Underappreciated Costco Items You'll Wish You Knew About Sooner
If you've ever been to Costco, then you know that there's always something new to discover, even when you aren't looking for it. From food to paper products, and practically everything in between, Costco can be a treasure trove of awesome deals and cool finds, and we're totally here for it.
That's why we're pleased to present you with the very best, yet completely underrated Costco picks that you should get your hands on immediately. Accompanied by top-notch reviews and a potentially great price to help seal the deal, we bet you'll be ready to thank us after browsing our curated list of not-so-secret top picks that Costco lovers go ga-ga over.
So, let's take a closer look at some of the most unassuming and underappreciated Costco grabs we could find. Get ready, because once you catch wind of these items, you will likely have a hard time letting go. You're welcome!
Kirkland's Signature Pepperoni Pizza
Frozen pizza often gets a bad rap, and it's easy to see why. Cardboard crust with a smattering of cheese and only a couple of pepperoni slices? Umm, we'll pass. Fortunately, Kirkland's Signature Pepperoni Pizza is a notch above the rest, offering up surprisingly high-quality taste at a ridiculously low price.
At first blush, Kirkland's frozen pizza looks pretty average, especially given its mundane packaging. But don't let the bland advertising fool you. This frozen pizza comes topped with mozzarella and white cheddar cheese. It is then stacked with loads and loads of pepperoni atop a thin and crispy crust. Truth be told, we think that it is the pepperoni that truly takes this pizza up and over the edge. The taste is superb and the portions are seriously plentiful.
The only downside to Kirkland's frozen pizza is that the crust may come off as drab to some tastebuds. Not only this, but all those pepperonis often mean you'll have to navigate pools of grease on your pizza slice. Still, we think Kirkland Signature Pepperoni Pizza is a great grab for those nights when you want something cheap, quick, and delicious.
Mayorga Café Cubano Roast
There's coffee and then there's Mayorga Café Cubano Roast. Seriously, folks: this could be one of the best coffees out there. Stashed quietly amongst a host of other whole bean brews on the Costco shelves, this unassuming yet robust coffee is miles above most of its competition.
Fans of the Mayorga Café Cubano Roast claim it has none of the acidity or bitterness that you often get from other coffee brands. Instead, this popular dark roast hits smooth on the tongue and packs enough flavor to please even the snobbiest coffee aficionados. It is also kosher and certified organic, making it all the more available to a wide variety of coffee drinkers. What's not to love?
Despite its perks, we must note that this beloved beverage is going to cost you. The price of Mayorga Café Cubano Roast is often much higher than what you'd see for your average grocery store whole bean variety. But for coffee this good, we think the upscale price point might very well be worth it.
Isabelle Pineapple Cakes
Pineapple cakes aren't something you'll see topping most American shopping lists, but we think that ought to change. Pineapple cakes are very popular in Taiwan and are often presented as gifts to newlyweds as a symbol of good luck. Those who have traveled abroad may already know the delicious goodness of these cakes well and would be pleased to find these culturally-rich edibles lining Costco store shelves.
So, how do Isabelle Pineapple Cakes hold up to the real thing? Pretty darn close, according to many satisfied customers. Admirers love the buttery and rich pineapple-essenced flavor, though some have been thrown off by the texture. That's because, rather than being cake-like, many are finding that these treats are more like pastries. Some also claim that these cakes have a dry outer shell which is something a few people have found to be off-putting.
Nevertheless, those who have sampled authentic pineapple cakes in the past know that these individually wrapped, fresh-tasting, fruit-filled treats are pretty great renditions of those Taiwanese pineapple cakes that are served abroad. Try them out the next time you're in Costco, and you'll be happy you did!
Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech 13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Bags
If you ask an avid Costco shopper what the best items to buy are at this big box store, don't be shocked if trash bags top the list. Surprised? So, were we. But apparently, you can up your trash game something serious by snagging these bags at your local Costco.
So, what's the big deal? They're just trash bags, right? Wrong! Unlike other trash bag brands, Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech 13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Bags boast remarkable sturdiness and plastic that practically never tears. What's more, these trash bags come in a 200-count box, leaving some devotees clinging to the same container for six months to even a full year.
Like the sound of these bags, but wish you could get them scented? No worries, as Costco has those, too. Thankfully, reviews reveal that the scented version is just as strong, durable, and reliable as the unscented. We're impressed!
Kirkland Signature Organic Pure Maple Syrup
Who doesn't love the deep, robust, and uniquely comforting sweetness of pure maple syrup? We certainly do. But those tiny expensive glass bottles of the stuff have got to go. Instead, we suggest that you check out Costco's brand of maple syrup, which can be easier on the wallet without compromising taste.
The Kirkland Signature Maple Syrup comes in a 33.8-ounce flip-top bottle and contains no added sugar or artificial ingredients. What's even more amazing is the fact that this delectable syrup is organic, so you know you are getting a high-quality and genuinely pure product from the very start.
As for the flavor, Kirkland Signature Maple Syrup aims to please. Pancake aficionados describe it as deeply flavorful with notes of vanilla, molasses, and caramel. They also describe it as having a thin and silky mouthfeel which could potentially make this the perfect addition to steaming hot waffles on a Saturday morning. Yes, please.
Mary Macleod's Gluten Free Shortbread Cookies Mixed Assortment
Love your gluten-free journey but hate the wheatless version of your favorite goodies? Not anymore. Costco has outdone itself again by offering Mary Macleod's gluten-free shortbread cookies. According to many, these are nothing short of amazing.
Though we know that most gluten-free snacks make for a dry, chalky, and awkwardly-textured treat, you'll be pleased to know that these shortbread cookies feature none of the above issues. Rather, these buttery bites are light, crispy, and crafted with almond and coconut flour for the perfect texture.
According to Costco, Mary Mcleod manufacturers tried to develop this treat 117 times before finally perfecting this sought-after recipe. So, what do fellow gluten-freers think? The butteriness and general texture of the cookies make them stand out from the rest. Still, some aren't too pleased with the price point, though you do get a good number of cookies in a single container. Yet most agree that these treats are champs in the gluten-free cookie category.
Nellie's Laundry Starter Pack
Let's face it: doing the laundry is no one's preferred task. Thankfully, Costco carries an awesome laundry brand that can make cleaning clothes a little more gratifying. Canadian-based and phosphate-free, Nellie's Laundry Starter Pack is the perfect addition to your regular laundry routine. The bundle comes with enough laundry soap to clean up to 100 loads and contains oxygen brightener, wool balls, and a stain stick for tackling extra-tough cases.
What makes Nellie's so different from all the rest? Outside of the fact that the detergent is phosphate-free, Nellie's Laundry Starter Pack also does not contain SLES, chlorine, SLS, or synthetic fragrance. Instead, it utilizes sweet orange and lemongrass essential oils to lightly scent your laundry without irritating your nose.
Another reason we're so in love with Nellie's laundry products is the fact that it is sensitive-skin-friendly. Those who experience frequent skin irritations when using other laundry detergents have found that Nellie's is not only kinder on their body than many other products out there but also cleans just as well.
Namaste Gluten Free Perfect Flour Blend
If you're new to the world of gluten-free baking, then you'll likely find that it can be difficult to obtain a wheatless flour blend that doesn't yield a crumbly texture or weird aftertaste. It is for this reason that we can't get enough of Namaste's Gluten Free Perfect Flour Blend from Costco. Made with brown rice, tapioca starch, arrowroot powder, sorghum flour, and xanthan gum, this flour blend has become very popular. Those who have tried it claim that you can barely taste the gluten-free difference and that it has no detectable aftertaste.
That said, there is one thing that makes folks a little wary of this highly-favored flour. That would be its use of xanthan gum. Though it is a commonly used ingredient when it comes to wheatless baking, some take issue with its propensity to cause digestive problems in certain individuals.
Still, there's a lot to like here. So long as you don't have a sensitivity to xanthan gum, this is both easy (you can use this blend as a 1:1 substitute for flour) and delicious. All told, it might be worth it to give Namaste Gluten Free Perfect Flour Blend a try.
NuTrail Keto Nut Granola Blueberry Cinnamon
Granola can be hard to mess up, but when you find a really good mix, then you've simply got to share the news with others. NuTrail Keto Nut Granola Blueberry Cinnamon is the perfect snack to munch when you're on the go. It's even better for those who are looking to maintain a low-carb diet.
The NuTrail Keto Nut Granola Blueberry Cinnamon snack comes in two packs and is loaded with pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut chips, and, of course, blueberries. Unlike other types of granola, there isn't even a trace of oats or sugar in the mix, contributing to its keto-friendly reputation.
Even so, you may wonder how a granola mix can contain no sugar but still taste sweet. According to NuTrail, the keto cinnamon blueberry flavor gets its sweetness from the use of erythritol and monk fruit, both of which are sugar alternatives. This helps to keep the overall carb count low while amping up the flavor. Reviewers agree that this granola offers breathtaking flavor while remaining crunchily crisp every time they crack open the bag. Many also love that the snack is high-protein, which is a great way to curb gnarly hunger pangs that you might experience in-between meals.
Myrto Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil
There's nothing like high-quality olive oil, and boy, do we have a great pick for you. Costco is selling Myrto Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil made from Koroneiki olives sourced in Greece. These olives are known for their rich and robust taste and are especially well-suited for the task of producing high-quality, luscious olive oil. The result has a strong, fruity aroma with a full-bodied flavor that makes it perfect for topping sandwiches, sautéing foods, and drizzling over salads.
Customers who buy this high-class oil swoon over the fact that it is high in polyphenols which are likely to help decrease high blood pressure, protect against cancer, and increase overall immunity, as per WebMD. Thoughtful shipping processes are also much-appreciated, as the tins come fully intact with no leaks or damages upon arrival.
The only downside? If you like lighter-tasting oils or aren't used to the more intense flavor of pure extra-virgin olive oil, then you may want to skip this one. Yet we think it would be a shame to miss out on the exquisitely rich taste of this olive oil.
Chef's Banquet Macaroni & Cheese Storage Bucket
Can't get enough mac and cheese in your life? We feel you. What's more, you'll be happy to know that Costco carries a bucket of mac and cheese that can make a whopping 240 servings over a couple of decades. That's right. You can buy a shelf-stable 8.5-gallon bucket of Chef's Banquet Macaroni & Cheese that can potentially last you a quarter of a century, all just by taking a trip to your local Costco. It's the ideal grab for your winter stash, survival food needs, and those oh-so-familiar "I don't want to cook" weeknights that we all know about.
Oh, and in case you think this mac and cheese bucket contains something inedible, think again. Those who have taken a chance on it proclaim the food inside to be surprisingly tasty, even without the addition of seasonings or ingredients. One thing to note before purchasing your mac bucket is that, despite being prepackaged, it isn't actually ready to eat. Instead, you'll need to add a bit of water to improve the consistency before you officially dig in. Enjoy!
Rastelli's Antibiotic-Free Turkey Craft Burgers
If you've ever attempted to make turkey burgers before, then you probably already know that getting them to taste good can be quite a task. Fortunately, Rastelli's Antibiotic-Free Turkey Craft Burgers feature perfectly-spiced patties that are made from turkey breast meat. They're also individually wrapped, so you can enjoy a nutritious and high-protein meal without much fuss or hassle.
Rastelli's Antibiotic-Free Turkey Craft Burgers are made of American-sourced low-fat turkey meat that comes frozen, uncooked, and free from additives and steroids. In short, this means that the ingredients used to make these burgers include only meat and seasonings, so you don't have to worry about gluten or other fillers becoming an issue.
If that isn't enough reason to love Rastelli's, these patties also retain their shape after cooking. Reviewers love that the burgers undergo little to no shrinkage and are deliciously plump once ready to serve. The company even partners with local farms to humanely produce some of the most flavorful and juiciest turkey meat around.
Ferrara's Bakery Rainbow Cookies
Ferrara's Bakery Rainbow Cookies are as much a treat to the eyes as they are to the soul. Coming in a colorful rainbow of pink, green, and yellow, these chocolate-encased Italian cookies are nothing short of amazing. These cookies first came out of the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City. Today, they're made fresh every day in the company's original Ferrara Bakery restaurant. We consider ourselves lucky to get our hands on something so special, especially since this recipe is said to go back about three centuries, starting with Mr. Antonio Ferrara himself.
Reviewers agree that these tricolor goodies are indeed delicious. They taste very sweet and pack an intensely moist and fresh flavor. Just know that while complaints concerning the actual product are limited, there are a few who aren't too keen on shipment packaging. Some complain that the box it comes in is too boring and that upgrades are needed in terms of safe handling. Still, we think these Italian tricolor rainbow cookies are well-worth the shout-out. Give 'em a try the next time you stop by Costco, or gift them as a colorful and unique treat!
Kirkland Praline Pecans
Candied nuts are often seen as a fleeting holiday staple that everyone has to kiss goodbye come December's end. But don't worry. As usual, Costco has your back, as Kirkland's Praline Pecans are offered year-round, and we couldn't be happier. They're coated with the perfect amount of butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sea salt for a perfectly sweet and salty crunch from the very first bite. These candied pecans are the perfect addition to snack mixes or can be layered against smooth vanilla ice cream for an out-of-this-world flavor combo you can enjoy any time of the year.
If that's not enough to get you going, know that you can get these nuts in an affordable 40-ounce canister. Despite the large container, we're thinking these pecans may only last a short time ... but, of course, that will be totally dependent on your level of self-control.