Photo: CostcoCostco serves as a convenient all-in-one destination. While some might not prefer to buy their clothing in the same spot where they get their groceries, few retailers offer the sheer variety that Costco does. Where else can you snag a two-carat diamond alongside three pounds of garlic? Although groceries are the store’s mainstay (no pun intended), Costco offers much more than its popular $5 rotisserie chicken or the famous $1.50 hot dog and soda deal. You can stock up on snacks and paper goods, get new tires, schedule an eye exam, and fill prescriptions— all during the same trip. Plus, you can even book travel through Costco. While many customers are familiar with Costco’s extensive range of products and services, there are still a few surprising finds. Here are some unexpected Costco discoveries to make your annual membership even more worthwhile.
Caviar
There are two main reasons to shop at Costco—saving money and buying in bulk. While Costco may not be the first place you think of for luxury or gourmet items, it’s time to rethink that. Beyond fine jewelry and high-end vacation packages, Costco offers an entire section dedicated to gourmet foods, including tins of caviar (yes, fish eggs). Expect to pay at least $100 for just a couple of ounces of caviar, but if you’re a fan, Costco also offers it in bulk, keeping true to their signature style of selling in large quantities.
Bottled Water Delivery
The best perk of grocery shopping at Costco? The free samples. The not-so-great part? Carrying heavy cases of bottled water into your home. Thankfully, Costco offers a convenient solution. Through their water delivery services, you can have purified or spring water delivered right to your door in 5-gallon bottles. You can even rent dispensers for hot or cold water, as those large jugs can be tricky to pour. And if you’re into alkaline water, that’s available too.
Holiday Meal Kits
As the holidays approach, Costco steps up its game. While the warehouse always offers prepared meals, their holiday meals are on another level. Take the Thanksgiving meal kit, for example: It provides everything needed to feed a family of eight for $200. This includes five pounds of turkey, seven side dishes, and two desserts. Best of all, Costco delivers the meal directly to your door, saving you from braving the crowds. Throughout the year, Costco offers similar holiday-themed meal packages for occasions like Christmas, Easter, July 4th, and more.
Kitchen Appliances
Home improvements can be expensive, so it’s smart to visit Costco before making any large purchases. The warehouse might have just what you need—and for a fraction of the price. While Costco’s small kitchen appliance section is always fun to browse, did you know they also sell large home appliances? It’s not just about ovens and refrigerators. Costco offers sinks, garbage disposals, range hoods, and even wine cellars. Be sure to check Costco Next for special offers too.
Japanese Wagyu Beef
Costco is known for blending quality with value, and that extends to some of its high-end offerings. If you enjoy premium products, Costco has a selection of Japanese wagyu steaks, roasts, and burgers. This luxurious A5 grade beef is imported from Japan and will cost over $100 for just a few pounds. However, Costco often offers discounts, making it a better deal than other retailers where wagyu can easily reach $200 per pound.
Mini Greenhouse
Costco offers a full-size greenhouse, but if space is limited, the mini version is the perfect solution. The mini greenhouse keeps your fruits, vegetables, and herbs safe from birds and insects while retaining heat to prevent winter frost damage. Priced under $350, which includes shipping, it’s simple to assemble and disassemble—every gardener’s dream.
Food Composters
Sustainability is a growing concern across the U.S. While shopping at Costco can sometimes generate excess packaging waste, the warehouse offers products to help reduce your carbon footprint. Food recyclers and composters are part of the solution. Choose from countertop appliances that turn food scraps into high-quality fertilizer, or outdoor bins designed to break down food waste and create compost.
Indoor Pizza Oven
While outdoor pizza ovens can be pricey, Costco offers affordable electric indoor models that deliver excellent value. For around $400, you can enjoy restaurant-quality pizza right at home. Impress guests at parties or elevate a weeknight dinner with this fun gadget. While it lacks the wood-burning charm, these electric ovens can heat up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, making them far superior to your typical oven.
Large Cheese Wheels
Who needs 72 pounds of authentic Italian cheese? Apparently, we do. Costco offers giant Parmesan cheese wheels for nearly $950. Imported straight from Italy, this cheese is the real deal. Aged for at least two years, it meets rigorous Italian standards. Similar cheese wheels at other retailers can cost up to $3,000, making this an incredibly grate deal.
Emergency Meal Kits
You don’t have to be a doomsday prepper to prepare for the unexpected. It’s perfectly practical to keep emergency supplies in your garage or shed, just in case. Items like flashlights, batteries, water bottles, and generators can all be found at Costco. And guess what else they have? Emergency food kits—the kind where you just add water. Many of these kits offer dozens of servings and have a shelf life of over 10 years. Even if you’re not prepping for disaster, these kits come in handy for camping, hiking, or large events.
Aged Ham Leg
For holiday feasts, you’d naturally expect to find turkey and ham roasts at Costco. But what about an entire ham leg? Believe it or not, Costco offers this rare item. It's called Iberico Bellota Ham, recognized as one of the finest types of ham worldwide. Weighing just over 15 pounds, this unique ham comes with a stand for display and a knife for carving. Elsewhere, a ham like this would cost upwards of $900, but at Costco, you’ll save at least $300 on this luxurious treat.
