If you’re anything like me, you rely on Costco for bulk savings on those everyday essentials. But buckle up—prices for these 20 popular items are on the brink of spiking.
Between inflation, supply chain nightmares, and global demand changes, now is the time to load up your cart before costs go through the roof.
Let’s walk through each product and figure out how to stay one step ahead of the price hikes.
1. Eggs
We’ve all noticed how egg prices swing wildly from week to week. But with ongoing feed costs and soaring demand (especially around baking season), eggs are not about to get cheaper anytime soon.
At Costco, buying eggs in bulk usually offers major savings.
Still, if you’re someone who relies on a constant supply for breakfast scrambles or weekend omelets, you may want to grab an extra carton now. Watching for coupons and sales in your local store can also help soften the blow.
2. Milk & Dairy Products
Dairy farmers have been feeling the squeeze of higher feed and labor costs for a while, and inflation isn’t helping. That’s pushing up the price of everything from whole milk to lactose-free options.
Since Costco typically sells large quantities, it’s often your best bet for cheaper dairy. If you have the fridge space (or a chest freezer for cheese and butter), consider stocking up. Just be mindful of expiration dates—sometimes it’s worth splitting a bulk purchase with a friend.
3. Butter
Baking season or not, butter is essential for everything from morning toast to decadent desserts. Unfortunately, dairy supply shortages have been driving its price upward.
At Costco, you can find multi-pound packs that usually cost less per stick than most grocery stores. My advice? Freeze what you won’t use right away. Butter stays fresh for months in the freezer, so it’s a smart way to lock in today’s lower price.
4. Cheese
Whether you’re a cheddar loyalist or an aficionado of fancy European blends, cheese prices are creeping up thanks to production costs and demand. Even beloved bulk deals at Costco won’t be immune.
Don’t panic, though. You can still stretch your cheese budget by shredding and freezing it for future use. Just portion it out, pop it in freezer-safe bags, and pull out exactly what you need for sandwiches, casseroles, or pizza night.
5. Chicken
Chicken has long been a go-to protein for families on a budget. But high feed prices and supply chain disruptions have been raising poultry costs for months, and it’s only going up.
Stocking up on Costco’s big packs of chicken breasts or thighs can still be a decent bargain. Pro tip: Portion them into meal-sized freezer bags and marinate them before freezing. That way, you’ll have an easy, flavorful dinner ready to go, at a fraction of the soon-to-be higher price.
6. Beef & Ground Meat
Ongoing inflation, processing costs, and global demand are putting pressure on beef prices. If you’ve checked the meat aisle lately, you know ground beef and steaks already aren’t cheap.
Costco does offer bulk packages that can save you a few dollars per pound. Grab them while you can and consider investing in a vacuum sealer to keep that meat fresh in the freezer. You’ll thank yourself when the price tags start climbing even higher.
7. Salmon & Fresh Seafood
We all love fresh salmon fillets and shrimp from Costco’s seafood section. Unfortunately, fishing restrictions and global demand mean these items are inching their way into the “special occasion only” category.
My strategy? When you see a deal, pounce on it. You can portion out the salmon fillets and freeze them individually, so it’s easy to defrost just what you need. That way, you get to enjoy your seafood fix without paying next month’s potential premium.
8. Canned Tuna & Canned Salmon
Even if fresh seafood is out of reach for some, canned tuna and salmon have been a reliable budget-friendly fallback. But increased fishing regulations and packaging costs are making these pantry staples pricier, too.
If you spot a sale, don’t hesitate—grab a few packs. These cans are super versatile (hello, salmon patties and tuna melts) and last a long time. Buying in bulk at Costco can still net you a decent price, but I’d do it sooner rather than later.
9. Olive Oil
f you cook at home often, you know a good olive oil is like liquid gold. Sadly, actual gold might be cheaper these days: Global shortages, poor harvests, and supply chain hiccups are sending olive oil prices through the roof.
At Costco, their Kirkland Signature olive oil is often a fantastic deal, but be prepared—it’s likely to climb. If you have the room, stock up on an extra bottle or two now and store them in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness.
10. Coffee
Climate change has been wreaking havoc on coffee-growing regions, and supply chain delays are piling on extra costs. Translation? That morning cup of joe is going to sting your wallet more in the near future.
Costco’s bulk coffee options are usually kinder to your budget. Snag a few extra bags (or K-Cup boxes) if you can store them properly. Keep them in airtight containers to maintain flavor, and you’ll be your own barista at a better price.
11. Flour & Baking Supplies
Between wheat shortages and rising production costs, basic baking ingredients like flour, sugar, and yeast have all been inching upward. If you love to bake, this one’s going to hit home.
At Costco, you can buy big bags of flour and large packs of sugar at lower per-unit prices. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers to keep everything fresh. Your future brownies—and your future budget—will thank you.
12. Frozen Vegetables
Frozen veggies are a lifesaver on busy nights, but shipping and packaging expenses are on the rise. Those bagged peas, corn, and mixed veggies might soon cost more than you’d expect.
Costco’s value-sized bags remain relatively cheaper per pound than many grocery stores. If your freezer has space, grab a couple of extra bags. You’ll keep dinner healthy and wallet-friendly for a bit longer.
13. Rice & Pasta
They’re the backbone of countless meals, but global crop issues and inflation are affecting these pantry champions, too. Rice, spaghetti, and other noodles are inching up in price.
Check out Costco’s bulk rice and pasta sections to stock up. It may seem excessive to buy a 20-pound bag of rice, but it can last for ages if stored properly, and you’ll be glad you have it once prices spike.
14. Cereal & Breakfast Foods
Cereal lovers, prepare yourselves—ingredient costs for grains and sugar are climbing, and packaging expenses are through the roof. Your favorite morning bowl might not stay cheap for long.
The big boxes at Costco usually offer the best cost per ounce. Grab a couple of your go-to cereals when they’re on sale, and store them in airtight containers to keep them crispy.
15. Peanut Butter & Nut Butters
Nut butters have soared in popularity, and with supply chain disruptions and increased demand, we’re seeing the cost of peanuts, almonds, and cashews go up.
Costco’s big jars of peanut butter or almond butter typically give you more spread for your buck. If you’re a serious PB&J lover like me, this might be the perfect time to stash an extra jar or two in the pantry.
16. Bottled Water & Beverages
Plastic packaging costs and shipping woes mean bottled water and other drinks (like juices and iced tea) are becoming more expensive to produce.
While investing in a reusable water bottle and a filtration system is still your best bet, grabbing a case or two from Costco for emergencies doesn’t hurt. Keep an eye out for coupons or discounts—sometimes you can catch a decent deal.
17. Snack Foods & Chips
Those jumbo snack bags and multi-packs might not feel like a bargain much longer, thanks to higher ingredient prices (hello, cooking oil) and shipping costs.
When you see a sale at Costco, pounce on it. It might be a good idea to explore store-brand alternatives, too, as they can sometimes offer the same crunchy satisfaction for a fraction of the price.
18. Organic Honey
Organic honey, often seen as a healthier alternative to sugar, is facing a price surge. The rising costs are driven by environmental factors affecting bee populations and production.
Consider buying in bulk now to save later, as prices are unlikely to drop anytime soon.
19. Maple Syrup
Climate change has affected the tapping seasons, leading to reduced yields and increased production costs. This natural sweetener, often preferred over processed sugar, is cherished by many.
Unfortunately, the scarcity of raw materials is pushing prices up, making it less accessible.
20. Quinoa
Quinoa, a superfood celebrated for its protein content, is also set to see a price increase. The crop’s popularity has surged, leading to higher demand and cultivation challenges.
Considering its nutritional value, it might be wise to purchase extra quinoa before the prices soar.