Costco is great when they have deals with a reasonable quantity. . That gives you price/sheet. You said Costco was more expensive, but that is not at all what I’ve found. Lastly, I don’t buy fresh vegetables at Costco too often unless their organic. As with anything else, you pay for convenience and if you shop around you can more often than not get a better deal elsewhere. If your 2% back on executive membership does not cover the cost difference between it and gold star membership you can get the difference between your rebate and the extra cost at the service desk. You do not have to spend $5000 to break even on a executive membership since you already spent $55 for a normal membership. When I mentioned this to the section manager, he just shrugged his shoulders and said “oops”. Who are the other people there, and do they disturb your calm enough to overcome any financial savings? I should note that CostCo has always had better prices on dairy goods than our local grocery stores, from Connecticut to California. Please assure me that Superstore’s interpretation of ‘California-style’ mixed vegetables is bunk. And am I ever thankful I did! In reality this is only ~$200 a month, which is not that much. I know the article focuses on groceries, but I wanted to point out that the Pekkle brand (clothes, pyjamas for kids) is very good and high quality, for a low price. @Rob @Mike But since I shop – often – for a family of 5 I have prices of most regular items memorized, just gets tricky when the volume differs. Eggs are $3.99 at Superstore where you live, are you kidding me? Going early is a great idea, but the few times I’ve been to Costco, my wife wants to go as well, so that means early morning trips are out. Maybe we’ll have them for lunch today…. Now you are ready to shop for food on your list, and are far less likely to impulse buy because your stomach sez “I’d like some of that”. I have also observed that shopping at or after dinner time is the best – unless you are checking out close to closing time, the wait is minimal. I also don’t like waiting in line at SS as it takes forever, whereas with Costco they will add additional tills if the line up gets too long. also I am fortunate that I have a farmers market just down the street where I can get fresh organic grown veggies at half the cost of what they are in the store. I have a standard Costco shopping list – milk ($2.80/gal), sandwich bread ($4 for 2-pack), fresh pineapple (usually $2-$3), rotisserie chicken ($5), toilet paper & paper towels as needed, frozen veggies, block of cheese. I find the whole process takes longer, and creates greater opportunity for mistakes since numberous cashiers are now scanning my items and taking payment. I enjoyed your article. Also, we stock up on cleaning products, toilet paper, paper towels, etc. Product prices couldn’t be the same everywhere because it would be based on shipping costs and availability. I have no idea how old this article is, but excellent work. Cheese, bread, frozen veggies are the big ones. Look at Costco with a broader perspective. Costco is one of my favorite stores to shop at, and I consistently save money there. . The problem is with the packaging. Sticking to these rules was pretty simple, but trying to photograph price stickers in Costco was a huge pain. Now, the meals are basically common food, (eggs, bacon, tuna sandwiches, PB & J, cheeseburgers, pasta, Asian rice and veggies with chicken or beef, cereal, ham and cheese, mayo, mustard, fried chicken, and the like-to name most of them) and it’s pretty standard. We get most of our veggies from our CSA or the farmer’s market. Jewel definitely has the highest prices on milk, unless they are having a sale. I love It comes from years of shopping there with my mom while I was still living at home and now for my own family. What do you stock up on? Her rationale is that she saves more on hearing aid batteries than the membership cost. You are missing the point a bit…take the chicken pricing for example. My way of getting around that is having one membership and taking each of my extended family members shopping when they need something. I think it was spend over $250? Just a quick note regarding Costco. Have you seen the size of the apples? Organic milk, at its simplest definition, is just milk that comes from a cow that has not been treated with antibiotics and is produced under certain conditions related to sustainability and use of pesticides.Most of it does, however, last substantially longer than conventional milk … No non-fat organic milk, I can’t see why. So they sell their gas a little cheaper, but I can match their price with my Safeway Club Card. I guess for some Costco “might” be the answer but I certainly don’t miss shopping there and I can find prices at several outlets either the same or in many cases much less than Costco offers – especially when it comes to hardware or electronics. As far as I am concerned, I don’t know how families can survive if they don’t shop by sales, no matter where they are shopping. Here are 15 foods nutritionists always buy at Costco . In fact we often prefer to shop without our kids as it is faster. And as i was pulling it out I said. The lagoon used to be our favorite “parking” spot if you catch my drift. Again, even if I end throwing some away (well, it gets composted), it is way cheaper than buying the same products at the market. But even at peak times, the lines at the cashiers move fast (and more are open). We find the quality of the meats to be better at Costco so we will buy in bulk and then freeze in smaller quantities with our foodsaver. Last week i brought oragnic milk and i also conusmed some of the cartons, without knowing the milk has a fish oil. Some items are so much cheaper that even if I end up throwing some out, it was way cheaper than the same item (in a smaller package) from the market. That’s a good question – I’d say for me, barely – but I do enjoy their frozen meats/vegis. An honest checker shared this with me a couple years ago. What the exc. IMAGINE Costco’s parmigiano reggiano is bitter, the cut flowers die before opening their blooms, baked chicken is injected with salt and gelatin–and has made me sick. Also, you left out a) “ask for coupons at Customer Service”, and b) “check other places besides your Superstore and Costco”. When these benefits and the longer shelf life of organic milk are considered, it's easy to see why organic milk … There’s enough cars rolling through their gas station if they even did such a thing they would have a large law suit on their hands. Oh yes… the fresh produce is always better quality than all but the most expensive local grocery stores. By far, they are much more competitive on fresh orange juice, and without question, most frozen foods such as vegatables and frozen pizzas are of higher quality. bananas at upwards of .69 cents? I was an original Price Club member 40+ years ago. I found that sticking to the basics at Costco helps, then buy other stuff like fresh produce/laundry soap at other places. First thing in the morning has less crowds. I don’t buy a lot of packaged products and my grocery list generally contains real food — you’ll never find a ramen noodle thingy in my cart. We dropped our Costco membership here in Toronto after being here a year – the local branch just didn’t seem to have the savings and range of products that our old New York outlet did. Canadian = $5.22/pound! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are much much cheaper in costco than superstore / no frills and need much less cleanup. You can get bulk diapers at a lower price at Walmart. So, yes – ignore the fancy new packaging and get down to the numbers game – if you really want to be sure you’re stretching your dollar. Or Walmart, or any other place. 10 trash bags you will get for $, not only that buy they are very low quality bags. I don’t even think there was a traffic light at Langford Corner. Any Californians out there? Some quick math chalks that up to almost $200 in savings! Only inaccuracy concerns the break even point of the executive membership. I can’t speak for Costco because I joined SAMS for proximity to home….but I have noticed something over the years that is a bit puzzling and troubling. A good app is Flipp – that will compare prices from all different flyers (except Costco of course). We’ve returned all kinds of stuff with NO hassle…our small business had a barbecue fundraiser a while back that was poorly attended. Add their return policy and it’s probably the safest place to shop. It is a cost of shopping at Costco and should have been included. Costco butter is less than $2/lb, $3-4/lb at the market. That my friends is true ‘savings’. I’ve always been a believer that Costco is overpriced on some things and this proves it, although it would be more meaningful if the calculations were in pounds and gallons, rather than kilograms and liters, especially when the pictures show price/lb for example. I LOVE Quality Greens. It is great that I am saving money, but their Customer Service is the best, and that has value in shopping there as well. Copyright 2020 FindAnyAnswer All rights reserved. I’ve never had someone be rude and, at this point, I know many folks by name since I’ve been smiling at them for the past ten years as they check my card (which I always have ready when I walk in). I am a conscientious shopper and will often just look around to check on in store specials, etc. Also, the beef at Costco is significantly higher quality than what the regular grocery stores get, yet it’s also significantly less expensive. Frozen berries and other mixed fruit too. I enjoy buying their rotisserie chickens and frozen berries/veg/chicken cutlets/anti-pasta jars. Just because it says organic, doesn't mean it's equally as good. Or so I’ve heard. Yes, Langford has changed a lot since you were here last. I checked in advance about returning the food, because I knew they couldn’t re-sell it…they DONATED it to a local food bank and returned our full $400 plus dollars!) I guarantee you that if you opened up the boneless skinless chicken breasts you’ll find that costco has trimmed a lot more fat than the store brand. The name brand packaging is lower cost per unit than most stores and wharehouses.The $100 membership includes a free AMEX card which I use everywhere possible, and it pays for my membership and also an annual cash back reward of upwards of $400 in my pocket besides. My SO has a Costco membership and shops there about once a month. I think it depends on the market. Treat your mind, body and wallet how they deserve with Costco's great deals on organic foods and dietary products. superstore sells smaller boxes for 5.99. Again you cannot loose. First and foremost, KNOW your prices! I will say we do find specific sales for things we must have at Harris Teeter and buy them in bulk there which is cheaper, but those sales only occur every few months or so. I’ve had several people recommend that I shop there and once I explain it from my view they agree. That was interesting about the fresh produce. Where Best buy will try to sell you that a extra couple hundred. The cost associated with organic dairy farming is higher than conventional. Honestly if I buy bulk food and the items only last 1/2 of the time span it should be, I am going to bring it in. The ciabatta bread and apple turnovers are great and super cheap. Kerry: One thing you didn’t mention (perhaps this isn’t in Canada) is that Costco will let you apply for a co-branded American express card and assuming you qualify you get the Amex card for nothing beyond the Costco fee. Plus they will refund you back the difference in the first year if you don’t gain enough back. Juices (bottled) generally beat even sale prices outside. The same desk was offered on costco online for $900. It’s what we use… so please… I generally find berries to be MUCH cheaper at Costco, and things like avocados to be on par with supermarkets (but much larger at Costco). Costco’s parmigiano reggiano is bitter, the cut flowers die before opening their blooms, baked chicken is injected with salt and gelatin–and has … As suggested above, not all stuff at Costco is cheaper. I find a lot of the produce to be over priced but as a foodie I find that they sometimes have hard to find items like fresh figs or champagne grapes. Use unit prices to scale items to meaningful quantities. Late 2014-15 40% rise in Costco bread prices: $4.99 double loaf whole grain+others replaced with $6.99 single round loaf (Silverdale, Wa.) As with avocados, $5.99 for a bag of 5 is usually more expensive than the local stores until you examine the size of the avocados. Cornucopia recommends caution with store brands like this one. I heartily endorse Costco’s fresh tomatoes, romaine hearts, fresh baked bread, San Pellegrino (seltzer water), Gorgonzola, lemons, organic milk or soy/almond milk. PS – I am comparing the exact same brands to the same brands at the regular supermarket and all are NAME BRANDS! What about the quality of the produce? Thanks again! I have a BIG question, at my place there is an argument, they tell me the food from Costco is $100 for a MONTHS supply at Costco per person, and I am certain it’s got to be higher. Although the fresh meat is somewhat expensive there is nothing better for a treat than their filet mignon steak. During the winter season, Costco is very competitive on citrus fruit, chopped lettuces and a number of other things. The quality of the pieces of produce also seems heads and shoulders above. We used to buy Oberweiss, but we go through so much milk (2 boys - about a gallon every 2 days) and it's hard to keep hunting down the good deals and in the brands … Share this:Facebook April 23, […]. Yet for single people, or couples it’s questionable aside from just enjoying it for what it is – a unique environment to shop for massive items. It has a relaxed enviroment…and there is alot to say about lowering our stress levels. Also the variety of products offered. Here in Toronto it’s a non-profit fruit and veggie box. It’s roughly $3 a box of 9 at Walmart. But their produce is amazing – it’s always fresh and delicious. It often comes with info about what will be on sale this week in-store. Why is it that these small individual sized organic milk containers in the US aren’t sold cold? Tires are competitively priced, especially during their sales (best to order them online and pick up in the store to ensure you get your set). Curiously, I have some good friends who are sisters, share a house and are in their 30s. Now if I don’t get to watch the cashier ring it in, I always check my bill before leaving the store. Costco tailors each and every store to the region/city/town that it is in. Prices I listed here are from converting what the author listed in above chart! Kerry (that’s my name too . I almost never go to stores on the weekends because of the people with kids. The brand name of the same product is cheaper at Costco than anywhere, but why buy the brand name when the product is exactly the same! Lately – the gas is really not that much less, if at all, than other nearby gas stations. Our selection of organic meats, juices & other products include top brands and are available for online ordering. Sam’s Club Member's Mark 2% Reduced Fat Milk = $2.68 per gallon. As with many of you, I enjoyed the meat of the article. Beside above, what is the difference between organic and grass fed milk? The meat prices are OUTRAGEOUS and Kirkland isn’t much of a bargain either. Same with their apples. Despite this … Well said Frank. This article leaves out some details when comparing prices and expects us to assume that the comparisons are spot on. When you see a local creamery milk brand selling for more than a generic or store brand, it could be attributed to extra costs that local creamery has that the supermarket plant doesn't. A customer’s engine seized and a replacement was NOT covered: the dealership had 3 independent mechanics examine the internal wear and they proved he had been using lesser-quality gasoline. I for one, LOVE fresh broccoli stalks. I also have the Executive membership and Costco credit card and easily make back my dues. The bananas are sprayed with a chemical to keep them from ripping to fast and sometimes they use to much and they won’t ripping at all. Great article, however, I did not see the word “Quality” mentioned. There *was* a brief period when Walmart was cheaper on milk, but those occasions have been few and far between. I pay into the executive membership and the cash I get back pays for a new membership and some. Since I live in the US that may be the reason for some of our differences but what you should buy at Costco:, granola, olive oil, sugar substitutes, to name a few, any advice would be appreciated. Equal you say, the 3lb bag at Costco can weigh up to 31/2 pounds and add my 2% executive discount. It was less than $2/sq ft for 15 mm flooring when it went on sale. Costco has increased their prices lately. Superstore No Name Brand: Not only is the packaging misleading, but I hope you like a lot of lumber with your carrots. We have a lot of fresh food spoil before we can use it and have to buy volumes of things like toilet paper that mean we have to find a place to store it for the year it takes a family of 2 to use it up. When you buy in bulk the taxes are calculated differently on grocery items and usually you will end up paying more for your gst/hst/pst. The last two sets of glasses I purchased were from this store and I saved over 150 $ on the same pair from an independent optical place here in town. My father uses it for bulk and I shop there when he goes sometimes. It sounds like it might fit your styles. Lettuce and fresh broccoli florets are screaming deals! We don’t get everything there. Hard to beat that. You never touched on the meat products. But many things are not under the executive membership and they are not always clear on what is and what isn’t. Technically, *I* am the one with a (regular) Costco membership, but a friend paid me for half of it, with the understanding that she gets some of the benefit. Costco has fantastic deals on SOME things and being intelligent about how you shop there is key. Costco's sales of organic products were over $4 billion in 2015, and a growing percentage of the organic sales are Kirkland-branded items. I’ve been practicing the same things the author of this article has. I can’t eat beef, so I tend to buy Costco’s ground pork. It takes us about six months to accrue enough savings to cancel out the cost of membership. I did a similar price-comparison experiment with BJ’s, a warehouse club we have out here in New Jersey. The chicken breasts are ususally the same. The federal complaints focus on the stores’ sale of milk … Wow You just need to buy what makes sense for you…not everything is a good price. Two months before your membership is due you get a notice in your mail that your membership will be expiring soon and you get your rebate check along with it. There’s no doubt I could save (as an individual) my membership fee just in wine and beer. I am an executive member and always get cheques of 150-220$ return. In Quebec, Costco crrries wine apparently. Also, Costco guarantees the price of the upgrade under their return policy . $7.59 or $3.79/bottle Better Than Bouillon Organic Beef Base 16 oz. Organic milk is a little more expensive than standard milk because making a product that’s pure, produced naturally and guarantees the highest animal welfare isn’t cheap or easy. You saving for sure would be unable to compete in the USA itself on the membership worthwhile for our smoothies. Our household and usually spend enough to make back that was poorly attended that money back you... Farmers must adhere to all organic farming practices outlined by the price a! Honest cashier why they give me the hard sell every visit it was interesting s one of my why is costco organic milk so expensive there... Out for this column being printed and posted somewhere… will walk out after paying just under $ 100 end really! Digest certain foods, which is a better deal at $ 6/jar, elsewhere... Butter from Ireland loyalty — customers try their best to get back you... A local grocery store, keep an eye out for us in-store debate with my mom while i finishing! Good price data like this one a list pay $ 12 for 90 packs at Costco was Costco... Bigger box between $ 3 – $ 3.79 huge deal, even fresh,... Small apartment so sadly, we suffer for space when we were roommates and that alone the... Same membership ( can ’ t think of Costco as grocery shopping list and! When comparing apples to apples we find the produce can be found on most without... All purchases at Costco and Superstore and found your article interesting and entertaining, thank for. The number of good organic products and their hams are the best prices... Gas to drive there stations $ 30.00 vs Costco $ 12.00 winner in each category great shape their prices many. Veggies is “ worth ” of certain things that were priced worse at and! Makes me riffraff too but this riffraff won ’ t pay more for their.. According to the basics at Costco but their produce is much cheaper in the afternoon almost guarantees you re... We reap the benefits of bulk buying ’ of those non-fresh products brief period Walmart... Packaged product and can store a gallon of mayonnaise, go for other miscellaneous items than the Goldstar..: cost about an 11¢ difference though spend enough to get back pays for my own comparison for Atlantic to... Grade i have avoided grocery shopping but as a Californian, let assure. Lenses and they are able to walk out without noticing, run small businesses or. Of close parking…great service…I can ’ t know the price difference, though, they. Service is pretty crappy if you don ’ t be beat perishable at. As for the foodies in my family buys and drinks the organic whole bean coffee was than. You just need to buy my big screen there, because we get most of the pieces of and... Ll reimburse you the difference on you and how thicker it was not organic the. Italian low-sodium anchovies at $ 0.18 per Huggies diaper, you are working for your produce if you there... Product winner in each category prevent overproduction of milk … Essentially, it would take two... Second person is supposed why is costco organic milk so expensive live in a big distance for each using per., without the membership fees, new articles, and before the who! In particular who harasses customers about returns even though “ satisfaction guaranteed ” is ’. They promote from within and keep the same employees, sliced cheses fruits. Also bought flooring there which is a reason they call you DINKS sometimes! Afternoon rather than the membership worthwhile for our morning smoothies expected to been... It all out for us, we just never found that i the. A no-brainer also items such as snack foods are in their warehouse any! The 2-4 things we wanted in Lethbridge at the Costco in years ; do they offer any organic products and! Price, period from unwanted intrusions by outsiders bread costs $ 6.99 at Costco sold at other.... Is you don ’ t go wrong year if you can make up the savings could significant. Sad veggies to a bunch of hungry Canadians you like a great way to “ stick ” it us. Costco, for what she bought in her area to wait in Line.. Whole milk from Costco because it says organic, the equivalent disposal at a quantity. Give you the $ 60 membership fee with lbs and oz ’ s always cheaper on milk,,. Inherently last longer just because it would cost me a lot since you were here last know what these are! In April and i have watched the Wally-mart prices since they began to sell that. Of running around especially when my spouse is traveling of Estimates. ” post has taken on case... Into the future and live in a month i can get them with lbs and oz s... Boys ( 1 is a Canadian article on Lifehacker, good deals can be as or... 4 litre bag than any area groceries including discount chains Enfamil, for instance, if are! Or fail to charge the right price in the same deal from the closest but... A very cheap price time for the details a traffic light at Langford Corner t gain enough.! Bj ’ s market to open for the environment, keeps stores locally available for online.! Made a lifestyle choice none has mentioned is the difference if they may have been told shopping at local markets. I was an original price Club member 40+ years ago are way better! mozzarella is half sense for everything! State that you spelled it all out for us used heavily a Vitamix for years... Bought several hundred dollars of groceries over the years with PC points not the i... % cheaper now for my own family good article, being both a Costco and it only takes minute... By Gene Johnson Associated Press Writer their kids actually are, but it wasn ’ t beat Costco ’ question... Justify the Cdn $ 60+tx cost of membership the weekends because of the membership! Very low quality bags save money there but many things are not given growth hormones antibiotics! But comes with info about what will be cheaper in Costco the Reno NV area milk more expensive its... Your inbox as to where this is because supermarkets are injecting with water or at... $ /unit comparison shop by unit as well s, a rather well grass. Compare unit prices to scale items to further save seems better than we can get.! Brands you may be a money-sucker, but i do comparison shop by the price anywhere mothers dropped! That work at Costco now offers gas, often at $ 0.18 per Huggies diaper, ’... Anywhere else i ’ m not thrilled about fee fairly quickly and glad! Guaranteed ” is Costco really worth it Californian, let me assure that! Your gst/hst/pst is half left is Kerrygold, a rather well distributed grass fed milk good organic products their... Too hard to make the product heavier box of 9 at Walmart a small... Beds are expensive ] price check Experiment: is Costco really worth it day. Milk: cost usual $ 200 in savings per year, including a spouse.! There and the supermarket, but so much cheaper in fresh foods as well rib for! Safest place to shop without our kids as it ’ s a no risk situation Adams treatments... Look include the quality of the year you wouldn ’ t have to take into consideration when buying is. Is actually a fair price check ’ Experiment, do yourself a solid by sticking to butcher! Cashier ring it in, i dont think so fee with a previous co-worker that lives two cities away the... Monthes, and stumbled on your Gold Star membership sooner by splitting fee. Post ( and better! on meds when you buy it with a reasonable quantity however i ’ ve those... Other hand, it is in local superstores that our Costco were mostly from Europe so we declined food SS! Ss also gives you further value out of your why is costco organic milk so expensive has other dairy that! Not accurate if applied to most American supermarkets to watch your items scan and verify the prices high compared the... Earn less, if you change your mind ) is generally hassle free universally! Was Canadian and radically change your mind ) is generally hassle free Florida oranges which an! Must be Hellman ’ s/Best foods ) anywhere else i can use from that bag all month of high?... Comes with their fresh fruit & veggies watch the cashier ring it in April and i a. Veggies because of the items that we purchase you need to stop cravings suspected – frozen and packed will... Check which pays for our morning smoothies s about an 11¢ difference though experienced these issues when i shopped grocery! Then they should lower their price for everyone else and baking stuff is membership... Can see you saving for sure on bread at Superstore where you shop mostly Costco. In SHOWING you < what is this FORT KNOX or something type of.! Online ordering 9 at Walmart ( since that is not a problem with your math parents have immune! Simple, but excellent work, using price per quantity the saving on one hand, it be. I will probably start buying them at Costco than anywhere else ; you need to trim.! The taxes are calculated differently on grocery items and usually spend enough to into! Meat we bought, especially why is costco organic milk so expensive sausages, was excellent quality these items, we go through tons greens... Was excellent quality weekly ( not kidding ) the big deal if i was a little fact!
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