Stepping into Costco for the first time can feel like entering a deliciously overwhelming wonderland of bulk deals and oversized carts. With towering aisles packed to the brim and endless samples tempting you at every turn, it’s easy to get sidetracked. But before you go rogue with a 10-pound cheese wheel or a year’s supply of granola, let’s get strategic. This list of 17 tried-and-true Costco food finds will help you stock up smartly from day one. From cult classics to hidden gems, these picks combine quality, value, and flavor—so you leave with a cart full of confidence and zero regrets.
1. Rotisserie Chicken
The legendary $4.99 rotisserie chicken stands as Costco’s ultimate MVP. Weighing in at a hefty three pounds, these perfectly seasoned birds are juicier and more flavorful than grocery store alternatives at nearly twice the price.
Smart shoppers use them for multiple meals – shred the meat for tacos, salads, and sandwiches throughout the week. The bones make excellent homemade stock too!
Costco famously loses money on these chickens but keeps the price fixed as a customer draw. They sell over 100 million annually, proving this protein-packed bargain has achieved cult status for good reason.
2. Kirkland Signature Wild Argentine Red Shrimp
Often called “the poor man’s lobster,” these stunning crimson shrimp deliver sweet, buttery flavor that genuinely rivals their pricier crustacean cousin. The substantial 2-pound bag offers restaurant-quality seafood at a fraction of dining-out prices.
Unlike typical farmed varieties, these wild-caught beauties cook to perfect tenderness in just minutes. Their natural sweetness means you can keep seasonings simple – just butter, garlic and a squeeze of lemon.
Keep a bag in your freezer for quick dinner emergencies. They thaw rapidly and transform into impressive meals like scampi, paella, or simple grilled skewers that taste deceptively luxurious.
3. Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt
Smooth, tangy, and impossibly thick – this protein powerhouse puts regular yogurt to shame. The two-pack of 32-ounce tubs delivers exceptional value compared to smaller branded containers that cost nearly the same amount.
Versatility makes this a kitchen MVP. Use it plain with honey and fruit for breakfast, as a sour cream substitute for tacos, or as the base for creamy dips and dressings. The plain variety contains no added sugars but still tastes rich and satisfying.
With 23 grams of protein per serving, it keeps hunger at bay for hours. The organic certification means no antibiotics or hormones – just clean, simple ingredients that your body will thank you for.
4. Food Court Chicken Bake
Forget what you know about food court meals – this hand-held wonder elevates the concept to art form status. Imagine a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior giving way to a molten core of diced chicken, bacon, Caesar dressing, and cheese all wrapped in pizza dough.
At just $3.99, it delivers a protein-packed meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetite. The genius lies in its portability – you can eat it with one hand while pushing your cart with the other!
Pro tip: these are made fresh throughout the day, so ask which batch is newest. Some members swear the Chicken Bake alone justifies the annual membership fee, and after one bite, you might agree.
5. Tortilla Fresca Uncooked Flour Tortillas
Ready for a tortilla revelation? These refrigerated raw tortillas transform into puffy, tender wraps that put shelf-stable versions to absolute shame. The 44-count package seems enormous until you realize how quickly they’ll disappear.
Simply heat a dry skillet, cook for 30 seconds per side, and watch in amazement as they bubble and puff dramatically. The result? Warm, slightly chewy tortillas with genuine homemade flavor without the mixing, rolling, and mess.
Their versatility shines in everything from breakfast burritos to quesadillas to dessert creations. Many shoppers report these tortillas single-handedly ending their restaurant taco cravings – they’re that good.
6. Kirkland Signature Supreme Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Cauliflower pizza crusts often disappoint with their soggy texture and vegetable aftertaste. Not this one! Costco’s version achieves the impossible: a crispy-edged, sturdy crust that actually holds its toppings and tastes remarkably bread-like.
Each box contains two generous pizzas loaded with four cheeses, uncured pepperoni, and vegetables. The best part? Each slice contains just 8 net carbs, making it perfect for those watching their intake without sacrificing pizza night.
The trick to perfection lies in cooking directly on the oven rack until the cheese bubbles and edges turn golden brown. Even dedicated carb-lovers frequently choose this option over traditional pizza for its lighter feel and impressive flavor.
7. Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage And Beef Lasagna
Home-cooked comfort without the work – this massive 3-pound tray of lasagna features restaurant-quality ingredients that would take hours to assemble yourself. The layers alternate between al dente pasta, savory meat sauce with Italian sausage and beef, and three distinct cheeses.
Family dinner crisis solved in just 50 minutes of oven time! The portion size easily feeds 6-8 people, making it ideal for both family meals and casual entertaining. Many members keep one in the freezer for last-minute dinner emergencies.
Unlike many frozen lasagnas, this version maintains its structure when served rather than collapsing into a sloppy mess. The balance of meat, cheese and sauce achieves that elusive homemade quality without the mixing, layering and cleanup.
8. Kirkland Signature Organic Whole Cashews
Skip the roasted, salted nuts and discover cashews in their purest form. These raw, unsalted gems showcase the cashew’s naturally buttery flavor without additives masking their subtle sweetness.
The 2.5-pound container provides exceptional value compared to small packages at regular grocery stores. Their versatility extends beyond snacking – blend them into creamy homemade cashew butter, process into dairy-free milk, or toast them yourself with your preferred seasonings.
Health enthusiasts appreciate that these organic nuts contain no oils, salt, or preservatives – just pure cashew goodness. Their mild flavor makes them perfect for both sweet and savory recipes, while their substantial crunch provides satisfying texture to salads and stir-fries.
9. Kirkland Signature Tempura Shrimp With Dipping Sauce
Entertaining hack alert! These golden-battered shrimp transform from freezer to impressive appetizer in just 15 minutes. The light, crispy coating maintains that distinct tempura crunch even when baked rather than fried.
Each jumbo shrimp comes with the tail intact for easy handling, perfect for cocktail parties or family movie nights. The included sweet chili dipping sauce delivers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes that complement the delicate seafood beautifully.
Restaurant-quality appetizers typically cost $1-2 per piece, making this box of 30 shrimp an incredible value. Keep a box on hand for last-minute gatherings or those nights when dinner needs a quick upgrade from ordinary to special.
10. Kirkland Signature Butter Croissants
Flaky, buttery heaven awaits in this pack of oversized bakery beauties. Each croissant features dozens of delicate layers that shatter gloriously with every bite, revealing a soft, airy interior that puts grocery store versions to shame.
The secret lies in the butter-rich dough that’s laminated through multiple foldings. At roughly $1 per croissant, they cost a fraction of what you’d pay at a specialty bakery for similar quality.
Beyond breakfast, these versatile pastries elevate sandwiches to gourmet status and transform into bread pudding or French toast when slightly stale. Freezing works beautifully – just thaw overnight and refresh in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their just-baked magic.
11. Food Court Pepperoni Pizza
Costco’s food court pizza defies all logic – how can something so inexpensive taste this good? The 18-inch beast features a perfect balance of crispy-yet-chewy crust, tangy sauce, and a blanket of stretchy mozzarella topped with generously sized pepperoni cups that crisp at the edges.
At $1.99 per massive slice (or $9.95 for a whole pizza), it delivers unbeatable value. The sheer size makes each slice a meal in itself, easily folded New York-style for portable eating.
Smart shoppers call ahead to order whole pizzas for pickup after shopping. While not gourmet, this pizza consistently satisfies cravings and has developed a cult following that rivals the warehouse’s most popular products.
12. Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Pretzels
Dangerous snacking territory ahead! These crunchy pretzel nuggets filled with creamy peanut butter create an addictive sweet-salty combination that’s nearly impossible to stop eating once you start.
The 52-ounce container provides remarkable value compared to small packages at regular stores. Perfect for parties, road trips, or everyday snacking, they satisfy both sweet and salty cravings simultaneously.
Unlike similar products with artificial fillings, these feature real peanut butter with that distinctive roasted flavor. The substantial protein content makes them more satisfying than empty-calorie snacks. Word of warning: buying these requires serious self-control or a commitment to portion them into smaller containers immediately!
13. Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Traditional peanut butter cups get a delicious upgrade with these sophisticated treats. Each cup features a thin shell of rich dark chocolate surrounding creamy peanut butter that’s less sweet and more nutty than conventional versions.
The nutritional profile impresses too – they contain 30% less sugar than leading brands while adding 5g of protein per serving. The resealable bag helps with portion control, though you’ll be tempted to devour them all at once!
Made with simple ingredients like real peanut butter and fair-trade cocoa, they satisfy chocolate cravings without artificial additives. These cups hit that sweet spot between indulgence and better-for-you snacking that makes them dangerous to keep in your pantry.
14. Kirkland Signature Parmigiano Reggiano
Authentic Italian treasure at an unbelievable price! This isn’t just any parmesan – it’s the real deal from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, aged a minimum of 24 months for complex flavor that mass-produced versions can’t touch.
The wedge comes vacuum-sealed with the official consortium stamp guaranteeing authenticity. Its crystalline texture and nutty, slightly fruity profile elevate everything from pasta to roasted vegetables.
At roughly half the price per pound compared to specialty shops, this cheese represents one of Costco’s best values. Store it properly by wrapping in parchment paper then loosely in foil, and it will last for months in your refrigerator, developing even deeper flavor as it ages further.
15. Kirkland Signature Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Forget those mild, rubbery orange blocks – Costco’s sharp cheddar delivers genuine aged flavor that stands up to any premium brand. The two-pound brick features a crumbly yet creamy texture that signals proper aging and quality milk.
This versatile workhorse transitions effortlessly from cheese boards to cooking applications. It melts beautifully in grilled cheese sandwiches while maintaining enough character to shine alongside wine and crackers.
Made with milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones, this cheddar represents remarkable value compared to specialty cheese shops. Pro tip: portion and freeze what you won’t use within a few weeks – it thaws perfectly and prevents waste of this dairy gold.
16. Kirkland Signature Marinated Artichoke Hearts
Transform ordinary dishes into restaurant-worthy creations with these tender artichoke hearts. Marinated in a perfect blend of extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, garlic and herbs, they deliver instant Mediterranean flavor without any prep work.
The 33-ounce jar provides exceptional value compared to small jars at regular markets. Their versatility shines across multiple applications – toss into pasta, layer on pizza, add to salads, or serve as part of an antipasto platter.
Unlike some marinated vegetables that taste mostly of vinegar, these maintain their delicate artichoke flavor while absorbing just enough of the aromatic marinade. The oil itself becomes a valuable ingredient – use it as a bread dip or salad dressing base.
17. Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Culinary gold in a bottle! This cold-pressed organic olive oil delivers the grassy, peppery kick that indicates true quality, yet costs a fraction of specialty brands. The two-liter bottle represents remarkable value for an oil that passes rigorous testing for purity.
Its medium-bodied profile makes it versatile enough for both cooking and finishing dishes. The distinctive green hue and fresh aroma signal proper handling and storage – important factors in preserving olive oil’s health benefits and flavor.
Consumer Reports consistently ranks this oil among their top picks, often outscoring bottles costing three times as much. Smart shoppers use it for everyday cooking while appreciating that they’re getting genuine, high-quality olive oil without the premium price tag.
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