Meat prices are climbing fast—but not everything at Costco is a bad deal.
We tracked what’s up, what’s still worth grabbing, and what to skip.
From steakhouse splurges to budget-friendly staples, here’s how to shop smarter without sacrificing quality or flavor.
1. Thick-cut Australian Lamb Chops: $5.99/lb -> $9.94/lb
Despite the 66% price jump, these remain a “luxury value” item compared to the $16/lb+ you’ll find at local boutiques in North Scottsdale. They are still grass-fed, thick-cut, and far superior to the thin chops found at standard grocers.
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Verdict: Buy.
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Why: Even with the spike, the quality-to-price ratio is unbeatable for a fancy weekend dinner.
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Parenting Testing: Their “lollipop” shape is still a winner for kids; the mild flavor means they don’t need heavy masking with sauces.
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2. Kirkland Top Sirloin (Beef): $8.99/lb -> $9.99/lb
Sirloin has been surprisingly resilient compared to Ribeye or New York Strip, which have both crossed the $18/lb mark this year. This remains the most accessible steak for a Tuesday night grill session.
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Verdict: Buy.
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Why: A $1.00 increase over two years is actually a win in this economy. It’s the best lean-protein bang for your buck.
3. Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs: $1.79/lb -> $2.23/lb
The price has crept up, but the packaging hasn’t changed. You’re still getting those 6 pre-portioned packs, which makes inventory tracking for your meal prep incredibly easy.
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Verdict: Buy.
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Why: At just over $2/lb, it’s the anchor for any “clean eating” budget.
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Parenting Testing: The extra fat and skin make these “fail-proof” even if you’re stuck on a 20-minute telehealth call and leave them in the air fryer a bit too long.
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4. Boneless Lamb Leg: $4.99/lb -> $6.49/lb
This has transitioned from “budget steal” to “special occasion.” It’s still Australian grass-fed and high quality, but a 5lb roast will now set you back closer to $32.
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Verdict: Buy.
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Why: It’s still cheaper than a family dinner at a mid-range restaurant.
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Pro Tip: Slice half into “lamb steaks” and roast the other half to maximize your content listicles.
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5. Chicken Wings: $2.49/lb -> $4.25/lb
Wings have seen some of the most volatile pricing in 2026. At over $4/lb for raw wings, you’re doing a lot of work for a very high price point.
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Verdict: Skip (Raw) / Buy (Frozen).
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Why: The new Kirkland Signature Crispy Wings in the freezer aisle have become the “2026 Must-Try” item. They are often cheaper per pound and yield better results than home-frying raw ones.
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6. Beef Oxtails: $7.99/lb -> $10.99/lb
Once the “butcher’s secret,” oxtails are now priced like premium steaks due to their social media popularity for birria and stews. At $11/lb, you are paying a premium for bone and connective tissue.
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Verdict: Skip.
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Why: Unless you are creating a specific “Gourmet Braise” blog post, the value just isn’t there anymore. Switch to Chuck Roast for the same collagen-rich results at a lower price.
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7. Boneless Chuck Roast (Beef): $5.99/lb -> $10.56/lb
This is the hardest pill to swallow on the list. Beef supply issues have nearly doubled the price of the humble pot roast. A single roast is now a $50+ investment.
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Verdict: Buy (Only on Sale).
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Why: It’s still a “Buy” because it’s so versatile, but keep an eye out for the “$5 off per package” coupons to bring that effective price back down.
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8. Eye of Round Roast (Beef): $4.89/lb -> $7.45/lb
This cut has gained traction as a “lean-label” favorite for those avoiding the saturated fats in Chuck Roast. It’s significantly more expensive than it was in 2024 but still the cheapest beef roast available.
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Verdict: Buy.
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Why: Excellent for making home-cooked deli meat or roast beef sandwiches without the additives found in pre-packaged brands.
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9. Boneless Pork Loin: $2.29/lb -> $2.48/lb
The most stable price on the entire list. Pork production has managed to stay ahead of the inflation curve, making this the undisputed champion of the Costco meat aisle in 2026.
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Verdict: Addict.
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Why: It’s almost the same price it was two years ago. This is your “budget hero” for any CouponStacking guides.
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10. Pork Belly: $3.99/lb -> $4.99/lb
With the rise of “dupe” recipes for high-end ramen and bao buns, pork belly demand has stayed high. A $1.00 increase is expected but still manageable.
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Verdict: Buy.
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Why: You still get a massive 10lb slab that can be frozen in portions.
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11. Boneless Pork Shoulder Butt: $2.49/lb -> $3.47/lb
While it’s up a full dollar per pound, it remains one of the few items you can get for under $3.50/lb that can feed 15+ people.
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Verdict: Addict.
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Why: It’s the ultimate “Parenting Hack.” One slow-cooker session on Sunday provides tacos, sliders, and salad toppers for the entire week.
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