Are These 7 Costco Items With Cult Followings Worth the Hype (and Money)?

Costco has somehow turned warehouse shopping into a personality trait. In other words, when you’re shopping at a place where ownership actually seems to cares if you get the most value, it tends to show.

That’s probably why members don't just shop at the mega-warehouse retailer; they evangelize there. However, with that being said and a $65 annual membership on the line, it's fair to ask if the cult favorites are actually worth it.

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MoneyLion looked at seven of the most hyped items at Costco right now. Here are the verdicts.

1. Hot Dog & Soda Combo

• MoneyLion verdict: Worth the money ($1.50)

Costco CFO Richard Galant said in 2022 that he wouldn't raise the price of the company's jumbo all-beef hot dog and soda combo, available in the food court. This was before the worst of the food costs hit the fan, yet still, now in 2026, Gary Millerchip, the current CFO, explicitly stated during his debut earnings call that the $1.50 price point is safe and dismissed speculation of a price hike.

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Ron Vachris, Costco's CEO, further reassured customers that the deal will not change while he is in charge. In a time of economic instability and inflation, this comforting combo supplies value to the customers and not the shareholders, and that’s important to support.

2. Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken

• MoneyLion verdict: Worth the money ($4.99)

Speaking of cult favorites, the Costco 2026 member review guide calls this easy weekday meal "the most iconic product in American retail and the most consistent value at any Costco location." With this cost per dollar, you're getting a better deal with Costco because their prices are, in general, so much lower than grocery stores. A fully cooked $4.99 (when purchased in-store) rotisserie chicken is a hard bargain to balk at. 

3. Kirkland Signature Muffins

• MoneyLion verdict: Worth the money ($7.93 for an 8-pack)

Costco's Kirkland Signature Muffins are perfect to feed a crowd for brunch or serve as an easy grab-and-go breakfast. Available in chocolate, blueberry, banana chocolate chip and a host of other flavors, these products have been around virtually forever and have gained "cult favorite" status. Plus, they freeze really well if you want to stock up, and come in under $1 apiece.

4. Kirkland Signature 100% Colombian Coffee

• MoneyLion verdict: Reasonable hype for quality and cost ($23.82 for 3-pounds)

Rising food costs and tariffs have put the price of coffee nearly out of the daily habit range. However, brewing the stuff that Costco shoppers swear by, like Kirkland Signature Supremo Bean Dark Roast 100% Colombian Coffee, makes you feel like you’re sipping Starbucks without leaving the house.

5. Kirkland Signature Bagels

• MoneyLion verdict: Reasonable hype for quality and cost ($5.66 for 8-count)

New Yorkers may scoff that no other place has bagels worth eating, but many Costco shoppers would beg to differ. The company's Everything, Pretzel or Plain Bagels have also achieved legendary status in the eyes of reviewers, and come in at $0.71 a pop to boot. 

6. Realgood Foods Co. Lightly Breaded Chicken Strips

• MoneyLion verdict: Consider purchasing ($17.15 for 3 pounds)

Costco is also known for carrying items that aren't easy to find in other grocery stores. These Realgood Foods Lightly Breaded Chicken Strips are the perfect example. Protein-dense and low in carbs makes them a great addition to any meal, especially when they taste like you ordered them from a restaurant and not the freezer aisle.

7. Kirkland Signature Fully-Cooked Bacon

• MoneyLion verdict: Consider purchasing ($14.74 for 1-pound)

If you're looking for a quick bacon fix, the Kirkland Signature Hickory Wood Smoked Fully-Cooked Bacon is almost as good as freshly cooked, according to many Costco shoppers. One pound equals 48 to 50 slices and makes for a quick and easy breakfast treat -- but maybe not every day for your heart’s sake. 

Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.