Then vs. Now: 12 Costco Items That Got Way More Expensive

Costco has long been known for bulk bargains and budget-friendly staples. But even in the land of giant value packs, inflation hasn’t spared shoppers. Whether it’s your morning coffee, a protein-packed snack, or a prepared meal from the deli, prices have been steadily creeping up over the past few years.

Here are 12 Costco staples that used to be wallet-friendly—and now cost significantly more.

1. Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks $18.99/4 lbs

A fan-favorite chicken nugget alternative that mimics Chick-fil-A’s nuggets, these chunks are known for their crispy texture and juicy interior. They’ve jumped in price in recent years, once hovering around $12.99.

Nutritional Facts:

• Calories per serving: 160
• Fats: 6g
• Carbs: 9g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 16g

Ingredients:

Chicken breast meat, water, seasoning (sea salt, garlic, onion), breading (wheat flour, cornstarch, spices), and vegetable oil for frying.

Preparation Instructions:

Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes until golden and crisp.

2. Kirkland Signature Olive Oil $22.49/2L

This cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil has long been a pantry staple. Previously priced closer to $13, it’s become one of the most inflated Costco basics.

Nutritional Facts:

• Calories per serving: 120
• Fats: 14g
• Carbs: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Ingredients:

100% extra virgin olive oil.

Preparation Instructions:

Use for sautéing, salad dressings, or finishing cooked dishes. Store in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness.

3. Kirkland Signature Chocolate Almonds $23.99/3 lbs

Whole almonds coated in rich milk chocolate—these indulgent treats used to run under $10. Their price hike has left many sweet-toothed shoppers stunned.

Nutritional Facts:

• Calories per serving: 150
• Fats: 9g
• Carbs: 14g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 11g
• Protein: 3g

Ingredients:

Almonds, milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, milk, cocoa mass), gum arabic, glazing agents.

Preparation Instructions:

Ready to eat as-is. Store in a cool, dry place.

4. Deli Chicken Bakes $2.99/1 Each

Costco’s food court favorite in a take-home version. These were once under $10 for a six-pack but have increased due to meat and dairy costs.

Nutritional Facts:

• Calories per serving: 770
• Fats: 29g
• Carbs: 81g
• Sodium: 1690mg
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 46g

Ingredients:

Pizza dough, chicken breast, Caesar dressing, cheese blend, bacon bits.

Preparation Instructions:

Bake at 400°F for 30–35 minutes from frozen until golden brown.

5. Salmon Fillets $13/lb

Once among the best-priced seafood options, wild and farmed salmon fillets have jumped significantly in price, partly due to demand and supply chain issues.

Nutritional Facts:

• Calories per serving: 180
• Fats: 10g
• Carbs: 0g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 20g

Ingredients:

Atlantic or wild salmon fillets.

Preparation Instructions:

Grill, bake, or pan-sear with your choice of seasoning. Cooks best at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

6. Eggs $8.69/24 Ct

Eggs were once the definition of affordable protein. Now, due to avian flu and feed costs, even Costco’s bulk eggs are inching toward $9.

Nutritional Facts:

• Calories per serving: 70
• Fats: 5g
• Carbs: 1g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 6g

Ingredients:

100% cage-free or conventional eggs.

Preparation Instructions:

Scramble, boil, bake, or fry—store in the refrigerator and use within 3–5 weeks of purchase.

7. Bacon $21.99

Once a consistent under-$12 item, the Kirkland Signature thick-cut bacon pack has soared in price, becoming a breakfast splurge.

Nutritional Facts:

• Calories per serving: 120
• Fats: 10g
• Carbs: 0g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 8g

Ingredients:

Pork belly, water, salt, sugar, sodium nitrite.

Preparation Instructions:

Pan-fry over medium heat until crispy or bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.

8. Beef (Various Cuts) Starting at $5.79/lb

Whether it’s ribeye, brisket, or ground beef, nearly every cut of beef at Costco has seen price hikes. High feed and fuel costs are the usual culprits.

Nutritional Facts (Ground Beef 85/15):

• Calories per serving: 240
• Fats: 17g
• Carbs: 0g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 21g

Ingredients:

100% USDA-inspected beef.

Preparation Instructions:

Grill, broil, pan-fry, or slow-cook based on the cut.

9. Kirkland Signature Coffee $23.99/3 lb

A morning staple, this item was once just $10.99. Coffee bean shortages and rising transport costs are behind the climb.

Nutritional Facts (black coffee):

• Calories per serving: 5
• Fats: 0g
• Carbs: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Ingredients:

100% Arabica coffee beans.

Preparation Instructions:

Grind fresh and brew via drip, French press, or espresso machine.

10. Hot Turkey and Provolone Sandwich $6.99/1 Each

From the Costco deli, this hot sandwich used to be $3.99. It’s still tasty—but no longer the under-$5 steal it once was.

Nutritional Facts:

• Calories per serving: 710
• Fats: 32g
• Carbs: 59g
• Sodium: 1400mg
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 43g

Ingredients:

Turkey breast, provolone, hoagie roll, cranberry mayo, stuffing-style spread.

Preparation Instructions:

Microwave for 1–2 minutes or toast in an oven until warmed through.

11. Avocados $13.99

Avocados used to be one of the best produce buys at Costco. Now, depending on the season, they’ve risen to more than $1.33 apiece.

Nutritional Facts:

• Calories per serving: 240
• Fats: 22g
• Carbs: 12g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Dietary Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 3g

Preparation Instructions:

Slice, mash, or cube. Store ripe avocados in the fridge to extend shelf life.

12. Kirkland Signature Baby Formula $63.99/42 oz

Once a cost-cutting dream for parents (under $17!), this infant formula has experienced multiple price jumps due to nationwide shortages and supply chain bottlenecks.

Nutritional Facts (per 100kcal):

• Fats: 5.3g
• Carbs: 10.8g
• Sodium: 27mg
• Protein: 2.07g

Ingredients:

Nonfat milk, lactose, vegetable oils, whey protein concentrate, vitamins, minerals, DHA, ARA.

Preparation Instructions:

Mix one scoop per 2 fl oz of water. Shake well and serve immediately or refrigerate within 1 hour.

Final Thoughts

While Costco still offers competitive bulk pricing, shoppers have definitely felt the pinch as some fan-favorite staples slowly crept up in price. The good news? Knowing which products have inflated most lets you adjust your grocery list—or grab those deals when they’re actually on sale.