The 5 magic words that stretched $46 into 17 Costco meals—A game-changing shopping secret!

Attention, savvy shoppers and culinary connoisseurs of The GrayVine community!

Are you ready to unlock the secret to stretching your dollar at the meat counter? One clever Costco member has revealed a simple yet brilliant hack that can turn a mere $46 into a whopping 17 meals.

And the key to this budget-friendly bonanza? Just five magic words.



Here's the scoop: A Costco enthusiast shared their strategy on social media, and it's all about the art of bulk buying.

The trick lies in approaching the meat counter and confidently asking for a “10lb tube of 90% lean ground beef.” That's it—those are your five magic words.

This isn't just any purchase; it's a strategic move that results in a long tube of beef, which can be divided into 17 generous nine-ounce portions.

At $4.60 per pound, you're looking at a cost-effective way to plan your meals without breaking the bank.


Screenshot 2025-02-19 at 14.42.25.png
A Costco member shared a valuable trick on Facebook for buying meat in bulk at a reduced cost per meal. Image source: Food Bible x MrBeScene / Facebook.



The video that accompanied this revelation showed the shopper in action, meticulously dividing the beef into individual portions and labeling them with their weight.

This isn't just about saving money; it's about saving time. With each portion neatly packed and labeled, future meal prep becomes a breeze, and defrosting is no longer a guessing game.

https://web.facebook.com/FOODbible/videos/607971652025279/
Source: Food Bible x MrBeScene / Facebook.

The response to this meaty revelation was a mix of surprise and admiration. One commenter noted the stark price difference compared to local butchers, where the cheapest they found was $11 per pound.

Another did the math, pointing out that even with sides, the cost per meal could be as low as $4—a bargain by any standard.



Yet, not everyone was convinced. Some questioned the quality of meat you'd get at such a low price, especially when it comes in a tube.

“Tube meat is nasty,” one critic declared, while another agreed, calling “tube burger” pretty bad.

But let's not let the naysayers dampen the spirit of a good deal. After all, taste is subjective, and for many, the value far outweighs any perceived drop in quality.

In a related tale of Costco meat magic, another member hit the grocery jackpot with an 11-pound package of brisket priced at just $0.11.

Recommended for you: Costco controversy: What happens when you try to buy just one item?



Yes, you read that right—eleven cents! After an employee and manager verified the mismarked price, the lucky shopper walked away with a “mini jackpot,” as one envious Costco fan put it.

While we're on the subject of Costco, it's worth noting their membership guidelines.

Only the primary cardholder can make purchases, though they can bring two guests per visit.

Each primary member can add one free household cardholder, and for an additional fee, an authorized cardholder who doesn't live at the same address.

Also read: Costco's major policy overhaul: How it will affect your next shopping trip

Key Takeaways
  • A Costco member shared a valuable trick on Facebook for buying meat in bulk at a reduced cost per meal.
  • By asking for a 10lb tube of 90% lean ground beef at the meat counter, the member was able to prepare 17 meals for $46, equating to roughly $2.71 per meal.
  • While some customers appreciated the cost-saving hack, others questioned the quality of the meat sold in tubes.
  • In a separate incident, a Costco shopper managed to purchase an 11-pound pack of brisket for just $0.11 due to a pricing error, causing envy among other shoppers.

So, dear GrayViners, what's your take on this Costco tip? Have you discovered any other tricks for making the most of your membership? Or perhaps you have a different approach to meal planning on a budget? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!
 

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News, deals, games, and bargains for Americans over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, The GrayVine is all about helping you make your money go further.

The GrayVine

The GrayVine searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for over 60's. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, we're all about helping you make your money go further.
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