Millions of shoppers may turn to Costco when they’re looking for a great deal on bulk items, but to many, it’s much more than a wholesaler. True fans know that beyond the discounts, there are also some genuinely fantastic finds on the shelves and in the coolers. In recent discussion threads posted on the r/Costco subreddit, some of the most devoted customers chimed in with their favorite Costco buys, ranging from delicious ready-to-eat foods to high-quality everyday essentials. Read on to see which items you could be missing out on.
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1 | Rotisserie chicken
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The benefits of picking up a chicken from any supermarket are fairly well-known. But shoppers say Costco has a particularly delicious rotisserie option that’s worth making a staple.
According to Reddit user DeltaFlyer0525, they’re a reliably versatile ingredient. “I buy two and use them in place of chicken for almost all my recipes,” they write. “I throw chunks in soups, pot pies, shredded chicken tacos, salads, [or] sautée for a few mins in the Japanese BBQ sauce they sell and serve over some rice and steamed veggies [and it’s] always a hit with my kids.”
Reddit user drewdaddy213 declares the item “the ultimate” Costco product while also pointing out how affordable they are.
“It’s a whole-cooked chicken sold for less than the same amount of meat raw, saving you time and money,” they add. On top of using the meat for dishes like pasta, soup, or salad, they also say they “love using the carcass for stock!”
2 | Mashed potatoes
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Even if they’re a relatively simple side, customers love how delicious and convenient Costco’s mashed potatoes can be. Many shoppers say they’re a staple on their list whenever they make a Costco run.
“They have a good flavor and texture pretty close to homemade,” Reddit user ijozypheen writes. “Perfect in a pinch!”
DeltaFlyer0525 says they typically freeze the product and then thaw it out whenever they’re in need of a side dish. And similar to the rotisserie chicken, they can also be a pretty versatile base ingredient.
“I like to make a baked potato soup with them,” DeltaFlyer0525 explains. “I make a chicken stock from the rotisserie chicken, add in a couple of cups of the mashed potatoes, [and] some heavy cream or 1% milk if you’re watching calories. While that simmers together, sauté an onion or shallots and toss them into the soup with whatever else you want for seasonings. I serve that topped with freshly cooked bacon crumbles, sharp cheddar cheese, chives, and a dollop of sour cream.”
4 | Burritos and burrito bowls
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Tacos aren’t the only Mexican food item that has a passionate fan base. Other users talk up the high quality of Costco ready-to-eat burritos, with many saying they were “tasty” and a great value buy.
“The burritos are actually full of real meat and cheese, unlike the burritos at other stores, which is mostly tortilla and fake meat paste,” one user writes.
And it’s not just the wrapped version: Others note that the deconstructed version is just as good.
“The burrito bowls are a new favorite,” writes Reddit user minnie2020.
5 | Kirkland boxed cabernet sauvignon
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The finds in the liquor and wine section of Costco aren’t exactly a secret anymore. Specifically, many shoppers gush about the Great Value brand’s bold red wine.
Reddit user Snaffoo0 says they were even able to pull a fast one on his in-laws who are “total wine snobs” and typically refuse to drink anything but very expensive bottles.
“I gave them a glass of the boxed cab once and, of course, they turned their nose up,” they write. “The following year’s holiday, instead of pouring from the box, I dumped it into a beautiful decanter. [I] told them it was some…Napa Valley red blend, very expensive. They took their sips [and said] ‘oh WOW! This is incredible! You’ll have to tell me the label, I have to have it!’”
“They still don’t know,” they add. “It’s been a couple of years and my wife and I are still in on the charade.”
6 | Tikka masala sauce
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Do you regularly crave curry? Many Costco shoppers cite the delicious chicken tikka masala—with some saying it’s still easy to dress up.
“Warm [it up] on stove top, serve over rice, and it’s yummy,” writes Reddit user Going_Native. “We sauté some diced bell peppers and add a little extra heavy cream, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne to the chicken mix for some extra flavor. You can get the naan dippers to go with it as well.”
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7 | Gasoline
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There are many benefits to having a Costco membership that doesn’t involve just shopping for groceries, electronics, and essentials. Many shoppers cite the big-box retailer’s slightly cheaper gas as one of their favorite offerings.
“Line moves fast, and purchasing gas here regularly more than pays for my executive membership,” one user writes.
8 | Gyro kit
Besides being convenient, Costco members also love how delicious some of the meal kits in the deli section can be. This includes the gyro kit, which comes complete with chopped veggies, tzatziki sauce, and pita.
One shopper writes that the item is “the chef’s kiss of the middle class,” while another called it “amazing.”
9 | Paper products
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As items you use every day, paper products are arguably one of the most important household essentials. Shoppers appreciate that Costco’s Kirkland paper towels and toilet paper are high quality and are also a relative bargain.
“Have you seen what other retailers charge for stuff like that? It’s unbelievable,” writes Reddit user dingus420.