The picks below are part of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s annual Best List, a roundup of the best values in all the areas we cover – from funds, stocks and ETFs to credit cards and bank accounts to cars, college, kid stuff, phone plans, travel and health. Discover all our Best List picks here.
Best Bets at Costco
When you shop for high-quality food items, you may not reach for the store brand. But the Kirkland Signature line from Costco Wholesale produces some gems. (Prices are from a Costco store in Albuquerque, N.M.; annual Costco membership starts at $55.)
1. Olive oil. A chemical and sensory study of olive oils by the University of California, Davis found that Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($13.99 for 2 liters) was one of a minority of imported oils that met international and U.S. standards for extra-virgin olive oil.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
2. Bacon. In a taste test of bacon brands, Consumer Reports bestowed an “excellent” rating on just one product: Kirkland Signature Bacon ($10.99 for four 1-pound packages).
3. Liquor. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with the Kirkland Signature Tequila Añejo ($19.99 for 1 liter) and the Egg Nog Liqueur ($9.99 for 1.75 liters), says Jerald O’Kennard, director of the Beverage Tasting Institute’s Tastings.com. Both received scores in the “exceptional” range from the site. For more ways to save at Costco, check out our 12 Secrets Costco Shoppers Need to Know.
-
Bullish IPO: Should You Buy BLSH Stock?Wall Street is buzzing about the Bullish IPO, with the Peter Thiel-backed crypto company set to start trading today, August 13, under the ticker "BLSH."
-
How the 2025 Child Tax Credit Rules Impact Single ParentsTax Credits New changes to family tax credits, like the Child Tax Credit, will impact the eligibility of some households.
-
Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday Here's what you needed to know about the Texas sales tax holiday.
-
I Live Next to a Costco Business Center. Here Are 5 Things You Won't Find at a Costco WholesaleYou don't need to own a business to shop at a Costco Business Center. Here are five reasons to visit the one near you.
-
Alabama Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 back-to-school Alabama sales tax holiday.
-
Best States to Buy Chocolate Candy Tax-FreeState Taxes There’s something spooky this Halloween, and it’s not just the ghouls. Find out if your state’s sales tax takes a bite out of sweet savings.
-
Florida Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday 2025Sales Taxes Everything you need to know about the two-week tax-free holiday in Florida.
-
Costco Cyber Monday Deals Are HereCostco has rolled out dozens of Cyber Monday deals. Shop and save now through December 2.
-
Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop on Amazon Prime DaySmart Buying Is Amazon Prime Day still a good deal? We'll break it down.
-
Costco to Offer Outpatient Healthcare Services Starting at $29Costco members willing to pay cash can get discount pricing on some outpatient services, including virtual primary care for $29.
