Want to get the absolute most value from your Costco membership? While everyone knows about the famous $1.50 hot dog combo and rotisserie chicken deals, there are countless other money-saving opportunities hidden throughout the warehouse. From secret price codes to timing your purchases just right, these insider tips reveal exactly which items deserve a spot in your cart.
Master the price tag code system for massive savings
Those price tags at Costco contain valuable hidden information that can help you score the best deals. Regular prices end in .99, but when you spot a price ending in .97, that means it’s a manager’s markdown – often significantly discounted from the original price. The savings on these items can be substantial, sometimes up to 70% off the regular price.
Keep your eyes peeled for prices ending in .00 or .88 – these indicate the item has been marked down multiple times and the store wants to clear it out fast. An asterisk (*) in the top right corner of the price tag is another key signal – it means that item won’t be restocked once it sells out. If you see both an asterisk and a .97 price, grab it immediately.
For electronics and major appliances, look for prices ending in .97 combined with dates on the price tag. This indicates the item is discontinued and won’t be ordered again. These tend to be some of the deepest discounts you’ll find, often hundreds of dollars below the original price. The store needs to clear floor space for new models.
Understanding these price codes allows you to identify the truly exceptional deals versus regular prices. Make a habit of checking the price endings whenever you shop. Consider taking photos of price tags on items you buy regularly so you can track when they go on markdown. The savings really add up when you know what to look for.
Premium foods that beat supermarket prices
Kirkland Signature Parmigiano Reggiano cheese offers exceptional value – authentic aged Italian cheese for 30-40% less than grocery stores. The large wedge keeps well for months when properly stored. This is real Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy, not a domestic imitation. The deep, complex flavor makes it worth stocking up when you find it.
Another smart buy is Kirkland Signature Wild Flower Honey – raw, unfiltered honey at a fraction of specialty store prices. The large containers last for months and never spoil. The flavor is noticeably richer and more complex than standard processed honey. Stock up since honey has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly.
High-quality butter like Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter and Kirkland Grass-Fed Butter cost significantly less at Costco compared to other retailers. The butter freezes beautifully, so you can stock up when prices are lowest. These premium butters add incredible flavor to baked goods and everyday cooking.
Don’t miss the Au Pain Doré Frozen Butter Croissants – these are the real deal, made with pure butter and proofed properly. They bake up beautifully at home and cost much less than bakery croissants. Keep them in the freezer and bake just what you need. The quality rivals corner bakeries at a fraction of the price.
Smart strategies for timing your purchases
Costco’s sales cycles run on a predictable pattern – each sale starts on a Wednesday and runs for about 26 days, ending on a Sunday. Understanding this schedule helps you plan purchases to maximize savings. Major sales typically occur monthly, with especially deep discounts around holidays.
The best deals often appear in the monthly coupon book, which arrives about a week before sales start. Subscribe to Costco’s email alerts to get digital versions of these coupons. The discounts are automatically applied at checkout – no clipping required. Some items see significant markdowns of 30% or more during these promotional periods.
Shopping during off-peak hours – typically weekday mornings or late evenings – gives you the best access to markdowns and manager specials. This is when stock crews do most price changes and markdowns. You’ll find the best selection of .97 special buys during these quieter shopping times.
Seasonal items see the deepest discounts about 2-3 weeks after the relevant holiday. Summer items get marked down in August, Halloween items in early November, and holiday goods right after New Year’s. Plan ahead and stock up for next year when these clearance sales hit.
Hidden values in the freezer section
The freezer aisles hide some of Costco’s best values. Motor City Pizza Co. Double Pepperoni Pizza offers restaurant quality at home for a fraction of delivery prices. The thick Detroit-style crust and premium toppings make it worth stocking up when on sale.
Bibigo Chicken & Cilantro Mini Wontons and Ling Ling Potstickers provide quick, satisfying meals that cost much less than takeout. The quality matches restaurants, and the large bags last through multiple meals. Keep several bags on hand for easy dinners and appetizers.
Wild Alaskan Salmon Burgers offer premium seafood convenience at a great price point. These are made from whole fillets, not scraps, and the flavor proves it. They cook straight from frozen and make healthy meals simple. Stock up when you see them marked down with a .97 price.
Don’t overlook Pasta Prima Spinach and Mozzarella Ravioli in the freezer section. The pasta is tender, the filling generous, and the quality rivals fresh pasta but keeps much longer. The family-size bags provide several meals worth of premium pasta at a reasonable price point.
Must have household essentials worth stockpiling
Smart shoppers know Kirkland Signature household basics offer unbeatable value. The trash bags are notably sturdy and cost about half what name brands charge. Paper towels and toilet paper maintain consistent quality and frequently go on sale – stock up during monthly promotions when prices drop even lower.
Cleaning supplies like all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergent, and dish soap cost significantly less per use than supermarket sizes. The quality matches or exceeds name brands. Watch for instant rebates in the monthly coupon book to save even more.
Personal care items like shampoo, body wash, and toothpaste offer serious savings in bulk sizes. The selection includes premium brands at discounted prices. These items don’t expire quickly, so stocking up during sales makes financial sense.
Pet supplies deserve special mention – dog food, cat litter, and pet medications cost substantially less at Costco. The Kirkland pet food recipes match premium brands in quality but cost much less per pound. The savings on these essential items can quickly offset the membership fee.
Unexpected bargains in the beauty section
Many shoppers overlook Costco’s beauty department, missing out on significant savings. Premium skincare brands like La Mer appear periodically at steep discounts. These luxury products cost 20-30% less than department store prices. Watch for special seasonal gift sets that offer even better value.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides and other supplements cost much less at Costco compared to specialty stores. The quality is identical but the price per serving drops dramatically in the larger sizes. These items frequently appear in the monthly coupon book for additional savings.
Designer fragrances show up regularly at excellent prices. These are authentic products, not imitations, often bundled with bonus items like travel sizes or body products. The savings versus department stores can reach 40% or more. Gift sets appear seasonally with even deeper discounts.
Basic personal care items like razors, dental care products, and hair accessories offer steady savings. The multi-packs reduce the per-unit cost significantly compared to drugstore prices. Many of these items are eligible for instant rebates throughout the year.
Pantry staples that provide lasting value
Certain pantry items offer exceptional value at Costco. Kirkland Signature Imported Basil Pesto costs less than half what specialty stores charge. The quality matches premium brands and it freezes well in smaller portions.
Organic maple syrup in the large jugs provides significant savings over grocery store prices. The quality matches specialty brands but the price per ounce drops dramatically. Since it never spoils, buying the larger size makes financial sense.
Vanilla extract deserves special mention – the pure vanilla costs about 70% less than grocery store prices. The quality matches premium brands but the savings are substantial. Since it keeps indefinitely, stocking up during sales makes sense.
Nuts and dried fruits offer steady value, especially when buying organic options. The per-pound prices beat specialty stores significantly. Storage containers keep these items fresh for months when stored properly.
Secret deals in the wine and spirits section
The alcohol department holds some of Costco’s best values. Kirkland Signature vodka receives consistently high ratings from spirits experts. Many suspect it’s made by a premium vodka producer. The price sits about 40% below comparable premium brands.
Wine offers exceptional value, particularly in the $15-30 range. Costco’s wine buyers secure special deals from premium wineries, often offering wines at 30-40% below retail. The selection changes frequently, so grab interesting bottles when you see them. Many highly-rated wines appear at substantial discounts.
Kirkland Prosecco deserves special mention for its quality-to-price ratio. This Italian sparkling wine comes from the premium Prosecco region but costs about half what comparable bottles cost elsewhere. The crisp, balanced flavor makes it perfect for celebrations or everyday enjoyment.
Watch for seasonal wine and spirits gift sets, especially around holidays. These often include bonus items like glasses or gift packaging at no extra cost. The per-bottle prices typically beat standard retail by a significant margin during these promotions.
Produce picks worth your attention
Kirkland Signature Organic Broccoli provides consistent quality at prices well below organic grocery stores. The large bags work well for meal prep and weekly planning. The florets maintain freshness well when stored properly.
Organic spinach deserves consideration – Costco’s bags contain nearly three pounds for the price of one pound at regular grocery stores. The sealed packaging helps maintain freshness longer than standard grocery packaging. The savings on organic greens add up quickly for regular salad eaters.
Berries offer great value when in season. The containers are significantly larger than grocery store packages but cost about the same. Quality remains consistently high due to Costco’s rapid inventory turnover. Watch for organic options that often cost less than conventional berries at regular stores.
Fresh herbs in the refrigerated section last notably longer than grocery store versions. The packaging helps maintain moisture without promoting decay. The price per ounce beats grocery stores significantly, especially for organic options.
Understanding these insider tips transforms your Costco shopping experience from good to exceptional. The warehouse holds countless opportunities for savings, but knowing what to look for makes all the difference. Remember to check price codes, time your purchases around sales cycles, and explore beyond your usual departments. Your Costco membership becomes even more valuable when you apply these strategies consistently.
