The cost of takeout is on the rise. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts that food-away-from-home prices will rise by over 3.5 percent in 2025. Add on delivery fees and tips, and it's easy to understand why so many consumers prefer to eat at home.
If you're a fan of Mediterranean food but not of high takeout prices, we're here to help with the best Costco hacks to save money. From stuffed grape leaves to spanakopita, our roundup features the most mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired meals at budget-friendly prices.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
Amazon Prime members: get a $150 Amazon Gift Card!
If you're an Amazon Prime member, apply for the Prime Visa(Rates and fees) credit card here and you can get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly loaded into your Amazon account's Gift Card Balance upon approval (get an instant decision within 15 seconds).1 <p class="">If you respond via the Internet, the majority of applications are responded to in less than 15 seconds. Your actual response time may vary depending on the Internet connection and volume of submitted requests. We may not be able to give you an immediate answer in every instance.</p>
There is no extra work or spending requirement and no annual fee!
The Prime Visa credit card also lets you earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
If you spend a good amount on Amazon this card could be worth $100s in cash back every year. Don't delay — apply today!
Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.
Click here to apply for the Prime Visa credit card today and get an instant decision in 15 seconds
Frankly Fresh Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves
Price: $10.79
Score these refrigerated ready-to-heat-and-eat vegetarian grape leaves for under $11. The gluten and dairy-free Mediterranean-style meal is a fraction of what you could pay for takeout.
National chain restaurant Alladin's Eatery charges $5.75 for a small order of grape leaves and $9.45 for a large. Even though these prices are less than Costco's, you'll get a massive two-pound pack at the warehouse club.
Eat In Foods Spinach Feta Wrap
Price: $15.99
Save time and money with this ready-made freezer section find. Zesty sun-dried tomatoes, savory spinach, and plenty of creamy feta make this a wrap to remember. And you'll get 21 grams of protein in each serving.
If you've seen these on social media and are intrigued by the glowing reviews, take it from Costco Redditor WildMall6475, "Just bought these in store then saw it on TikTok. They're actually so good!"
Ruprecht Beef Kebabs
Price: $13.99
Savory herbs and spices give these fully cooked kebabs a flavorful taste. And bonus, instead of waiting for takeout you can heat this prepared pick in 10 minutes. Serve the sous vide selection with tzatziki sauce, warm pita, and veggies.
Hannah Organic Falafel
Price: $11.89
Is falafel your favorite? You'll get two full pounds of the microwavable gluten-free USDA organic veggie patty balls for less than $12.
Not only is this less than what you would pay in an eatery, but it's also a better price than in other stores. A nine-ounce bag of Afia frozen falafel costs $5.89 at Whole Foods Market. You'll pay over $20 for Costco's quantity at that price.
Heat the falafel and serve this pick in a pita or with a Greek yogurt dipping sauce.
Amylu Greek-Style Chicken Burgers
Price: $14.49
This 2.5-pound box of refrigerated patties is something you might not find in a Greek restaurant. And that's what makes it an interesting option for your next lunch or dinner.
Instead of paying delivery fees for the same takeout you always get, try this protein-rich (19 grams per serving) charbroiled chicken burger for dinner. The Greek-style recipe features spinach, red pepper, and feta cheese.
West End Cuisine Grilled Chicken Skewers
Price: $15.99
Get a pack of 14 fully cooked, two-ounce Mediterranean-spiced skewers today. The preservative and gluten-free chicken has 24 grams of protein, making this a healthy addition to your next Med meal. Add it to a feta-filled Greek salad, serve it on warm pita bread, or top rice pilaf with this perfectly spiced selection.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
January is here, bringing fresh starts, clean slates, and a renewed focus on routines. As the new year kicks off, so do savings, making it the perfect time to reset your space and budget with smart seasonal buys. Look for deals on:
- Fitness gear, wellness products, and activewear
- Home organization essentials
- Cold-weather basics, like coats, boots, and cozy layers
- For grocery savings, look for seasonal produce, including citrus fruits, leafy greens, and root vegetables
With post-holiday markdowns and a shift toward fresh priorities, January is a great time to shop smart, stock up, and set the tone for a well-prepped year ahead.
Cuisine Adventures Spanakopita
Price: $16.99
Start your Greek feast with these traditional spinach, feta, and phyllo puffs. You'll pay 35 cents for each. For reference, Euro Bakery & Restaurant in Texas sells one for $2.95.
If you're looking for a new way to serve this pick, Reddit user John Wilkes_Huth suggests, "This is my new favorite breakfast! The spanakopita with a little garlic salt is so good with the tzatziki, and I put a little drizzle of maple syrup on the sausage for a sweet and savory breakfast that's almost like "Breakfast Baklava."
Cuisine Innovations Feta and Carmelized Onion Puffs
Price: $12.99
Catered Mediterranean meals could max out your budget. Instead of pricey takeout, try these $12.99 feta and onion tarts. Each 27-ounce box contains 36 of the frozen puffs. Pop the pastries into the air fryer for five to seven minutes and enjoy the buttery bites.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
Skotidakis Greek Yogurt
Price: $5.79
Make a standout sauce, sweet parfait, or marinade with this tangy Greek yogurt. At $5.79 for 48 ounces (three pounds), this is a better deal than what you might find from other retailers. Target sells a smaller 32-ounce container of Fage for $6.69.
Kirkland Organic Roasted Pine Nut Hummus
Price: $5.89
Hummus is a staple in Mediterranean restaurants. But you don't have to pay extra fees (like delivery charges or a tip) to have it served with your next meal.
Nab this 2.12-pound container for under $6. Redditor Suitable-Telephone80 commented on the quality, "I prefer this if I'm not making homemade, better tasting than Sabra."
Stacy's Organic Pita Chips
Price: $7.99
What can you dip into Kirkland hummus? These pita chips are the perfect addition to your starter, side, or snack. The USDA organic chips are cholesterol-free and have zero trans fats. Compare Costco's $7.99 price for 28 ounces to $7.89 for a 16-ounce bag at Target.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Chrisanthidis Delights Greek Wedding Cookies
Price: $14.89
Don't let high takeout prices convince you to skip dessert. This 2.09-pound pack of Korabie-inspired cookies is a steal for less than $15. You won't get a better price for these tasty treats online. Amazon sells a 15.8-ounce tin for over $21.
Bottom line
Mediterranean meals don't have to break the bank. Even though your favorite eateries offer tasty takeout options, these meals may max out your monthly budget. Swap out these pricey picks for a few of our top Costco finds.
The savings don't stop at the members-only club's register. Use the best cash back credit cards to earn rewards on eligible grocery purchases.
Earn Easy Cash Rewards at Amazon.com
Benefits Card Details on Chase’s secure website Intro Offer
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
If you're a loyal Amazon Prime member and you love getting cash back rewards on your purchases, the Prime Visa is a fantastic option. You can earn big rewards with this card, and it comes with some other valuable perks as well.
With the Prime Visa card, you get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members. Plus, cardmembers earn a whopping
unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases
.
The Prime Visa also comes with some great travel protections that you rarely see with a no-annual-fee card. It offers lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, travel accident insurance, and travel and emergency assistance.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.