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We all know about the $5 rotisserie chickens and the giant packages of toilet paper, but what about Costco’s lesser-known fan favorites? Those hidden gems are what one Costco member asked about on Reddit, and shoppers responded with the items they “always grab because they’re 100% worth the price” every time. Here are some of the most recommended Costco products in the thread that you have probably overlooked, and what members love about them.
Kirkland Signature Organic Pure Maple Syrup
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“Could never justify the price pre-Costco, now I’ll never buy fake syrup ever again.”
“My grandkids love the organic pure maple syrup~ they rebel against the ‘fake’ syrup that mom buys at home, lol.”
“Try melting some butter in with your maple syrup when you serve it. That’s the actual flavor that fake syrup is imitating. It’s heavenly.”
Kirkland Signature Italian Parmigiano Reggiano
Lacey Muszynski / Cheapism
“KIRKLAND SIGNATURE PARMIGIANO REGGIANO. Not shredded, just the block. So much cheaper than the grocery store and still the ‘real deal’ good stuff.”
“I got one of those rotary grinders and use that parm now and it’s saved me so much money. The block of cheese is expensive initially but it lasts forever just shredding off a little at a time.”
Kirkland Signature Over-the-Counter Medication
Cheapism
Many Costco members appreciate the cheap prices of the over-the-counter medications, from cold medicine to antacid.
“Just picked up KS ibuprofen tablets, KS lactaid, KS allergy-clear (Claritin), and the generic immodium – savings on that 1 purchase paid for my membership fee.”
“Their anti-diarrheal pills are $1 for a pack of 24 IIRC. That same 24 pack is $12-15 just about anywhere else. Sadly I go through a lot of them, but at least they’ll let you buy 2 boxes each go round.”
“Kirkland ibuprofen liquid-gels and Kirkland cold meds. Incredible price for the same active ingredients.”
Boursin Cheese
Lacey Muszynski / Cheapism
“The boursin goes on sale a few times per year and I always stock up. Freezes pretty well especially if you plan to cook with it. I used to think cooking with it would be blasphemy but it’s crazy good in mac n cheese or anything else creamy.”
“Boursin is such a good deal at Costco. It is $4.99 for one at my grocery store.”
“I add Boursin to scrambled eggs. Amazing.”
Kerrygold Butter
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“I’ve become a butter snob thanks to Costco. If we run out of the Kerrygold I won’t eat it.”
“I think some consensus has been reached that if you’re baking/cooking where butter is one of many ingredients and ultimate butter flavor is not of the utmost importance, the Costco grass fed butter is fine. If you’re topping things (toast, potatoes and such) or it’s a major ingredient of the process, kerrygold is the way.”
“I finally tried the Kerrygold and it is SO good that it has completely ruined me for anything else.”
Prescription Medication
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Though it might not be as convenient to get to as some pharmacies, many members say their prescription medications cost less at Costco.
“So I think among the biggest hidden gems is the pharmacy- depending on your insurance it can bring the cost way way down.”
“Sometimes the cash price is less than the insurance copay!”
“My insurance after 2 refills wants me to go to CVS and then wants $20. The cash price was $7 at Costco… so I just do that instead.”
“The pharmacy has saved my life. I was having to shell out over $1300 for one medication a month at Walgreens and at Costco it is $9 a month. $50 if I was not a member.”
Kettle Brand Chips
Lacey Muszynski/Cheapism
“Have you seen how expensive potato chips and tortilla chips are at the grocery store? Costco bags are the same price for 2-3 (sometimes 4x!) more.”
“I’m obsessed with the Himalayan pink salt Kettle chips. I live alone and that huge bag still never goes to waste.”
“The bbq kettle are my favorite.”
Bonne Maman Jam
Tabbychiro/Reddit
“Bonne Maman 4 Fruit Preserve. Get it while you can!”
“That 4 fruit preserve makes elite pb&j I hope it never goes away.”
“Just use it as you would use any other jelly/jam/preserves – on toast etc.. It is a huge jar that lasts forever and tastes delicious! Its like, under $15 (I can’t remember the exact cost) for a 36oz jar.”
Gift Cards
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Some people don’t realize that Costco sells packs of gift cards for chain restaurants and other outlets at a discount all the time, and they’re usually 20% to 30% off.
“They’ll be like $100 gift cards for $70. Only large, fixed denominations.”
“Yes! Around me they sell AMC theater cards: 2 tickets and $20 in concessions for 34.99.”
“They have gift cards to local restaurants in our area that we frequent, so it’s basically free money for us.”
Socks
Costco
“The women’s merino wool socks are really nice, I think they’re only available in the winter.”
“The women’s merino wool socks are 85% fine merino wool. For $14.99 per four pack you can’t beat them. I’ve bought a few packs of these socks three years ago and they’re still going strong. I still buy a new set each fall though, I just can’t resist!”
“Men’s too. Better socks exist, but they’re literally ~$20 per pair. I’ve never seen anything close in a comparable price range.”
Kirkland Signature Plastic Wrap
Costco
“The plastic wrap with slide cutter is life changing.”
“And will change your grandchildren’s lives when they eventually inherit it. (But seriously my last roll lasted 16 years, through three moves and one marriage).”
Kirkland Prosecco
Affectionate-Tip827/Reddit.com
“It’s the best we have ever drank and much cheaper than the name brand.”
“Agreed. They also sell Aperol for the best price at the ones near us. Those two together make fantastic aperol spritzes which we do for bigger family get togethers etc.”
“I can’t get over this stuff because where I am it’s actually cheaper than the bottled mimosa.”
Royal Asia Prawn Hacao
Costco
“The shrimp dumplings are so freaking good. We put it in our hotpot or in the microwave and make our own dipping sauce. But oof, what a tasty and filling treat.”
“Another woman talked me into buying these when they were on sale and I only regret that I didn’t get 2! Microwaveable and they are so good! Definitely need to find another sauce though.”
“The Prawn Hacao is a weekly treat for us. I’m too lazy to steam it. Have found adding a damp paper towel on top before microwaving keeps them moist so that the wrapper doesn’t have any hard corners.”
Pet Medication
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“Savings on pet meds/flea & tick pills are funding my exec membership.”
“My dog’s liver supplement at Costco pharmacy is half the price at the vet for the exact same brand and dosage!”
“If you go to the Costco site and hover over the Pharmacy option on the tool bar, a menu will drop down and you can click “Pet Medications.” It will take you to a search bar for you to look up a medication. When you search, it’ll tell you to call or visit your Costco Pharmacy for pricing, but it will also give you an option to shop their third party provider by clicking on the “Costco PetRx Delivery” button. Make sure you have your membership number, ‘cuz you’ll need to enter it to shop on the third party’s site.”
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