Costco has long been a go-to destination for shoppers looking to save money by buying in bulk. While the warehouse giant still offers plenty of great deals, not every item is as affordable as it once was. Rising production costs, inflation, and supply chain issues have driven up the prices of some popular Costco products, making them less of a bargain than before. If you’ve noticed your total at checkout creeping higher, here are eight Costco items that used to be cheap but are now overpriced.
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1. Rotisserie Chicken
For years, Costco’s famous $4.99 rotisserie chicken has been a symbol of unbeatable value. However, while the price has remained the same, many shoppers believe the size of the chicken has shrunk over time. Some have also noticed a difference in flavor and quality, with complaints that the meat is drier than it used to be. Since grocery store rotisserie chickens are often similar in price but larger in size, this Costco staple may no longer be the best deal in town.
2. Kirkland Signature Bacon
Kirkland Signature Bacon was once a steal, offering thick, high-quality slices at a lower price than name-brand competitors. However, in recent years, the price of bacon at Costco has surged, making it far less of a bargain. With the rising cost of pork and ongoing supply chain issues, Costco’s bacon is now priced similarly to what you’d find at regular grocery stores—sometimes even higher. Shoppers who once stocked up on bulk bacon are now looking for cheaper alternatives elsewhere.
3. Eggs
Egg prices have been on a rollercoaster, and Costco has not been immune to the price spikes. While Costco once offered eggs at a significant discount compared to traditional supermarkets, the gap has narrowed. Organic and free-range eggs, in particular, have seen some of the steepest price increases at Costco. While eggs are still a necessity, bulk buying at Costco may not be the cost-saver it used to be, especially when local grocery stores run promotions on smaller cartons.
4. Paper Towels and Toilet Paper
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Paper products like Kirkland Signature paper towels and toilet paper were once unbeatable in terms of value. However, their prices have steadily climbed in recent years, and the quality of some products has reportedly declined. Many shoppers have noticed that Costco’s bulk paper products are now comparable in price to major retailers like Walmart and Target. In some cases, waiting for sales at regular grocery stores can yield better deals on name-brand alternatives.
5. Organic Milk
Organic milk at Costco used to be a fantastic deal, offering bulk-sized cartons at a lower price per ounce than traditional grocery stores. However, the price of organic dairy products has risen sharply, and Costco’s milk is no longer as cheap as it once was. Some shoppers now find better deals on organic milk at grocery stores, especially when buying store-brand versions or taking advantage of weekly promotions.
6. Snack Foods and Chips
Costco’s bulk snack options, including family-size chip bags and multi-pack snack boxes, used to offer unbeatable savings. However, many shoppers have noticed price increases on popular snack items, making them less of a bargain. In some cases, buying regular-sized snack packs on sale at a grocery store is a better value than Costco’s bulk pricing. Additionally, changes in portion sizes mean that some Costco snack products contain fewer servings than before, further reducing their value.
7. Frozen Seafood
Costco’s frozen seafood selection, including shrimp, salmon, and scallops, has seen steep price increases over the past few years. While the quality is often high, the cost per pound has risen to the point where some shoppers feel they can find better deals at local seafood markets or discount grocery chains. Buying fresh seafood on sale or shopping at warehouse competitors like Sam’s Club can sometimes yield better prices than Costco’s frozen options.
8. Laundry Detergent
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Kirkland Signature laundry detergent has long been a Costco staple for budget-conscious shoppers. However, price increases on liquid and detergent pods have made this once-affordable product less of a steal. With frequent sales and coupons available at regular retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon, Costco’s detergent pricing is no longer the clear winner. Shoppers who compare unit prices may find better deals outside of Costco.
While Costco still offers great savings on many products, some once-affordable items have become surprisingly expensive. Rising prices on essentials like eggs, paper towels, and frozen seafood mean that shoppers need to be more strategic when buying in bulk. Before assuming Costco has the best deal, comparing prices at grocery stores and discount retailers can help ensure you’re saving money. If you’ve noticed some Costco products costing more than expected, it may be time to rethink your shopping strategy.
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