If You See This Symbol on a Costco Price Tag, Stock up ASAP
Updated: Jun. 29, 2021
Keep an eye out for it on your next Costco shopping trip.
If you haven’t been graced by the amazingness that is Costco and their prices, let me be the first to welcome you. Costco is known for providing the best bulk deals, especially with its Kirkland items. However, if there’s one thing you love to snag at Costco, you need to know about a symbol on the club’s price tags: an asterisk.
The symbol may be small, but unfortunately, it’s a sign of retail doom. According to the Krazy Coupon Lady, the asterisk at Costco is a sign that the particular item won’t be restocked. Which means you need to stock up because it’s not going to come back for who knows how long!
Don’t Panic… Yet!
Although this item is soon to leave shelves, that doesn’t mean it’s gone for good. Costco often keeps items on a rotating schedule, bringing back items that make sense for different seasons. The reasoning has to do with Costco’s low prices. By keeping their stock on rotation, they are able to keep prices lower for customers throughout the year. They only buy a limited amount of those rotating items and will warn customers that restocking won’t occur via a small asterisk on the price tag.
So if you see that sign, there’s always a sliver of hope that the item will be back on the shelf next year. However, it could also mean the last of this item ever seeing the light of day at Costco. If that’s the case, time to stock up!
By the way, if you ever see an asterisk on our best-value things to buy at Costco, go ahead and shop in bulk. They’re some of the best bargains we’ve found to date.
P.S. Here's What to Make with Your Costco Rotisserie Chicken:
Quick Chicken Lo MeinI can throw this chicken lo mein together on a weeknight when my kids are doing their homework. It uses frozen veggies, which I always have on hand, so I don't need to run to the grocery store for ingredients. —Natasha Kennedy, Orlando, Florida
Chunky Chicken Salad with Grapes and PecansThis chicken salad with grapes is ready in a snap when using rotisserie chicken and a few quick chops of pecans, sweet onion and celery. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Here's the secret behind Costco's $4.99 rotisserie chickens.
Chicken with Curry Roasted SquashThis chicken butternut squash curry is very flavorful and full of protein, fiber and phytonutrients. The addition of the apricots adds a mild sweetness to the dish. —Sharon Collison, Newark, Delaware
Chicken Satay NoodlesThis recipe is so quick and easy. It was given to me by a friend and it tastes just like chicken satay! —Salina Moore, Woodward, Oklahoma
This meal prep trick makes life SO much easier.
Creamy Pumpkin Spaghetti with ChickenOn a cool night, turn to this creamy pumpkin spaghetti for the ultimate comfort food. It's warm, hearty and on the table in just 25 minutes.
Chicken & Spinach Tortellini SoupShredded rotisserie chicken is complemented by fresh green spinach and cheese tortellini in this quick-to-fix soup. It makes a great starter or a light meal with a salad and crusty bread. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Creamy Chicken Vol-au-VentMy friends and I have been getting together for "ladies lunches" for years. These vol-au-vents are the perfect no-fuss fancy food; they look complicated, but are actually simple and fun to make. Whenever I think of good friends and good company, I think of these savory pastries. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Barbecue Chicken SlidersThanks to rotisserie chicken, these cheesy, smoky sliders are a snap to make on a busy day. The special barbecue sauce really takes it up a notch. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Light Chicken and Broccoli BakeCheesy chicken and broccoli bakes are the ultimate comfort food, but I wanted to give the classic casserole a healthier spin. Mine cuts down on fat and calories, but keeps the same cozy flavor. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Spinach Chicken FrittataWhen we were growing up, spinach was one of the only vegetables my brothers and I enjoyed. So our mom found all kinds of ways to include it in meals. This dish is one of my favorites. —Paula Tuduri, Bozeman, Montana
Hot Chicken Salad PiesThese hot chicken salad pies come together in a snap! They're perfect for when you have leftovers on hand and need to use them up. —Shirley Gudenschwager, Orchard, Nebraska
Easy Fried RiceThis easy fried rice recipe really captures the flavor of fried rice served in restaurants. Use leftover chicken for a satisfying meal that's simple to put together. —Lori Schweer, Mapleton, Minnesota
Chicken Sweet Potato SkilletOne of the first things my husband made for me was a variation of this chicken sweet potato skillet. Over the years, it has become a family favorite. Top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, lettuce or anything else your family likes. —MacKenzie Wright, San Antonio, Texas
Cashew Chicken PizzaI make this quick weeknight chicken pizza when I'm craving takeout. I like using shortcuts like premade pizza crust and rotisserie chicken to cut down on my time in the kitchen. —Joseph A. Sciascia, San Mateo, California
Pineapple Chicken Salad SandwichesThese sandwiches are always welcome at lunchtime around our house. Sweet pineapple and crunchy pecans are nice additions to ordinary chicken salad. —Carol Alexander, Midland, Michigan
Buffalo Chicken AlfredoMy family loves this quick Buffalo chicken Alfredo! It became an instant favorite. I like to use Frank's cayenne pepper sauce, but if you like things on the milder side, just use a little less. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Creamy Chicken and PastaRich, flavorful and laced with wine, this creamy chicken pasta is a family favorite. No one ever guesses it’s so quick and easy! —Elaine Moser, Spokane, Washington
Pineapple Chicken CasseroleI'm always looking for one-dish dinners like this Hawaiian chicken casserole that save time and cleanup. I love to cook, but with teaching school, playing handbells at church, and juggling my husband's and teen twins' schedules, I have little time in the kitchen. —Susan Warren, North Manchester, Indiana
Cheesy Chicken ChowderI like to serve this hearty chowder as a meal with garlic bread and a salad. It's a wonderful dish to prepare for any occasion. The rich, mild flavor and the tender chicken and vegetables appeal even to children and picky eaters. —Hazel Fritchie, Palestine, Illinois
Chicken Noodle CasseroleEveryone who tries this comforting cheesy chicken casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel as if I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas
Arugula Pesto ChickenWe had an abundance of arugula in our garden, so I turned it into pesto. The bold green color reminds my son of something the Hulk would eat. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Favorite Chicken PotpieThis is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Chicken Alfredo LasagnaMy family was growing tired of traditional red sauce lasagna, so I created this fun twist using a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Store-bought rotisserie chicken keeps prep simple and fast. —Caitlin MacNeilly, Uncasville, Connecticut
Curried Chicken TurnoversWhenever I have leftover chicken, these turnovers are on the menu. The tasty secret is in the curry. —Laverne Kohut, Manning, Alberta
Chicken-Stuffed Cubanelle PeppersHere's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio
Chicken Croissant SandwichesThese sandwiches are easy to pull together when you need something fun and taste-worthy in a flash. I make them often for occasions like brunches, church youth meetings and impromptu family gatherings. —Cheryl Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Chicken Cassoulet SoupAfter my sister spent a year in France as an au pair, I created this lighter, easier version of traditional French cassoulet for her. It uses chicken instead of the usual duck.—Bridget M. Klusman, Otsego, Michigan
Spicy Chicken and Bacon MacI've been working to perfect a creamy, spicy mac and cheese for years. After adding smoky bacon, chicken, jalapenos and spicy cheese, this is the ultimate! I use rotisserie chicken and precooked bacon when I'm pressed for time. —Sarah Gilbert, Aloha, Oregon
Chicken & Cheddar Biscuit CasseroleI always get rave reviews when I bring this casserole to my son's Cub Scout meetings.This is the perfect comfort meal after a long day. —Sarah Phillips, East Lansing, Michigan
Spicy Peanut Chicken ChiliWhile spending time in the Southwest, I discovered Mexican peanut chicken and thought it would be fun to make it into a chili. Chipotle peppers give it a nice spice that's extra warming on a cold day. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
Blue Cheese Chicken Salad SandwichesI'm a big fan of blue cheese dressing, so I decided to go the "no mayo" route and replace it in this chicken salad. So tangy! Serve the chicken mixture on a bed of lettuce if you're in the mood for salad instead. —Giovanna Kranenberg, Cambridge, Minnesota
Loaded Chicken Carbonara CupsSpaghetti cupcakes with a chicken carbonara twist make for a tasty, fun family dinner. Whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat ingredients make these quick and easy little pasta cakes nutritional winners, too. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Chicken & Brussels Sprouts SaladMy mom made the best salads, and that's where my love for them started. I’ve turned her side salads into awesome meals with protein, veggies, nuts and cranberries. —Lindsay Tanner, Cathedral City, California
Slow-Cooker Chicken BogChicken bog is a South Carolina tradition with lots of variations (think herbs, spices and fresh veggies), but the standard ingredients remain: sausage, chicken and rice. This slow-cooked rendition is a simple take on the classic. — Anna Hanson, Spanish Fork, Utah
Chicken Florentine PizzaOn pizza night, we like to switch things up with this version featuring chicken, spinach and ricotta cheese. One taste and you won't miss traditional sauce one bit. —Phil Corder, Monroe, Louisiana
Creamy Green Chile Chicken CobblerBiscuity crumbs take this family-friendly combo of rotisserie chicken and cheesy, creamy green enchilada sauce over the top. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Soupy Chicken Noodle SupperAt least once a week my six-year-old son, also known as Doctor John, hands me a “prescription” for chicken noodle soup. Needless to say, I'm always happy to fill it. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Chicken Curry LasagnaMy family loves Indian food, and I thought the creamy tomato-based sauce in our favorite curry would be tasty as part of a lasagna. This is a yummy and exciting comfort food for our family! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Chicken Potpie Galette with Cheddar-Thyme CrustThis gorgeous galette takes traditional chicken potpie and gives it a fun open-faced spin. The rich filling and flaky cheddar-flecked crust make it taste so homey. It's lovely for fall and winter dinners, but you can enjoy it anytime. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Chicken BurritosThis mouthwatering chicken burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Chicken Zucchini CasseroleA co-worker shared this chicken zucchini casserole recipe that was originally her grandmother's. When I make it, I use precooked chicken from the grocery store and fresh zucchini my neighbor gives me from his garden. —Bev Dutro, Dayton, Ohio
Four-Cheese Chicken FettuccineAs a cattle rancher, my husband's a big fan of beef. For him to comment on a poultry dish is rare. But he always tells me, "I love this casserole!" I first tasted it at a potluck; now, I fix it for my family (we have a 3-year-old daughter) once or twice a month, and I'm asked to take it to most every get-together. —Rochelle Brownlee, Big Timber, Montana
Caesar Chicken WrapsWhen we have chicken for dinner, I cook extra for these full-flavored roll-ups. Featuring Caesar salad dressing, cream cheese, red pepper, black olives and a hint of garlic, the wraps are perfect alongside corn on the cob and a green vegetable. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Easy Chicken EnchiladasThis chicken enchiladas recipe is so quick and easy, and I always receive a ton of compliments. It quickly becomes a favorite of friends whenever I share the recipe. Modify the spiciness with the intensity of the salsa and the green chiles to suit your taste. —Kristi Black, Harrison Township, Michigan
Chicken and Swiss Stuffing BakeI love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
Cheddar Chicken PotpieCheese soup is one of my favorites, but it’s a bit too rich for my husband’s taste. Now I make a variation of potpie we both enjoy. If I’m in a hurry, I’ll skip the crust, add extra milk and serve it as a chowder. —Sandra Cothran, Ridgeland, South Carolina
BBQ Chicken SandwichesWith four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
Muffin-Tin Chicken PotpiesI made these personalized chicken pot pies in muffin tins for my kids, and they gobbled them up. For the record, the grown-ups did, too! —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Apple Chicken QuesadillasMy sister came up with an easy recipe that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. People are surprised by the combination of chicken, apples, tomatoes and corn inside the crispy tortillas, but they love it. —Stacia Slagle of Maysville, Missouri
Chicken AmandineWith colorful green beans and pimientos, this attractive casserole is terrific for the holidays. This is true comfort food at its finest. —Kat Woolbright, Wichita Falls, Texas
Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken SoupA must for any Mexican meal at my house, try these enchiladas as a main dish or include them as part of a buffet. —Cheryl Pomrenke, Coffeyville, Kansas
Chicken & Egg Noodle CasseroleA friend and her family went through a really difficult time, and I felt so awful for them. Bringing over this chicken noodle casserole was the one thing I could think of to help them out in a tiny way and let them know I was thinking of them. —Lin Krankel, Oxford, Michigan
Chicken Potpie SoupMy grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added this delicious chicken potpie soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas
Balsamic Chicken Pasta SaladI love all the colors and flavors of this quick and easy dish and serve it often in summer, to the delight of my guests! You can't beat the combination of Gorgonzola and bacon. Leftover grilled shrimp makes a tasty substitute for chicken. —Terry McCarty, Oro Grande, California
Chicken and Chiles CasseroleThis casserole makes good use of leftover meat and is very filling. —Lois Keel, Alburquerque, New Mexico
Cheesy Chicken ‘n’ ShellsWhen our friend served us this entree, I asked her for the recipe right away. It was so good, I thought I would share it with others. I cut the recipe down for a meal or two, but it can easily be doubled or tripled. —Jodee Harding, Mount Vernon, Ohio
Almond-Apricot Chicken SaladHere's a one-of-a-kind pasta salad that combines tender chicken, sweet apricots and crunchy vegetables. Plus, the lemony dressing can't be beat. —Susan Voigt, Plymouth, Minnesota
Contest-Winning Greek Pasta BakeWhen I take this dish to potlucks, there's never so much as a morsel left! It’s a simple, healthy, hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. Add a salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a quick meal solution. —Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Barbecue Chicken TostadasLots of my recipes (just like this one) start out as fun ways to use leftovers. My kids love tostadas, so this day-after-cookout dinner was a big hit. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Ginger Veggie Brown Rice PastaOnce I discovered brown rice pasta, I never looked back. Tossed with ginger, bright veggies and rotisserie chicken, it tastes like a deconstructed egg roll! —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York
Chicken Cornbread CasseroleI love this super easy chicken slow-cooker recipe because it tastes like Thanksgiving, but without all the hassle. It's such a hearty and delicious meal for the fall or winter season. —Nancy Barker, Peoria, Arizona
Originally Published: June 29, 2021
