These Costco Favorites of Mine Cost Less Than $12

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When I go to Costco , I try my best to load up on wholesome foods like vegetables, fruits, and proteins. But I can admit that my snacky side tends to get the better of me.

The good news is that many of my favorite Costco treats are relatively inexpensive given the amount of product I'm getting. Here are a few favorites of mine that cost under $12.

1. Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets

I enjoy almost anything with peanut butter in it. And if you like the idea of pretzels stuffed with peanut butter, then you should try this Kirkland creation.

The online price for a 55-ounce jar is $11.99. But Costco almost always offers lower in-store prices because when you order online, the cost of shipping and handling is built in.

2. Kirkland Signature Cashew Clusters

I'm a fan of snacks that pack a little sweetness in with saltiness. And these cashew clusters fit that bill. They're loaded with almonds and pumpkin seeds for added crunch, and I find that they give me a nice burst of energy when I need one.

A two-pound bag is $10.99 online, which means you're looking at an even lower price in stores. But if you're undergoing dental work, these clusters may not be ideal for you, because they really go heavy on the crunch factor.

3. Kirkland Signature Sweet Heat Snack Mix

I tend to buy nut-based snacks because I feel they're a bit less junky than pure sugar and I like the addition of a little protein to my day. This sweet heat mix features barbecue-flavored coated almonds, seasoned cashews, honey roasted sesame sticks, corn nuggets, and honey glazed pecans.

I don't find it very spicy, but if you're sensitive, you may want to pass. A 24-ounce bag costs $10.99 online.

4. Kirkland Signature Creamy Almond Butter

In my world, almond butter is more of a snack than a central meal ingredient. I like to spread it on apple slices for a midday pick-me-up.

A 27-ounce jar of Kirkland almond butter costs just $7.49 online. And it's made in a peanut-free facility. So if you can't have peanuts, this may be safe for you to consume.

5. Kirkland bakery muffins

On Saturday mornings, we eat muffins in my house. It's my way of rewarding everyone for getting through the work or school week.

A 12-pack of Kirkland muffins costs $9.99 at my local Costco. Because prices can vary by store, you might pay a bit more or less.

But if you're thinking these are boring old muffins, well, they aren't. They're fluffy and moist, and you can choose from different varieties so you're not stuck with 12 of the same type. My personal favorites are blueberry, coffee cake, and pumpkin streusel, but the latter two are only available at certain times of the year.

It pays to load up at Costco -- but exercise caution

You don't necessarily have to spend a fortune to buy delicious, quality items at Costco. And all of these products are a great deal, given the taste and quantity.

But remember, the danger of buying food in bulk is throwing some of it away. That's the opposite of saving money . So if you usually don't snack on nuts, you may not want to spring for the Sweet Heat mix. And if you can't remember the last time you consumed almond butter, then buying a bulk haul of it probably isn't necessary.

However, if you can see yourself enjoying and finishing any of the products above, then I highly recommend them. Oh, and the muffins freeze fabulously. So don't assume you have to gobble up 12 giant ones in a single weekend.

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .