Who Has the Best Bakery: Costco or Sam's Club?

Bakeries are a staple in every neighborhood, both for daily snacks and special occasions. Two big box stores that have been making their way into this industry are Costco and Sam's Club. Both of these stores are known for their bulk purchases and affordable prices, so it's obvious that people would be interested in comparing their bakeries. After personally visiting both bakeries and comparing their prices, variety, and taste, here is the verdict.

Pricing

One of the major draws to both Costco and Sam's Club is their pricing. Both stores offer affordable prices on bulk items, and the same is true for their bakeries. Keep in mind that the selection of products at the bakery is subject to change based on the region and the time of year, as there are numerous seasonal items available.

Costco and Sam's Club have both found immense success with their top-selling item: croissants. These delectable treats are priced at $5.99 for a dozen at Costco and $6.48 at Sam's Club, offering both irresistible flavor and affordability.

I spoke with the baker at my local Costco, who shared that while the croissants are baked fresh daily, the bakery relies on frozen dough to keep up with the high demand. However, it's worth noting that many of the other bakery items are made entirely from scratch in house.

The baker also mentioned that the bakery section sees a dip in sales during the summer compared to the winter and fall seasons. Nevertheless, Costco's croissants continue to be a hot seller all year round.

After researching both bakeries, it seems that Costco is the winner in terms of overall bakery pricing. While the price difference may not seem significant, the savings can add up over time if you're a frequent visitor. Both stores offer a different range of products, making a direct price comparison challenging. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that both establishments provide competitive prices in this particular department.

Winner: Costco

Variety

When it comes to bakery variety, both Costco and Sam's Club offer a wide range of items. Costco is known for its massive muffins and delicious croissants, while Sam's Club is known for jumbo cupcakes and doughnuts.

Both stores cater to customers looking for custom cakes to celebrate special occasions. While Costco offers a limited selection of specialty cakes, Sam's Club provides a wider range of cake flavors, icing options, and cake types.

In terms of variety, it's difficult to declare a clear winner -- it ultimately comes down to what you're looking for. During my visit to both stores, I found that Sam's Club offered a wider variety of bakery items compared to Costco. So if you prioritize having more options, Sam's Club comes out on top.

Winner: Sam's Club

Taste

Perhaps the most important aspect of a bakery is the taste. After trying items from both Costco and Sam's Club, it's clear that both stores offer delicious treats. However, personal preference will play a big role in deciding which one has the better taste.

I recommend trying items from both stores and decide for yourself which one you prefer. Personally I am a fan of Costco's croissants, but Sam's Club has delicious rolls that are irresistible. Whether you're in the mood for a sweet pastry or a buttery croissant, both Costco and Sam's Club are sure to deliver a tasty treat.

Winner: Tie

Earn up to 5% cash back

Like many other rewards credit cards, both Costco and Sam's Club offer their own branded credit cards. You can use the credit cards as a membership card as well (you still have to pay the annual membership fee).

Sam's Club Mastercard holders earn 5% cash back on gas (on first $6,000 per year, then 1% after), 3% cash back on dining, and 1% cash back on other purchases. Regular Sam's Club members receive 1% back on Sam's Club purchases, while Sam's Club "Plus" members receive 3% back.

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers similar rewards, including 4% back on eligible gas purchases (on the first $7,000 per year and then 1% after), 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel, 2% on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com, and 1% for all other purchases. Costco's Executive members receive the same rewards rate as regular members.

Overall, both Costco and Sam's Club offer decent bakeries with affordable prices and a good variety of items. When it comes to overall pricing, Costco edges out Sam's Club. However, when it comes to variety, Sam's Club may be the winner. Both stores offer unique options that may appeal to different people. Ultimately, it's best to try items from both stores and decide for yourself which one you prefer.