One of the best ways to unlock the true value of your Costco membership is to browse the retailer's irresistible snack aisle. And like many others, I've sampled my way through a good portion of it. While there are many contenders worthy of taking up space in your pantry, one treat stands above the rest.
Even better, these snacks are all part of Costco's Kirkland Signature brand, which means you're saving even more money. Here are eight runner-ups for your snacking pleasure and the ultimate pick.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Runner-up: Kirkland Signature Soft & Chewy Granola Bars
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Price: $12.59
First, let's talk value. With 64 bars per box, these granola bars are a bargain when you consider that eight Chewy Chocolate Chip granola bars cost $2.79 at Target. They also remind me of the granola bars I grew up with, but that's nostalgia talking.
Made with whole oats and chocolate chips, these bars are a bit sweeter than some competitors, but that's what I like about them — and my kids tend to agree.
Runner-up: Kirkland Signature Snacking Nuts Variety Pack
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Price: $19.49
If you value variety, don't sleep on this one. You'll get single-serve packs of peanuts, cashews, and almonds. I take mine to the office, but they're equally suited for road trips or midday cravings.
They're rich-tasting without oiliness, plus they come with portion control. Don't believe me? Reviewer Brenda says: "Great nutritious snack which also allows me to track my nut calorie consumption for the day!"
Runner-up: Kirkland Signature Sunsweet Whole Dried Plums
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Price: $11.99
Don't knock these treats till you try them. While these may be "lowly" prunes, they're soft, sweet, and a great source of fiber. Besides, $11.99 gets you three and a half pounds — a bargain when 12 ounces of Newman's Own prunes cost $13.99 at Target.
I prefer them to candy or cookies, and the bag is resealable, so they can last for weeks. However, I can promise you they won't once you taste them.
Runner-up: Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn
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Price: $16.99
Who can say no to popcorn? The KS buy hits the spot: buttery but not overly greasy. With 44 packs per box, you can indulge to your heart's content.
Each bag offers fluffy, golden nuggets that are a movie night staple for my family. Other shoppers share my opinion that "this is the best tasting microwave popcorn I have ever eaten!"
Looking for more unique snacks than you're seeing so far? Head over to your nearest Trader Joe's. The grocer never disappoints when it comes to fun and funky finds, and these weird Trader Joe's foods are as delicious as they are unusual.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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September marks the start of a new season and a new shopping mindset. As summer winds down, it's the perfect time to take advantage of transitional savings and post-summer sales. Look for deals on:
- Light layers and early fall fashion
- Outdoor clearance items
- Back-to-school essentials
- For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like apples, squash, grapes, and sweet potatoes
As retailers begin to roll out fall promotions, September is the sweet spot for scoring deals on both end-of-summer clearances and early autumn items. Shop now to get the best of both seasons.
Runner-up: Kirkland Signature Cashew Clusters
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Price: $10.99
There's nothing not to like about this snack. It's sweet, salty, crunchy, and packed with whole nuts and pumpkin seeds. While the clusters are a bit on the indulgent side, they have no artificial ingredients, so I don't feel guilty when I snack on them.
And as a bonus, almost 3,000 Costco reviews gave these clusters the maximum available five stars.
Runner-up: Kirkland Signature Sweet Heat Snack Mix
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Price: $11.99
This snack was a pleasant surprise. It starts as you'd expect, sweet and crunchy, and then hits you with heat. Since it's packed with pecans, sesame sticks, corn nuggets, and BBQ almonds, the heat is just the right amount.
I'm not alone in finding this snack addictive. Reviewer Axel shares their experience: "Bought it on a whim, and now I'm addicted."
Runner-up: Kirkland Signature Praline Pecans
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Price: $16.99
I bought this 2.5-pound container of praline pecans for a salad, and now I'm not sure I should keep them in the house. They taste like something from a high-end candy store: rich and caramelized. Plus, they're ultra-affordable: a one-pound bag of Nut Cravings Candied Pecans costs $31.16 at Target.
If you can stop yourself from eating these straight out of the jar, the huge, perfectly coated pecans are perfect for sweet and savory salads, oatmeal, or decadent parfaits or ice cream.
Runner-up: Kirkland Signature Super Extra-Large Peanuts
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Price: $8.99
These are my favorite peanuts — jumbo-sized, perfectly crunchy, and salty enough without being overwhelming. I've used them for making my own trail mix, in salads and stir-fries, and even as toppings for desserts.
Fellow shoppers think they're a classic done right: "fresh, superior quality, [...] huge flavor," said one reviewer.
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Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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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.
Winner: Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
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Price: $11.99
Hands down, these pretzel nuggets are my favorite snack of the lot. These thick pretzel pockets are crunchy and filled with peanut butter, offering the best of sweet and savory in each bite.
I also love that they come in a massive 55-ounce jar, so I don't run out even when I snack on them multiple times a day. Thousands of Costco shoppers share my assessment, with some even mentioning they'd love to inhale the whole jar, which may or may not have also crossed my mind.
Bottom line
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Costco is full of smart shopping hacks, but when it comes to snacks, you can't go wrong with opting for any of the ones I tried from the Kirkland Signature line. Still, if you're looking for the perfect balance of flavor and value, I can't recommend the Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets enough.
So, are you ready to find your own fave? Grab a mix of different options, like I did, and go to town, but don't skip the pretzel nuggets. Trust me — you'll thank me later.
And if you happen to need more dinner and serveware to help you present your snacks and meals, make a detour to Costco's kitchen section. These Costco kitchen deals are well worth checking out, and they include everything from cotton dish towels to elegant stoneware dishes.
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