Underrated Items to Buy at Costco

When I talk with people about Costco (more often than is probably healthy!), it is clear that everyone has their “go-to” items. Then there are items that are (apparently) favorites among many members, including rotisserie chicken (More Costco Facts); (Costco Questions); (Costco Surprises)), maple syrup (Product Review: Kirkland 100% Pure Maple Syrup), and frozen berry blend (More Costco Deals for August). However, I found an article about items that are not as “famous” but are excellent quality and “should” be on your shopping list.

10 Underrated Costco Foods to Buy

1. Kirkland Signature Salted Butter

This butter makes the list for its high quality, its shelf life, and its versatility. It is made from real cream, and apparently gets the highest rating from the USDA. It can last about five months in the refrigerator. Finally, it can be used as a topping for toast and vegetables, as well as the base for sauces. 

I don’t eat much butter beyond using it as a topping for pasta (yes, I am an adult who still eats noodles with butter…I love sauce too but sometimes it just has to be butter). However, most people I know go through quite a bit of it, whether as a topping or for baking. Knowing that it can last awhile is a good reason to purchase it in large quantities at Costco. I actually thought it was a little funny that the author mentioned some of the uses for butter. It is such a ubiquitous item that I don’t think many people need to be told how to use it. 

2. Provide Fire Roasted Primavera Mistura

These vegetables are rated highly for their convenience. The bag contains four varieties of precut vegetables (broccoli; squash; peppers; onions). They are then combined with avocado oil and spices and fire roasted. Thus, they save the time and effort needed to cut and season vegetables.

This sounds like a great mixture and it is too bad it is not kosher. I don’t love onions but sometimes when cooked enough to be caramelized, they are tasty. I love the other three vegetables in the mix. It sounds like it would be a great side dish or a topping for pasta.

3. S&W Organic Chickpeas

An underrated protein option on the list is these chickpeas. They are convenient, healthy, and versatile. The author points out that it can take a long time to cook dried beans. In contrast, these beans are ready to use directly from the can. They are a healthy source of protein, and can be used as a topping for salads, for hummus, or as a crunchy snack after being cooked in the oven. 

Chickpeas are great. I grew up only eating them as hummus. However, once I got to college and was looking for vegetarian protein sources, I started adding them to salads almost every night (alternated with kidney and black beans). They added a mild taste and a nice textural contrast. (I still miss having access to a filled salad bar. It is just too complicated and expensive to have the options at the same time at home.)  I don’t make my own hummus and, although I do like roasted chickpeas, I am not inclined to make my own. Canned beans last a very long time, making them a convenient item to have available. Unfortunately, I don’t think this brand is kosher.

4. Kirkland Signature Organic Broccoli

Another vegetable option on this list of underrated foods is the frozen broccoli. This broccoli is easy to prepare, as it comes in individual microwavable bags.

I love cooked broccoli and wish this variety was kosher, because it would be so convenient to make as a quick side dish.

5. Grillo’s Pickles Dill Spears

The article mentions that, although Costco sells multiple pickle options in the grocery aisles, these pickles are in the refrigerator section due to their all natural ingredients. Apparently, people report being able to tell the difference between these and jarred pickles, with these being rated more highly.

There is definitely a difference between fresh and shelf stable pickles. I do like the gherkins and the bread and butter pickles that come in jars from regular grocery aisles. I don’t eat many non-sweet pickles because the spices can be overwhelming but I always liked the fresh, half sour deli pickles. My family still makes fun of me for “stealing” a sour tomato from the 2nd Avenue Deli in NYC when I was a kid. I wrapped it in a napkin and stuck it in my pocket…and it fell out as we left the restaurant, leaving me feeling embarrassed and with a smelly pocket.

6. Kirkland Signature Wild Flower Honey

This honey is recommended due to the price, the long shelf life, and the variety of uses. Apparently, despite being much larger than the traditional bear jars of honey, it is not proportionally more expensive, making it a good purchase for its value. In addition, because honey does not spoil (even once opened), it is an item that makes sense to buy in a large size. Finally, honey can be used for several purposes, including in tea and in sauces. 

I don’t eat honey but it does sound like a good purchase. I am also quite pleased that the article referenced the bear jars. I have such a fondness for these bear jars, both because they are cute and because of a funny association. Growing up, one of my grandmothers would clean out the used bear jars and reuse them as water bottles. We found it funny for a few reasons. First, I can’t think of many items that would be worse to clean out than honey. Therefore, it seems like such a waste of time. Second, we were then able to create a new “unit” of liquid. So, sometimes at family dinners, some would request “a bear of water”. 

7. PBfit Peanut Butter Powder

The author comments on the popularity and high quality of the peanut butter at Costco. However, she then also recommends this peanut butter powder for its nutrition statistics, its shelf life and its many uses. Apparently, this peanut butter powder contains fewer calories and less fat than the traditional peanut butter  and also lasts longer. It can be mixed with water to make a more traditional peanut butter spread or added to smoothies or oatmeal for added protein. However, the article does point out that it has a slightly different taste and texture than traditional peanut butter. 

Given how much I enjoy the regular peanut butter (Product Review:Kirkland organic creamy peanut butter), I cannot imagine buying anything else. In addition, the idea of a powder does not sound too good to me. I have eaten old or poorly stored peanut butter cups where the peanut butter has been crumbly and imagine that is similar to peanut butter powder. However, for people looking to add a simple protein source to other food, it seems like an easy way to do so.

8. Kirkland Signature Whole Grain Rolled Oats

An underrated breakfast item at Costco is a classic…oatmeal. it is suggested due to being inexpensive, filling, and a good base for topping, (e.g., berries; nut butters; yogurt; honey). The author mentions the variety of oatmeal options at Costco (e.g., instant; quick oats; steel cut) and says that these rolled oats are a new addition to the line up. 

I love oatmeal and eat it multiple times each week. I am not picky and virtually always eat “quick oats” microwaved, despite it probably being better cooked slower on the stove. (I don’t eat the microwavable oatmeal in the little packets.) I wouldn’t think there would be a difference across brands because ingredients include…oats. However, I actually can tell the difference. Despite Quaker being the most well-known brand, I actually prefer Wegman’s store brand. I will eat any brand but I can tell the difference. I would certainly be open to trying this Kirkland variety.

9. Pasta Prima Spinach and Mozzarella Ravioli

An entree on the list is these frozen  ravioli. The pasta is cooked quickly and can be topped with olive oil and the included packet of Parmesan and herb topping. 

Before I started only eating kosher, I loved these ravioli. I can still remember looking forward to eating them because they were so delicious. They had a good amount of a lightly spiced cheese, a nice pasta shell, and the flavor packet (I skipped the olive oil) was a good addition. 

10. Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon

Another recommendation for an underrated entree is this frozen salmon. Despite the cost, the author suggests these individually wrapped salmon portions because they are more nutritious  (i.e., more healthy fats) than farmed  salmon.

This salmon is delicious (Product Review: Kirkland frozen Atlantic salmon) Unfortunately, the price is a turn-off for me. However, it is a good treat and an item I may get more now that Costco no longer carries some of my other favorite fish options (Product Review: Golden Taste Tuna Deluxe);( Product Review: Foppen Hot Smoked Salmon))

Do you buy these underrated items? Any others you’d add to the list?