What Food Experts Purchase at Costco

I have mentioned in other posts that I spent a few summers at the end of high school and beginning of college working in snack bars at country clubs and in catering. I remember noticing that some of the food came from Costco. Know that chefs would use the food from Costco was confirmation that the warehouse sells high quality food. Similar to how I wanted to see which bakery items professional baker would buy (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 1 of 2): Advice from a Professional), I was curious to see what items chefs recommend. 

This article is based on conversations with chefs, caterers, and food experts. It points out  that they like good deals and what they use for themselves at home and in their businesses. 

1. Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil

According to the article, this olive oil is high quality and much less expensive than at other stores. As it can be used raw and in cooking, chefs like to make sure to have it in their kitchens. A chef interviewed also referred to its consistently high quality, thus being reliable.

For several decades now, olive oil has been praised for its health benefits. I don’t use much old in my cooking so I don’t buy this product. However, I know that many people use a lot of olive oil for cooking or salad dressings.

Reading about the benefits of the oil being reliable made me remember something my old boss (a chef) told me. She said that consistency was the most important element in running a good food business. I have reflected on this tip over the years and realized it is true. I like being able to know what I am getting. Of course there will be natural variation for produce, fish, and other natural foods. However, when companies sell products that vary widely, sometimes I am quite pleased, other times much less so (e.g., if some loaves of bread have a lot of raisins and others have very few). I don’t eat out much because of keeping kosher but I know others like knowing what they will get when they order a particular dish.

2. Nuts

The chefs interviewed reported liking the variety of nuts sold at Costco. The different nuts sold are all high quality and the different types can be used in different recipes. 

The article also gives the tip that the nuts can doctored up (e.g., caramelized) for recipes. In addition, although food businesses will likely go through a lot of fresh nuts, they can be frozen and retain their high quality. 

I have written before about both the variety of nuts (“Strong” and “weak” sections of Costco) and a few specific products that I like ((Product Review: Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Unsalted Mixed Nuts); (Product Review: Kirkland Signature Super Extra-Large Peanuts)). I eat them plain as a snack but I know that they would also be good to keep around to mix into hot cereal or bake into brownies or cookies. 

3. Fresh Fruit

The article mentions that many members buy the big bags of citrus fruits. Chefs may also buy these but the article emphasized their affinity for the seasonal fruits, which are both high quality and good deals. Specifically, the article mentions raspberries, blueberries, pineapples, cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon. 

I have reviewed several produce items, including several of these favorite fruit purchases of the chefs ((Product Review: Cantaloupe); (Product Review: Watermelons)). One of the limitations of the produce mentioned in another article I read was that, due to the large quantities sold, it often goes bad before members can finish it. However, food businesses go through so much food, that rotting produce is most likely less of a problem. I have family members who buy the lemons and seem pleased with the price and quality. (I no longer use many lemons but, when I was very young apparently I used to love to eat plain lemons!)

4. Seltzer and Sparkling Drinks

The article reports that people are increasingly likely to select seltzer or sparkling water instead of juice or soda. Therefore, food businesses benefit from the variety and prices of these options at Costco. 

I have mentioned before that, although I like the sound of the flavors of seltzer, I am disappointed by how weak the flavors are. I tend to be expecting a drink more akin to juice or, more accurately, to a light, fizzy juice drink.

5. Bar Towels

Some of the chefs interviewed for the article prefer reusable towels over paper towels. They can be more effective for cleaning and better for the environment, and are sold in bulk for good prices. One chef praises their versatility, saying he uses them for cleaning surfaces, drying ingredients, and holding hot pans. 

My family is not particular about where we buy paper or cloth towels. We buy paper towels often at Costco but will also buy them when in sale at other stores (although I do prefer the quality and larger rolls at Costco than the flimsier and thinner rolls we often get elsewhere ). Fabric towels are definitely better for the environment and are sturdier for especially large and/or or wet spills. I certainly understand why food businesses would use cotton towels. However, I admit that I find it a little gross when I see them used in restaurants or coffee shops. Often the same towel seems to be used multiple times in several parts of the store and I wish they’d be used fewer times before they are washed. 

6. Frozen Wontons

The article points out that chefs often work long hours and need to stock their freezers with foods to make quick, easy meals for themselves and their teams.

When I first saw the item mentioned without reading the explanation, I was surprised because I thought wontons are a good that restaurants would make from scratch. Given how busy kitchens can be, I can understand that chefs want easy foods for themselves. These are not kosher, so I would not buy them. However, for people looking for wontons, it is a good sign that professional chefs buy them. 

7. Kirkland Signature Imported Basil Pesto

The article mentions this Pesto as a favorite of chefs. They can use it in recipes or as a topping. 

I have mentioned before that I don’t like pesto and that the Kirkland brand is not kosher (Even More High-Quality Kirkland Products). I was a little surprised that chefs buy this product. Although I would not question the quality or value of the item, I would have guessed that most chefs would make their own pesto. However, I realize that even professional chefs cannot make everything from scratch. In addition, I am sure that what chefs purchase depends on the type of business. For example, a fancy Italian restaurant is probably more likely to make their own pesto than is a sandwich place. 

8. Organic Eggs

According to the article, many chefs prefer organic eggs over regular eggs. Many think they taste better and like knowing that organic indicates good farming practices. Although the prices of organic eggs is usually higher than for non organic eggs, the chefs interviewed for this article said that they can buy organic eggs at Costco for the same price as regular eggs at supermarkets.

My family buys the regular eggs at Costco. We  like being able to purchase them for less than most other places, especially as the price of eggs has increased so much over the past year. We are unwilling to pay for organic eggs. However, for people who feel strongly about the farming practices and about eating organic eggs for the taste, it is good to know (although not a surprise) that Costco sells them for a good price.

9. Storage Containers

The article mentions that some chefs purchase storage containers at Costco. In addition to general storage, these containers can be used to transport food to event or to carry groceries. 

My family has bought many storage containers at Costco. They are sturdy and very used for storing items. We don’t generally use them for transporting items, but I can see that they could be helpful for that. 

10. Salad Greens

Some chefs buy prepackaged salad greens to save time and labor on preparation work. These greens can be used in multiple cooked dishes or in salad bases and are a good deal when purchased at Costco.

I don’t eat the salad greens at Costco because I don’t want to check for bugs. However, I’m sure they are high quality and easier than having to prepare them. I do think it’s funny to think that the expensive salads served at some restaurants may be from Costco!

Do any of these chef favorites surprise you?

Have you seen other items at restaurants that you suspect are from Costco? 

Do you buy any of these items and like know chefs buy them? Will you buy any of them, now that you know chefs buy them?