Isabelle Paquette
·3 min read
Everyone loves a good Costco haul, and I’m no exception (any other members out there?). But have you ever wondered if there are even better ways to shop this warehouse wonderland? After countless hours scrolling through TikTok, I’ve uncovered some amazing Costco hacks that you need to know. From hidden gems you never knew existed to genius ways to save money, TikTok users have completely changed how I shop. Whether you’re a Costco newbie or a seasoned pro, these hacks will make your next shopping trip even more rewarding. So go ahead and make room in your trunk — here are the 6 best Costco TikTok hacks.
1. Know these price tag secrets
Costco's price tags hold hidden clues that can help you identify the best deals. Here's how to decode them: If a price ends in .97, it's a clearance item, while prices ending in .49 or .79 often indicate a manufacturer deal. Items marked with an asterisk (*) on the tag are discontinued and won't be restocked, meaning you should grab them while you can. This also applies to prices ending in .88, which means a limited supply left. Check out a video explaining these tips below:
See also: 7 Must-Try Aldi TikTok Hacks to Elevate Your Shopping Game
2. Butcher and portion meat yourself
Buying large cuts of meat at Costco and portioning them at home can save you money. For example, purchasing a whole pork loin or a large cut of beef and cutting it into steaks, roasts and smaller portions yourself is significantly cheaper than buying pre-cut pieces. You can freeze these portions to use as needed, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Watch how this one TikTok user does it below:
3. Skip the rotisserie chicken
If you're trying to eat a bit healthier, skipping certain popular items at Costco can make a significant difference. While Costco's rotisserie chicken is convenient and affordable, it's often high in sodium and preservatives, which aren't ideal for a healthy diet. Instead, consider purchasing raw, unseasoned chicken that you can cook and season yourself to control the ingredients. Watch this TikTok user’s video for more information:
Related: 6 Best Trader Joe’s TikTok Hacks to Save You Time + Money — Plus Make Dinner More Fun
Costco offers a variety of organic and minimally processed foods that can support a healthier lifestyle, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and whole grain options like quinoa and brown rice. Watch the video below for one user’s healthy staples:
4. Upgrade to an executive membership for cash back
Upgrading to an Executive Membership can be a smart investment if you shop at Costco frequently. This membership tier provides 2% cashback on eligible purchases, which can quickly add up and offset the higher membership cost. Additionally, Executive Members receive extra benefits and discounts, making it a worthwhile consideration for regular Costco shoppers. Watch this video below to see the savings:
5. Use the Costco Savings booklet
One of the best ways to save money at Costco is by taking advantage of their monthly coupon book. This booklet, available both online and in-store, features a wide array of discounts on products across various categories. And you don’t have to cut any coupons. Additionally, you can combine these coupons with Costco’s already competitive prices to maximize your savings. Keep an eye out for these booklets in your mailbox or access them through the Costco app for easy reference while shopping. Watch this TikTok to see the deals:
6. Shop the Kirkland Signature brand
Shopping Costco's signature brand is a great way to save money without compromising on quality. These private-label products often match or exceed the quality of leading national brands, but at a fraction of the price. For example, select varieties of Kirkland Signature Coffee are roasted by Starbucks Coffee, while Kirkland Signature Batteries are made by Duracell. The brand also includes high-quality organic options and gourmet items. Watch this TikTok below for more comparisons:
More money-saving tips for your grocery shopping:
“I Lost 100+ Pounds and Cut My Grocery Bill by $100s a Month With These Dollar Store Tricks!”
Money-Saving Pros: The 9 Best Ways to Save Even *More* At Aldi Grocery Stores
Walmart Just Lowered Prices on These Essential Grocery Products! Learn What You Can Save On
