I wholeheartedly adore Costco. Even so, I won’t pretend there aren’t moments when the shelves house a few clunkers despite the best efforts. Fortunately, their sturdy return policy can fix those misfires, though I try not to rely on it excessively. To spare you the hassle, here’s a handy guide packed with four Costco foods we cherish and four that are better left on the shelf.
Love: Kirkland Signature Cheese Pizza
Timeless favorites exist for a reason. Crafting a cheese pie can go wrong in a hurry, yet Costco executes it with finesse. The crust comes out crisp, the cheese stays thick, the sauce carries a pleasant sweetness, and it’s sold in a four-pack. That means you’ll likely enjoy enough slices to carry you through half a week or more.
Leave: Food Court Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad
Of course there had to be a not-so-great item in the Costco food court, but we didn’t anticipate it would be the rotisserie chicken chef salad. The chicken in this salad looks underdone, not the succulent, generously roasted meat you’d expect from something labeled rotisserie. You’re far better off opting for a $1.50 hot dog combo while you’re there.
Love: Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne
Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne from Costco proves they can handle premium fare with real finesse. It offers toasty notes, a hint of lemon, and a lively, bubbly finish. And at under $30 a bottle, it’s something you can pop open without guilt.
Leave: Kevin’s Natural Foods Korean BBQ-Style Beef
Kevin’s often draws mixed opinions among Costco enthusiasts. While a few items (like their Hawaiian chicken) earn a thumbs-up, there are certainly misses in their lineup. In our tasting of Kevin’s offerings, the Korean BBQ–style selections didn’t leave a strong impression, so this particular one is a pass for us.
Love: Kirkland Chocolate Cake Filled with Chocolate Mousse
We’re such fans of Costco’s chocolate cake that we’ll seize almost any excuse to snag a fresh slice while shopping. A birthday coming up? Obviously we need a cake. Did your child ace a tough test? Even a modest victory deserves dessert. It’s moist, richly chocolate, and headed straight into the cart.
Leave: Real Good Food Lightly Breaded Chicken Strips
This one divides opinion. Real Good Food’s lightly breaded chicken strips are gluten- and grain-free. If that kind of diet fits your needs, they’re not terrible chicken strips. For us, however, they don’t measure up in a world where Just Bare’s lightly breaded chicken breast chunks are readily available at Costco.
Love: Kirkland Signature Garlic Butter Shrimp
Truth be told, shrimp drenched in garlic butter is hard to mishandle. Costco’s version has additional advantages beyond that standout feature. The shrimp stays firm even after microwaving, and there’s plenty to feed a crowd for any party you’re planning. It delivers a luxurious, indulgent experience.
Leave: Any Fruit From Costco
Okay, this picks a broad target, almost a bit of a cop-out. It applies to nearly every fruit you’ll find at Costco, and I don’t necessarily fault the store. While they could do more to mitigate the general issues, fruit shipped in pallets tends to be chaotic from the start. Then you factor in the quantity you’ll need to eat before it spoils, and the odds aren’t great. It’s rarely a win. Our recommendation? skip this one.
