Revealed: Four beloved low-cost products that beat inflation – including the famous Costco hot dog
- A handful of items weathered the storm of inflation and remained low priced
- Costco’s infamous hot dog and soda deal has been the same price since 1985
- Consumer goods grew by an average of 13% over the past two years
Although rampant inflation means costs are skyrocketing across the board, some items have still managed to keep their price low.
Although it finally fell below 5% in April, the annual inflation rate remains stubbornly above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
Inflation has been consistently high over the past two years, meaning the price of consumer goods has risen by an average of 13% since April 2021, according to CNBC. Figures for May showed the cost of flour soared 17.8% compared to the same period last year, while frozen vegetables rose 18.9%.
Executives at the Costco megastore chain warned last week that shoppers were already changing their habits in anticipation of a recession – foregoing more expensive items such as beef for cheaper meats such as chicken and pork.
And last week it was revealed that companies like PepsiCo. and McDonald’s have been accused of “greed” by unfairly raising prices.
But there are still a handful of inflation-proof products available at major stores, meaning you won’t have to change what you put in your basket.
Costco’s CFO insisted last year that the famous combination of hot dogs and sodas would stay the same price ‘forever’
The members-only channel has sold the case for the same price since 1985
Hot dog and Costco soda
Topping the list is Costco’s legendary $1.50 hot dog and soda deal, which has been the same price since 1985.
In September 2022, Costco CFO Richard Galanti insisted the famous jumpsuit would stay at the same price “forever” – and it looks like the company is keeping that promise so far.
The members-only store has also kept the price low for its rotisserie chickens, which have been $4.99 since 2009.
Arizona’s 99 Cent Iced Tea
In October of last year, Arizona boss Don Vultaggio said CNBC that the company was going to keep the price of its cans of iced tea at 99 cents for as long as possible.
For 30 years, customers have enjoyed the drink at a bargain price — and the fact that it costs less than a dollar is now synonymous with the brand.
The diverse flavor offering is actually part of what helps keep costs down, Vultaggio said.
Rather than increasing the price of an item, the company focuses on offering more products at lower prices.
A single Hot Wheels toy car is just $1.29 at Target today and has stayed around the $1 mark. Arizona boss Don Vultaggio says he will keep 99-cent Arizona canned iced tea for as long as possible
Hot Wheels toy car
Another item that has retained its affordability is the Hot Wheels toy car, which has remained around the $1 mark.
When you factor in inflation, it’s actually cheaper to buy the toy now than it was 55 years ago. When the miniature car was first introduced in 1968, it cost around 59 cents – which would be a little over $5 in today’s money.
Today, you can pick up the popular gem for just $1.29 at Target.
Inexpensive gym model is designed to entice more people to try working out for the first time
$10 Planet Fitness Membership
The cost of working out has skyrocketed in recent years, with some gyms offering a class for upwards of $30.
But a monthly subscription to Planet Fitness is still only $10 – no matter where you are in the country. The no-frills gym chain hasn’t raised the price in 30 years.
“It’s a ‘you get off the couch’ price,” CEO Christopher Rondeau said. CNN Last year. “You’re not going to try something for the first time and spend $50, $60, $70,” he said.
