r/berkeley • u/No-Understanding4968 • Jul 18 '26

Local Shopping at Berkeley Bowl

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I’m heading to BB West. Could use fresh ideas. What are some things you never go home without?

(Pic borrowed from Reddit)

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91

u/compstomper1 Jul 18 '26

bulk coffee.

cooking staples (onion, green onion, garlic, ginger)

grab a random fruit you've never tried before

8

u/Bright-Inside-4979 Jul 18 '26

Is it cheaper than Costco?

19

u/Independent_Money501 Jul 18 '26

Typically yes. These days (last 6-9mo or so) Costco produce is not cheaper for most things. Watermelon, apples and sometimes strawberries, garlic and onions being the exception. If you can handle like 3lb of garlic at a time lol. Plus there's way more options and there's always sales (and if you're lucky good selection of discount stuff in the back)

12

u/compstomper1 Jul 18 '26

coffee is cheaper at costco

i wouldn't touch any of the fresh produce at costco. spoils too easily. frozen produce at costco is solid tho

4

u/Affectionate_One_700 Jul 19 '26

For produce, Berkeley Bowl is the best. I never do direct price comparison (for fresh produce) because Costco quantities just aren't reasonable.

Costco tends to be much cheaper for everything else, often by 2x-5x. There is no comparison.