15 Sam’s Club Finds to Grab This May Before Summer Hits

May 14, 2026

I’ve spent the week scouring the warehouse aisles and turning my kitchen into a testing lab to see if these latest arrivals live up to the hype.

From viral “Dubai-style” treats to high-protein shortcuts, I’ve tasted it all to bring you this definitive, community-backed verdict.

The Bakery & Dessert Showcase

Member’s Mark Mixed Berry Crumble Pie

Member’s Mark Mixed Berry Crumble Pie

Price: ~$9.86 Taste Test: It’s a tart-lover’s dream. The raspberries and blackberries provide a sharp contrast to the buttery, sugary oat topping. It isn’t cloyingly sweet, which is rare for warehouse pies. Texture Summary: The crust holds up surprisingly well, but the star is the “crunch” of the brown sugar oats against the jammy center. Make It Better: Bake it at 350°F for 10 minutes before serving to caramelize the crumble. Perfect Pairings: A sharp cheddar cheese slice (the old-school way) or vanilla bean gelato. Final Verdict: Buy. It’s 3 lbs of fruit-filled glory.

Member’s Mark Dubai Style Chocolate Mousse Cake

Member's Mark Dubai Style Chocolate Mousse Cake

Price: ~$22.74 Taste Test: This is the “IT” cake of 2026. You get that distinct, earthy pistachio flavor paired with a rich, dark chocolate mousse. Texture Summary: The kataifi (shredded pastry) provides a “shatter” crunch in every bite that contrasts beautifully with the silky mousse. Make It Better: Sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top to make the pistachio pop. Perfect Pairings: A very dry Prosecco or a stiff espresso. Final Verdict: Buy. It’s a luxury experience for a fraction of the boutique price.

Confetti Bar Cake

Confetti Bar Cake

Price: ~$16.74 Taste Test: Nostalgia in a box. It’s a classic, birthday-style vanilla with a clean finish since they ditched the synthetic dyes. Texture Summary: Extremely moist sponge with a dense, “fudgy” frosting layer. Make It Better: Freeze individual slices for 20 minutes for a “cold-stone” cake texture. Perfect Pairings: A tall glass of ice-cold oat milk. Final Verdict: Buy. Perfect for office parties or kid celebrations.

Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Cake

Price: ~$18.98 Taste Test: Deep strawberry flavor that doesn’t taste like “medicine.” It’s light, airy, and screams “Springtime.” Texture Summary: Soft, delicate crumb that melts away. Make It Better: Top with fresh, macerated strawberries to add a bit of acidity. Perfect Pairings: A chilled Rosé or a lemon-infused iced tea. Final Verdict: Buy. It’s the ultimate Mother’s Day brunch centerpiece.

Member’s Mark Cinnamon Chip Iced Scones (8-pack)

Price: ~$5.73 Taste Test: Heavy on the cinnamon “chips” which melt into little pockets of spice. The icing is sweet but thin. Texture Summary: More of a “muffin-top” texture than a crumbly, dry scone. Make It Better: 10 seconds in the microwave is mandatory to soften those chips. Perfect Pairings: Salted butter and a London Fog latte. Final Verdict: Buy. Great value for a grab-and-go breakfast.


Ready-to-Eat & Heat-and-Serve

Member’s Mark Chicken Tikka Masala

Member's Mark Chicken Tikka Masala

Price: ~$19.55 per tray Taste Test: Surprisingly bold! The sauce is creamy with a nice cumin and turmeric punch. The chicken is all white meat and actually tender. Texture Summary: The basmati rice is fluffy, though the naan can get a bit rubbery if microwaved. Make It Better: Toast the naan in a dry skillet with a bit of garlic butter instead of using the microwave. Perfect Pairings: A side of cucumber raita to cool the mild spice. Final Verdict: Buy. It beats most takeout for under $5 per serving.

Member’s Mark Beef Birria Tacos with Consommé

Member's Mark Beef Birria Tacos with Consommé

Price: ~$12.87 Taste Test: The beef is savory and well-seasoned. The “consommé” is the polarizing part—some find it a bit thin, but it has decent fat content for dipping. Texture Summary: Crisp them in the air fryer and you get a satisfying “shatter” on the flour tortilla. Make It Better: Dip the taco in the consommé before air frying for a “birria-crusted” finish. Perfect Pairings: Fresh radish slices and a lot of lime juice. Final Verdict: Buy. It’s the best “frozen” version of birria currently on the market.

Tangle Creamy Mushroom Pasta (Samyang)

Tangle Creamy Mushroom Pasta (Samyang)

Price: ~$12.98 (multi-pack) Taste Test: This is high-protein chickpea pasta that actually tastes like real food. The mushroom sauce is earthy and deeply savory. Texture Summary: The noodles are “al dente” and have more bite than traditional ramen. Make It Better: Add a handful of parmesan cheese and some sautéed cremini mushrooms. Perfect Pairings: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Final Verdict: Buy. A total “holy grail” for a quick, nutritious lunch.


Proteins, Seafood & Frozen Finds

Member’s Mark Garlic Pesto Salmon

Member's Mark Garlic Pesto Salmon

Price: ~$11.87/lb (weight dependent) Taste Test: The pesto butter melts into the salmon, keeping it from drying out. It’s garlicky and herbaceous. Texture Summary: Tender, flaky center with a nice “snap” if you crisp the skin side down. Make It Better: Roast it on a bed of asparagus so the pesto butter seasons the veggies too. Perfect Pairings: Roasted baby potatoes or quinoa. Final Verdict: Buy. It’s the “I don’t want to cook” dinner hero.

Teriyaki Salmon Bites

Teriyaki Salmon Bites

Price: ~$18.24 Taste Test: Sweet and salty teriyaki glaze. The flavor is a bit one-note, so it needs a garnish. Texture Summary: These get very “tacky” and sticky in the air fryer—in a good way. Make It Better: Toss with sesame seeds and green onions immediately after cooking. Perfect Pairings: Serve over white rice with steamed broccoli (veggie bowl style). Final Verdict: Skip. You can easily cut up a salmon fillet and save $5.

Prime Rib Ground Beef Sliders

Price: ~$23.03 Taste Test: Exceptionally juicy. The prime rib blend gives it a richer, “beefier” flavor than standard ground chuck. Texture Summary: High fat content means these stay moist even if you accidentally overcook them. Make It Better: Don’t press down on them while grilling! Keep those juices inside. Perfect Pairings: Caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese. Final Verdict: Buy. Your next BBQ guests will thank you.

Lightly Breaded Chicken Bites

Lightly Breaded Chicken Bites

Price: ~$13.47 (3 lbs) Taste Test: The gold standard. It’s the “pickle-brine” flavor that everyone compares to a certain fast-food giant. Texture Summary: Very light breading—no “mushy” coating here. Make It Better: Shake them in a bowl with buffalo sauce for instant “boneless wings.” Perfect Pairings: Honey mustard or a spicy ranch. Final Verdict: Buy. I always have a bag of these in my freezer.

Demakes Bros. Choice Beef Shaved Steak

Demakes Bros. Choice Beef Shaved Steak

Price: ~$17.47 Taste Test: Pure, lean beef. It’s a blank canvas that takes on whatever marinade you give it. Texture Summary: Because it’s so thin, it cooks in about 3 minutes. Can get tough if overdone. Make It Better: Flash-fry with peppers and onions for the fastest Philly Cheesesteak ever. Perfect Pairings: Hoagie rolls and melted Provolone. Final Verdict: Buy. The convenience for weeknight stir-fry is unbeatable.


Snacks, Candy & Beverages

Bubs Swedish Candy Variety Mix

Bubs Swedish Candy Variety Mix

Price: ~$7.96 Taste Test: The banana toffee is world-class. It’s a sophisticated gummy—less “fruit snack,” more “confectionery.” Texture Summary: Unique “foam” texture that is soft and pillowy. Make It Better: Refrigerate them for a firmer, colder chew. Perfect Pairings: A long road trip and a cold sparkling water. Final Verdict: Buy. It lives up to the TikTok hype.

Member’s Mark Animal Parade Mix

Member's Mark Animal Parade Mix

Price: ~$7.98 Taste Test: Sweet, salty, and nostalgic. The chocolate-drizzled pretzels carry the team here. Texture Summary: A chaotic mix of crunch, smooth chocolate, and frosted cookies. Make It Better: Use it as a topping for vanilla frozen yogurt. Perfect Pairings: A movie marathon. Final Verdict: Buy. It’s dangerous to have this in the house.

Drizzilicious Birthday Cake Bites

Drizzilicious Birthday Cake Bites

Price: ~$5.48 Taste Test: Sweet and cakey, but you can tell they are “healthy” (quinoa/chia). Not as decadent as a real cookie. Texture Summary: Incredibly airy and crisp. Make It Better: Mix into a bowl of Greek yogurt for a low-cal dessert. Perfect Pairings: A cup of herbal tea. Final Verdict: Buy (if you’re calorie-counting); Skip (if you want a “real” dessert).

BranchOut Crunchy Fruit Chips

BranchOut Crunchy Fruit Chips

Price: ~$8.48 Taste Test: Intense, concentrated fruit flavor. The pineapple is especially zingy. Texture Summary: Unlike chewy dried fruit, these are actually “chips”—very brittle and crunchy. Make It Better: Crumble the strawberry ones over your morning oatmeal. Perfect Pairings: A cheese board (they act like crackers). Final Verdict: Buy. A great way to get “fruit” into kids without the mess.

Fresca Sparkling Soda Water (24-pack)

Fresca Sparkling Soda Water (24-pack)

Price: ~$11.98 Taste Test: Grapefruit-forward and very refreshing. Zero sugar, but doesn’t have that “fake” aftertaste. Texture Summary: Heavy carbonation (the “burn” is real). Make It Better: Add a splash of cranberry juice and a lime wedge. Perfect Pairings: Spicy tacos or heavy pasta. Final Verdict: Buy. Best value for a 24-pack in the store.

Olipop Limited Edition Variety Pack

Olipop Limited Edition Variety Pack

Price: ~$14.98 (15-pack) Taste Test: “Crisp Apple” tastes exactly like sparkling cider. “Raspberry Sherbet” is a dessert in a can. Texture Summary: Slightly thicker mouthfeel than regular soda due to the fiber content. Make It Better: Serve over ice with a sprig of mint. Perfect Pairings: Post-workout or as a “mocktail” base. Final Verdict: Buy. You won’t find Olipop cheaper than this per-can price.


Notable Mentions & Pantry Essentials

  • Member’s Mark Smoky Garlic Burger Seasoning ($4.98): Verdict: BUY. Use it on everything—corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, and burgers. It’s the “everything” seasoning of 2026.

  • Vintage Lot 18-Month Gouda ($9.67): Verdict: BUY. Look for the “crunchy” crystals in the cheese; that’s the sign of a high-quality aged Gouda.

  • Minh Mini Chicken Egg Rolls ($11.99): Verdict: BUY. Better than the full-sized ones. The ratio of wrapper to filling is perfect.

  • My Mochi Ice Cream ($7.86): Verdict: BUY. The mango is superior to the strawberry. Great portion control.

  • Jimmy Dean Maple Sausage Pancake Sandwiches ($15.86): Verdict: SKIP. They get soggy in the microwave and are a bit too “maple-syrupy” sweet.

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