4 Items That Keep Costco Lovers Coming Back

Joining Costco can be a smart personal finance decision. What you pay for a membership ($60 a year for a basic membership and $120 a year for an Executive membership), you might more than make up for in the form of savings on groceries and household products.

Many people love Costco for the generally low prices the warehouse club giant is known for. But these particular products tend to be a draw for members. And once you start enjoying them, you may be loath to give them up.

1. Rotisserie chicken

We all need to eat. But let's face it. When you're busy, cooking can be a hassle.

Now, you could fall back on takeout when you're too swamped to tinker around in the kitchen. But that could result in quite a hefty credit card tab. Thankfully, Costco's famous rotisserie chicken can come to your rescue.

For just $4.99 in most markets, your already-cooked chicken can serve as the base of an easy dinner. Throw some French fries into the oven (which you can buy in bulk at Costco) or cut up your chicken and toss it over some greens. It's an inexpensive way to put dinner on the table when hovering over the stove for 30 minutes isn't an option.

2. Vanilla extract

If you're someone who does a lot of baking at home, then you're probably aware that vanilla extract is a staple ingredient in many cookie, cake, and even brownie recipes. But it might also be one of the more expensive ingredients in your pantry.

At a regular supermarket, you might pay close to $4 per ounce of pure vanilla. At Costco, you might pay more like $1 per ounce. That's a huge difference in cost.

3. Sheet cakes

If you've ever thrown a birthday party, retirement party, or other party where you need to feed a crowd, you know firsthand that buying a large cake from a local bakery could get expensive. That's why Costco fans commonly rely on the store's famous sheet cakes when they need a larger-sized dessert that won't break the bank.

Costco's giant sheet cakes are $24.99 in most markets. But they can easily be two to three times the size of a $25 cake you might find at a local bakery or supermarket.

The only "catch" about Costco's sheet cakes is that you need to order them at least 48 hours in advance, and in-person by filling out a form at your local warehouse club store. You can't order your cake online, nor can you call in an order over the phone.

4. The hot dog and soda combo

Most of the time, buying prepared food is going to cost more than making a meal at home. But there may be an exception to this rule in the form of the famed hot dog and soda combo you'll find at Costco food courts.

For just $1.50, you get a giant hot dog with all of the fixings you can fit, plus a large soda to go along with it. And because you can dispense that soda yourself, you have the option to go ice-free for even more ounces of your favorite beverage.

These are only some of the fabulous buys you'll find at Costco. If you're not sure whether to get a membership, consider giving it a try and seeing how much money it saves you. If you're not getting good value, you can cancel and get a refund. And if you're already a Costco member and are thinking of parting ways, think about all you'll be giving up. You may decide to stick with Costco for these items alone.