Five Costco items that are always worth purchasing, including a $10 deal that can easily feed a family of four.

Five Costco items that are always worth purchasing, including a $10 deal that can easily feed a family of four.
Five Costco items that are always worth purchasing, including a $10 deal that can easily feed a family of four.

Costco is renowned for its affordable prices and devoted customers who consistently spend at least $60 annually on a membership fee.

While the wholesaler offers some of the lowest prices, especially for its Kirkland Signature store brand products, the discount size varies based on the item purchased. Additionally, bulk-size perishable items may spoil or become stale before they are fully utilized, reducing their value as a bargain.

DealNews.com consumer analyst Julie Ramhold was asked by CNBC Make It to list the best Costco items to buy.

Costco stores offer cheaper prices than what's found online, but prices can vary between stores and membership fees need to be considered.

1. Bacon

If you buy bacon in bulk, Costco offers very low prices. Ramhold recommends the four-pound package of Kirkland Signature Premium Sliced Bacon, which costs $15.29, or $3.82 per pound. This is significantly cheaper than prices at other stores, which tend to be around $6 per pound.

You can store bacon in a freezer for up to four months to stretch out its use.

Ramhold claims that Costco's prices are unbeatable and the quality is excellent, based on personal experience.

2. Premium vanilla ice cream

According to Ramhold, Costco's Kirkland Signature Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream is not the cheapest option, but it is "premium-level delicious" and costs around $8 per gallon, which may vary depending on the location.

Compared to other premium brands of ice cream, such as Blue Bell, which costs $8.32 at Walmart stores in select locations, the price is reasonable.

According to Ramhold, we keep it handy for use with pie, brownies, or to mix into coffee for a special weekend treat. It has become a household staple, even during cold weather.

3. Honey

Costco offers a range of honey products, but Ramhold prefers the five-pound bottle of Kirkland Signature Wildflower Honey, which is priced at $17.99 online, although in-store prices are typically cheaper, she notes.

According to Ramhold, the price of honey at about 23 cents per ounce is "far better" than the name-brand retailers who sell honey for up to 50 cents per ounce.

Purchasing honey in large quantities can provide excellent worth, as it can endure for an extended period-even up to 12 months or beyond.

4. Gas

You may as well get a full tank of gas at Costco since you're already there. Costco's gas prices are usually cheaper than those at nearby gas stations.

According to Gas Buddy data, a gallon of regular gas at a New York Costco costs $3.09, which is lower than the average price of $3.40 at nearby gas stations. This difference amounts to a savings of just over $6 for 20 gallons, which can accumulate over time.

Weekends and weekday rush hours are common at Costco gas stations, resulting in long lines.

5. Pizza

The $1.50 hot dog and 20-ounce drink combo at Costco is their most famous unbeatable deal.

A 18-inch pizza can be found in store food courts for $9.95. According to Ramhold, it's big enough to feed a family of four. This is an affordable meal option as individual fast-food meals usually cost more than $10.

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