Best items to buy at Costco
If we're talking about regular merchandise inside Costco—not gas, tires, pharmacy, optical, or household staples—then the best deals shift to products where Costco consistently undercuts other retailers while maintaining good quality.
Here are my top picks:
1. Kirkland Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This is frequently rated among the best supermarket olive oils and is often certified for purity. Comparable premium olive oils usually cost considerably more per ounce.
Typical savings: 20–40% versus grocery stores.
2. Pure Maple Syrup
Real maple syrup is expensive almost everywhere, but Costco's large bottles often have one of the lowest per-ounce prices available.
Great if you use it for:
- Pancakes
- Baking
- Oatmeal
- Homemade granola
3. Pure Vanilla Extract
Vanilla is one of the most expensive baking ingredients by volume. Costco's Kirkland version is usually significantly cheaper than grocery store brands.
Bakers often buy it specifically because the value is hard to beat.
4. Refrigerated Kirkland Pesto
Many shoppers consider this one of Costco's "must-buy" items.
It's made with ingredients like basil, Parmesan, Romano, olive oil, and pine nuts, yet costs much less than buying similar refrigerated pesto elsewhere.
It also freezes well.
5. Belgian Chocolate
Whether it's chocolate-covered almonds, European cookie assortments, or Belgian chocolate candies, Costco often imports premium chocolates at prices that would be difficult to match at specialty stores.
Other "hidden gem" deals
These are items many Costco regulars buy repeatedly:
- Parmesan cheese – imported wedges cost much less than grocery stores.
- Kerrygold butter – frequently cheaper than supermarkets, especially during holidays.
- Nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews, pecans) – among the best per-pound values.
- Baking yeast – huge savings if you bake bread.
- Spices – large containers of cinnamon, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.
- Honey – especially raw and local varieties when available.
- Leather gloves – often excellent quality for the price in season.
- Pendleton blankets – when stocked, they're often much cheaper than buying direct.
- LEGO sets – seasonal discounts can beat many toy stores.
- Gift wrap – Costco's wrapping paper is known for being thick, reversible, and including grid lines on the back for easy cutting.
The "surprisingly cheap" luxury items
Costco is also known for occasional exceptional deals on:
- Fine jewelry
- Watches
- High-end cookware
- Name-brand luggage
- Electronics during promotional events
These aren't always the absolute lowest price on any given day, but Costco's pricing plus warranty and return policy often make them among the best overall values.
Here are the things that aren't necessarily items on the shelves:
If you're looking strictly at overall value for your money (not just low prices), these are consistently among the five best deals at Costco outside of the famous $1.50 hot dog and rotisserie chicken.
1. Kirkland Batteries (AA & AAA)
These are one of Costco's biggest bargains.
Why they're a great deal:
- Often 25–50% cheaper than Duracell or Energizer.
- Long shelf life.
- Frequently go on sale for even more savings.
Best for:
- Flashlights
- TV remotes
- Toys
- Emergency kits
2. Gasoline
Many people recover much of their membership cost from gas alone.
Typical savings
- Often 10–40¢ per gallon less than nearby stations.
- Meets Top Tier detergent standards.
If you drive 15,000 miles a year, the savings can easily total $100–300 annually, depending on your vehicle and local prices.
3. Prescription Glasses & Eye Exams
Even people without vision insurance often save hundreds.
Typical savings include:
- Designer frames for much less than optical chains.
- High-quality progressive lenses.
- Good warranties and adjustments.
Many shoppers report paying 30–60% less than traditional optical stores.
4. Tires
Costco's tire center isn't always the absolute lowest purchase price, but it's often the best overall value.
Included with most tire purchases:
- Lifetime balancing
- Flat repairs
- Tire rotations
- Nitrogen fills
- Road hazard warranty
Those extras would cost quite a bit elsewhere.
5. Kirkland Household Supplies
These are products people buy repeatedly, and Costco usually offers excellent value.
Some standouts include:
- Trash bags (especially the Flex-Tech bags)
- Paper towels
- Plastic wrap
- Aluminum foil
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwasher detergent
The trash bags, in particular, are famous for lasting months and often go on sale.
Bonus: The "Secret" Best Deals
These aren't as obvious but are favorites among longtime Costco shoppers:
- Gift cards (restaurants, movie theaters, and attractions) sold below face value.
- Hearing aids (often thousands less than specialty clinics).
- Travel packages through Costco Travel.
- Pharmacy prescriptions (even without insurance for many generic medications).
- Flowers—especially roses and event bouquets, which are often significantly cheaper than florist prices.
My favorite "bang for the buck" ranking
- Gasoline
- Tires
- Prescription glasses
- Kirkland trash bags and household supplies
- Batteries
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