16 Must-Buy Holiday Food Finds at Costco This November

The Costco holiday season is officially here!

We scanned social media and the November flyer to find 16 must-buy seasonal food items trending right now.

From Amylu’s viral Cranberry & Jalapeño Meatballs to gourmet Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract, these finds will save you time and money on hosting.

Here are our taste tests and reviews to plan your ultimate holiday haul.

I. Party Appetizers & Deli Finds

1. Amylu Cranberry & Jalapeño Chicken Meatballs (Approx. $14.99)

• Description: Pre-cooked chicken meatballs, excellent for appetizers or sliders.

• Taste Test: A surprisingly good balance—the sweetness of the cranberry prevents the jalapeño heat from overwhelming, leaving a pleasant, savory-sweet kick.

• Texture: Firm and juicy, as they are chicken-based (not beef/pork), they retain their shape well when heated.

• Review Takeaway: A holiday party hero. Look for the coupon in the November savings booklet to grab these at a great price!

2. Cuisine Adventures’ Green Chile Chicken Firecrackers (Approx. $11.99)

• Description: Bite-sized spring rolls filled with seasoned chicken and green chile. Found in the freezer section.

• Taste Test: Savory and lightly spicy, reminiscent of a Tex-Mex egg roll. The green chile provides a nice depth of flavor.

• Texture: They bake or air-fry up very crispy on the outside, with a warm, soft filling.

• Review Takeaway: The perfect game-day or impromptu holiday gathering snack that requires minimal effort.

3. Shepherd’s Pie (Deli Section) (Price Varies by Weight, Approx. $19.99)

• Description: A large, hearty, ready-to-bake meal featuring ground beef filling topped with mashed potatoes.

• Taste Test: Classic comfort food. It can be slightly bland straight from the store, so have extra seasonings (salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce) ready for the filling.

• Texture: Creamy mashed potatoes, with a moist, savory meat layer underneath.

• Review Takeaway: A massive time-saver for a weeknight dinner, especially after holiday shopping. Pro Tip: Cook longer than suggested to get a crispy potato crust!

4. Brazi Bites Brazilian Cheese Bread (Approx. $10.99)

• Description: Frozen, naturally gluten-free cheese bread ready to bake.

• Taste Test: Richly cheesy (Cheddar and Parmesan blend) with a delicious, milky undertone.

• Texture: Soft, chewy, and highly addictive center with a light crust.

• Review Takeaway: Perfect for cheese lovers. Serve warm as a side dish or substitute for dinner rolls.

5. Carnegie Pastrami and Corned Beef Pack (Approx. $18.99)

• Description: A dual pack of high-quality, sliced deli meats.

• Taste Test: Authentic, savory, and well-spiced, typical of premium deli meat.

• Texture: Thinly sliced and tender.

• Review Takeaway: Excellent value for creating an epic holiday sandwich bar or adding to a festive meat and cheese platter.

II. Seasonal Baking & Gourmet Ingredients

6. Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract Gift Pack (Approx. $39.99)

• Description: The “Around the World” 4-pack featuring vanilla extracts from Madagascar, Mexico, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea.

• Taste Test: Varies greatly by origin! The Madagascar is classic and creamy, while the Mexican is often spicier/smokier.

• Texture: Standard liquid extract, packaged beautifully for gifting.

• Review Takeaway: A must-buy for serious holiday bakers. This is a premium product at a price significantly better than specialty stores. Makes an amazing gift!

7. Maldon Kosher Sea Salt Flakes (Approx. $9.99)

• Description: A massive tub of high-quality finishing salt appreciated by professional chefs.

• Taste Test: Pure, clean saline flavor that enhances any dish.

• Texture: Distinctive, delicate pyramid flakes that shatter easily, providing a satisfying crunch.

• Review Takeaway: Essential for elevating holiday dishes. Use it to finish roasted vegetables, chocolate desserts, or prime rib for a gourmet touch.

8. Kirkland Signature Organic Raw and Unfiltered Honey (3-Bear Pack) (Approx. $15.99)

• Description: A triple pack of KS-branded, raw, and unfiltered organic honey in classic squeeze bears.

• Taste Test: Sweet, floral, and natural—the “unfiltered” aspect gives it a slightly richer flavor profile than standard processed honey.

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• Texture: Thicker and sometimes slightly granulated due to the raw, unfiltered nature.

• Review Takeaway: An outstanding bulk value for baking, sauces, tea, or a cheese board accompaniment.

9. Kirkland Signature Cranberry Walnut Round Bread (Approx. $8.99)

• Description: A large, artisan-style round loaf found in the bakery section.

• Taste Test: Yeasty and slightly tangy with a satisfying chew. The dried cranberries add pockets of sweetness, and the walnuts provide earthiness.

• Texture: A thick, crusty exterior gives way to a soft, moist interior.

• Review Takeaway: Great for holiday toast, pairing with strong cheeses, or serving as a hearty side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

III. Holiday Desserts & Beverages

10. Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Collection (Approx. $19.99)

• Description: A large bag of individually wrapped squares of classic holiday chocolate.

• Taste Test: Rich, quality chocolate (dark and white) layered with satisfyingly crunchy peppermint pieces.

• Texture: Melts smoothly in your mouth, broken up by the crispness of the peppermint candy.

• Review Takeaway: Perfect for gifting, serving, or crushing to use as a topping for ice cream or brownies. A non-negotiable holiday returning item!

11. Chocolate Holiday Mingle Mix (Approx. $9.49)

 

• Description: A festive blend of chocolate-covered pretzels, caramel corn, mini peanut butter cups, and other seasonal chocolate pieces.

• Taste Test: A chaotic but fun mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors.

• Texture: Highly varied, ranging from the snap of a pretzel to the chewy crunch of caramel corn.

• Review Takeaway: The ideal “ready-to-serve” snack bowl for an open house or a casual movie night during the holidays.

12. The Famous Pecan Pie (Bakery Section) (Approx. $16.99)

• Description: A massive, deep-dish pecan pie, a seasonal staple of the Costco bakery.

• Taste Test: Sweet, gooey filling with a strong nutty flavor. It’s rich, dense, and very sweet.

• Texture: A flaky crust holds a thick, almost syrupy filling generously packed with pecans.

• Review Takeaway: If you need a quality pie for a crowd and don’t want to bake, this is the best value anywhere. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

13. Belgian Waffles (Bakery Section) (Approx. $7.99)

• Description: Liège-style waffles often dusted with powdered sugar, found packaged in the bakery.

• Taste Test: Soft, slightly doughy, and lightly sweet—a much richer flavor than a standard breakfast waffle.

• Texture: Much denser and chewier than a diner waffle.

• Review Takeaway: Great for a quick holiday brunch; serve with fresh berries and coffee.

14. Drizzilicious French Toast Bites (Approx. $6.99)

• Description: Small, crunchy, rice-based snacks with a French toast-flavored coating.

• Taste Test: Sweet and savory, mimicking the cinnamon-sugar warmth of French toast.

• Texture: Light, airy, and very crisp, similar to a rice cake or popped chip.

• Review Takeaway: A fun, different snack for those looking for something sweet that isn’t heavy or chocolate-based.

15. Spindrift Sparkling Cranberry Raspberry Water (24-Pack) (Approx. $15.99)

• Description: A seasonal flavor of popular sparkling water, made with real fruit juice.

• Taste Test: Crisp, clean, and tart (thanks to the cranberry) with a subtle fruit sweetness.

• Texture: Clean, bubbly carbonation.

• Review Takeaway: The perfect mixer or non-alcoholic option for holiday gatherings. Use it to create a festive, low-calorie mocktail.

16. Starbucks Season’s Cheer Blend Coffee (32 oz Bag) (Approx. $19.99)

• Description: A limited-edition medium roast whole bean coffee.

• Taste Test: Medium-bodied with warm, comforting notes of dried fruit and cocoa—perfect for chilly mornings.

• Texture: Standard medium-roast bean.

• Review Takeaway: A holiday coffee staple at a bulk price. Grab it while you can, as the price break usually runs out by mid-November!