As a frugal shopper always on the hunt for the best deals, I've long been a fan of Costco. But even in this bargain hunter's paradise, not everything is worth your hard-earned money. To help you navigate the aisles of this warehouse giant, we surveyed our Instagram followers to get the inside scoop on what to buy and what to skip at Costco. Here's what we found out!
When it comes to household essentials, Costco's Kirkland Signature brand is hard to beat. The toilet paper and paper towels are consistently praised for their quality and value. A follower shared, "I stock up on these every time. They last forever and are much cheaper than name brands at regular stores."
Costco's pharmacy is a hidden gem. Many of our followers reported significant savings on both prescription and over-the-counter medications. One user exclaimed, "I save over $100 a month on my prescriptions by using Costco's pharmacy!"
If your local Costco has a gas station, make sure to take advantage of it. Our survey respondents consistently reported savings of 10-20 cents per gallon compared to nearby stations. "The membership pays for itself just in gas savings," one follower noted. Just be ready for the long lines 😉
For the spirits enthusiasts, Kirkland Signature vodka and tequila is a must-try. The vodka is rumored to be made by the same distillery as Grey Goose (though this has never been confirmed), it offers premium quality at a fraction of the price. A happy customer shared, "It's smooth enough to drink straight and you can't beat the price!"
Whether you prefer whole beans or ground coffee, Costco offers great deals on both name brands and their Kirkland Signature line. Many of our followers praised the quality and price of Costco's coffee selection. One user noted, "The Kirkland Signature medium roast is my go-to. Great taste and incredible value!" Don't forget that you can grind your beans for free at Costco! All Costco stores have a free bean grinder after the checkout, near the food court.
For healthy snacking options, Costco's nuts and dried fruits are a crowd favorite. The large packages offer great value, and the quality is consistently high. A follower shared, "I love the mixed nuts for snacking and baking. They're always fresh and much cheaper than buying small packages at the grocery store."
Real maple syrup can be expensive, but not at Costco. Our survey respondents raved about the quality and price of Costco's maple syrup. "It's the real deal, and the price is unbeatable. I stock up every time," one pancake lover commented.
Cooking oils, especially high-quality ones, can be pricey. But Costco offers great deals on both olive oil and avocado oil. Many of our followers praised the Kirkland Signature organic extra virgin olive oil for its quality and value. "It's certified by the International Olive Council and tastes amazing," an olive oil connoisseur shared.
Pet owners in our survey were particularly enthusiastic about Costco's Kirkland Signature dog food. Many reported that it offers quality ingredients at a fraction of the price of premium pet store brands. One happy dog owner said, "My vet recommended it, and my dog loves it. The price is amazing for the quality you get."
While not an everyday purchase, many of our followers recommended buying tires at Costco, especially when they're on sale. The price often includes installation, balancing, and lifetime services like rotation and balancing. "I saved over $200 on a set of four tires compared to other shops," a satisfied customer reported.
Costco's prices on eggs and dairy products like milk, butter, and yogurt are hard to beat. Many followers mentioned that these staples alone make their membership worthwhile. "The organic egg prices are amazing, and the milk lasts much longer than what I buy at the regular grocery store," one user noted.
For smoothie lovers and bakers, Costco's frozen berries are a great buy. The large bags offer great value, and the quality is consistently high. A follower shared, "I use these for my morning smoothies. They're always perfectly ripe and much cheaper than buying fresh berries."
Last but not least, Costco's Kirkland Signature peanut butter got numerous shout-outs in our survey. Followers praised its natural ingredients, great taste, and excellent value. "It's the only peanut butter we buy now. No added sugar or oils, just peanuts and salt," a peanut butter fan commented.
While Costco offers great deals on many items, there are some products our followers recommended avoiding:
Unless you have a large family or are buying for an event, many followers advised against buying produce at Costco. The quantities are often too large for average households to consume before they spoil. One user shared, "I've wasted so much money on produce that went bad before we could eat it all."
Similar to produce, buying large quantities of other perishables like milk, bread, or fresh chicken can lead to waste if you can't consume them quickly enough. A follower advised, "Know your family's eating habits before buying perishables in bulk."
While Kirkland Signature products are generally well-regarded, their beer was an exception in our survey. Many found it to be low quality compared to other budget beer options. "I'd rather spend a bit more for better-tasting beer," a disappointed customer shared.
Several followers warned against buying Goodyear windshield wipers from Costco, citing poor quality and performance. "They left streaks and didn't last long. I've had much better luck with other brands," one user reported.
While Costco can have good deals on electronics, our followers advised always comparing prices with other retailers. Sometimes, especially for newer models, other stores may have better prices or more options. "Don't assume Costco always has the best price on electronics. Do your research," a savvy shopper advised.
This was one of the few Kirkland Signature products that received negative feedback. Many found it less effective than other brands. "It doesn't clean as well as other detergents I've used. I'll pay a bit more for better results," one user commented.
Several followers mentioned that Costco's eyeglass cleaning wipes were ineffective. "They leave streaks and don't clean well. I've found better options elsewhere," a glasses wearer shared.
Unless you cook in large quantities or use certain spices very frequently, buying bulk spices at Costco may not be the best choice. They can lose potency over time. A home cook advised, "I've had to throw out half-full containers of spices that lost their flavor. Stick to smaller quantities unless you know you'll use them quickly."
Many followers noted that soda is often cheaper at regular grocery stores, especially when on sale. "I can usually find better deals on soda at my local supermarket," a bargain hunter shared.
While Costco's diaper prices are competitive, many parents in our survey found better deals through subscription services or by combining coupons at other stores. "I save more by using Amazon's Subscribe & Save for diapers," one parent noted.
Several survey respondents noted that canned goods are often cheaper at regular grocery stores, especially when on sale. "I only buy canned goods at Costco if I need a large quantity for a party. Otherwise, I can find better deals elsewhere," a shopper shared.
Like canned goods, many followers found that cereal is often cheaper at regular grocery stores, especially when on sale. "I can usually find better deals on cereal at my local supermarket, especially with coupons," a breakfast enthusiast noted.
To make the most of your Costco membership, our survey respondents shared these additional tips:
Costco can be a treasure trove of deals for the savvy shopper, but it's important to shop strategically. By focusing on the items that offer the best value and avoiding those that don't, you can maximize your savings and make your Costco membership truly worthwhile.
Remember, while this guide is based on the experiences of our Instagram followers, your mileage may vary. Prices and product availability can differ by location, and what works for one household may not work for another. Always consider your own needs, storage space, and consumption habits when deciding what to buy in bulk.
Lastly, don't forget to check our website regularly for deals on discounted Costco memberships. We often share deals on Costco memberships for new members. Happy shopping, and may your cart be full of savings!
