Living near a Costco solves many things for you, especially if you live in one of these sprawl cities, such as Los Angeles, Dallas or the outskirts of London, and when shopping you should do it big to save yourself future trips (and gasoline, dude, that stuff has become expensive!).
And although shopping is a merely rational action, it is never that superfluous to throw into the shopping cart some treats, sweet stuff, snacks and other prepared dishes that will save you on that unexpected day you don’t have time to prepare dinner.
Costco knows how to caress your soul
Some Costco items (most of their global stock) are available in all stores in the United States, while certain exclusive items may be found only in some locations. In other countries such as Mexico, the United Kingdom or Australia, of course, the variety of products is subject to logistical and local availability.
Kirkland Roasted chicken: $4.99 each
You will never go wrong by bringing home one or two roasted chickens of the renowned Kirkland brand, which are sold by hundreds of millions per year in Costco stores. While these are sold for only $4.99 in Costco stores, in other places they can cost as much as double, around $9.99.
Now, there’s a catch in all this: $4.99 is not a profitable price for Costco (yeah, we know it, guys) and, according to various estimations, they cause losses between $30 million and $40 million per year, but they get the money back by placing the chickens at the back end of the stores, so that consumers first go through lots of shelves with much more profitable products. With this strategy, if you’re going for just one chicken, maybe you’ll get to the cashier with 3 or 4 more items that match for dinner.
Chicken Tenderloins: $23.79 for 6 pounds
Costco and Kirkland know about chicken. These chicken breast strips are a basic need for me, and they’re always present in my monthly shopping, but I can not guarantee that they will be available in all stores. You are going to have to do your own research and let me know (DM me!). Kirkland chickens are produced without antibiotics and are fully raised and prepared within the United States. Nothing like a good American product!
From the Amazon to your breakfast: around $2 per unit
Have you ever tried the Costco Acai Bowl? You are missing out on one of the most nutritious and healthy South American fruits that exists, native from the Amazon (the forest, not the website). These bowls contain a blend of acai (known as Açai, in Brazil) with organic fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, bananas and others, which contain a ton of nutrients and vitamins, and are also a delicious antioxidants bomb. They are delicious snacks or desserts that are suitable for any time of the day and have less than 200 calories! What?!
Organic Fruit Bars: Trust me, you’ll love’em!
These bars have everything you need in a healthy snack: they are gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO and organically certified by the USDA. Totally natural flavor and no artificial colors. Oh! Almost forgot: They’re kosher certified. The box has a variety of flavors, including: 8 pineapple-passion fruit bars, 12 strawberry-banana and 8 lemon-raspberry. Try them, you can thank me later.
The best fresh croissants in town
If you walk into the Costco and smell freshly baked croissants, you better run and grab a dozen (or two), because they fly away. They’re soooo popular, and that’s not by chance.
Costco has a reputation for its baked goods, and croissants are no exception. While you can find them in other supermarkets or establishments, nothing compares to the quality and taste of these beautifully crafted pastries. Just in case, take a look at the pastries section of Costco; there are some hidden treasures you may be missing out.
The Costco hot dog: $1.50 since 1985
The price of one of the best hot dogs in the country has not changed for more than 36 years. How do they do that? We don’t really know, but this magic trick is defying economic theories.
Due to the inflation accumulated over so many years, Costco had to increase the price of its historic and comforting chicken pies from $1 to $3.99, and soft drinks from $0.10 to $0.69, but they still maintain absolutely competitive quality and taste.
Bonus track: Pizzas!
This one was not intended to make it into this list, but I can’t do this to you. For sure, you should try the wonderful Costco Fresh Baked Pizza, which has also been costing $9.95 for years. The dough is just incredible, perfectly leaven, and they use high quality homemade style sauce and high grade cheese.
Since you are here, check out these 6 snacks that I always add to my shopping list in Costco, and you should do!
Pizza: I love you
We can’t stop suggesting you pizzas. “Too much pizza is not a thing”, Am I right? That’s why we’ve made a scientifically accurate investigation about the Trader Joe’s best pizzas. From best to not-that-good, take a look and stock up for the weekend, or for Qatar 2022!