Confession: I had never stepped foot inside a Costco store until I was 36. I’d mention this to friends, especially folks who worked in the culinary world, and they would gasp. Then they’d exclaim: “But you write about food for a living! You don’t know what you’re missing.” Turns out, that was very accurate. Last summer, a few trusted chef pals took me on my maiden voyage, giving me a tour of their favorite aisles and pointing out preferred products. Soon after, I signed up for a membership—and haven’t looked back.
In fact, I’ve been making up for lost time by viewing each trip more as an adventure rather than an errand. I love to swing into Costco on a weeknight, when it’s usually not as bustling as it is on a weekend, and wander through the aisles to try to find the hidden gems. In addition to discoveries like a huge deal on an electric toothbrush (a tool that has been linked to better dental and heart health) and fresh produce, I’ve unearthed all sorts of hidden gems under the store’s in-house label: Kirkland Signature. Below I’m revealing 6 Kirkland Signature products I rely on and would recommend to anyone.
1. Kirkland Signature Cooked Shrimp & Cocktail Sauce
Costco is obviously a stellar stop before you attend or host a party. But it’s not just great for a crowd. I often snag this shrimp cocktail platter for a mid-afternoon snack. In between writing stories, I simply head to the fridge, add several shrimp to a small plate, give them a spritz from a fresh lemon wedge and drizzle on some cocktail sauce. All of a sudden, what could have been a sad desk snack (I’m looking at you, crumbly granola bar) becomes an opportunity to add to my protein tally and savor something that feels like what I might order at a steakhouse or stylish cocktail lounge. Beyond being easy and delicious, shrimp nutrition speaks for itself. Each 3-ounce serving packs in 20 grams of protein (more than 2 eggs!), plus the shellfish delivers a dose of heart-healthy omega-3 fats and thyroid-supporting minerals like iodine and selenium.
2. Kirkland Signature Organic Tomato Paste
All throughout the year, including on the coldest days of winter, I can enjoy the vibrant, sweet-tart taste of tomatoes in a wide variety of recipes using this ultra-affordable tomato paste. Available in a 12-pack, each 6-ounce can works out to less than $1 at my Costco store. Although I generally prefer squeeze bottle tomato paste, I’m willing to make a small sacrifice for the value. If I don’t use it all in dishes like Shakshuka, Marry Me Melting Cabbage, or Umami Paste, I simply freeze any extra in an ice cube tray so I can pop out as much as I need to add to dishes.
3. Kirkland Signature Organic Pure Maple Syrup
All sweeteners, even natural ones like honey and maple syrup, increase the calories and added sugars in our diets. They also amp up the flavor and satisfaction factor, though, and that’s an important part of the recipe for a happy life, if you ask me. I adore the warm, autumnal flavor maple syrup provides—alongside its sweetness, of course. I also swoon over the price of this bulk buy; about 44 cents per ounce at my area store. As for how I use it, when I was a kid, I was all about showering my stack of pancakes or waffles in several servings of maple syrup. These days, I’m much more likely to put this golden syrup to use in more unconventional ways, including Persian-Style Butternut Squash Soup, Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes, and Maple Whiskey Sours.
4. Kirkland Signature Almond Milk
One of the best deals that initially convinced me to join Team Costco even as a single person was the Ninja Creami Deluxe. That initial investment of $180 has already paid off in the savings I’ve accrued by not buying ice cream by the pint anymore. Instead, I combine a cup of Kirkland Signature Almond Non-Dairy Beverage, Original Unsweetened, which can stand up to any of its brand name competitors, with a protein shake and a spoonful of pudding mix. Freeze for 12 to 24 hours, blitz on the “light ice cream” setting, and all of a sudden I have a high-protein dessert that tastes like something I’d order at my favorite parlor. Besides in Creami concoctions, the almond milk comes in clutch for baking recipes and smoothies, too.
5. Kirkland Signature Stir-Fry Vegetable Blend
Several interviews with gastroenterologist Will Bulsiewicz, M.D., have taught me many things. Why so many of us struggle to poop while traveling. The fact that 95% of Americans are deficient in fiber. The many benefits of eating a diversified diet. In fact, Dr. B. recommends aiming to eat at least 30 different plant-based foods per week for optimal gut health. This number can feel daunting, especially to someone who lives alone and tries to limit her food waste. But little hacks like this freezer aisle find make it almost effortless. The fiber- and vitamin C-rich blend features 8 in one budget-friendly 5½-pound bag: broccoli, sugar snap peas, green beans, yellow and orange carrots, mushrooms, red bell peppers, water chestnuts, and onions. I add this veggie mix to soups, stir-fries and pasta dishes or simply sauté the veggies with garlic and coconut aminos to serve on the side of any entrée.
6. Kirkland Signature 2023 Ti Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand
When my cellar could use a refresh, I steer over to the wine section at Costco and grab a bottle or two of this Kirkland Signature savvy B. It’s ideal for cracking open to enjoy a glass alongside dinner and perfect for using in any recipe that calls for “dry white wine.” The zippy vino smells like tropical fruit and tastes like a lovely fruit salad starring citrus fruit, stone fruit and green apples. Served with a chill, this wine is as refreshing as its price: $7.99 per bottle near me.
