It Costs How Much Now? Increases in Costco Prices

I wrote about several items at Costco that have actually undergone price reductions in the relatively recent past (Price Reductions at Costco in 2023). Unfortunately, the opposite trend has been true for other items. This list that I found and then added to is unrelated to the anticipated increases as a result of tariffs (Impacts of Tariffs on Costco Prices). I listed the prices in (or soon after) 2020 and then in 2025. It was not clear which on which stores the prices were based so these are probably averages. Although the list included both food and non food items, I only wrote about the food.

1. Kirkland Signature Organic Diced Tomatoes($5.99 to $10.52)

One item at Costco that has become significantly more expensive over the last five years are these tomatoes, sold in packages of 8 14.5-ounce cans. In addition, because so many tomatoes come from Mexico, tariffs are likely to lead to an even greater price increase. 

I don’t buy canned tomatoes very often but it is surprising to see such a large (double!) increase. I love fresh tomatoes and buy them every week or two at Costco (Product review: grape tomatoes) and hope the price doesn’t increase too much. 

2. Kirkland Signature Fully Cooked Bacon ($11.49 to $18.12)

The article notes that pork tends to be an item for which prices frequently rise and fall. Nevertheless, it points out that this increase for one pound of bacon is still significant.

I certainly wouldn’t have noticed changes in costs of bacon but it doesn’t seem like a large increase. 

3. Organic Broccoli Florets ($4.99 to $8.18)

The article notes that, given the health benefits of broccoli, the increase in the two pound bags of broccoli is unfortunate.

I am used to broccoli being very expensive because of buying it kosher certified at other stores. I really like broccoli so it is worth it to me to be able to eat it. However, I can certainly understand the price being a limiting factor. I wonder if non organic broccoli has also increased in price.

4. Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties 

($35.99 to $50.30)

Another item that has become significantly more expensive are these frozen burgers, sold in packages of 40. 

I don’t buy meat so I don’t know how this increase compared to that of raw hamburger meat. Of course, with the premade burgers, one is also paying for the convenience.

5. Kirkland Signature Lunchmeat Variety Pack ($11.99 to $17.54)

The article mentions that another meat item that now costs much more than five years ago is this variety pack of lunchmeat (roast beef; ham; chicken) that comes in 3 14-ounce packs.

Again, not aware of changes in meat, but an almost $2 increase per pack seems like a lot.

6. Kirkland Signature Extra Thick Cut Steak Strips ($9.99 to $12.59)

Yet another meat item for which members must now pay more are these steak strips, sold in 12 ounce bags. 

See above re: meat items.

7. Costco Bakery Croissants ($5.99 to $8.18)

A bakery item that has increased in price are the croissants. Packages of 12 now cost members more than in 2020.

I have mentioned that, although I have never had the croissants, I have been to multiple events at which they were served. In addition, after reading about some ideas for using them in recipes (Creative Uses for Costco Croissants), they seem more appealing. I imagine that they will likely continue to increase in price, along with most bakery items. 

8. Kirkland Signature A2 Organic Milk ($10.99 to $13.79)

An item that has been notable for increasing in price over the past several years is milk. Costco was no exception, these boxes containing three half gallon containers of milk, being one example.

My family buys the regular 1% half gallons of milk. We used to view the milk as worth the membership itself. Although still a good deal, the price on our preferred milk has also increased (by about 75¢/gallon).

9. Snack Factory Organic Original Pretzel Crisps ($6.89 to $10.52)

Costco sells a wide assortment of snacks (Most Highly Rated Snacks at Costco); (New Snacks for 2024); (Back-To-School Snacks at Costco), several of which have become significantly more expensive over the last five years. One example are these pretzel crisps, sold in 28-ounce bags. 

Although I have never tried them, my family has often bought this item when on featured in the coupon book.

10. Kirkland Signature Panko Breaded Shrimp ($17.99 to $22.80)

Although the article includes this frozen shrimp on the list of items that now cost more than a few years ago, it still recommends buying it. Apparently, even the new price is a good price for the 2.5 pound packages of shrimp. 

Not an item to which I pay attention.

11. Shrimp Cocktail ($14.29 to $18.59)

In contrast to the frozen shrimp, the article appears to view the increase in price for the shrimp cocktail as potentially too large to justify the purchase. 

Same as above regarding frozen shrimp.

12. Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies ($8.99 to $11.69)

The article suggests buying these cookies, sold in 60-ounce containers, despite the price increase. 

I have never had these cookies so I cannot judge whether they are worth the new cost 

13. Kirkland Signature Sliced Mozzarella ($6.99 to $10.31)

Another item on the list is this cheese, sold in two packs (18 ounces). 

I don’t buy enough cheese to have a good sense of increases over the last several years.

14. Pop-Tarts ($7.99 to $12.69)

The article points out that, not only did the price of this breakfast pastry increase but also the selection. Whereas the boxes of 48 pastries used to contain two flavors (brown sugar cinnamon; frosted strawberry), they now only contain one.

I don’t buy Pop-Tarts but this sounds like a larger than expected increase. 

15. Kirkland Signature Sparkling Water ($8.69 to $16.99)

A beverage that has undergone a large price increase is the store brand sparkling water. However, the article still notes that these 35-bottle packs are still a good price.

This increase seems very large to me but, as I have mentioned, I don’t drink sparkling water.

16. Kirkland Signature Organic Lemonade ($5.99 to $7.48)

A second beverage on the list is the Kirkland lemonade, sold in two 96-ounce bottles. 

This increase actually does not seem unreasonable to me, given that the price of lemons has increased a few times during this time period. My mom used to buy the big bags of lemons but then switched to buying lemon juice or limes when they became to pricey at certain times over the last five years. 

17. Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider ($7.79 to $13.79)

The article includes this cider on the list of items that have undergone a substantial increase in price. The increase is for four 25.4-ounce bottles.

I don’t buy this item but over $1/bottle seems like a large increase. 

18. Food Court Soda ($0.59 to $0.69)

The final drink on the list is the 20-ounce soda sold in the food court. Although the increase has been small (10¢) in relative terms, the article points out that it is important to consider the context.

I agree that 10¢ does not seem like a lot. However, given that the item is not expensive to begin with, the percentage increase is still significant.

19. Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon ($19.99 to $23.99)

I have written about the surprisingly large variety of smoked salmon options available at Costco (“Strong” and “weak” sections of Costco). My family likes the Kirkland brand and buys it frequently (Product Review:Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon). Even given the increase, it is still a good deal, given how pricey the product can be. However, we have certainly noticed the rise in price for the 2-pack of 12-ounce containers. 

20. Kirkland Signature Cage Free ($5 to $8)

Prior to the start of “eggflation” several years ago, we used to buy eggs at grocery stores (sometimes for 99¢/dozen) rather than at Costco. After eggs increased in price, we started buying them at Costco. They have since increased significantly in price. However, the price for these packs of two dozen eggs is still better than at most other stores. 

21. Food Court Chicken Bake ($2.99 to $3.99)

I have commented in the past on how, even kosher aside, terrible I think these chicken bakes look and sound. Therefore, I wouldn’t be interested at even a very low cost. However, for the many who like them, the increase is significant.

22. Kirkland Chocolate‑Dipped Granola Bars (from $11.99 to $15.99)

Another snack item that has increased in price are these granola bars, sold in boxes of 48 bars. I don’t buy granola bars so I don’t know how this increase compares to those for comparable products at other stores. 

23. Kirkland Signature Gourmet Chocolate Chunk Cookies ($9.99 to $11.99)

Given the price increases in many bakery items over the last several years, it is not surprising that these cookies would now cost more. When divided among the 24 cookies in the packages, the increase is not huge. Nevertheless, it is notable.

24. Kirkland Signature USDA Prime Beef Boneless Ribeye Steak ($9.99 to $14.49/pound)

I don’t know meat prices but I’m this increase seems large for the time period..

Did you notice the increased on these items? Others items that are now significantly more expensive? Have the increases altered your shopping patterns?