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A vast array of discounted items fills the shelves at Costco. However, customers claim that one essential product particularly shines for its affordability.

Supporters of Costco mention that families purchasing Tillamook cheese in bulk can cover the $65 yearly membership fee by themselves. This is because it is significantly less expensive compared to regular stores.

Costco customers report that they frequently come across 2.5-pound blocks at Costco for $5.95.

When a single member noticed the offer, they purchased 17 blocks — totaling 34 pounds — to meet their cheese requirements for the year.

“You rarely find Tillamook Sharp Cheddar priced below $9 even during its biggest sale, and it typically costs between $10 and $11,” the Reddit user mentioned, noting that the Costco price was much more favorable compared to other stores.

However, even at Costco’s standard regular price, it can justify its cost.

Experts from Business Insider have recently put together a list of the top Costco buys forrecouping the membership fee– and the Tillamook cheese was included.

They developed a “payback score” to determine how much of the $65 fee could be recovered by purchasing one item at Costco over the course of a year rather than from a conventional retailer.

A payback score of 100 indicates that the savings fully cover the fee, 200 means the savings are double the fee, and 50 means they cover only half. This is a cautious estimate since it assumes you do not purchase anything else at Costco, which is improbable.

As per the analysis, Costco usually offers 2.5-pound portions of Tillamook cheddar at approximately $4 per pound, which is about $2.60 cheaper than in regular supermarkets.

If a household uses half a pound weekly, approximately 25 pounds annually, the yearly savings almost offset the membership fee, leading to a payback score of 102.

Nevertheless, the greatest savings were discovered in the pet section. A 38-pound bag of Blue Buffalo dog food is priced around $65 at Costco, whereas it costs approximately $111 at a typical store.

This implies that the membership cost is essentially offset within less than two transactions. Purchasing the item 10 times a year would result in savings that significantly surpass the yearly fee.

Costco also provides its well-regardedKirkland brand dog foodapproximately $35 for a 40-pound bag.

Diapers come in second. A bulk pack of Huggies diapers is priced around $50 at Costco, whereas the same 156-count package costs roughly $70 at other stores.

With that price difference, the membership cost would be offset in under four transactions.

Purchasing one package each month would lead to savings that are multiple times greater than the fee. Costco also offers its ownKirkland brand diapersat a more reduced cost per diaper.

Baby formula is also a significant way to save money. Bulk packages of Similac cost approximately $55 at Costco – roughly $13 cheaper than in regular stores.

The cost of the membership would be offset after five purchases, and purchasing one each month would result in a return score of 240.

Costco also provides generic baby formula at approximately half the cost per unit, sourced from the same manufacturer that produces private-label formulas for other stores.

Coffee beans represent another great value. Costco offers Starbucks Pike Place coffee for approximately $8.40 per pound, whereas it typically costs around $12 elsewhere.

The savings would cover the membership cost after nine purchases, or 18 pounds.

For a household consuming 30 pounds annually, the payback index stands at 166. The store also offers local and unique coffees at reasonable rates.

Fans of bacon can also get more value for their money. Although tastes differ, similar thick-cut bacon is priced at approximately $4.33 per pound at Costco compared to roughly $8 per pound at a standard Midwest grocery store.

Three pounds per pack allow customers to save approximately $11 with each buy—enough to pay the membership cost after six transactions.

A family purchasing 15 pounds each year, or five bundles, would attain a payback score of 85.

Additional items that offer significant return on investment include chicken broth, Greek yogurt, household essentials like toilet paper and paper towels, pasta, water purification systems, dishwasher tablets, heating and cooling system filters, contact lens cleaning solutions, allergy treatments, cooking oil, laundry soap, and dietary supplements.

Another common method members use to get the most out of their experience is by going to the warehouse’s dining area, where $1.50 providesCostco’s famous hot dog and drink combination. 

Buying approximately one combo each month – 14.4 annually – would result in $65 saved compared to comparable options at other fast-food restaurants.

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