Ever wonder what professional chefs toss into their carts when they shop at Costco? We asked three culinary pros to spill their go-to picks—and the answers might surprise you. From indulgent pantry staples to protein-packed snacks and unbeatable kitchen shortcuts, these 14 items aren’t just tasty—they’re chef-approved for quality, value, and versatility. Whether you’re planning weeknight dinners or just want to shop smarter, these expert-endorsed Costco finds will instantly upgrade your grocery game. Ready to shop like a pro? Here’s what chefs can’t resist stocking up on every time they hit the warehouse aisles. Your cart’s about to get an upgrade.
1. Rotisserie Chicken
Professional chefs can’t resist Costco’s famous $4.99 rotisserie chicken, perfectly seasoned and ready to use. The meat is consistently tender and flavorful, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals or as a shortcut ingredient.
Many chefs shred the chicken for use in soups, salads, and casseroles, stretching one bird across multiple dishes. The bones don’t go to waste either – they’re simmered into rich homemade stock.
For busy culinary professionals, this affordable protein represents incredible value while maintaining quality standards they demand in their own kitchens.
2. Norwegian Farm Raised Salmon
Chefs rave about Costco’s Norwegian salmon for its consistently excellent quality and reasonable price point. The rich, buttery texture and vibrant color indicate proper handling and freshness that rivals specialty fish markets.
Culinary professionals appreciate how this salmon holds up beautifully to various cooking methods – from gentle poaching to high-heat grilling. The balanced fat content prevents the fish from drying out during cooking.
Many chefs portion and freeze individual fillets upon purchase, ensuring they always have premium seafood ready for impromptu dinner parties or recipe testing.
3. Kirkland Signature Virgin Coconut Oil
Chefs gravitate toward this 84-ounce jar of organic virgin coconut oil for its remarkable versatility in the kitchen. The clean, subtle coconut flavor enhances both sweet and savory dishes without overpowering other ingredients.
Professional cooks value its high smoke point for sautéing and stir-frying. Many also use it as a dairy-free alternative in baking or as a finishing oil on roasted vegetables.
Beyond cooking applications, some chefs even keep a separate jar for beauty purposes – using it as a natural moisturizer or hair treatment after long shifts in dry kitchen environments.
4. Kewpie Mayonnaise
Professional chefs consider Kewpie mayo the gold standard for creaminess and umami depth. Unlike American mayo, this Japanese version uses only egg yolks rather than whole eggs, creating an ultra-silky texture and richer flavor profile.
The distinctive squeeze bottle allows for precise application when plating dishes or creating artistic sauce presentations. Chefs particularly love using it as a base for specialty aiolis, adding various herbs and spices.
The hint of MSG naturally enhances flavors in everything from potato salads to spicy tuna rolls, making it a secret ingredient many pros refuse to cook without.
5. Costco Croissants
Pastry chefs might make their own croissants professionally, but at home, many reach for Costco’s 12-pack of buttery pastries. The impressive layers and honeycomb interior structure reveal proper lamination techniques that home bakers struggle to achieve.
Smart chefs freeze these croissants individually and reheat as needed, maintaining that fresh-baked quality. Some slice them horizontally for elevated breakfast sandwiches or bread pudding.
The versatility extends beyond breakfast – many professionals use these croissants as the foundation for savory appetizers or desserts when entertaining at home without their restaurant equipment.
6. Kirkland Signature Praline Pecans
Candied nuts require precise temperature control and timing – which is why many pastry chefs happily outsource this task to Costco’s praline pecans.
The 2.5-pound tub delivers consistently crunchy, caramelized nuts with a perfect sweet-to-salt ratio. Culinary professionals crush these pecans as gourmet toppings for ice cream or salads. Others incorporate them into signature cookie recipes or cheese boards for effortless elegance.
The extended shelf life makes them a practical pantry staple that chefs can rely on when inspiration strikes for a new dessert or when unexpected dinner guests arrive.
7. Dunkin’ Iced Coffee
Behind every great chef is a serious caffeine habit. Costco’s 12-pack of ready-to-drink Dunkin’ coffee bottles provides the necessary fuel for early morning market runs and late-night menu planning.
Many kitchen professionals stash these bottles in staff refrigerators for mid-shift energy boosts. The familiar flavor profile delivers consistent results without the hassle of brewing or the expense of coffee shop visits.
Some innovative chefs even incorporate these coffee concentrates into dessert recipes – creating coffee-infused glazes, ice creams, or tiramisu soaking liquids when time constraints demand creative shortcuts.
8. Kirkland Signature Variety Snack Box
Chefs work notoriously long hours with few breaks, making Costco’s 51-count snack box an essential survival tool. The individual portions prevent kitchen contamination while allowing for quick energy boosts between cooking tasks.
Many restaurant owners stock these variety packs in staff break rooms as employee perks. The assortment satisfies different cravings without requiring multiple purchases.
Professional cooks particularly appreciate how these shelf-stable snacks hold up in hot kitchen environments and irregular eating schedules. The variety also serves as emergency car supplies for early morning farmers market runs or late catering gigs.
9. G2G Almond Chocolate Chip Bars
Health-conscious chefs gravitate toward these protein bars for their minimal ingredient list and absence of artificial preservatives. The 24-count box provides substantial savings compared to purchasing individually at specialty stores.
Culinary professionals appreciate having a nutritionally dense option during hectic service periods when proper meals aren’t possible. Many keep these bars in knife roll pockets or chef coat sleeves for discreet snacking.
The balanced protein-to-carb ratio helps maintain steady energy levels during physically demanding kitchen shifts. Several chefs mentioned chopping these bars as unexpected garnishes for housemade ice creams or yogurt parfaits.
10. Grandma’s Cookies Variety Pack
Even sophisticated pastry chefs admit to loving these simple, soft-baked cookies that remind them of childhood. The 33-pack offers multiple flavors that satisfy different sweet cravings throughout the workweek.
Many professionals keep these individually wrapped cookies in their office drawers for quick sugar boosts during administrative tasks. The consistent quality and texture provide reliable comfort during stressful menu planning sessions.
Some innovative chefs even crumble these cookies as impromptu dessert components – creating quick cheesecake crusts or ice cream mix-ins when inspiration strikes but time is limited.
11. Kirkland Signature Organic Sugar
Pastry chefs insist on high-quality sugar as the foundation for their creations, and Costco’s 10-pound bag delivers consistent results at bulk pricing.
The fine granulation dissolves smoothly in both hot and cold applications without grittiness. Professional bakers appreciate the organic certification and lack of anti-caking agents that can interfere with delicate recipes. Many portion this sugar into smaller containers for specialized uses – from vanilla sugar to citrus-infused varieties.
The substantial packaging ensures chefs always have this essential ingredient on hand for impromptu recipe testing or unexpected catering requests. Some even bring this preferred brand to their restaurant kitchens.
12. Skinny Pop Popcorn
Chefs need mindless munching options that won’t derail their palate sensitivity, making these light popcorn packets perfect. The 28-pack of individual servings prevents the temptation to overeat during recipe development sessions.
Culinary professionals appreciate the clean ingredient list and lack of artificial flavors that could interfere with taste testing. Many keep these packets in desk drawers for late-night menu planning fuel.
The portable format makes them ideal for bringing to food industry events or sharing with kitchen staff during family meal. Several chefs mentioned crushing this popcorn as a gluten-free breading alternative for fish or chicken.
13. Kirkland Signature Soy Beverage
Forward-thinking chefs stock up on Costco’s organic soy milk for its remarkable culinary versatility. The neutral flavor profile makes it ideal for both sweet and savory applications without competing with other ingredients.
Professional cooks value how these shelf-stable cartons can be stored until needed, reducing waste and emergency grocery runs. Many use this plant-based milk as the foundation for dairy-free sauces, soups, and desserts.
The consistent protein content creates reliable results in vegan baking applications – something conventional nut milks can’t always deliver. Several chefs noted keeping these cartons as dietary accommodation options for special events and catering.
14. Hickory Farms Party Favorites Gift Box
Off-duty chefs appreciate shortcuts as much as anyone, especially when entertaining at home after long restaurant shifts. This curated collection of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments provides instant entertaining solutions without sacrificing quality.
Many culinary professionals supplement these boxes with a few specialty items from their restaurant suppliers. The balanced selection of flavors demonstrates proper food pairing principles with zero preparation time.
Several chefs mentioned keeping these boxes on hand for unexpected industry gatherings or as host gifts when invited to colleagues’ homes. The presentation-ready format allows even exhausted chefs to appear effortlessly hospitable.
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