These 12 Deals Are the Best Kept Secrets at Costco, According to Shoppers

If you've ever left Costco with more than you planned, you're not alone. Between the free samples, bulk pricing, and rotating treasure-hunt items, it's a budget-friendly shopping adventure. 

But beyond the popular basics lies a hidden layer of cult favorites, products so beloved by regulars they're whispered about on Reddit and buried in five-star reviews.

Below, we have uncovered 12 of the best-kept secrets at Costco. These aren't your usual rotisserie chickens or five-pound peanut butter tubs; they are the brilliant, often-overlooked items and great Costco hacks that smart shoppers swear by.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $11.79

Shoppers say this pesto rivals the kind you'd get at a high-end Italian restaurant, and it's made in Italy with Genovese basil and real Grana Padano cheese.

Make every penny count with this Costco steal that is only 54 cents per ounce, compared to Rao's Homemade Basil Pesto at nearly 60 cents per ounce.

Price: $1.50

The food court favorite has held its price for decades and remains one of the best values around. For just $1.50, you get a jumbo dog and a refillable soda. It is no wonder it's practically a rite of passage for Costco shoppers.

Price: $18.99

Aged for 24 months and imported directly from Italy, these Parmesan wedges have a nutty, complex flavor that foodies rave about. They're perfect for grating over pasta, snacking on with wine, or spicing up your next charcuterie board.

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Price: $35.99

This full synthetic motor oil meets the same standards as many premium brands, but it's sold in bulk at a fraction of the cost. One reviewer named Benjamin praises it, saying that the "oil is great and the price is amazing."

Price: $11.99

These chewy, tropical treats are dipped in rich dark chocolate and have developed a cult following. They often sell out quickly, so seasoned shoppers grab multiple bags when they spot them.

Price: $20.99

Praised by chefs and home cooks alike, this cold-pressed olive oil is a kitchen staple. It consistently ranks high in blind taste tests and is much cheaper than comparable boutique brands like Pompeian.

Price: $19.99

Shoppers swear this detergent outperforms national brands like Gain and Tide in quality. It's highly concentrated, effective in both hot and cold water, and comes in eco-friendly packaging. 

Several nurses have left reviews on this product, saying they are "impressed with how clean our clothes are with Kirkland Ultraclean laundry detergent."

Price: $11.99

This salon-style hair shampoo is often compared to Paul Mitchell, yet costs just a fraction of Paul Mitchell's $28 per bottle price tag. They're sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and backed by tons of positive shopper reviews.

Price: $13.99

Pure vanilla extract can be pricey, but Costco's version delivers exceptional quality in a large bottle that lasts for months. Many bakers claim it tastes better than the fancy boutique brands, and customers claim that it is a "very nice quality product at a great price."

Price: $14.99

This 100% pure Grade A syrup is tapped in Canada and comes in a large glass bottle. It's far cheaper than most brands found at traditional grocery stores, making it a pantry essential for many households.

Price: $52.99

Typically found in dermatology offices, this cult-favorite sunscreen shows up seasonally at Costco in value packs. When it's in stock, it's one of the best SPF deals available anywhere. 

Customers like Jaycee love it because they are "protected for the full day."

Price: $36.99

These long-lasting, energy-efficient bulbs are another sleeper hit. Bundled in bulk, they offer exceptional brightness and durability, plus, they help reduce your electric bill over time. 

One customer named Alan says, "You'll love these bulbs and the price is right."

While Costco is famous for its bulk savings and popular staples, the real thrill comes from discovering those hidden gems regular shoppers already know and love. From imported delicacies to surprisingly luxurious basics, these under-the-radar finds offer serious value.

Costco also rotates some of its best secret deals seasonally or regionally, so what's available now might not be there next month. Savvy shoppers who want to save on groceries know to act fast when they spot these treasures.