Costco's Hidden Bakery Section Praised as Ultimate Value Spot by Shoppers
Hidden at the rear of Costco stores, one often-overlooked section is being celebrated by shoppers as the warehouse club's premier value-for-money destination, with many declaring it well worth the extra walk. That section is Costco's in-store bakery, which loyal customers insist offers some of the chain's most generous portions and lowest prices, rivalling even specialist bakeries.
Social Media Buzz Reveals Bakery Bargains
Across social media platforms, customers are enthusiastically sharing their shopping secrets, detailing how they score everything from donuts and croissants to celebration cakes at remarkably low prices. One recent video posted to the @costco_empties Instagram account showcases the latest bakery items available at the membership-based retailer.
Among the standout deals highlighted are 22 chocolate-filled mini beignets for $9.99, a giant chocolate chip cookie bar cake for $18.99, and a box of 24 peanut butter cookies for just $10.99. These offerings have generated significant excitement among budget-conscious consumers.
Influencer Highlights and Customer Favourites
Jacquelyne Devine, a mother of three based in Pennsylvania who uses the handle @CostcoJacque, regularly spotlights Costco bakery bargains for her followers. Last Thanksgiving, she revealed purchasing a giant pumpkin pie weighing 3lbs 10oz for only $5.99. In another video, she showcased a 10-inch New Year's celebration cake priced at $17.99.
However, some of her most frequent bakery purchases are Costco's croissants, which cost just $5.99 for a dozen. On Fridays, she is particularly fond of the blueberry cheesecake and caramelized croissants, priced at $12.99 for six, which she describes as 'pure bakery bliss.'
Reddit Discussions and Practical Tips
On Reddit, another Costco shopper, FeistyPrice29, praised the croissants as one of the bakery section's standout items. They wrote, 'I popped into Costco recently and picked up their butter croissants - massive, flaky, and still a bargain compared to bakery prices. After toasting one with a bit of butter, I remembered why I keep going back.'
They added, 'With rising prices everywhere, I'm trying to stick to things that still feel like a good deal,' inviting fellow Redditors to share their favourite Costco bakery finds. One commenter, smileystarfish, mentioned they often stock up on bagels when on offer, slicing them in half and freezing them to extend their shelf life.
Muffins also ranked highly among shoppers as a popular discounted treat. Similar to the croissants, customers reported freezing the muffins after purchase and simply microwaving them before eating. User xken_adamsx suggested, 'One minute in the microwave and add a scoop of ice cream.'
Costco's Business Model Supports Low Prices
A significant portion of Costco's profit derives from annual membership fees, enabling the company to maintain lower prices on goods. Costco caps its markups at approximately 14 to 15 percent, substantially below those of typical supermarkets and department stores, and avoids traditional sales gimmicks.
Consequently, shoppers trust that prices are fair, spend less time comparing labels, and tend to purchase more once inside the store. While Costco makes less profit per item, it compensates by selling in high volumes, supported by its membership-based structure.
Membership Details and Global Expansion
In the United States, Costco membership costs $65 per year for a standard Gold Star or Business membership, or $130 annually for an Executive membership. Both options permit members to shop at Costco locations worldwide. The Executive tier includes a 2 percent annual reward on qualified purchases, along with exclusive early shopping hours.
Founded by Jim Sinegal and Jeff Brotman in 1983, with its first warehouse opening in Seattle, Washington, Costco now operates more than 900 warehouses globally. The majority are located in the US, followed by Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK. The company is continually expanding, aiming for over 30 new stores annually.
Strong Financial Performance
In early 2026, Costco is demonstrating robust performance, with shares rising more than 13 percent year to date following a dip in 2025. This growth is driven by strong January comparable sales growth of 7.1 percent, indicating sustained consumer demand and effective business strategies.
