Costco is renowned for its bulk buys and value deals, but not everything on the shelves is a winner. Here’s a rundown of 13 hyped Costco foods that might not be worth your cart space, despite their popularity.
1. Chicken Salad $18.62/package
Often praised for convenience, this ready-to-eat salad can be a quick meal solution.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 320
- Fats: 22g
- Carbs: 10g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 23g
Ingredients
Chicken, mayonnaise, celery, onion, salt, pepper.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled. Good as is or on sandwiches.
2. Tortellini Pasta Salad $6.83/pound
A vibrant mix of cheese tortellini, veggies, and pesto.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 410
- Fats: 24g
- Carbs: 35g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients
Cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, spinach, pesto dressing.
Preparation Instructions
Best served cold, mix well before serving.
3. Shrimp Salad $12.43/pound
A seafood delight that’s perfect for a light lunch.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 280
- Fats: 22g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 18g
Ingredients
Shrimp, mayo, celery, lemon juice, dill.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy chilled with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
4. Roasted Chicken and Swiss Wrap Roll $18.44/package
A grab-and-go lunch option that sounds better than it tastes.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 350
- Fats: 15g
- Carbs: 32g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Ingredients
Roasted chicken, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, tortilla.
Preparation Instructions
No preparation needed; consume directly from the package.
5. Chicken Quesadillas $7.45/pound
Cheesy and filled with chicken, yet lacking in flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 300
- Fats: 15g
- Carbs: 27g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients
Tortilla, chicken breast, cheddar cheese, bell peppers, onions.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave or oven-bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Chicken Street Taco Kit $19.19/package
A family-sized kit that promises a fun taco night but might fall short on freshness.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 290
- Fats: 14g
- Carbs: 20g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Chicken, corn tortillas, lime, cilantro, onion, salsa.
Preparation Instructions
Heat the chicken and tortillas separately; assemble tacos with provided ingredients.
7. Gyro Kit $8.07/pound
Comes with all the fixings for a gyro, but the flavor might not match up to your local Greek spot.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 400
- Fats: 20g
- Carbs: 35g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Lamb meat, tzatziki sauce, pita bread, onions, tomatoes.
Preparation Instructions
Warm the pita and meat, then assemble with toppings and sauce.
8. Caesar Salad $5.59/pound
A classic salad choice that often lacks the punch of freshly made versions.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 180
- Fats: 15g
- Carbs: 9g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, croutons.
Preparation Instructions
Toss all ingredients in a bowl and serve immediately.
9. Mac and Cheese $15.49/package
Rich and creamy, yet the taste can be a bit too artificial for some.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 330
- Fats: 18g
- Carbs: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 14g
Ingredients
Pasta, cheddar cheese sauce, milk, butter.
Preparation Instructions
Bake in the oven for a crispy top or microwave for convenience.
10. Chicken Bakes $15.49/box
A fan favorite for its convenience, though it might be too greasy and heavy for some.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 410
- Fats: 24g
- Carbs: 33g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Chicken breast, cheese, bacon, Caesar dressing, pizza dough.
Preparation Instructions
Bake until golden and crispy, approximately 15-20 minutes.
11. Tuscan Chicken Wrap $6.21/pound
Promises a burst of Italian flavor but may lack in freshness and zest.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 350
- Fats: 17g
- Carbs: 29g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 21g
Ingredients
Grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, tortilla wrap.
Preparation Instructions
Best enjoyed cold or heated briefly in the microwave.
12. Yakisoba Chicken Stir Fry Kit $5.99/pound
An easy stir-fry option, though the sauce can sometimes overpower the natural flavors.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 310
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Yakisoba noodles, chicken, mixed vegetables, stir-fry sauce.
Preparation Instructions
Sauté in a pan over medium heat until well heated.
13. Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna $19.19/package
A hearty meal option, but often criticized for being too salty and lacking in homemade taste.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 340
- Fats: 22g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients
Lasagna noodles, Italian sausage, beef, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese.
Preparation Instructions
Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown.
These products might seem like convenient choices, but when weighed against their nutritional profiles and taste, they might not be the best picks for everyone. Consider your options carefully at Costco and maybe even look into other products that could be a better fit for your taste buds and health goals.
