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Costco's grocery section is always adding new things, but there are a few staples customers swear by as being must-have items year-round. From a boxed wine so good even wine fanatics are won over, to soup dumplings that taste restaurant-grade quality, these brand name and Kirkland Signature items will make you feel like you just shopped at a fancy gourmet store (which in many ways, Costco absolutely is!). Here are seven Costco groceries that taste so expensive, you won't believe the actual price.
Kirkland Signature Spanish Manchego Cheese
The Kirkland Signature Spanish Manchego Cheese tastes downright gourmet, customers say. "That manchego is soo good. Even my toddlers like it. Together with the dried mango is great," one Redditor said. "The manchego is the best at Costco," another commented.
Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend
Costco members love the Kirkland Signature Three Berry Frozen Blend ($12.59), rating the quality and value for money. "Love that it doesn't have strawberries in it and hope it never changes," one shopper said. "Yes! The Triple Berry Blend! 5lbs for what $15? I buy several packages for smoothies and to thaw then scoop some on angel food cake," another agreed.
The Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (from the box) tastes like extremely expensive wine, shoppers say. "$17 box of Cabernet= $4.25 a bottle. Hard to beat and it tastes good," one member said. "My fav wine in the whole world. God bless Kirkland cab out the box," another said.
BelGioioso Burrata Mozzarella and Cream
The BelGioioso Burrata Mozzarella and Cream is $8.99 for 16 oz and absolutely delicious, members say. "I am absolutely refraining from smashing an entire ball…but who am I kidding it's definitely going to happen within the next 20 minutes. Absolutely one of my new favorites!" one customer raved.
Prime Brisket
Shoppers are constantly amazed at the quality and value available in the Costco meat section. "Brisket. It's the reason I joined. Bought pellet grill then immediately got a Costco membership," one Redditor shared. "I still don't understand how Costco sells prime brisket for less than what even the cheap-end grocers around here (LA) sell choice for. It's even cheaper than what the grocers charge for chuck (choice), which is supposed to be a cheaper substitute for brisket," another member said.
The Kirkland Signature Organic Lemonade (96 fl oz, 2-count for $7.49) tastes delicious for the price point, members say. "The kind that comes in 2 huge bottles? OUTSTANDING lemonade, probably the best I've ever had. especially with a generous shot of Kirkland vodka ," one shopper said.
Kirkland Signature Thick Sliced Bacon
The Kirkland Signature Thick Sliced Bacon ($16.29 for two 1.5 lbs packs) is a must-have item, and a steal for the price it's sold for. "Kirkland thick cut bacon is my favorite," one member said. "Yeah their thick cut bacon is superior to all other bacon definitely!!" another agreed. Pro tip—look for it in the frozen section, not refrigerated.
Trader Joe's is a great place to shop for everything from produce to frozen food. However, the California-founded store's snack selection is one of the most highly hyped categories. Every season TJ's gets in a new crop of snacks, ranging from nut mixes and bars to candy and other crunchy treats. Here are 7 Trader Joe's snacks that recently hit shelves.
Trader Joe's Energy Bar
"Snack explorers, rejoice!" Trader Joe's Treasure Hunt wrote about this new find, similar to Cliff Bars. "New Energy Bars are trekking into Trader Joe's! Dense and chewy bars in Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip flavors! Made with oats, soy protein, brown rice and tapioca syrup. Both are packed with protein and Gluten free!" The bars cost $1.19.
Cheery Lemon Animal Crackers
Cheery Lemon Animal Crackers are back at Trader Joe's, according to Trader Joe's Treasure Hunt, who explains that the "classic, crunchy" animal crackers are "coated in a lemony yogurt candy coating and rainbow sprinkles!"
Trader Joe's List reports that Elevated Nut Mix is a must-buy. "If your snack game needs a boost, this premium mix of pecans, almonds, cashews, and macadamias is here to elevate your charcuterie boards, cocktails, or everyday snacking. Lightly salted & perfectly roasted, each nut shines with its rich, natural flavor—no fillers, just quality," they write. "At $5.99, it's a step up from your usual nut mix without the fancy price tag." Shoppers who have tried them, also endorse the mix. "These are delicious!" one commented.
Springle Jangle
Shoppers live for Trader Joe's seasonal items, including Springle Jangle. "This seasonal spin on Jingle Jangle is packed with munchable magic and chocolate-covered, candy-coated delights," writes Trader Joe's Treasure Hunt. The bag includes candy yogurt-coated mini pretzels, nonpareils, butter toffee peanuts, dark chocolate Joe-Joe's cookie bark, milk and dark chocolate peanut butter cups, and spring candy gems.
Crispy Watermelon
The dried fruit at TJ's is unparalleled and recently a fan favorite returned. "Crispy Watermelon is back at Trader! This snack is one in a melon! Each bag starts with 1.5 pounds of watermelon..no rind required! Vacuum dried into thin, crispy pieces that melt in your mouth with an intensely sweet watermelon flavor. Think of it as nature's cotton candy!" writes Trader Joe's Treasure Hunt, revealing that the bag retails for $2.99.
Tom Yum Seasoned Snack Mix
Looking for an Asian-inspired snack? Tom Yum Seasoned Snack Mix is now at Trader Joe's. "A crunchy blend of cashews, fava beans, sticky rice & peas with the flavors of Thai Tom Yum Soup that's sweet and sour!" writes Trader Joe's Treasure Hunt.
Easter Joe Joes
Easter treats have arrived at Costco, including Easter Joe Joe's. Trader Joe's Obsessed shared a video this week, which included the "decorated chocolate and vanilla cream sandwich cookies coated in white and milk chocolate," according to the description. "How adorable are these Easter Joe Joe's $3.99 decorated in such cute colors!" she wrote in a separate post.
Fish sticks are a controversial food. Many grew up eating the shaped and formed version of ground-up fish mixed with other ingredients and became accustomed to the taste and texture. However, others find the mixture less than appetizing. Once upon a time, most fast-food fish sandwiches were similar to fish sticks, patties made with ground-up seafood. However, in 2025, there are many fish meal options at your favorite fast food restaurant that use whole, real fish instead. Here are 6 chains that use real whole fish in their fish meals, not factory-made filets.
Long John Silver's Baha Grilled Salmon Bowl
Long John Silver's specializes in seafood, so, unsurprisingly, the chain offers fresh fish – even salmon. Long John Silver's Baha Grilled Salmon Bowl features grilled salmon with rice, signature toppings, and all the fixings. And, it can be customized with your favorite "flavor" ranging from sweet chili to southwest.
Culver's North Atlantic Cod Sandwich
Culver might be most famous for the ButterBurger, but the Midwest chain also serves up the freshest catch in town. Many food critics endorse Culver's North Atlantic Cod Sandwich as one of the best fish sandwiches in fast food land. The fish they use is caught in the North Atlantic, hand cut, battered, and cooked to order, then topped with a Culver's family recipe tartar, crisp lettuce, and Wisconsin Cheddar and served on a lightly buttered, toasted hoagie roll.
Burger King's "succulent" Fish'N Crisp sandwich features a fish fillet topped with a slice of American cheese, and tangy tartar sauce between a toasted sesame bun. Like the chain's Big Fish sandwich it is made with wild "white Alaskan Pollock with crispy panko breading, sweet tartar sauce, lettuce and crunchy pickles on a toasted potato bun," BK says. "Wild Alaska Pollock is one of the most consumed fish in the U.S. Mild in flavor, and firm but tender texture of this snowy whitefish has won many fans. It's naturally fresh-tasting, direct from the pristine icy waters of Alaska — only fish caught there can be labeled as Wild Alaska Pollock," Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers, the supplier, says.
McDonald's Filet-O-Fish
McDonald's Filet-O-Fish is a classic fish sandwich from the Big Arch's old-school menu, and is actually made with real, whole fish. It starts with a wild-caught crispy fish filet (Alaskan Pollock) sourced from sustainably managed fisheries, topped with melted American cheese and a creamy tarter sauce, served on a soft, steamed bun. Why do they poney up for "sustainable fish"? According to the company, "it helps protect our oceans—something that's important to you."
Dairy Queen Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich
Dairy Queen might now serve "real" ice cream but they do use real whole fish for their Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich. "Always quite the catch, the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich features crispy wild-caught Alaskan pollock that is lightly coated to deliver a pleasingly crunchy outside with a tender inside," the company says on their website. "Along with the crispy Alaskan Pollock, the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich features fresh lettuce and tangy tartar sauce on a toasted bun. This is a catch that's sure to hook any fish sandwich connoisseur."
Popeye's Founder Fish Sandwich
Popeye's might specialize in fried chicken, but the Louisiana-based chain doesn't cheat when it comes to fish. They use real fish for its Flounder Fish Sandwich, "responsibly sourced, wild caught fish," the chain told TODAY. "Our sourcing follows NOAA standards and goes through regulations to ensure we maintain the species. The population levels of our fish are above normal, and we don't anticipate running into any inventory issues."
Warehouse chains are as popular as ever, with Costco opening dozens of new locations this year as a result. It's just one component in an ongoing effort to lead the industry, though Costco has some steep competition.
Similarly, Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale are sticking to innovation and customer service to be the premiere warehouse chain. All three chains offer similar benefits to their members, but there are also some key differences. If you live near at least two of the three chains, you may be torn on which warehouse is worth joining.
From the variety of items in stock to online shopping and potential savings, there are many factors to keep in mind when deciding which warehouse chain to become a member of. If you need some guidance or have always wondered what exactly the difference is between Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale, this roundup will give you some additional insight.
Membership Prices
Costco: America's leading warehouse club offers two main membership levels for families. Its introductory Gold Star membership costs $65 per year, or for $130 a year, you can opt for its executive membership. The biggest difference between the memberships is that executive members receive an annual 2% reward on qualified Costco purchases. Companies can also sign up for a business membership for $60 per year, which allows members to make purchases for resale.
Sam's Club: Membership to the Walmart-owned club comes in at a slightly lower cost than Costco. Its introductory Club membership costs $50 a year, and its premium Plus membership costs $110 per year. Many of the benefits overlap between each membership level. However, Plus members qualify for perks like free shipping, earlier shopping hours, and added savings at the pharmacy. There is no business membership option at Sam's Club.
BJ's: This East Coast wholesale chain offers two membership levels: Club and Club+. The Club costs $60 per year per member, with the option to add up to three additional members for $30 each. Club+ costs $120 per year, with members earning up to 2% back in rewards, plus added savings at BJ's gas stations. BJ's also offers two business membership levels for $55 and $110 annually.
Return Policy
Costco: Costco members find the return policy quite generous, as most items can be returned at any time unless otherwise noted. Some exceptions include electronics, major appliances, and cell phones, typically with a 90-day return policy. Other specific items may be a final sale, but those are generally few and far between. Even grocery items can be returned for a full refund.
Sam's Club: Most items can be returned to Sam's Club at any time, with few exceptions. Electronics come with a 90-day return policy, while items like heavy equipment and motorsports items must be returned within 30 days. Cell phones have one of the smallest return windows at 14 days.
BJ's: While also generous, BJ's Wholesale is the only one out of the three major warehouse chains that put a limit on what would otherwise be an unlimited return window. General merchandise must be returned within one year of purchase, except for electronics. Those, from televisions to computers to electric scooters, must be returned between 14 to 30 days, depending on the exact item.
Branded Credit Cards
If you want to take your warehouse brand loyalty a step further, you can sign up for a branded credit card that comes with an array of perks you can redeem while shopping. All three warehouse chains have their own version of a rewards credit card, with some slight variations.
The Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi comes in individual and business varieties, with rewards like 5% rewards on gas at Costco, 3% on restaurants, and 2% on Costco purchases. With a paid Costco membership, there is no annual fee on the Costco Anywhere Visa.
The Sam's Club MasterCard boasts similar perks, including 5% back in Sam's Cash on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Plus Members earn 3% back in Sam's Cash on Sam's Club purchases, with Club Members earning 1% back. With no annual fee, it's a solid credit card to consider if most of your shopping is done at Sam's Club.
Not to be outdone, the BJ's One MasterCard and One+ MasterCard offer similar benefits to cardholders. Members can earn 3% to 5% back in rewards on most BJ's purchases, with 10 to 15 cents off gas at BJ's every day.
Receipt Checking Process
Checking your receipt at the door is part of the warehouse shopping experience and one that members have come to expect. Last year, however, Sam's Club shook up the business model by introducing new technology that automatically verifies if all shopping cart items appear on the receipt. This is a major change from its competitors, Costco and BJ's, which still have employees at the exit door manually checking shopping carts.
This process is not entirely human-free, as Sam's Club employees are still on standby to verify that the receipt matches what the AI-powered arches scan. Sam's Club is rolling these cart-checking changes out in phases nationwide.
Number of Locations
Costco: According to Costco's website, there are currently over 600 warehouses across 47 states and Washington, D.C., as well as hundreds of international locations, which members can access regardless of their country of origin. International Costcos can be found in countries such as Taiwan, Japan, Australia, France, Mexico, and Canada.
Sam's Club: The Walmart website notes that there are almost 600 warehouse locations across the United States and Puerto Rico. Sam's Club operates in 44 states.
BJ's: BJ's is by far the smallest of the three warehouse chains in terms of total store count. There are over 200 BJ's stores across 20 states, all located along the eastern seaboard. If you live on the East Coast, it may be worth it to look into a BJ's membership. Otherwise, your main options for a warehouse club membership are between Costco and Sam's Club.
Average Sticker Price
Figuring out which club offers the lowest prices on groceries can be tricky—though some news outlets have attempted to figure it out.
This past March, The News & Observer compared the prices of 60 items at Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's warehouses in Raleigh, N.C., and found Sam's Club to have the lowest prices and highest quantity of items. The publication reported that it didn't use "true receipt amounts," as it didn't include sales tax or store discounts when comparing prices. These findings aligned with the conclusions from an October 2023 study conducted by the AARP.
When weighing the warehouse clubs against each other, it's important to note that Costco often charges more for products purchased online than it does in-store. Costco also sells more organic products than its competitors, which could mean some items will ring up higher than they would at Sam's Club or BJ's.
So, really, the only way to know for sure is to shop around on your own. It may be worth signing up for a free trial membership at Sam's Club to compare with Costco. Costco doesn't offer free trials, but it does extend its money-back guarantee to its memberships. So, if you sign up for a Costco membership and aren't satisfied, you can cancel for a full refund.
For non-food items, one unique benefit about BJ's is that is that it accepts manufacturer coupons, which neither Costco or Sam's Club will do. That can add up to even more savings on already-low prices.
Food Court
Costco: One aspect of a Costco membership that customers enjoy is access to the warehouse's food court. The Costco food court sells a number of low-cost items like its famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo and $1.99 slice of pizza. The menu is regularly changing, with Costco replacing its Pepsi products with Coca-Cola products this year.
Sam's Club: The Walmart-owned warehouses include cafes that sell a variety of pizza slices, hot dogs, pretzels, and a pizza-pretzel hybrid. For dessert, members can buy frozen yogurt cups and sundaes. Though there are slight menu differences, the offerings at Sam's Club and Costco are largely the same. One major difference, however, is that Sam's Club cafes are open to all, while Costco's food courts are reserved for members and their guests only.
BJ's: BJ's warehouses used to offer food courts, too, but those have been discontinued. Instead, BJ's locations have featured Dunkin' kiosks since 2016. So, while you cannot get a cheap slice of pizza, you can at least sip on some iced coffee—something that Costco and Sam's Club food courts do not offer, though Costco does have frozen coffee drinks.
Variety of grocery and non-grocery items
No matter which warehouse you choose, you can find most, if not all, of your weekly groceries there. All three chains sell their products in bulk quantities, meaning you will have a lot more food to store in your cabinets and refrigerator when you return home. All three clubs also carry their own store brands, offering more savings over name-brand goods.
There are some differences between the three chains, however. For starters, if you are looking for the widest selection of organic products, stick with Costco. If you just want sheer volume and the most amount of options possible, look into a BJ's membership. It may seem like Costco sells everything under the sun, but it actually carries far fewer items than its competitors, offering about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units—aka items). Meanwhile, BJ's states that it offers more than 7,000 SKUs. Sam's Club's SKU information isn't readily available on its website, though the The Motley Fool reported that it carries between 6,000 and 7,000 products.
Online shopping
Costco: Online shopping is available at costco.com. In fact, even non-members can purchase items online, including groceries. However, non-members will pay a 5% surcharge on their purchases. Members and non-members alike can have their groceries ordered online and delivered via Instacart. Costco.com offers same-day delivery on all groceries with a $35 minimum spend. Curbside pickup is not available at most warehouse locations.
Sam's Club: Sam's Club members can shop online for groceries and other items you would find in the warehouses. Same-day delivery for groceries is available for members only. Curbside pickup is also available for members. The in-store shopping experience is also made easier through technology, thanks to the Sam's Club Scan & Go feature in its app.
BJ's: Online shopping is available for BJ's members. The warehouse's 1-day non-member shopping pass also extends online, allowing customers to make purchases on BJs.com without a membership card. When ordering groceries online, BJ's offers both same-day delivery and curbside pickup. BJ's also offers ExpressPay in its warehouse locations, making the in-store checkout experience far quicker.
Payment options
Costco: Costco only accepts Visa credit cards in addition to cash, most debit cards, Costco Shop cards, personal and business checks from Costco members, traveler's checks, EBT cards, and mobile payments. Additionally, the retailer's health services accept FSA/HSA Visa or MasterCard debit cards.
Sam's Club: The Walmart-owned warehouse club accepts all major credit cards from U.S. accounts, including American Express, MasterCard, and Discover. The retailer also accepts cash and checks, Sam's Cash, SNAP or EBT, Walmart credit cards, and prepaid credit cards.
BJ's: BJ's accepts Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover Network for both digital and in-person purchases. Customers can also pay via cash, check, and debit card when shopping in-club.
While you can have any type of product auto-shipped from Amazon, such as shampoo, face wash, toothpaste, etc., having food shipped automatically can truly change the way you prepare your meals throughout the week. Why? A lot of us know how to eat healthy or stick to the nutrition goals we set for ourselves, but the difficulty comes from losing track of time and energy. It's one thing to know what you want to eat, but it's a whole other beast to make sure you've done all the grocery shopping you need to do to stock up on the healthy foods you want to eat. A lot of times, we just end up ordering take out or going out to eat instead.
Having some of your favorite healthy foods set to auto-ship can be an enormous step in eating more nutritiously. To help you find some helpful products, we've chosen six of the best Amazon pantry items we think you need to incorporate ASAP.
Bumble Bee Protein on the Run
Nutrition (Per can): Calories: 220 Fat: 17 g (Saturated Fat: 2.5 g) Sodium: 280 mg Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g) Protein: 17 g
Tuna is a super healthy protein source that you can snack on or include in your lunch. Not only does it provide good-quality protein, it also provides healthy fats and is a great source of vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Take tuna on the go wherever you're headed with the Bumble Bee Protein on the Run packs. These come with marinated tuna and flavored crackers to give you a protein boost whenever you need it.
Bada Bean Bada Boom Roasted Fava Beans
Nutrition (Per 1-ounce serving): Calories: 110 Fat: 3.5 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g) Sodium: 160 mg Carbs: 16 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 2 g) Protein: 6 g
Bada Bean Bada Boom Roasted Fava Beans are all the rage in the world of healthy snacking. These beans make for a crunchy snack full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Plus, each serving is low in calories at only 110 and relatively lower in sodium than what you'd find in plenty of other crunchy snacks (think potato chips, pretzels, etc.) on the market.
Skinny Dipped Snack Attack Minis
Nutrition (Per snack pack, Dark Chocolate): Calories: 60 Fat: 4.5 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g) Sodium: 35 mg Carbs: 6 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 2 g) Protein: 2 g
For those looking for a sweet treat they can enjoy without derailing their health goals, the Skinny Dipped Snack Attack Minis are a great choice for auto-ship. These almond snack packs come in flavors like Lemon Bliss, Dark Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter, and each flavor stays within 2 or 3 grams of sugar per serving. Plus, you're getting a few grams of protein and fiber in each pack to help keep you full.
Angie's Boom Chicka Pop
Nutrition (Per bag): Calories: 140 Fat: 8 g (Saturated Fat: 0.5 g) Sodium: 110 mg Carbs: 18 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 8 g) Protein: 1 g
You should always be allowed to enjoy the sweet and salty goodness of kettle corn without having to consume a day's worth or more of sugar in one sitting. Thankfully, you can do it with brands like Angie's. Their famous Boom Chicka Pop is a blend of salty and sweet popcorn that has only 140 calories and 8 grams of total sugar per serving, and now they come in snack packs that you can take with you on the go any time. That's plenty of reason to have them set to auto-ship whenever you run out.
Chomp's Snack Size Beef Sticks
Nutrition (Per stick): Calories: 45 Fat: 3 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g) Sodium: 170 mg Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g) Protein: 4 g
Beef jerky is a delicious way to get a boost of protein throughout your day, and Chomps is a trustworthy brand that sells beef jerky sticks made only of grass-fed beef. The Chomps Snack Size Beef Sticks are an easy item to add to your regular grocery list because you can throw them in your car for busy days or pack them in your lunch bag to take to work.
Wonderful Pistachios
Nutrition (Per bag): Calories: 120 Fat: 10 g (Saturated Fat: 1 g) Sodium: 105 mg Carbs: 6 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 2 g) Protein: 5 g
Pistachios are one of the healthiest nuts you can eat and are full of protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants. Wonderful Pistachios is one of the best pistachio brands out there, and their snack packs come pre-portioned out so you know exactly what you're getting without having to do the math. You can get the regular Roasted & Salted kind, as well as flavors like BBQ, Chili Roasted, Dill Pickle, and Honey Roasted.
If you are anything like me, one of the highlights of a trip to Sam's Club is checking out all of the new snacks. I'm a sucker for anything sweet or salty – or even a combination of the two – and sort of live for in-between meal treats. This week, Sam's stores got some new shipments of snacks (some healthier than others) including candy, chips, and yogurt-filled bars. Here are the 7 latest-and-greatest Sam's Clubs snacks that hit shelves this week.
PopCorners White Cheddar Popped-Corn Snack
I love crunching on salty things throughout the day. PopCorners White Cheddar Popped-Corn Snack are a more wholesome option than traditional chips. The non-GMO, popped corn treats are gluten-free and never fried, but still offer a crisp texture and savory flavor. $6.98 for an 18-ounce bag.
Kinder Joy Easter Chocolate Surprise Egg
My daughter is truly obsessed with Kinder Joy eggs, and they aren't cheap. Sam's Club just got this 20-pack of Kinder Joy Easter-themed eggs and they are currently on sale for $4 off – just $15.98 or about $0.80 per egg, which is a total steal.
Member's Mark Spring Fruit Snacks
Whether you have kids or are young at heart, fruit snacks are an easy solution for a quick sugar fix. I love the seasonal shapes of Member's Mark Spring Fruit Snacks, available for a limited time. The 100 pack is filled with five flavors, cherry, strawberry, raspberry, orange, and blueberry, and retails for $10.78.
Member's Mark Spring Cutout Cookies
If you have any spring-themed gatherings on the horizon, head over the Sam's Club bakery for these adorable Member's Mark Spring Cutout Cookies. Each package comes with 15 cookies, five blue daisies, five pink tulips, and five yellow butterflies, and costs $10.98.
A great pick-me-up snack for kids, this Nutri-Grain Power-Fulls Soft Baked Oat Bites variety pack includes 14 pouches, seven strawberry and seven chocolate chip. Each offers 10% daily value protein and 8 grams of whole grains per seving.
Clio Greek Yogurt Raspberry and Peach Mini Bars
One of my new favorite snacks? Clio Greek Yogurt Raspberry and Peach Mini Bars. The delicious sweet treats are just 70 calories per serving with four grams of protein, and are great for sugar cravings. This box has 24 guilt-free bars in it.
You might not be able to carry a jar of pickles around with you, but Vlasic Pickle Balls Dill Pickle Flavored Corn Puffs are a great portable alterative. Each puff combines dill and vinegar in a bold and tangy taste. The gluten-free treat costs $5.48 for a larg14 oz. bag.
Costco's Kirkland Signature brand is, for the most part, amazing—there are some true hidden gems available, from grocery staples to drinks and snacks. Costco members don't need to be sold on Kirkland, as the private label is a major draw for shoppers who want high quality for exceptional value. Having said that, there are certain areas where Kirkland just doesn't measure up to the big name brands, and this is where shoppers are willing to spend a little bit more to get exactly what they want. Here are 7 name-brand items Costco members say are better than Kirkland.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Cream Cheese just can't be topped, shoppers say. "Philadelphia cream cheese. I don't buy it often but the Kirkland version is grainy and weird," one shopper said. "Came here looking for this one. The Kirkland cream cheese is weird and plastic-y and a definite do not buy for us," another agreed. "I have only tried a handful of other brand cream cheeses and I haven't found one I liked. Philadelphia is the GOAT," a third said.
Kerrygold Butter
Customers say the Kerrygold Butter is better than the Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter. "My preference for Kerrygold is very strong over any other butter, but I know that won't be the case for everyone," one Costco member said. "I certainly found Kerrygold better than the Kirkland version for a very specific application (making ghee)," another added. "I made ghee from four different types of butter (Kerrygold, Kirkland grassfed version, Kirkland regular butter, and Land O Lakes), and had my family do a blind taste test. Kerrygold won every time!"
Finish Powerball Quantum Dishwasher Pods
The Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods are well worth the money, shoppers say. "Many things in my home are Kirkland, but I recently picked these up over the Kirkland dish pods because they were on a better sale, and I have to admit they're just way better," one Redditor shared. "I thought my dishwasher was just old for a long time because a lot of dishes I'd put in wouldn't clean fully unless they were 100% pre-rinsed off every time."
Some Costco members say it doesn't get better than Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bars. "Kirkland bars aren't bad they just aren't Haagen-Dazs," one Redditor said. "Ice cream bars aren't a staple, they're a splurge and if imma indulge once in a while I will indulge the right way."
Dawn Dish Soap
Kirkland dish soap doesn't hold a candle to good old-fashioned Dawn Dish Soap, customers say. "I legitimately don't think that there's an alternative dish soap it's the best! Even at my restaurant we switched to using Dawn for dishes," one shopper said.
Charmin Toilet Paper
Quite a number of Costco members swear by Charmin over the Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue. "I was just saying that the Kirkland toilet paper used to totally be a good deal, but I will never buy it again. The quality has gone down so hard. I'm gonna stick to Charmin," one shopper declared. "Charmin. I don't see the love for Kirkland TP," another agreed.
The Kirkland Signature Organic Unbleached All Purpose Flour doesn't measure up the King Arthur brand, some shoppers say. "King Arthur flour. I will not take a chance on flour," one Redditor said. "My mother always told me to never use cheap flour. I ignored her in my college years, and found out how important using top quality ingredients is to the final product when baking. It takes me almost a month to use an entire bag of flour and bread flour. I am unwilling to sacrifice the quality of my baking for a month, or throw away an entire bag of flour. I just won't take the chance."
Costco carries many name-brand items for less, ranging from mattresses and toilet paper to food. However, if you want to save even more money, Kirkland Signature, Costco's warehouse brand, is the way to go. And here's a fun fact: Many of the KS products are actually manufactured by name-brand factories. We have sourced Reddit feeds and spoken to Costco customers to bring you a list of the 11 best Kirkland Signature items for saving money in 2025.
Kirkland Signature Keurig Coffee Pods
Keurig knows coffee pods can be pricey. However, Kirkland brand pods are backed by Keurig for seamless use with their machines and offer much more bang for the buck. The warehouse also partners with branded brewers including Starbucks and Green Mountain.
Kirkland Signature Foodservice Foil
If you are worried that you are buying an off-brand by saving money with Kirkland Signature Foodservice Foil, don't be. The Reynold's Wrap name is stamped on the box's front. The cheaper option is backed by Costco shoppers for its high quality.
Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil
According to shoppers, one of Costco's best items is their Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil, "particularly the single origin ones that come in the glass bottles," one specifies. "The quality is superb and I'm just a bit more hopeful that it's not adulterated counterfeit crap like so many other seemingly reputable brands are," another says.
Kirkland Signature Pesto is "hands down" high-quality and "as good as any other you'd find at the supermarket (actually better because it's not shelf stable, so no preservatives) and a larger quantity," states a fan. Another adds that the jaw of mashed basil is "a deal and very versatile," while a third says it's "delicious" compared to other stores.
Kirkland Signature Baby Formula
Kirkland Signature baby formula is made by the pharmaceutical brand Perrigo, which the company confirmed in 2011 when the partnership extended to Canadian stores. "Our acquisition of the infant formula business last year has been a great growth driver for our Company," Perrigo CEO Joseph C. Papa stated on behalf of Perrigo. "The addition of Costco's Canada business will create even more opportunities to help consumers save money on quality, affordable healthcare."
Kirkland Signature Kitchen Drawstring Bags
Generic trash bags can often be, well, garbage compared to name brands. "The trash bags," aka Kirkland Signature Kitchen Drawstring Bags, are not to be slept on, according to one Redditor. "I came here to say this! A box lasts forever. I've never had a bag bust, and they've helped me move about a million times!" Another agreed.
Kirkland Signature Greek Yogurt
Forget spending top dollar on name-brand Greek yogurt. Fans regularly hail the Kirkland Signature variety as better than any other. "The fat-free plain Greek yogurt. Just like Fage," one popular comment reads. "YES. I just got my first container this week and I am shocked at how good it is. It might even be better than Fage!" another agrees.
Kirkland Signature by Stearns & Foster Mattress
Kirkland Signature even makes mattresses. Well, not exactly. Costco teamed up with pricey bed brand Stearns & Foster to develop a less expensive version. Kirkland Signature by Stearns & Foster mattresses are premium sleeping surfaces made by the brand for a fraction of the price.
Kirkland Signature 680 Thread Count Sheet Set, $74.99 online for a Full set, is adored by shoppers and even interior design experts. "They feel like a $200 set of sheets, incredibly soft right away and so high quality! I had the entry level Brooklinen bedding in the past, it was expensive and never felt this good. Costco wins again! Also the $99 down duvet is chefs kiss," writes one Redditor. The cotton sheets are "extremely soft yet crisp" and the fitted sheet "has wonderful elastic-reinforced corners that make the sheets easy to put on the mattress and KEEP on the mattress if you are not a sound sleeper," writes one reveiwer on the Costco website. "I have bought other highly praised sheets such as Brooklinen and these are equivalent if not better in quality to their percale/luxe sets in my opinion."
Kirkland Signature The Big Red Cups
Why pay more for The Big Red Cups from Chinet, when you can save on Kirkland Signature The Big Red Cups, also made by Chinet. The partnership, with the Chinet logo splashed on the bag, is no secret, and customers maintain they are the real deal.
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream
One of the most beloved items in the Costco freezer section is Kirkland Signature Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream. "The super premium vanilla ice cream is unbeatable," one highly liked Reddit comment reads. The creamy ice cream is "the most delicious ice cream I've ever tasted. I'd heard all the hype and finally got some the other day, and boy did the hype deliver! Fan for life now," another poster said.
Kirkland Signature Paper Towels, Kevin's Naturals meals, and Goldfish crackers are just some of the items Costco stocks and restocks regularly. However, the warehouse also receives shipments of items in limited quantities, which they feature in a "While Supplies Last" section. From designer shoes for next to nothing to small kitchen gadgets and alarm systems at unbeatable prices, there are currently over 200 items in the category. Here are the 7 best Costco finds from the "While Supplies Last" section this month, which you should buy before they sell out.
Dash MultiMaker Mini Waffle System with Removable Plates and Storage Case
Reese Witherspoon's clothing line, Draper James, isn't cheap. Somehow, Draper James Ladies' Boots landed at Costco, and they are totally adorable. With a two-inch heel height and comfort zipbed, they are designed for all-day wear. And who can't use another pair of black booties for just $14.97 – similar styles are close to $200 on the Draper James website. Some sizes are sold out so they are only available in sizes 8 to 11.
Tramontina 3-pack Hard Anodized Aluminum Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan Set
Nonstick cookware makes healthy eating easier. This Tramontina 3-pack Hard Anodized Aluminum Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan Set is highly reviewed by shoppers with a 4.3-star rating. Each of the three pans is made out of heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum and features a nonstick ceramic interior. The cost? $29.97 for all three. The only con? Hand washing is recommended.
I am obsessed with Apotheke candles. Currently, Costco has the 10.5 oz Charcoal candle, retailing for about $10 less than other stores. Each soy wax candle offers 60 to 70 hours of burn time, and this scent, in particular, is very neutral and broody.
Trudeau Silicone 12-count Muffin Pan, 2-pack
I bought the Trudeau Silicone 12-count Muffin Pan, 2-pack, a little while back at Costco and can attest that the pans are seriously the best I've ever used. They make removing the muffin from the pan super easy and mess-free. And you can't beat $14.97 for both the dishwasher-safe baking tools.
SimpliSafe Home Security Kit, 13-piece
ScreenshotCostco
I'm not sure how Costco sells the 13-piece SimpliSafe Home Security Kit for just $149.97, considering a possibly identical set costs $500 on the SimpliSafe website. Yet here we are. Not only does the price include shipping and handling, but 3 free months of 24/7 professional monitoring.
Henckels 3-piece Cutting Boards
Fun fact: You should replace cutting boards regularly, to avoid contamination. If you are on the market for a new set, don't sleep on this great deal. Get Henckels 3-piece Cutting Boards set for just $16.89 including shipping and handling. Each board is reversible, one side with juice wells and the other flat, and dishwasher safe.
Groceries are expensive these days, even at Costco where you pay more up front to save money overall. What makes Costco special is you can get some luxury grocery items at a reasonable price, both brand names and Kirkland Signature, without spending a ridiculous amount of money to enjoy it. So what can you pick up in store to make you feel like you're indulging champagne taste on a beer budget? Here are 11 Costco groceries that will make you feel rich without breaking the bank.
Tsar Nicolai Caviar
One happy Redditor found Tsar Nicolai Caviar at their local warehouse for $53.99. "My Costco is so fancy, I love it," they said. "Bought this for my wife's birthday and made little blini with some whipped cream cheese. So good and I love Costco for having this."
Fattorie Garofalo Bufala Mozzarella
Some Costco warehouses carry the Fattorie Garofalo Bufala Mozzarella ($17.19 in California), a delicious, luxurious Italian cheese. "Summerlin Costco in Las Vegas has some nicer stuff. Imported Italian bufala mozzarella," one Redditor shared.
One Redditor noticed their warehouse carried a Le Creuset skillet grill for $119.99 (it's $225.00 at other retailers!) and a Dutch Oven for $199. "It's great for smash burgers… If you use it as the smasher on top of a better, flat pan," one Redditor commented. "Yeah that dutch oven is $390 at Williams Sonoma," another said.
Smoked Salmon
Good smoked salmon is expensive—but at Costco, you can get some seriously delicious fish for a reasonable price, like the Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Smoked Sockeye Salmon. "Got the Alaskan smoked sockeye for the first time on Friday, so good," one Redditor said. "Can confirm it is amazeballs," another confirmed.
Noel Serrano Ham
Nothing says "fancy" like imported Spanish ham, and Costco occasionally sells the Noel Serrano Ham Full Leg for $100. "Those are like a Christmas fruitcake. I got stuck with one and finally cut it up an handed out chucks of jamon to my friends," one Redditor said. "Omg I got one on sale for $80 a few years ago and I've been waiting for it to be in sale again since then. I would jump on this so fast it was SO GOOD. Try it with a drizzle of good olive oil," another said.
Organic Pine Nuts
Costco shoppers were shocked to see a 1.4 pound of Organic Pine Nuts on sale for just $23.99. "If you've ever gathered pine nuts, you'd think this was a steal. That's a LOT of squirrel fights in that bag right there," one shopper said. "I was at a regular grocery store the other day and for a small container it was $8 and the cashier went and verified the price and then came back and made sure the woman wanted them at that price. The woman knew they were expensive but the cashier was in shock," another commented.
Kirkland Signature Belgian Luxury Chocolates
The Kirkland Signature Belgian Luxury Chocolates taste much more expensive than they really are. "Belgian Luxury Chocolates were a HUGE hit! Put these out last night with the dessert pies, everyone loved them," one Redditor said. "Love these. Been waiting for them to hit our store," another commented.
Costco sweatpants feel like luxury at bargain pricing, shoppers say. "Costco always has the most plush sweats and they are perfect in this cold weather. My favorite at the moment are the ladies Puma flare leg. They are so thick and soft and cozy and make for a nice lazy Sunday," one Redditor said.
Kirkland Signature Canadian Whiskey
Costco members say the Kirkland Signature Canadian Whiskey tastes like luxury. "Crown Kirkland whiskey. Their Canadian whiskey tastes like Crown Royal and 1.75l costs about what a fifth of the name brand stuff costs," one shopper said.
Godiva Dark Chocolate Ganache Hearts
The Godiva Dark Chocolate Ganache Hearts are a very affordable luxury at $54.99. "Omg we're obsessed with the Godiva ganache hearts! We always get two bags in January so we have enough for the year until they're around again," one shopper said. "Yeah, last year I didn't get two and regretted it!" another commented. "It just came in stock this week. NPR ran stories around Halloween about how expensive chocolate cacao was because of crop yields and weather… and how a lot of the candy manufacturers were marketing gummy type of candies instead of true chocolates made out of true chocolate."
Kirkland Signature Organic Olive Oil
The Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a steal for just $26.99. "Feels smooth and silky on the tongue. Slightly spicy finish is delicious. Excellent price if you use as much olive oil as we do," one shopper said. "I've been using this olive oil for years and absolutely love it. You can't compete with the price," another commented.