Revealed: Four Beloved Cheap Items That Beat Inflation — Including the Famous Costco Hot Dog
- A handful of items have weathered the storm of inflation and stayed cheap
- The infamous Costco hot dog and soda deal has been at the same price since 1985
- Consumer goods have increased by an average of 13 percent over the past two years
While rampant inflation means costs are skyrocketing across the board, there are still some items that have managed to maintain their low price tag.
Despite inflation finally falling below 5 percent in April, annual inflation remains stubbornly above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2 percent.
Inflation has been persistently high for the past two years, driving consumer goods prices up an average of 13 percent since April 2021, the report said. CNBC. May figures showed that the cost of flour was up 17.8 percent from the same time last year, while frozen vegetables were up 18.9 percent.
Executives at megastore chain Costco warned last week that shoppers are already changing their habits in preparation for a recession — ditching higher-priced items like beef for cheaper meats like chicken and pork.
And last week it was revealed that companies like PepsiCo. and McDonald’s were accused of ‘greed’ by unfairly inflating prices.
But there are still a handful of inflation-proof products available at the major retailers, meaning you don’t have to change what you put in your basket.
Costco’s chief financial officer insisted last year that the famous hot dog and soda combo would stay the same price ‘forever’
The member chain has been selling the deal for the same price since 1985
Costco hot dog and soda
Topping the list is the legendary Costco $1.50 hot dog and soda deal, which has been the same price since 1985.
In September 2022, Costco’s chief financial officer Richard Galanti insisted that the famous combination would remain the same price “forever” — and it seems the company is keeping that promise so far.
The members-only store has also maintained a low price of its rotisserie chickens, which have been $4.99 since 2009.
Arizona’s 99 cent iced tea
That’s what Arizona boss Don Vultaggio said in October last year CNBC that the company would hold the price of its 99-cent cans of iced tea for as long as possible.
For 30 years, customers have enjoyed the drink for a low price – and the fact that it costs less than a dollar is now synonymous with the brand.
The diverse range of flavors is actually part of what helps keep costs down, Vultaggio said.
Instead of increasing the price of one item, the company focuses on offering more products at a lower price.
A single Hot Wheels toy car is just $1.29 at Target today and has stayed around $1. Arizona boss Don Vultaggio said he would keep Arizona’s 99 cent canned iced tea as long as possible
Hot Wheels toy car
Another item that has kept its affordable price is the Hot Wheels toy car, which has stayed around $1.
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 about 59 cents — which would be just over $5 today.
Today you can pick up the popular trinket for just $1.29 at Target.
The low-cost gym model is designed to get more people exercising for the first time
The $10 membership of Planet Fitness
The cost of working out has skyrocketed in recent years, with some gyms offering one class for over $30.
But a monthly membership 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 price to get you off the couch,” 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.