Regional Costco Items

I have written before about different food court items at different stores across the country (Costco food courts around the country and the world)F. In addition, some posts have mentioned that certain items are available only in select stores. I came across some other items that are regional and thought it would be fun to write about some of them. I have (only sort of jokingly) noted that it would be good to have a Costco nearby on vacation to have the opportunity to see different items. So, if traveling and driving by a Costco, it may be worth seeing if there are any items not offered in your local stores.

Although the majority of items are the same across stores, each store has a slightly different inventory. Differences depend on the customer base and the size of the store. For example, I have noticed differences across my three local stores. Up until a few months ago, Dedham had the best kosher section, selling more options than did Waltham. In March, a new store opened in Sharon, an area with an even larger Jewish population. Despite only being 20-30 minutes from Dedham, it carries additional kosher options (including the tuna that Dedham stopped selling (Product Review: Golden Taste Tuna Deluxe)).

Here are some regional items:

1. Poke

One regional item offered in Hawaii (and some other select locations) is poke. Apparently poke originated in Hawaii, where people ate raw fish with toppings. The dish has since been altered and added to, leading to its present form. Costco in Hawaii sells fresh poke, making it each day. Two popular poke options are Ahi Wasabi Poke (tuna; green tobiko; sesame seeds) and Spicy Ahi Poke (creamy poke; mayo flavor).

I have never eaten poke but it looks very good. I obviously enjoy fish very much, including lox, which seems close to the fish served in some like bowls. The combination of fish, rice, vegetables, and sauce sounds like an enjoyable, nutritious meal. 

2.  Guava Cheesecake

A dessert unique to Costco in Hawaii is Guava Cheesecake. This variety of one of the iconic Costco bakery items consists of a New York–style cheesecake base, a yogurt based frosting, and a guava glaze. Apparently, other regions in which guava is a common fruit, other bakery items are based on the fruit. 

I have mentioned multiple times that I like cheesecake very much. However, although I have tried flavored cheesecakes in the past, my favorite is plain. Therefore, even if I had the opportunity to try this cheesecake, I would not. I have never had a guava so I looked it up. It seems that it is most known for its tanginess.

3. Kona Coffee

Yet another item found only in Hawaii is Kona Coffee. The coffee is known for its appealing flavor and smell. It is much less expensive at Costco than at smaller stores in which it is sold.

I don’t drink coffee so I wouldn’t know the difference but I will trust that it is high quality.

4. Cheese Curds

Midwestern Costco stores sell cheese curds, mainly to be used in poutine, a common food in these regions of the US (and Canada). The primary variety sold in the United States is produced by Ellsworth Creamery. 

I have heard people rave about poutine but it sounds horrible to me. I don’t know how these curds compare to cottage cheese, which I do like (Product review: Breakstone’s cottage cheese).

5. Mike & Jen’s Cocoa Mix

An item unique to stores in Minnesota and Iowa is this hot cocoa mix. It contains limited ingredients (whole-milk powder; pure cane sugar; confectioner’s sugar; cocoa powder; sea salt). The cocoa was sold in food trucks and local shops before being sold in Costco.

Although I rarely drink it now, I have always liked hot cocoa a lot. It was a frequent weekend breakfast treat growing up and I often drank it after school when I did not have sports practice. In college, I drank it most nights while doing homework. I am fine with the powder in the packets but this fancier brand sounds like a good treat or to give as a gift. 

6. Reindeer Sausage

Members shopping at Costco stores in Alaska can purchase reindeer sausage, made from a combination of reindeer (caribou) meat, pork, and spices. These sausages can be cooked in a variety of ways (grilled; pan-seared) and made into a range of recipes. 

I have no interest in any sausage (somehow it seems even worse than hotdogs). I was surprised to read that people like the “gaminess” of this product. I thought “gamey” was generally a negative with respect to meat.

7. Bear Spray

Another unique item to Alaska is non-edible. Costco stores in Alaska and Montana sell bear spray. Apparently, this spray is a very common item in these parts of the country to keep in the house and/or car.

I can’t imagine myself spending much time in areas in which bear spray is likely to be needed! I am definitely not brave when it comes to animals and the idea of needing bear spray terrifies me. I still remember that, in high school, I was so scared of racoons that when come home at night, I would sprint from the driveway to the house.

8. Alma de Cattleya Wines

Some Costco in northern CA sell this wine from Sonoma County. The company is small and sells under three different labels. 

I don’t drink alcohol but Costco is currently the second largest wine retailer in the world (it was first until 2024). I have written in the last about the high quality of alcohol some at Costco.

9. Charleston Coffee Roasters

One item sold in some Southern Costco stores are these slow roasted coffee beans. The beans are purchased from several countries. The company only purchases from coffee farmers dedicated to taking care of the environment and their employees.

Again, I am not a coffee drinker but it certainly sounds as though this company takes the product, as well as the owner’s core values very seriously.

10. Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco

In some Costco stores in the Western states, members can purchase this cheese, known for its buttery flavor and texture. 

I stick to kosher cheese but this description sounds very good.

11. Route 11 Potato Chips

A snack available in VA, OA, and MD stores are these chips. The organic, crunchy, kettle chips are produced in small batches in a range of flavors (e.g., Sweet Potato; Cinnamon & Sugar). 

I don’t eat many chips but this company sounds good. The variety of flavors is fun.

12. Pacific Seafood

WA and OR Costco stores sell seafood from Pacific Seafood. The items sold include Denseness crab and shrimp.

I love fish (Product Review: Golden Taste Tuna Deluxe); (Product Review: Foppen Hot Smoked Salmon);(Product Review: Kirkland frozen Atlantic salmon); (Product Review: Bluehill Bay Smoked Whitefish Salad)). I obviously wouldn’t eat crab or shrimp but it sounds like high quality seafood. 

13. Karbach Brewing Company Craft Beer 

Texas Costco shoppers have the opportunity to buy this 18-pack collection of craft beer containing a variety of drinks (Ale; IPA; Lager; Irish Red; Malt-Based cocktail). 

I don’t know anything about beer but know that a lot of people very much enjoy craft beer. 

14. Pampered Pets Dog Treats

Regional Costco stores sell different items not only for humans but also for dogs. Southwestern Costcos offer Pampered Pets Peanut Butter Dog Treats. These treats are made of human food (e.g., oats; peanut butter) and are easy for dogs to chew. 

I don’t have a dog but I have seen how much other dogs love human food, including peanut butter!

15. Vodka

In addition to items that are specific to certain regions, other items may not be unique to identified stores or regions but are not necessarily available at all stores. Therefore, members recommend buying these items if you see them. One of these items is Vodka. Costco sells Vodka from both the United States and from France. Both varieties are known for being high quality and inexpensively priced. 

Again, I don’t know much about alcohol but Costco apparently does!

16. Wagyu Steak

Another item that is a rare find and not necessarily guaranteed to be available in certain regions is this gourmet meat. Apparently this steak is marbled, soft, and “buttery”. It is from either the United States or Japan and more likely sold in areas where grilling is common. The meat can also be ordered for shipping. 

Not for me but I have read about how desirable this meat is.

17. Whole Pigs/Goats/Lambs

Some Costco Business Centers sell whole pigs, goats, and/or lambs. These animals come prepared (cleaned and ready to cook). They can also be ordered for shipping.

I have written about these items being available in some Business Centers (and my experience with whole pigs while working at the Country Club kitchen! (Costco Business Centers)).

Have you seen these regional items? Any others you have noticed?