Costco Beginner’s Guide: 20 Foods That Are Worth Buying
Walking into Costco can feel like entering a treasure hunt for your kitchen. If you are new, it is easy to get overwhelmed by towering aisles and giant portions.
The good news is there are clear winners that deliver value, flavor, and convenience. Here are the Costco foods worth buying, so you leave with smart picks and zero regret.
1. Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken
Costco’s rotisserie chicken is the definition of reliable value. The bird is hefty, seasoned well, and perfect for quick meals when you need dinner fast.
You can shred it for tacos, toss with salad, or simmer bones for broth.
The price is famously consistent, which helps your budget without sacrificing flavor. It stays juicy, even after reheating, making leftovers feel fresh.
Buy one, meal prep, and stretch it across multiple nights.
If you are feeding a family or craving no-fuss protein, this is a no-brainer. You will wonder why you ever roasted your own.
2. Kirkland Signature Organic Eggs
Organic eggs at Costco consistently beat grocery prices for quality and quantity. The yolks are rich, the shells sturdy, and the dozen count works perfectly for weekly breakfasts and baking.
You will appreciate knowing they are certified organic.
Scramble, poach, or turn them into frittatas for meal prep. The value shines when you cook at home more often, saving trips and money.
Freshness tends to be excellent with regular restocks.
If you run through eggs quickly, grabbing a pack here makes sense. You get dependable taste, reliable sourcing, and easy protein every day.
3. Kirkland Signature Greek Yogurt
This thick, tangy Greek yogurt is a refrigerator staple that does it all. You can eat it plain, blend into smoothies, or use it as a substitute for sour cream.
The texture is creamy without being heavy.
Costco’s price per ounce beats most stores, especially in the big tub. The high protein keeps you full and makes breakfasts simple.
Add fruit, granola, or a drizzle of honey for a quick snack.
It also works in baking and marinades, adding moisture and tenderness. If you want versatility and value, this tub earns its space.
4. Kirkland Signature Almond Butter
Costco’s almond butter is a minimal-ingredient winner with rich, roasty flavor. It spreads smoothly on toast, blends perfectly into smoothies, and tastes great with apple slices.
You get clean ingredients and satisfying healthy fats.
The jar is large, but it keeps well and remains stirrable. Compared to boutique brands, the price is excellent without skimping on quality.
Stir before first use and store upside down to reduce separation.
If you like nut butters for breakfast or snacks, this is a must. You will save money while enjoying better texture and taste.
5. Kirkland Signature Bacon
Bacon lovers, this is your bulk buy. Kirkland’s bacon cooks up evenly, renders well, and delivers that smoky, savory crunch you want.
The multi-pack helps you stash some in the freezer.
Costco’s per-pound price is tough to beat for this quality. Bake it on a sheet pan for easy cleanup and consistent results.
You will get fewer fatty throwaway pieces than bargain brands.
Use it for breakfast spreads, BLTs, or crumbling over salads and baked potatoes. If bacon is a weekend ritual, stocking up here keeps the tradition tasty and affordable.
6. Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon (Frozen)
Wild sockeye salmon from Costco delivers clean flavor and bright color year round. The individually sealed portions make weeknight dinners easy and reduce waste.
You can pan sear, bake, or grill with simple seasoning.
Because it is wild caught, the taste is briny and rich without being oily. The price per pound is competitive, especially for sockeye.
Keep a bag in the freezer for quick, healthy meals.
Add lemon, garlic, and herbs, and you have dinner in minutes. If you are building a heart healthy routine, this salmon offers dependable quality and convenience.
7. Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Costco’s extra virgin olive oil is a pantry workhorse. It is smooth, flavorful, and reliable for sautéing, roasting, and salad dressings.
The large bottle offers excellent value for everyday cooking.
Flavor is balanced, not overly peppery, so it plays nicely with many cuisines. Store it in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness.
You will appreciate the consistency compared to random sale brands.
If you cook at home often, this is a no-fuss pick that elevates basics. Drizzle over tomatoes, swirl into soups, or finish roasted vegetables for a satisfying shine.
8. Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter
This peanut butter is simple and satisfying with just peanuts and salt. It has a clean roasted taste that works for sandwiches, baking, and smoothie bowls.
Stir once and the texture stays spreadable.
Costco’s size means fewer trips and better per ounce savings. You can feel good about the organic ingredients while keeping snacks affordable.
Keep a jar in the pantry and one in the fridge.
If you love peanut butter everything, this pick delivers steady quality. Pair with bananas, swirl into oatmeal, or whip into sauces for quick satay vibes.
9. Kirkland Signature Organic Blueberries (Frozen)
Frozen organic blueberries are a smoothie savior. The flavor is bright and sweet, and the bag size lasts through many breakfasts.
You will love having fruit on hand without worrying about spoilage.
Sprinkle over yogurt, bake into muffins, or simmer into quick compotes. The price per pound beats many grocers, making it an easy staple.
Texture stays firm enough for snacking straight from the bag.
If you aim for more fruit daily, this bag makes it painless. Blend with spinach and Greek yogurt for a quick, energizing start to your day.
10. Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef (85/15)
Buying organic ground beef in bulk saves serious money. The 85/15 blend hits that juicy sweet spot for burgers, tacos, and meatballs.
Portion and freeze for easy weeknight cooking.
Quality is dependable, with good texture and minimal excess moisture. Season lightly to let the beefy flavor shine.
If you batch cook, this pack supports multiple meals with minimal effort.
Costco’s vacuum packaging helps preserve freshness. Once you realize the value, it becomes your default source for ground beef.
You will appreciate both the taste and the convenience every time dinner time arrives.
11. Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Breasts (Frozen)
Individually frozen chicken breasts make dinner planning easier. Pull out exactly what you need, marinate, and cook without waste.
The meat is lean, tender, and perfect for meal prep bowls.
Costco’s pricing beats small packs and saves extra trips. Keep a bag for quick protein whenever your week gets busy.
Grill, bake, or sauté with your favorite spice blend.
Because pieces are individually sealed, freezer burn is far less likely. You get reliable quality and flexibility.
If healthy eating is your goal, this bag supports it beautifully with minimal fuss.
12. Kirkland Signature Organic Maple Syrup
This maple syrup tastes pure and bright with a smooth finish. The jug lasts a long time, and the price undercuts small bottles elsewhere.
You will use it on pancakes, waffles, and oatmeal without hesitation.
It also works in marinades and glazes for salmon or carrots. The flavor is robust but not overpowering, making it versatile.
Keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness.
If you love natural sweeteners, this is an easy switch from refined sugar. A little goes a long way, and the quality stays consistent from jug to jug.
13. Kirkland Signature Protein Bars
These protein bars are convenient for busy days and post workout snacks. The macros are solid, with high protein and reasonable fiber.
Flavors vary, but most taste satisfying without a chalky aftertaste.
Costco’s bulk price beats buying singles at convenience stores. Toss a few in your bag or desk drawer for emergencies.
They help curb cravings and keep you on track between meals.
If you are building healthier habits, these bars are a smart backup plan. They are not gourmet, but they deliver dependable fuel when you need it most.
14. Kirkland Signature Organic Quinoa
Quinoa from Costco offers a steady base for meals that is both hearty and light. The bag cooks up fluffy with a pleasant bite.
You will love it for bowls, salads, and quick sides.
Rinse before cooking to remove bitterness, then simmer in broth for flavor. The value shines when you meal prep several portions at once.
It pairs with roasted vegetables, chicken, or beans easily.
If you want a nutritious alternative to rice, this is ideal. The bulk size keeps your pantry stocked, reducing midweek shopping runs and saving money overall.
15. Kirkland Signature Basil Pesto (Refrigerated)
This pesto tastes bright and garlicky, like summer in a jar. Toss with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or use as a quick pizza sauce.
You will appreciate how fast it turns basics into something special.
Because it is refrigerated, the flavor is fresher than shelf stable versions. Freeze small portions in an ice cube tray to avoid waste.
The cost per ounce is very fair for the quality.
If you crave easy weeknight wins, keep this on hand. It instantly upgrades chicken, roasted veggies, and even scrambled eggs with very little effort.
16. Kirkland Signature Tilapia Loins (Frozen)
Tender tilapia loins are mild, flaky, and kid friendly. The individually sealed portions make dinner planning flexible and reduce waste.
Pan sear with butter and lemon for a fast, comforting meal.
Costco’s pricing makes seafood night affordable without sacrificing freshness. The loins are thicker than typical fillets, which helps prevent overcooking.
Keep a bag ready for taco nights and baked fish recipes.
If you want more seafood in your routine, this is a gentle start. It takes on bold flavors easily and cooks in minutes, making weeknights calmer.
17. Kirkland Signature Organic Brown Rice (Microwavable Bowls)
These microwavable brown rice bowls are clutch for fast, wholesome meals. Ninety seconds and you have a reliable base for stir fries, curries, or roasted vegetables.
Texture is pleasantly chewy, not mushy.
The portion size is perfect for single servings or quick lunches. Costco’s pack price is better than buying small sleeves at regular stores.
Keep a sleeve at work for emergency lunches.
If cooking rice is not your thing, this makes whole grains effortless. Add canned beans, salsa, and avocado for a quick burrito bowl you will actually enjoy.
18. Kirkland Signature Organic Hummus (Single Cups)
Single serve hummus cups keep snacks tidy and portioned. The texture is creamy with balanced garlic and lemon.
You will love how easy they make lunch boxes and road trips.
Costco’s multipack is cost effective compared to deli tubs. Pair with carrots, cucumbers, or pretzels for a satisfying crunch.
They also work as a quick spread for wraps.
If you battle snack-time indecision, these cups remove friction. You get protein and fiber without fuss, and the portions help avoid overeating while still feeling totally satisfied.
19. Kirkland Signature Garden Salad Kit
When you need vegetables fast, this salad kit is a dependable option. The greens are crisp, and the toppings add texture and flavor.
Toss everything together and dinner feels balanced instantly.
Costco’s value per ounce beats smaller store kits. Mix in rotisserie chicken for a full meal without much work.
The kit is large enough to serve multiple people or several lunches.
If produce tends to wilt before you use it, this kit helps you follow through. It removes prep barriers so you actually eat more greens consistently.
20. Kirkland Signature Organic Marinara Sauce
This marinara tastes bright and tomato forward with a clean ingredient list. It simmers beautifully with meat or stands alone on pasta.
You will appreciate the balanced sweetness and gentle acidity.
The multi-jar pack is perfect for pantry stocking and meal planning. Use it for lasagna, shakshuka, or as a pizza base.
The price beats premium brands without compromising flavor.
If you want weeknight ease, this sauce delivers consistency and comfort. Keep a jar ready and dinner solves itself with noodles, veggies, or meatballs.
