Becoming a member of Costco can bring about countless benefits that go beyond the exclusive prices for bulk purchases. Among the perks are the products and deals that are exclusively offered at Costco, accessible only to members of the wholesale retailer’s beloved system.
In a recent interview with CNBC Make It, Julie Ramhold— a consumer analyst and expert at DealNews— imparted valuable insights on three products that provide the “best” value for your money when bought from Costco instead of other retailers.
With these tips, you’ll be able to take full advantage of your Costco membership and enjoy the benefits of shopping there even more!
3 Essential Costco Products That Are Worth Buying From The Retailer—And Why
1. Gas
When considering the cost of filling up your tank these days, it's wise to keep in mind that Costco probably offers lower gas prices than many of the local gas stations in your area, according to Ramhold. It's important to note, however, that in order to access their fuel pumps, you'll need to be a Costco member, which does require a $60 fee. Nevertheless, there are further incentives for acquiring fuel from Costco such as cash back rewards and a host of other benefits.
Costco is known to offer affordable gasoline, but the caveat is that "everybody in town knows it's cheap," as mentioned by Ramhold. Due to this widespread knowledge, long queues have become a common sight at their gas stations, especially during peak hours on weekdays, and on weekends. "If you have the time and you need gas, by all means, get gas while you’re there, because it’s well worth it," she advises.
2. Maple Syrup
At the sprawling Costco warehouse stores across the country, shoppers can find an incredibly sweet deal on a delicious staple of the breakfast table: maple syrup. With a volume of 33.8 ounces, a jug of Kirkland-branded maple syrup can be procured for the tantalizingly low price of just $14.99.
Ramhold points out that this is a significant bargain when compared to the price of maple syrup found at other retailers, including both standard grocery stores and massive box stores. She notes that shoppers are likely to save a few dollars by opting for the Kirkland brand at Costco. "When you break down the unit price, it’s much better compared to shopping at regular grocery stores, or even big box stores like Walmart," she says, adding: "It’s something that’s always in my fridge."
3. Nuts
At Costco, there is an abundance of wholesome and nutritious nuts that are not only filled with protein, but also boast some of the most reasonable prices on the market, according to Ramhold. "I’ve never seen another store beat Costco prices, whether you’re buying cans of salted peanuts, mixed nuts or if you’re buying three pounds of raw almonds," she points out. The retailer, of course, sells nuts in bulk which can be great for large families or anyone who loves snacking on them!
Overall, when it comes to finding the best deals and must-have items, many customers and experts believe that there's no better place to look than Costco. These are just three quality and affordable items to check out when shopping there, but members surely think there are many more!
