I recall my inaugural Costco visit as if it were last week. Entering, I experienced a strange combination of confusion and curiosity. Barreling down the aisles, massive carts everywhere. People scooping up gallon containers like it was completely natural. And the odor a combination of bakery, pizzeria, and cleaning aisle.
It’s a lot to process when you’re new. I didn’t have much of a plan. I went in for one or two things and left two hours later with a full cart, a stuffed belly from samples, and an odd feeling of satisfaction.
But beyond the sensory overload, I began to see what makes Costco so special. It’s not the prices it’s the wonderfully odd food finds that catch you off guard and become stalwarts of your household at a glacial pace.
The following are 14 Costco products that truly made me happy I joined.
1. Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken
This isn’t just some store-brand bird. It’s massive, juicy, and costs less than a fancy coffee. I had no idea a $4.99 chicken could taste this good. The skin stays crispy, and it pulls apart so easily.
I’ve used it for everything: salads, tacos, soups, sandwiches… and let’s be honest, just eating it cold from the fridge. It’s not fancy, but it hits the spot. They sell millions of these every year for good reason.
2. Costco Hot Dog + Soda Combo
There’s a certain charm to sitting in a food court, munching on a hot dog that hasn’t changed in price since the ’80s. It’s $1.50 for a giant all-beef hot dog and a refillable soda.
Honestly, it’s not even about how inexpensive it is it’s that it tastes amazing. It’s hot, salty, and reminds me of home. You can put anything you want on top of it, and it’s filling. I go to Costco sometimes just for this combination. No shame.
3. Garlic Parmesan Butter Dinner Rolls
These are scary good. They’re in a large package, and each time I heat them up, the kitchen has a restaurant odor. The rolls are soft on the inside, with just the right amount of crisp on the outside.
They’re covered in garlic-parmesan butter, which melts beautifully when warmed. No additional effort. I’ve served them alongside pasta, soup, grilled meat you name it. Complete crowd-pleaser.
4. Kirkland Shredded Mexican-Style Cheese
Five pounds of cheese is overkill… until you find that you will use it. It’s a blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, asadero, and queso quesadilla cheeses. It melts perfectly, and it’s loaded with flavor.
What’s genius is that it has two individual bags. You can have one open and leave the other sealed until you require it. No clumps, no strange chemicals just great cheese that takes quesadillas, burritos, and nachos to the next level.
5. Honey Smoked Salmon Stackers
I did not think I would enjoy these as much as I do. They’re small, individually packaged amounts of smoked salmon with a hint of honey. Just sweet enough to be interesting.
I put them on bagels with cream cheese, or sometimes just pop one into my mouth right out of the fridge. They’re also delicious in pasta or grain bowls when you want something quick but a bit fancy. Really convenient.
6. Kirkland Salted Sweet Cream Butter
It’s rich. Like, seriously richer than the stuff from the store. It contains more butterfat, so whatever you put it on from toast to pie crust naturally tastes better.
It’s four one-pound blocks, which is perfect because you can freeze some. I keep at least one out for everyday cooking and baking. If you’re a big baker, this stuff is worth gold.
7. Kirkland Extra Virgin Olive Oil
I was a doubter when it came to bulk olive oil, but this one convinced me otherwise. It’s cold-pressed, certified authentic, and has a peppery finish that actually tastes like actual olive oil not bland or greasy.
The two-liter bottle goes a long way, but not nearly as long as you’d expect when cooking frequently. I use it to sauté, dress salads, roast vegetables, and dip bread. Far from a “just for cooking” syrup.
8. Kirkland Organic Pure Maple Syrup
Once you’ve tried this, you’ll never return to the imitation syrup. It’s deep, dark, and just sophisticated enough to make pancakes seem a little fancy. And the container? Enormous. But somehow, it empties quicker than you’d think.
It’s not only for breakfast, though. I use it to glaze salmon, sweeten oatmeal, and add sophistication to marinades. It’s the real thing.
9. Kirkland Organic Whole Cashews
Purchasing cashews elsewhere now seems like a scam after this. Costco’s are raw, unsalted, and in an enormous tub that is actually quite convenient. No salt or added oils just pure, buttery cashews.
I eat them on their own as snacks, roast them in-house, and even grind them up for sauces and vegan “cream” sauces. Excellent quality, excellent price.
10. Frozen Pot Stickers
Freezer-to-table restaurant-quality dumplings? These are them. Pork and veggie-filled, season-perfect, and 10 minutes to cook. Pan-fry them for a golden bottom or steam them if that’s your thing.
The cherry on top? They never clump together. You can take a few handfuls at once without thawing the entire bag. I always have some in the freezer for spur-of-the-moment meals.
11. Frozen Fruit and Veggies
Their frozen fruit, particularly the mixed berry medley, is excellent. I add it to smoothies, yogurt parfaits, and desserts. It’s always juicy and sweet not those pathetic, shriveled berries you get elsewhere.
The same applies to the frozen vegetable mixes. I adore the stir-fry medley for speedy meals. Simply add to a pan with a protein and some sauce, and you’re done.
12. Kirkland Canned Tuna & Wild Salmon Burgers
Tuna is tuna, isn’t it? No. Costco’s stuff is firm, not soggy, and comes in water with no gross taste. I use it for a speedy lunch or tuna melt.
The wild salmon burgers are better still. You just cook them from frozen, and they have the flavor of something you’d get from a restaurant. Good texture, no filler, and quick.
13. Cotton Candy Grapes
I didn’t fall for the hype initially either. But these grapes taste like real cotton candy. It’s strange and wonderful. They only last a short time each summer, so pick them up if you can find them.
I eat them fresh or freeze them for a sweet, cool snack. They’ve converted grape-hating nephew.
14. Island Way Sorbet
Yes, it’s sorbet but served in real fruit shells. Sounds hokey but it really is tasty. The flavor lemon, coconut, mango, orange is creamy and bright, not cloyingly sweet.
And they’re also incredibly easy to serve. Pull from the freezer, no need to scoop or prepare. Great for dinner parties or solo indulgence.
Final Thoughts
Costco is overwhelming at first, but after you get settled in, it’s sort of magical. You find things you didn’t even know you needed, you eat way too many samples, and you leave feeling like you somehow managed to save money by spending $300.
These 14 items are my staples now. They’re not great bargains they’re actually good food. And truthfully, that’s what makes me keep returning.
