Costco, the go-to spot for budget-savvy shoppers scooping up everything in bulk—from gas to groceries—has started to tweak its pricing. Known for some of the lowest tags around, the retailer is now nudging up the costs on a number of fan favorites. Curious? Here are 15 items that are more expensive than before:
Gasoline
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Although Costco typically offers gas at prices 30 to 50 cents lower per gallon than competing stations in the area, as reported by GoBankingRates based on the GasBuddy app, the company has recently begun raising its fuel prices. Nonetheless, many of Costco's gas stations continue to provide more affordable fuel options compared to other local options.
Snacks and Beverages
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Snack foods and beverages have not escaped the upward price trend at Costco. The increasing costs of commodities like cocoa and sugar, as well as packaging materials, have contributed to higher prices. Notably, Costco discontinued its Kirkland Signature Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips due to a 200% rise in cocoa costs, replacing them with Nestle Toll House products. This decision reflects the broader challenges in the snack industry.
Organic Olive Oil
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Originally tagged at $16.99, Costco's price for a bottle of organic olive oil has escalated to $24.99. This increase mirrors a trend where consumers face higher prices for organic products due to the rising costs of farming and certification.
Membership Fees
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Effective September 1, 2024, Costco raised its membership fees for the first time since 2017. The Gold Star Membership increased from $60 to $65, and the Executive Membership from $120 to $130. This adjustment reflects the expanded services and facilities that memberships now cover.
Bakery Items
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Costco has discontinued its popular large muffins, replacing them with smaller and more expensive versions. Previously, two packs of six large muffins cost $9.99, but now one pack of eight smaller muffins costs $6.99, representing a 58% price increase.
Dairy Products
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Dairy goods at Costco have seen a price escalation. This is due to the increased cost of livestock feed and the higher operational costs at dairy farms, which directly impact the prices of milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Meat and Poultry
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The cost of meat and poultry at Costco has climbed, influenced by factors such as feed prices and demand fluctuations. These shifts reflect broader market dynamics that impact the cost and supply of these protein sources.
Ready-to-Eat Meals
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Costco's ready-to-eat meals have seen price increases, influenced by rising production and logistical costs. For instance, the new take-and-bake Margherita pizza is priced at $16.99, which has caused some customers to experience sticker shock. This reflects a broader trend where prepared food options become pricier due to enhanced consumer demand and higher ingredient costs.
Canned Goods
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Canned goods at Costco have experienced price hikes due to increased production costs and higher prices for ingredients like vegetables and fruits. For example, a Reddit user noted that a 36-pack of Coke, which was around $11, has risen to $18-$19 within a few years.
Electronics
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Even in a sector known for rapid price depreciation, certain electronics at Costco have seen an uptick in cost, driven by global demand for chips and other components that are in short supply.
Sports and Fitness Equipment
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The burgeoning interest in personal health has led to increased prices for fitness equipment at Costco, including items like weights and treadmills. These prices are influenced by the rising costs of materials and manufacturing.
Garden Supplies
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As more people take up gardening, the demand for supplies has pushed prices up at Costco. This includes everything from soil to garden tools, reflecting a larger interest in home gardening.
Pet Food
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The rise in pet ownership has led to an increase in Costco's pet food prices. This change is driven by the higher costs of quality ingredients and the growing consumer demand for premium pet nutrition.
Paper Goods
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Paper products, including toilet paper and paper towels, have become more expensive. This rise is partly due to the increased cost of wood pulp and the heightened demand during periods of stockpiling.
Cleaning Supplies
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The ongoing emphasis on cleanliness has propelled the prices of cleaning products upwards. Ingredients and manufacturing costs have risen, affecting the retail prices of items like disinfectants and detergents.
