Why nuts are so much cheaper at Costco — and which ones to buy

Buying almonds in bulk is worth it when you see how much you'll save.

Key Points

• Costco is already known for its low prices, but nuts might be one of the best-value buys at the beloved superstore.
• By selling nuts in bulk and relying on membership fees for profit, Costco is able to undercut the price per unit for nuts that you'll see at other grocery chains.
• From the nuts that offer the biggest savings to how to store them, we've assembled the ultimate guide to buying nuts at Costco.

Whether you enjoy cashews or peanuts as a quick afternoon snack or want to sprinkle slivered almonds on top of a salad, nuts are a versatile pantry staple that come in handy nearly every day. But they can get pricey quickly, depending on where you shop.

That’s why many savvy shoppers choose to buy their nuts at Costco, the membership-based warehouse where you can find ingredients in bulk at lower per-unit prices — and nuts might be among the best deals this superstore offers. From simple bags of unsalted almonds or peanuts to ready-to-snack options like sweet praline pecans and honey-roasted mixed nuts, Costco’s nut selection is extensive and goes beyond its own Kirkland Signature products.

When navigating all those options, keep these tips in mind to get the best value and ensure your bulk buy of nuts stays fresh long enough to use. To help you shop smarter and spend less, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to buying nuts at Costco.

How to save the most money on nuts at Costco

By eliminating marketing costs and limiting the markup on its own line of products, Costco ensures that its Kirkland Signature items are almost always the most budget-friendly options on its shelves. But how do these offerings stack up against other private-label grocery options?

Compared to in-house brands at other major supermarkets, we found that Costco’s nuts are either on par with the competition or cost significantly less, especially when it comes to flavored nuts, mixed nuts, and specialty options that usually have a higher price.

Kirkland Signature Fancy Whole Cashews, seasoned simply with sea salt, come in a 2.5-pound bag for $18.99, bringing the price to $7.60 per pound. At Whole Foods, a 1-pound bag of the same roasted and salted nuts costs about $10. Other stores like Target and Kroger have prices comparable to Costco for roasted, salted cashews, at $6.72 and $7.52 per pound, respectively. However, it’s worth noting that the Kirkland Signature option features “fancy” cashews, a premium classification that denotes uniform nuts with a richer flavor.

If you're after a great deal, go for the large 3-pound bags of Costco’s Kirkland Signature Supreme Whole Almonds. At only $4.56 per pound, no other brand can come close to this value, and you’ll spend about $7 per pound for the same almonds at Kroger, Target, and Whole Foods.

Related: The Best French Finds at Costco, According to Parisians

Costco offers some of its best value deals on premium nuts — ingredients that tend to be more costly everywhere else — like its Kirkland Signature Organic Pine Nuts. The 1.5-pound bag can be used to make fresh pesto or top salads for months to come and rings in at $31.49. That may seem like a hefty price tag, but it’s a bargain compared to the roughly $45 at Whole Foods, $64 at Walmart, or $48 at Kroger for the same amount of pine nuts.

How to store nuts to keep them fresh

Although it's easy to think of nuts as a shelf-stable ingredient, they’re actually rich in natural oils that can cause them to spoil relatively quickly. Since Costco sells nuts in large quantities, like that 3-pound bag of almonds, it’s crucial to store them correctly so they don’t go rancid before you can enjoy them.

First and foremost, you should store any opened packages of nuts in an airtight container. If the original packaging has a resealable Ziploc closure, that will probably suffice, but many chefs recommend transferring nuts into glass containers with good lids to ensure the tightest seal.

It’s also best to keep nuts in a cool place. A dark pantry is better than exposing them to direct sunlight, but if you really want to extend their shelf life, it’s worth making room to store your nuts in the refrigerator or freezer. After all, you want to enjoy your Costco bounty for months to come.

Why are nuts so inexpensive at Costco?

Instead of sacrificing quality, Costco pulls several other crucial levers to keep prices low and ensure customers renew their membership each year.

The upfront membership fee you pay to shop at the club warehouse is vital to keeping its groceries affordable; most of its profits come from membership fees, which allows the chain to sacrifice profit margins elsewhere. Specifically, on the products you buy. 

Once you step inside, you'll notice that Costco stores are no-frills, warehouse-style spaces that keep frivolous overhead costs to a minimum. The money that Costco saves on marketing and an aesthetic layout goes back into your pocket.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Costco Bakery: Hidden Gems, Secret Rules, and Insider Tips

Most importantly, most of Costco’s products are sold in bulk, allowing the store to negotiate deals with suppliers in exchange for purchasing large quantities of goods and ultimately pass those savings on to the customer. A 2025 survey revealed that many staple items at Costco cost at least 25% less than competitors, and some everyday products offer savings of up to 52%. 

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