Grocery
30 Costco Products We Can’t Stop, Won't Stop Buying
A love letter to the temple of wholesale.
Growing up, Costco was the closest thing to an amusement park I could get to on a weeknight. I’d roll out of my mom’s car and into the aisles chasing free samples, hiding behind massive pallets of paper towels. The whole place felt like the best fort you could ever build, and I never wanted to leave.
I’m a bit older (and just barely wiser) now, so Costco has a different appeal. Even then, it still retains some magical quality. Where else could I pick up a massive wheel of Parmesan?
Yesterday, I found myself daydreaming about Costco while filling my Brita® filter. I thought, "Hm, everyone had so much to say about Trader Joe's—surely, they'll have thoughts about Costco." I ran with it and asked my colleagues what their favorite Costco products are. It turns out I’m not alone in my devotion to the temple of wholesale. Here's what they had to say:
Eric Kim, Senior Editor: The Danishes. My mom would always bring back a huge box of those from Costco, and they’d be gone within a week—because I’d eat them all. I just remember how full they’d make me. Looking back, I think my sweet tooth has since diminished. I haven’t had one in a while, but I imagine they still rule.
Erin Alexander, Assistant Editor of Partner Content: I LIVE for Costco. When I'm back at home in Florida or throwing a cocktail/dinner party, I always grab at least two containers of their lobster spread. Aside from that, let's be real, the main reason I ever go to Costco is for the samples.
Lizzie Greene, Sales Director: They actually have a really decent meat section—lamb chops are nicely priced and so are steaks. Also—massive tubs of pretzels.
Brinda Ayer, Books & Special Projects Editor: KB socks. I buy them every time because they are affordable, have many color options, and also because I lose at least one between each trip to Costco.
Emma Laperruque, Food Writer & Recipe Developer: I scored 80 probiotics at once, which might not sound exciting—but is!
Amelia Rampe, Stylist: I don’t know if the Costco here has it, but in Seattle I love getting Beecher’s mac and cheese, boxes and boxes of it. Oh! And the organic meats section is brilliant. I always stock up on my meat when I go to Costco.
Joanna Sciarrino, Managing Editor: Growing up, whenever we had a backyard BBQ, we'd get a sleeve of burgers. They're not fancy by any means, but with a slice of American cheese and some ketchup, they're the perfect summer burger. And they're best when cooked from frozen, so the prep really couldn't get any easier.
Sophie Corwin, Partnerships Manager: My parents have been getting shrimp cocktail platters this summer from Costco and they’re top notch. They also have killer raviolis in the frozen section, and I love their strawberry-topped fro-yo from the food stand.
Sarah Yaffa, Data Analyst: Here we go... Kirkland tuna, anchovies, Kirkland smoked salmon, Kirkland pesto sauce, Kirkland toilet paper, Cento whole tomatoes, Kirkland organic diced tomatoes, definitely love the meat selection. They have a lot of prime meats, steelhead trout (fresh) is my favorite, avocado oil, Honest juice boxes, bully sticks for the pup, roses, Spindrift, organic tortilla chips (best tortilla chip)... Too much? I'm in PA, so we don't have a liquor department, but when I go to the Costco in Florida/New Jersey, it's dreamy...
Eunice Choi, Director of Brand Activation: The samples!! And the pizza and chicken bake from the food stand. (Does that count?)
Hana Asbrink, Senior Lifestyle Editor: Wines from Costco are all so good! They have a famous buying team that's always able to score the best prices, well below competition. Their house brand, Kirkland Signature, is also great. And I love the Costco croissants for warm breakfast egg sandwiches.
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What do YOU buy at Costco that you just can't quit? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by: Valerio Farris
Popular on Food52
181 Comments
The link is for their website. They are in TN & only sell through Costco..
item #540123 It is delicious..generous chunks of white meat chicken, cranberries & pecans. At my store it is in a cooler case at the rear of the store, close to the paper products. Was told by the company that it is not a seasonal item & can be frozen. I'm defrosting one now. I hope you are able to get it. Let me know what you think.
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