Costco is not just a warehouse, it’s foodie heaven. Those expansive aisles are hiding more than bulk purchasing secrets, full of ingredients that provide the cook in the kitchen inspiration to work with. From colorful produce to gourmet pantry essentials, each visit is a food lover’s adventure. With a discerning palate and an eye for versatility, you can fill your cart with a trove of game-changing discoveries. This article spotlights 14 products that have revolutionized my cooking this year, proof that the Costco secret is in its power to surprise and delight.
Navigating Costco’s vast selection can feel overwhelming, but the rewards are worth it. Each product here is chosen for its exceptional taste, adaptability, and unbeatable price, making them staples in my kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or hosting a lavish dinner party, these finds deliver. They’re not just groceries they’re tools to simplify and enhance your culinary creations. From comforting soups to luxurious cheeses, these items bring joy to every bite.
Imagine your Costco shopping cart as a canvas of culinary dreams. These 14, from virgin oils to rapid-fire proteins, are for every taste and every occasion. They’re ideal for busy families, serious home cooks, or anyone who wants more excitement in meals for less. Let’s embark on this delicious adventure down the Costco aisles, where value and excellence intersect. Prepare to stock your basket with creative ingredients and turn your kitchen into gourmet paradise.
1. Fresh Press Farms Oils
All kitchens’ staples, Fresh Press Farms oils are made in Georgia with love. From seed to bottle, this small family business gives its all to its best. Their golden-sunflower and olive oils sparkle with flavor and versatility. Drizzling over salads or frying, these oils get everything just right. And the trim bottles with spoutable caps give a touch of class.
- Rich Flavor: Golden-sunflower oil has a buttery flavor; olive oil is anywhere from delicate to full-bodied.
- Higher Quality: Cold-pressed here in the USA ensures freshness and purity.
- Refined Style: Sealing spouts allow for accurate, mess-free pouring.
These oils are functional, yes, but they’re also a quality statement. Their robust flavors make regular cooking an event, whether it’s simple salads or multi-course meals. Leave them out on your countertop for both style and practicality.
2. Milton’s Craft Bakers Frozen Pizzas
Milton’s cauliflower-crusted pizzas put frozen dinner in a gourmet league of new flavor. The two-packs are ideal for a quick and filling dinner after work. Restaurant taste is attained with the crunchy crust and premium ingredients. From roasted vegetables to grilled chicken, every craving has a taste. Under 15 minutes, saving time without losing quality.
- Perfect Crunch: Light, no cauliflower flavor in the background.
- Premium Ingredients: rBST-free cheeses and uncured meats for wholesomeness.
- Quick Prep: Bakes in under 15 minutes for easy meals.
They’re a lifesaver for quick nights, providing convenience along with flavor. Serve with a salad and make an entire meal that’s guilt-free but indulgent-tasting. They’re proof frozen doesn’t have to be less-than.
3. Food Should Taste Good Tortilla Chips
Food Should Taste Good tortilla chips are a snacker’s dream, filled in party-size packs. Their multigrain blend is rich and nutty, with a taste that’s impossible to resist. Stone-ground corn and seeds make them tasty and wholesome. These chips are robust enough for heavy-duty dipping, perfect for parties. They’re a staple at easygoing munching or holiday get-togethers.
- Bright Ideas: Find new ways to use these crunchy, multigrain chips.
- Bold Taste: Flax, sunflower, and sesame seeds provide depth and crunch.
- Durable Texture: Holds up to guacamole, salsa, or queso without breaking.
- Healthy Edge: Non-GMO with nutrient-rich ingredients.
The 28-ounce bag ensures you’re ready for any occasion, from movie nights to parties. Their versatility makes them a go-to for dips or solo snacking. Keep a bag hidden for your own enjoyment.
4. Mānuka Health Honey
Mānuka Health honey is a highly valuable New Zealand gourmet food. Rich and delicate sweetness will grade everything, breakfast or dessert. Unpasteurized and raw, it maintains natural goodness. Kosher and Halal certified, it accommodates various diets. One jar reads, thus the intelligent indulgence.
- Rich Flavor: Rich, subtle sweetness adds to toast or cheese platters.
- Certified Quality: Thoroughly tested for purity and genuine source.
- Multifaceted Cooking: Ideal for desserts or side dishes.
The quality of this honey elevates everyday meals to gourmet levels. With its long shelf life, you can use it at your convenience, imbuing each meal with elegance. A pantry gem to savor.
5. Blount Fine Foods Crab-and-Corn Chowder
Blount’s crab-and-corn chowder brings warm comfort on cold days. It is made in Rhode Island with the homemade taste in fewer ingredients. Loaded with shrimp, roasted corn, and potatoes, it is rich and satisfying. The chowder is perfect for quick, comforting meals. It is a seasonal favorite at Costco, filled when temperatures drop.
- Fresh Taste: Fewer ingredients capture homemade flavor.
- Hearty Mix: Shrimp, corn, peppers, and potatoes make a filling meal.
- Easy Prep: Heat and serve for instant comfort.
Cold winter evenings are made cozy and warm by this chowder. Its strong flavors and simplicity in preparation make it a favorite on busy evenings or snuggle parties.
6. Président Brie Wheels
Triple-crème Président Brie wheels provide rich, creamy indulgence for those who enjoy Brie. Their friendly flavor converts skeptics of Brie. Ideal for parties, they’re a showstopper on cheese boards or baked displays. Elegant and refined, the wheel shape lends sophistication to any gathering. Versatile and tasty, they’re a party favorite.
- Mild Creaminess: Creamy texture, not overly wet, satisfies every palate.
- Versatile Serving: Bake with herbs or serve with fruit and honey.
- Visual Attraction: Traditional round shape makes it appear more visually appealing.
This Brie turns appetizers into memories. Enjoy with Mānuka honey as a treat or melt and indulge pure indulgence. It’s an excellent go-to for any gathering.
7. Red Grapefruit
Costco’s red grapefruit, sold from January to spring, explodes with sweet-tart taste. This Florida treasure shines at breakfast or innovative meals. Its rich color and tart taste enliven any meal. Inexpensive and full of vitamins, it’s a kitchen MVP. A 5-pound bag provides unlimited possibilities.
- Bold Flavor: Sweet-tart segments flavor salads or snacks.
- Creative Uses: Juice for dressings or brûlée for desserts.
- Great Value: $6 for 5 pounds of wholesome, versatile fruit.
This grapefruit puts a splash of rejuvenating taste into dishes or cocktails. Its price and versatility make it a necessity for healthy chefs who like to bring some panache to the table.
8. Island Way Sorbet
Island Way sorbet is a cool indulgence, presented in natural fruit shells. These green indulgences come in lemon, grapefruit, mango, and coconut. Their strong flavors make them perfect for hot summer days or gourmet dinners. Pre-scooped for ease, they’re a playful addition to any menu. They make dessert easy.
- Specialty Packaging: Fruit shells bring green pizzazz.
- Strong Flavors: Ruby berry and passionfruit-mango explode with freshness.
- Versatile Treat: Delicious dessert, snack, or palate cleanser.
These sorbets brighten summer soirees or snuggle-up nights. Playful and full-bolstered flavor capture a first-pick favorite among the young and young-at-heart.
9. POM Pomegranate Arils
POM pomegranate arils bring holiday flavor, October through January. The red treasures are a timesaver, bypassing the annoying peeling process. In Costco’s refrigerated section, they’re ready to take any dish to the next level. Sweet-tangy crunch crowns salads, dips, or desserts. They’re a holiday staple.
- Vibrant Addition: Provides color and flavor for sweet or savory foods.
- Time-Saving: Four-pack container means no prep headache.
- Seasonal Star: Ideal for winter dinners and holiday buffets.
These arils add an explosion of color and flavor to each meal. Their convenience and versatility make them go-to choices for quick, stunning meals.
10. Garofalo Organic Dried Pasta
Garofalo’s artisanal organic pasta, made in Italy for more than 200 years, is of unparalleled quality. Varital shapes such as gemelli and casarecce are good for holding sauces. Traceable organic semolina is used to make it, so it’s a pantry staple. Genuine and affordable, it brings the Italian flavor to your home. A six-pack is a great value.
- Varied Shapes: Ideal for sauce holding, from penne to casarecce.
- Transparent Quality: Authenticity assured by traceable ingredients.
- Budget-Friendly: $10 for six 18-ounce packages of premium pasta.
The pasta brings weeknight dinners to a restaurant standard. Its artisanal style and price point make it an essential for pasta enthusiasts who insist on the best.
11. Starbucks Seasonal Blends Coffee
Starbucks seasonal limited-edition roasts, such as the Winter Blend, make mornings special. This medium-roast coffee has warm spice and candied nut taste. For sale only at Costco, it’s a homey treat for coffee aficionados. The 40-ounce size guarantees long-term freshness. It’s a thrifty treat at $15.
- Rich Aroma: Warm spices and nuts bring a cozy cup.
- Generous Size: 40 ounces keep you satisfied for weeks.
- Exclusive Find: Seasonal blends bring a special element to Costco shopping.
This coffee makes everyday routines pleasant moments. Its flavor and affordability make it a remedy for warm mornings or afternoon boosts.
12. Earth Greens Baby Spinach
Earth Greens baby spinach is a waste-reducing, versatile option for small families. Delicate leaves survive salads, smoothies, or cooked meals. Prewashed, ready to eat, and simple meal prep. For $4.50 a pound, a cheap way to get a healthy dose. Spinach is a pantry essential.
- Versatile Use: Great raw, pureed, or heated in a variety of meals.
- Low Waste: Small package for small families, less spoilage.
- Great Value: Simple ways to include greens in every meal.
This spinach makes it easy to cook healthy with how adaptable it is. Sauteed with garlic or added to smoothies for a simple, healthy energy boost.
13. Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef
Kirkland’s organic ground beef is a protein mainstay, in convenient form. Its 85% lean mix combines taste and health. Three distinct packs simplify meal planning with no waste. It’s $5 per pound, a bargain for organic quality. It’s ideal for thousands of recipes.
- Smart Packaging: Easy to freeze and portion in three packs.
- Versatile Flavor: Ideal for tacos, burgers, or meatballs.
- Affordable Quality: Four pounds of organic beef for $20.
This beef provides restaurant-quality cuisine without a costly price. Its value and ease make it a go-to option for busy chefs and food lovers.
14. Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken
Kirkland’s rotisserie chicken is a $5 legend featuring 3 pounds of fall-off-the-bone goodness. Perfect for busy evenings, no preparation is required. This convenient bird yields several meals, from salads to stews. Its flavor and value can’t be topped. It’s a Costco staple for a reason.
- Incredible Value: $5 worth of several meals in one bird.
- No-Limit Uses: Shred for sandwiches, soups, or quick salads.
- No-Fuss Prep: Prepped and ready to cook, saving time and effort.
This chicken is the ultimate dinner simplifier without sacrifice to flavor. It’s a go-to among resourceful, cost-conscious chefs.
These 14 Costco finds turn shopping into an epicurean escapade. From rainbow oils to convenience proteins, they delight the imagination and make cooking a breeze. Stock up on these basics, and your kitchen will shine with value and flavor. Bon appétit, foodies!
