Costco warehouses are treasure troves of amazing deals and unique finds that can make your shopping trips truly worthwhile. From mouthwatering bakery items to premium proteins and pantry staples, Costco offers incredible value on products you’ll love. Ready to make the most of your membership? Here are the top Costco items you should add to your cart on your next shopping trip.
1. Peaches & Cream Bar Cake – $18.99
Summer desserts don’t get much better than this show-stopping creation from Costco’s bakery section. Fluffy vanilla cake layers alternate with sweet peach compote that tastes like sunshine in every bite.
The real star is the cloud-like whipped cream frosting that’s light yet indulgent, perfectly balancing the fruity peach flavors. Those elegant white chocolate curls on top aren’t just for show – they add a delicate crunch that elevates the whole experience.
At less than $20, this cake serves a crowd and looks like something from a high-end bakery. Keep it in mind for summer gatherings or when you need a special treat that doesn’t require turning on your oven during hot weather.
2. Kirkland Signature Parmigiano Reggiano
Cheese lovers rejoice! This isn’t just any parmesan – it’s the real deal from Italy, aged for 24-36 months to develop complex, nutty flavors that mass-produced versions can’t match. The large wedge might seem pricey upfront, but the cost per ounce beats specialty stores by a mile.
Grate it fresh over pasta for an instant upgrade or add chunky shards to salads for bursts of savory goodness. The aging process creates those delightful crunchy crystals throughout that signal exceptional quality and depth of flavor.
Store it properly (wrapped in parchment paper then foil) and it’ll last for months in your refrigerator. The versatility is unmatched – from elevating simple scrambled eggs to creating the perfect cheese board centerpiece, this is one splurge that pays delicious dividends.
3. Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties – $31.29
Grilling season becomes infinitely easier with these ready-to-cook beef patties that deliver consistent quality every time. The 18-count package breaks down to just $1.74 per substantial third-pound patty – a remarkable value for 100% beef with no fillers or additives.
What makes these standouts is the perfect fat-to-lean ratio that creates juicy burgers with those coveted crispy edges. No more squishing patties between wax paper or dealing with inconsistent sizes when company comes over.
Freezer-friendly packaging means you can grab just what you need for tonight’s dinner. The individually separated patties thaw quickly and maintain their shape on the grill without shrinking dramatically like some competitors. For impromptu cookouts or family dinners, having these on hand is a game-changer.
4. Kirkland Signature Almond Butter
Unlike many commercial versions loaded with sugar and oils, this almond butter contains just one perfect ingredient: dry roasted almonds. The simplicity delivers pure nutty flavor that puts those processed alternatives to shame.
Creamy yet substantial, this spread works magic on morning toast, adds richness to smoothies, and transforms apple slices into satisfying snacks. The generous jar size means you won’t run out after just a few servings – a common frustration with smaller, pricier specialty brands.
Health-conscious shoppers appreciate the clean ingredient list and impressive nutritional profile packed with healthy fats and protein. While natural separation occurs (that’s how you know it’s the real deal!), a quick stir reincorporates the oils for that perfect consistency. Store it upside down between uses to minimize the mixing needed.
5. Carbone Classic Vodka Sauce (2-Pack) – $11.99
Restaurant-quality pasta night happens in minutes with this cult-favorite sauce that’s finally available at Costco. The famous Carbone restaurants charge $32+ for pasta dishes featuring this sauce, but now you can enjoy that same luxurious flavor at home for a fraction of the cost.
Rich tomatoes blend with cream, onions, and just enough vodka to enhance the flavors without any alcohol taste. The silky texture clings beautifully to pasta, creating restaurant-worthy plates with minimal effort.
Each jar transforms basic spaghetti into a special meal, but try it with rigatoni for an authentic experience. The two-pack pricing beats grocery stores by several dollars, making this a smart pantry staple. For busy weeknights when you want something that feels fancy without the fuss, this sauce delivers every time.
6. Kirkland Signature Caramel Tres Leches Cake – $16.99
Caramel lovers have met their match with this indulgent dessert that disappears quickly at gatherings. The traditional tres leches concept gets an upgrade with a buttery caramel topping that creates an irresistible flavor combination.
Each bite delivers the signature moisture that defines tres leches cakes – a result of the sponge cake soaking up three different milks (hence the name). The caramel frosting adds a sweet, slightly salty dimension that prevents the cake from being one-note sweet.
Generously sized to serve 10-12 people, this ready-made dessert saves hours of baking time while impressing guests. The cake maintains its quality for several days in the refrigerator, though good luck keeping it around that long! For last-minute entertaining or satisfying serious sweet cravings, this bakery gem delivers exceptional value and flavor.
7. Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars – $13.67
Nothing conquers summer heat like these premium ice cream bars that rival the famous Häagen-Dazs almond bars at a fraction of the price. The vanilla ice cream core strikes the perfect balance – rich and creamy without being overly sweet or artificial tasting.
The chocolate coating shatters satisfyingly with each bite, revealing its quality with that distinctive snap that inferior brands can’t replicate. Generous almond pieces add wonderful texture and nutty flavor that elevates these beyond basic frozen treats.
The individual wrapping makes these perfect for serving at pool parties or keeping in the freezer for impromptu desserts. At roughly $1.14 per bar, you’re getting gourmet quality at a everyday price. Parents love that these satisfy sophisticated sweet tooths while kids simply enjoy the classic flavor combination that never goes out of style.
8. Meredith Dairy Marinated Goat Cheese
Australian dairy excellence shines in this jar of tangy goat cheese that transforms ordinary meals into gourmet experiences. Soft, crumbly cheese pieces swim in herb-infused olive oil with garlic and peppercorns, creating a ready-to-use flavor bomb for countless dishes.
Spread it on crusty bread for instant appetizers or crumble over roasted vegetables to add creamy richness. The infused oil doesn’t go to waste either – use it for dressing salads or drizzling over finished dishes for an extra flavor dimension.
Cheese enthusiasts recognize this as a specialty item that typically commands premium prices at cheese shops. The Costco offering provides exceptional value while maintaining the artisanal quality that made this product famous. Even goat cheese skeptics often find themselves won over by the balanced flavor and creamy texture that lacks the overwhelming “goaty” quality found in lesser products.
9. Oikos Vanilla Protein Shakes (18-Pack)
Fitness enthusiasts and busy professionals alike appreciate these grab-and-go protein powerhouses that make nutrition convenient. Each bottle packs a substantial 30 grams of protein – equivalent to what you’d find in a chicken breast – making them perfect for post-workout recovery or meal replacement.
The vanilla flavor strikes a pleasant balance without the chalky aftertaste that plagues many protein drinks. These shakes achieve the rare trifecta of being satisfying, genuinely tasty, and nutritionally sound.
Compared to building your own protein shakes or buying single bottles, the bulk pricing at Costco represents significant savings. Keep them chilled in your refrigerator for those hectic mornings when cooking isn’t possible or toss one in your gym bag for immediate refueling after tough workouts. The shelf-stable versions also work perfectly for emergency nutrition in your desk drawer or vehicle.
10. Kirkland Signature Albacore Tuna (8-Pack) – $17.99
Forget everything you thought you knew about canned tuna – this premium albacore will change your perspective on this pantry staple. The substantial chunks of wild-caught tuna maintain their texture and natural flavor, unlike the mushy, fishy versions that give canned tuna a bad reputation.
Packed in water rather than oil, these cans offer versatility for countless healthy meals. The 8-pack configuration provides excellent value while ensuring you always have this protein-rich ingredient available for quick lunches or dinner emergencies.
Quality control is evident from the moment you open a can – the tuna is firm, white, and remarkably clean-tasting. Use it for classic tuna salad sandwiches, protein-packed salad toppers, or mix with pasta for a quick weeknight dinner. Mercury-conscious consumers appreciate that albacore from these specific fishing regions typically contains lower levels than other varieties.
11. Kirkland Signature Strawberries and Cream Cake – $18.99
Summer celebrations become instantly special with this bakery masterpiece that combines fresh strawberry flavor with delicate cream in perfect harmony. The vibrant red filling provides bursts of fruity sweetness between layers of airy vanilla cake that stays remarkably moist.
Whipped cream frosting covers the exterior with just the right level of sweetness – never cloying or heavy like buttercream can sometimes be. Fresh strawberry pieces and decorative touches make this cake as beautiful as it is delicious.
The generous rectangular size easily serves 12-16 people, making it ideal for gatherings without breaking the budget. While many grocery store cakes disappoint with artificial flavors and overly sweet frosting, this Costco creation consistently earns rave reviews for its balanced flavors and quality ingredients. For birthdays, picnics, or “just because” treats, this cake delivers bakery-quality results without the specialty bakery price tag.
12. Kirkland Signature Butter Croissants (12-Pack) – $5.99
French bakery quality meets warehouse pricing with these buttery pastries that outshine offerings from specialty bakeries costing three times as much. The golden-brown exterior gives way to a honeycombed interior with dozens of delicate, flaky layers that pull apart with satisfying ease.
Real butter – and plenty of it – creates that distinctive rich flavor and mouthfeel that margarine-based imposters can never achieve. Each croissant offers the perfect size for breakfast sandwiches or alongside morning coffee.
Smart shoppers know these freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy fresh-tasting pastries anytime. Simply thaw overnight or pop frozen croissants directly into a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore that just-baked texture. At just 50 cents per croissant, this represents one of the best values in the entire bakery department. The only challenge is exercising enough willpower not to devour the entire package in one sitting!
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