How Costco's Bakery Deals Can Help You Save Big Money

You may not be able to survive on bread alone, but you might get pretty far if you buy that bread from Costco. Costco's bulky bakery deals could possibly fill your stomach (and definitely fill your cart), if you cleverly purchase these baked goods with the future in mind. Costco sells plentiful packs of croissants, bagels, muffins, and other pastries in its bakery department, alongside larger-than-life loaves of rustic Italian bread and longer-than-life French baguettes. For years, the big-box warehouse sold many of its bakery department goods as part of a compulsory buy one, get one free deal. Everything from large danishes to muffins and more could be purchased in price-cutting, cart-busting two-packs. 

Today, while some of these giant packs of baked goods are still sold in the same surprising mix-and-match BOGO fashion, that particular deal is being phased out in favor of smaller (yet still super-sized) single packs. While this new practice leaves consumers paying more cost per weight for certain pastries than previous pricing, the newly packaged deal might make buying a big box of baked goods more palatable to members who previously struggled with what to do with a surplus of face-sized muffins. While this semi-sweet deal shift is just one of the big changes coming to Costco in 2025, buying baked goods through Costco can still amount to great savings. Especially if you have a ton of freezer space — or hungry coworkers.

If it's hard to eat up a normal-sized loaf of bread in a week, the idea of eating a larger two-pack — which is how Costco's sandwich bread is sold — might seem impossible. However, bulk buying can be as money-saving as it is intimidating, especially when you consider two secret weapons at your disposal: planning and freezer space.

Costco croissants don't have to be eaten in the car on the way home, and actually freeze quite well. You can individually wrap your freshly-purchased pastries in parchment paper and a zip-top bag, or tightly-wrapped cellophane, before freezing. Then, simply thaw for later toasting and/or eating. You can also get clever with your croissants, by freezing, then slitting the pastry to insert fillings like chocolate chips or Nutella before heating and eating. Croissants can also be used to put a novel, elegant twist on a variety of sandwiches. Pair a meal-prepped croissant with frozen shreds of Costco's notoriously cheap rotisserie chicken, and your Costco meal prep can have you eating well for pennies on the dollar, far into the future.

Other Costco bakery items can also be frozen for later thawing and gnawing. One loaf of bread can be used for sandwiches, while the other can be frozen, for toast. Segments of more rustic loaves can be used as the base for personal pizzas or garlic bread. Portioning and freezing can stretch your dollar far into the future, without totally stretching your waistline the week you buy bulk baked goods.

Going out to eat might not be an expense many Americans are willing to shoulder these days. With egg prices skyrocketing, potential new tariffs looming over family budgets, and the very real possibility of tariff-related job loss, dining out may be increasingly off the menu. According to The Motley Fool's transcript of the Q1 2025 Costco earning call, Costco's Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Gary Millerchip, even said: "We are seeing what we think is a little bit of a shift from food away from home to food at home."

While Millerchip stressed Costco's continued commitment to keeping prices low despite economic (and political) stressors, there are still some creative ways for members to tap into Costco bakery savings within their own communities. The easiest way to save? Split the cost of baked goods with a friend or neighbor. This can lead to less waste, more savings, and the ability to take turns (and save on gas) when picking up your Costco orders. If you have a coworker you're close with, create a meal club. Take turns making lunches with different frozen Costco baked goods to keep variety up, and costs down.

Keep brunch on budget by pooling funds with friends or family. Split the price of pastries (and some juice-friendly bubbly from the surprisingly cheap and vast Costco wine selection) for group gatherings at home, instead of pricey restaurant breakfasts. Feeling like a real big spender? Get your group to also go in on two dozen Kirkland Signature eggs.