Costco is famous for its bulk deals and quality products, yet not all frozen foods are worth the buy. While some offer great value, taste, and convenience, others lack in flavor, texture, or quality. Knowing which items to pick and which to pass on can save you both money and freezer space.
This guide will show you six frozen foods to buy at Costco and six to avoid, covering everything from protein-packed meals to essential veggies and pinpointing which ones aren’t worth the space.
Items to Buy:
Kirkland Signature Farm-Raised Raw Shrimp $17.28/2 lbs
Kirkland Signature’s farm-raised raw shrimp is a convenient, high-quality protein source. It comes peeled, deveined, and ready to cook, making it a perfect addition to salads, stir-fries, and pasta dishes.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Farm-raised shrimp, salt, water, sodium bisulfite (to preserve color)
Preparation Instructions
- Thaw shrimp in the refrigerator or under cold running water.
- Cook by boiling, grilling, or sautéing for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Season as desired and serve.
Veggies Made Great Superfood Veggie Cakes $10.69/6 ct
These veggie cakes are a nutrient-packed breakfast or snack option made with a blend of superfoods like kale, carrots, and cauliflower. They are gluten-free and ready in minutes.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Vegetables (cauliflower, carrots, kale, onions, red bell peppers), eggs, brown rice flour, olive oil, cheese, salt, spices
Preparation Instructions
- Microwave: Heat for 45 seconds on high.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Enjoy warm as a healthy snack or breakfast.
Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna $21.14/3 lb
This hearty, homemade-style lasagna is packed with layers of Italian sausage, seasoned beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce. A great choice for family dinners.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 23g
Ingredients
Pasta (wheat flour, eggs), beef, Italian sausage, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, onions, garlic, herbs, salt, sugar
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Remove tray from packaging and cover with foil.
- Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend $13.55/4 lbs
This frozen fruit blend features raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. It’s perfect for smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or baking.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 70
- Total Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries
Preparation Instructions
- Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
- Use directly in smoothies, yogurt, or baking.
Sabatasso’s Gluten-Free Four Cheese Pizza $13.99 for/21 oz
A delicious gluten-free pizza with a crispy crust and a rich blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and Romano cheeses.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
Gluten-free crust (rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch), tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, provolone cheese, salt, spices
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Remove the pizza from the packaging and place it directly on the oven rack.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Let it cool for 2 minutes before slicing.
Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast Chunks $17.40/48 oz
These fully cooked, lightly breaded chicken breast chunks are perfect for quick meals. They can be added to salads or pasta or enjoyed on their own.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 16g
Ingredients
Chicken breast meat, wheat flour, water, salt, spices, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder
Preparation Instructions
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes.
Items to Avoid:
Kirkland Signature Organic Blueberries $9.94/3 lbs
Kirkland Signature Organic Blueberries are a convenient option for smoothies and baking, but they tend to be mushy and lack flavor compared to other frozen fruit options.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 70
- Fats: 1g
- Carbs: 17g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
- Organic blueberries
Preparation Instructions
- Best used in smoothies or mixed into baked goods.
- Can be thawed and eaten as is but may lack texture and sweetness.
Smucker’s Uncrustables $17.40/18 ct
While Uncrustables are a convenient snack, they aren’t the best deal at Costco. You can make your own peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for much cheaper.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 210
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 27g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
- Bread, peanut butter, grape jelly, sugar, preservatives
Preparation Instructions
- Thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before eating.
- Not suitable for microwaving or toasting.
Kirkland Signature Organic Normandy Vegetables $13.67/5.5 lbs
This frozen vegetable mix, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, doesn’t retain the crisp texture or fresh taste of other frozen vegetable options.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 35
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 7g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
- Organic broccoli, cauliflower, orange carrots, yellow carrots
Preparation Instructions
- Steam or sauté for best results.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make the vegetables soggy.
Crazy Cuizine Mandarin Orange Chicken $15.00/4 lbs
This orange chicken offers a quick meal alternative to takeout, but it contains high amounts of sugar and sodium, making it a poor choice for a balanced diet.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 330
- Fats: 14g
- Carbs: 37g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 14g
Ingredients
- Breaded chicken, orange sauce (sugar, vinegar, orange juice concentrate, soy sauce, garlic, spices)
Preparation Instructions
- Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes.
- Heat sauce separately and mix before serving.
Amylu Chicken Meatballs $17.00/46 oz
These chicken meatballs come in different flavors, like cranberry jalapeño and basil parmesan, but they are pricey and don’t offer better taste or texture than more affordable alternatives.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
- Chicken, seasoning blend, cheese (for some flavors), preservatives
Preparation Instructions
- Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Can be baked at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Kirkland Signature $16.78/8 oz
These chicken bakes are meant to be a convenient handheld meal, but they are heavy on bread and light on filling, making them less satisfying than expected.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 530
- Fats: 23g
- Carbs: 51g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 36g
Ingredients
- Dough, chicken, bacon, cheese, green onions, Caesar dressing
Preparation Instructions
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Best served fresh; microwaving makes the bread soggy.
Conclusion
Before adding frozen items to your cart, check the ingredients, nutrition facts, and overall value to ensure you’re making the best choices for your household. With this guide, you can shop smarter and make the most of your Costco membership—stocking up on the best frozen finds while avoiding those that aren’t worth your money. Happy shopping!
