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We're all looking for ways to stop overspending. There are obvious ways to save money at
Costco — but we've also found a few hidden gems that can keep your budget on
track. And these aren't one-time, super-special sale deals. These are items
you'll buy over and over again.
Our list of favorite finds includes store-brand generics, dupes, and more. From gourmet goat cheese to top-quality shampoo, these club buys are bargains
you might not think of buying but deserve a spot in your cart.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by
location.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco. New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable).
Pass on pricey pet clothes from stores like Petco. Reddy's sweatshirt for pups
is $24.99 at the retailer. But this Kirkland logo hoodie is only $13.99 at
Costco.
If you're wondering whether you should really buy generic pet clothes, take it
from Costco shopper LoLo, "When we put this on our dog, he turned into a whole
new dog. The confidence is unmatched…It's an amazing sweatshirt."
Do you only buy EVOO from gourmet brands? Specialty e-tailer Olio2Go sells a
fancy 500 mL bottle of Frescobaldi Laudemio Tuscan olive oil for $45.95.
Kirkland's version is only $2.99 for two liters (or 2,000 mL).
Kirkland UltraClean Laundry Detergent
Price: $19.99
Sensitive skin? You might need a free and clear detergent. And Costco has a
generic that works just as well as brand-name equivalents. A 100-load bottle of
Tide's Free and Gentle HE costs $19.99 at Target. Kirkland's generic is the same
price, but you'll get 146 loads from it.
Kirkland Moisture Shampoo
Price: $11.99
Generic shampoo may not have the same cachet as salon buys. But that shouldn't
make you skip this 33.8-ounce bottle of hydrating cleanser. Costco customers
praise this pick. Shopper Sonny raved, "Like you, I've tried about a trillion
shampoos…I got this bottle expecting to add to my collection of failures and was
thrilled to finally succeed."
Kirkland Aller-Tec
Price: $11.49 (on sale from 14.49 through 9/21/25)
Surprise, this Kirkland generic has the same active ingredient as Zyrtec. CVS sells a 40-count bottle of the name-brand OTC med for $24.49. For $10 less, you can get 365 Aller-Tec tablets. And both allergy options contain 10 mg of Cetirizine HCL.
Are you used to paying high prices for batteries? Four Energizer AAs cost $6.99
at Walgreens. We found this 48-pack of Kirkland's generic for under $16. You
would need to buy 12 packs of the Energizers (at over $83 total) to equal
Costco's bulk deal.
Forget about fancy French bakeries. You can buy baguettes at Costco. Yes,
they're generic Kirkland items. And yes, they taste just as good as what you
might find in pricier gourmet stores.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
rh2010/Adobe
September marks the start of a new season and a new shopping mindset. As summer winds down, it's the perfect time to take advantage of transitional savings and post-summer sales. Look for deals on:
Light layers and early fall fashion
Outdoor clearance items
Back-to-school essentials
For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like apples, squash, grapes, and sweet potatoes
As retailers begin to roll out fall promotions, September is the sweet spot for scoring deals on both end-of-summer clearances and early autumn items. Shop now to get the best of both seasons.
Kirkland Goat Cheese
Price: $8.89
Like baguettes, this goat cheese is something you might expect to snag from a
specialty store. But you can score a serious deal on the generic at Costco. Get
two 10.5-ounce logs for $8.89. A single 10-ounce size from Whole Foods Market's
365 brand costs $9.49.
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32 Degree Heat Ladies' Base Layers
Price: $13.99
If you usually shop at sports or outdoors stores for base layers, you're
probably paying too much for cold-weather gear. Costco's website lists this
two-pack for $13.99, but we spotted it at a local warehouse club for $9.97. Both
prices are still better than $55 for one Under Armour crew at Dick's Sporting
Goods.
Kirkland Sea Salt
Price: $6.69
Get over 1.6 pounds of sea salt, including a grinder top bottle and a refill, for
under $7. Use the bulk buy bargain to season everything from freshly baked
French fries to homemade tomato sauce. Compare Costco's price for 26 ounces to
$5.19 for 9.5 ounces of Olde Thompson Mediterranean Sea Salt at Target.
K-cup fans can get a better deal on medium roast pods in Costco stores.
Kirkland's generic Summit Roast blend is $41.99 for 120. On Keurig's website,
you'll pay over $67 for a one-time 96-count purchase of Green Mountain Coffee
Roasters Nantucket Blend.
LaCroix lovers pay $4.19 at Target for an eight-pack of 12-ounce cans.
Kirkland's surprisingly similar version is $16.99 for a case of 35 assorted
flavors. That breaks down to $0.52 per can of the name-brand versus $0.48 for
the generic. Make every penny count at Costco.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
Syda Productions/Adobe
Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Bottom line
Brett/Adobe
Whether you want to stock up on batteries or need a new shampoo, we've scoured
Costco's aisles for the must-have bargains that shoppers put on repeat. Even
though you might not think of a warehouse club's baguettes, coffee pods, or
sockeye salmon as top-choice selections, these (and the other picks on our list)
finds are fan favorites.
Looking to save even more? Use the top cash back credit
cards to earn cash back, points, or perks on eligible Costco purchases.
Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
$0 annual fee.
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
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$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
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Why we like it
If you love earning cash rewards but prefer to avoid the hassle of tracking spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card could be a good option for you. Cardmembers can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
This card also offers a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable. Those looking for straightforward rewards and an introductory APR will likely find value in this card.
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