Favorite products

Although I occasionally purchase non-food items at Costco (such as pajamas, shampoo/conditioner, toilet paper), I admit that I tend to think of it mainly as a grocery store (albeit for giants, large families, restaurant proprietors, or…people like me…). Therefore, although I will mention non-edible goods, most of my reviews will be about food.

Speaking (well, writing) about food, I generated a list of my favorite products at Costco but it became overwhelmingly long…therefore, I decided to narrow it down to my 10 most frequently purchased and/or absolute favorite items (excluding boring staples such as milk and eggs). In the future, I will review these (and other) products in more detail. (Disclaimer: several of my past favorite products have since been discontinued…so perhaps I am not the best person for this job…but if enthusiasm counts for anything, then give them a try!)

In no particular order: 1. Kirkland plain Greek yogurt *A longtime loyal Chobani customer, I was reluctant to change…but this yogurt is just as rich and creamy…and vastly less expensive at $5.99 for two 32-ounce containers*

2. Kirkland Ancient Grains granola *I often reject granola because it is too sweet but this version is not overwhelmingly sugary and contains a good mix of grains and almond slivers…and it goes very well in the yogurt…there, you have two recommendations and a recipe*

3. Kirkland albacore tuna *I used to think that tuna was tuna but this chunk white tuna is a solid consistency and full of flavor*

4. Kirkland smoked salmon *My mother’s family is from New York city and this lox is as good as any lox served at Sunday brunches with my relatives*

5. Golden Taste Tuna Deluxe *Already mixed into salad, this tuna is one of my favorites. I don’t know how they make it, but it is the best tuna salad I have ever eaten*

6. Kirkland Cashew Almond Crunch *Sweet but healthier than candy, this treat is perfect for a snack*

7. Blue Hill Bay Whitefish Salad *The only downside of this delicious food is that it only comes in a 32 ounce container. But for family brunches, it is a perfect treat*

8. Kirkland Almond Butter *Much less expensive than most almond butters, this is a great alternative to peanut butter…but be careful…pack a spoon with your sandwich, as the consistency leads to quite a mess!*

9. Breakstone Cottage Cheese *Yes, this is a ridiculously large amount of cottage cheese but at $4.49 for 32 ounces it is much less expensive than buying this name brand in a local supermarket*

10. Watermelon *I tend to buy a watermelon every week during the summer and they are always excellent. My dad’s theory: he taught me how to pick a good one (i.e., large whitish patch on the bottom, heavy, and a deep sound when thumped). My theory: they are all good!

I also took a shot at thinking of products that are not excellent, but honestly, did not have much success. The few I could think of, which (although not terrible) are not superior quality are: bagels, muffins, and bananas (often too ripe or not ripe enough).

What are your Costco “must-buys?” Any Costco “fails?”