.53 and $2.66 per gallon (varies by location)
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Costco gas is a great deal, typically around 20% cheaper than the average gas station, making it an appealing option for those on a budget.
The only downside is the potential wait in line, but considering the savings, it’s often worth the wait for many customers.
Organic Berries
Cost: $10.24 for 1lb
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Organic berries at Costco are a great deal, priced at $10.24 for a pound, which is much more affordable compared to most stores where organic produce can be much more expensive.
However, you should consider whether you’ll be able to consume them before they spoil, as buying in bulk can lead to waste if you’re unable to finish them in time.
Organic Coconut Water
Cost: $10 for 12 cartons
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
The Costco deal on coconut water is definitely worth checking out, offering 12 cartons for just $10, making it a great value considering how pricey coconut water can be elsewhere.
With the Kirkland brand backing it, you can also trust the quality.
It’s an excellent choice for anyone who loves coconut water and wants to stock up without breaking the bank.
Razors
Cost: $25 for 12
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
The Kirkland razors at Costco offer great value, with a box of 12 for just $25, meaning each razor costs around $2.
This is a solid deal considering how expensive razors can be elsewhere.
Stocking up ensures you won’t need to worry about buying more for a while, making it a practical and affordable choice for regular users.
Organic Yogurt
Cost: $1.97 per lb
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Costco’s Kirkland organic yogurt is a great deal for those looking for a healthy option without antibiotics or hormones.
At just $1.97 per pot, it’s an affordable choice for anyone wanting organic products without breaking the bank.
Given the price and quality, it’s a steal compared to many other options.
Bacon Crumbles
Cost: $11.49 for 20 oz
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Costco’s Kirkland bacon crumbs offer an excellent deal at just $11.49 for a 20oz bag.
Not only are they affordable, but they’re also highly rated by customers, making them a great choice for anyone looking to add a bit of bacon flavor to their meals without breaking the bank.
Almond Milk
Cost: $6.99 for 6
Buy it or skip it? Buy it
Costco offers a fantastic deal on almond milk with a 6-pack priced at just $6.99. It’s a great option for those who prefer dairy alternatives, and the price makes it a budget-friendly choice.
Plus, the long shelf life lets you store them in the cupboard until you’re ready to use them.
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