The cost of takeout is on the rise. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
predicts that food-away-from-home prices will rise by over 3.5 percent in 2025.
Add on delivery fees and tips, and it’s easy to understand why so many consumers
prefer to eat at home.
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean food but not of high takeout prices, we’re
here to help with the best Costco hacks to save money. From stuffed grape leaves to spanakopita, our roundup features the most
mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired meals at budget-friendly prices.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change
and may vary by location.
Frankly Fresh Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves
Price: $10.79
Score these refrigerated ready-to-heat-and-eat vegetarian grape leaves for under
$11. The gluten and dairy-free Mediterranean-style meal is a fraction of what
you could pay for takeout.
National chain restaurant Alladin’s Eatery charges $5.75 for a small order of
grape leaves and $9.45 for a large. Even though these prices are less than
Costco’s, you’ll get a massive two-pound pack at the warehouse club.
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Eat In Foods Spinach Feta Wrap
Price: $15.99
Save time and money with this ready-made freezer section find. Zesty sun-dried
tomatoes, savory spinach, and plenty of creamy feta make this a wrap to
remember. And you’ll get 21 grams of protein in each serving.
If you’ve seen these on social media and are intrigued by the glowing reviews,
take it from Costco Redditor WildMall6475, “Just bought these in store then saw
it on TikTok. They’re actually so good!”
Ruprecht Beef Kebabs
Price: $13.99
Savory herbs and spices give these fully cooked kebabs a flavorful taste. And
bonus, instead of waiting for takeout you can heat this prepared pick in 10
minutes. Serve the sous vide selection with tzatziki sauce, warm pita, and
veggies.
Hannah Organic Falafel
Price: $11.89
Is falafel your favorite? You’ll get two full pounds of the microwavable
gluten-free USDA organic veggie patty balls for less than $12.
Not only is this less than what you would pay in an eatery, but it’s also a
better price than in other stores. A nine-ounce bag of Afia frozen falafel costs
$5.89 at Whole Foods Market. You’ll pay over $20 for Costco’s quantity at that
price.
Heat the falafel and serve this pick in a pita or with a Greek yogurt dipping
sauce.
Amylu Greek-Style Chicken Burgers
Price: $14.49
This 2.5-pound box of refrigerated patties is something you might not find in a
Greek restaurant. And that’s what makes it an interesting option for your next
lunch or dinner.
Instead of paying delivery fees for the same takeout you always get, try this
protein-rich (19 grams per serving) charbroiled chicken burger for dinner. The
Greek-style recipe features spinach, red pepper, and feta cheese.
West End Cuisine Grilled Chicken Skewers
Price: $15.99
Get a pack of 14 fully cooked, two-ounce Mediterranean-spiced skewers today. The
preservative and gluten-free chicken has 24 grams of protein, making this a
healthy addition to your next Med meal. Add it to a feta-filled Greek salad,
serve it on warm pita bread, or top rice pilaf with this perfectly spiced
selection.
Costco Secrets: 7 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know
Shopping pro tip: This month’s best deals
methaphum/Adobe
June is here, and with it comes the start of summer, sizzling sales, and a fresh wave of markdowns. Keep an eye out for savings on:
Tools, grills, and outdoor gear
Swimwear and summer fashionPatio furniture and garden decorFor grocery savings, stock up on seasonal produce like blueberries, corn, and zucchini
While you’re soaking up the sun, retailers are already thinking ahead to back-to-school prep, making June a great time to save on summer essentials and snag fresh deals before the crowds catch on.
Cuisine Adventures Spanakopita
Price: $16.99
Start your Greek feast with these traditional spinach, feta, and phyllo puffs.
You’ll pay 35 cents for each. For reference, Euro Bakery & Restaurant in Texas
sells one for $2.95.
If you’re looking for a new way to serve this pick, Reddit user John Wilkes_Huth
suggests, “This is my new favorite breakfast! The spanakopita with a little
garlic salt is so good with the tzatziki, and I put a little drizzle of maple
syrup on the sausage for a sweet and savory breakfast that’s almost like
“Breakfast Baklava.”
Cuisine Innovations Feta and Carmelized Onion Puffs
Price: $12.99
Catered Mediterranean meals could max out your budget. Instead of pricey
takeout, try these $12.99 feta and onion tarts. Each 27-ounce box contains 36 of
the frozen puffs. Pop the pastries into the air fryer for five to seven minutes
and enjoy the buttery bites.
Skotidakis Greek Yogurt
Price: $5.79
Make a standout sauce, sweet parfait, or marinade with this tangy Greek yogurt.
At $5.79 for 48 ounces (three pounds), this is a better deal than what you might
find from other retailers. Target sells a smaller 32-ounce container of Fage for
$6.69.
Kirkland Organic Roasted Pine Nut Hummus
Price: $5.89
Hummus is a staple in Mediterranean restaurants. But you don’t have to pay extra
fees (like delivery charges or a tip) to have it served with your next meal.
Nab this 2.12-pound container for under $6. Redditor Suitable-Telephone80
commented on the quality, “I prefer this if I’m not making homemade, better
tasting than Sabra.”
Stacy’s Organic Pita Chips
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
Syda Productions/Adobe
Grocery shopping doesn’t have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.Join your store’s loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Chrisanthidis Delights Greek Wedding Cookies
Price: $14.89
Don’t let high takeout prices convince you to skip dessert. This 2.09-pound pack
of Korabie-inspired cookies is a steal for less than $15. You won’t get a better
price for these tasty treats online. Amazon sells a 15.8-ounce tin for over $21.
Bottom line
Alfonsodetomas/Adobe
Mediterranean meals don’t have to break the bank. Even though your favorite
eateries offer tasty takeout options, these meals may max out your monthly
budget. Swap out these pricey picks for a few of our top Costco finds.
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