A new apple-pie sundae, sprinkle-covered cake cups and sweet-and-savory Asiago pretzels give this Costco trip a fresh shopping list. Our latest ten-day scan also found returning appetizers and easy dinner options. These 12 picks have not appeared in the earlier Tried, Tasted & Rated editions we checked, and the verdicts include the disappointments as well as the promising finds.
Costco Finds With Tasting Feedback: What to Buy, Consider or Skip
1. Food Court Vanilla Apple Pie Sundae
RetailShout illustration. Actual servings and topping amounts vary.
Price: $2.99 | Size: One sundae
Why it is on this list: A new fall food-court offering reported October 13–19, with an October 15 tasting at the Shoreline, Washington, warehouse. The rollout varies by location.
The easiest new treat to try without buying a multipack. Apple filling, vanilla soft serve and pieces of pie crust turn a familiar dessert into a single food-court order. The appeal is straightforward: you can try the fall flavor for less than three dollars without taking home an entire bakery pie.
Taste & Texture: A firsthand Seattle-area tasting praised the creamy ice cream and cinnamon-spiced apple layers. Members who tried it also liked the fruit and contrasting crust pieces, although others found the cinnamon too faint or the crust rather hard. It has encouraging early feedback, with enough disagreement to keep the verdict below an automatic must-buy.
Before You Buy: Do not expect a hot slice of pie under the ice cream. Reports differ on the topping temperature, and there is no basis for promising a warm dessert. Check the menu at your warehouse; a national announcement does not mean every food court has it that day.
How to Serve It: Eat it soon after ordering. Scoop down through the layers instead of finishing all the soft serve first, so each spoonful has some apple and crust.
Pair It With: A cup of plain coffee if you are taking it home nearby. It already has plenty going on without another sweet topping.
Verdict: BUY — 8/10. A reasonably priced fall treat for apple-pie fans, with the strongest current tasting evidence in this edition.
2. Dotcakes Classic Vanilla & Chocolate Cake Cups
Price: $14.89 observed | Size: Six 4.5-ounce cups; three vanilla and three chocolate
Why it is on this list: A recent Costco arrival featured in October 16 and October 18 warehouse tours. The rollout began before this ten-day window.
A convenient little celebration, with a very sweet finish. The sprinkle-covered cups solve the cake-cutting problem: everyone gets an individual dessert, and the two flavors offer a little choice. At roughly $2.48 a cup, you are paying for portioning and presentation as well as cake.
Taste & Texture: Current buyers disagree. Fans describe pleasantly moist cake and say the cups exceeded their expectations for a packaged dessert. Less enthusiastic shoppers find them very sweet, ordinary for the price, or overwhelmed by the crunchy sprinkle layer. That topping is central to the experience; someone who dislikes sprinkles is unlikely to be won over by the attractive box.
Before You Buy: The current Costco box contains six 4.5-ounce cups, not six four-ounce cakes. Reviews of Dotcakes sold elsewhere do not necessarily describe this exact assortment. Check the refrigerated package’s storage directions and use-by date before buying it for an event later in the month.
How to Serve It: Put out both flavors and let guests choose. A small spoon makes it easier to get cake, frosting and sprinkles together instead of a first mouthful consisting mostly of the topping.
Pair It With: Unsweetened coffee or tea. Fresh berries alongside would provide a useful change of flavor without making the dessert sweeter.
Verdict: CONSIDER — 7/10. A sensible party purchase for people who enjoy sweet birthday-style cake; a less convincing value for someone simply craving a good slice of cake.
3. Edward Marc Everything Bagel Asiago Pretzels
Price: Check your warehouse shelf tag; current local price not confirmed | Size: 20 ounces
Why it is on this list: An existing snack drawing fresh buyer discussion on October 15. This is new to our review lineup, rather than a new national launch.
Read the coating description before putting these in your cart. Everything-bagel seasoning and Asiago sound like a straightforward savory snack. The surprise is the cheese-flavored crème coating, which adds sweetness along with the garlic, onion and seeds. Your reaction to that combination will probably decide the purchase.
Taste & Texture: October buyers include enthusiastic repeat snackers and people who find the sweet-and-savory mixture confusing. Earlier purchasers describe the same dividing line: a crunchy pretzel underneath a rich, sweet coating, followed by the bagel seasoning. The criticism is not simply that the cheese is weak. Some shoppers expected a salty baked-cheese pretzel and received something much closer to a coated confection.
Before You Buy: Choose the Everything Bagel Asiago bag by its full name. Edward Marc’s other coated snacks have different flavors and reviews. A 20-ounce bag is a meaningful commitment if nobody in the household enjoys sweet cheese-flavored snacks.
How to Serve It: Try a few plain before deciding how to serve the bag. For a gathering, put out a small bowl alongside plain pretzels so guests have a less rich alternative.
Pair It With: Sparkling water and fresh cucumber or apple slices. Another creamy dip is unlikely to improve an already heavily coated snack.
Verdict: CONSIDER — 6/10. Interesting for fans of sweet-and-savory snacks. Skip it if you want a purely savory everything-bagel pretzel.
4. Feel Good Foods Crispy Jalapeño Bites
Price: $11.99 observed | Size: 32 ounces
Why it is on this list: A returning freezer item spotted in October 18 warehouse coverage; it has been sold at Costco previously.
The freezer pick for people who actually want jalapeño heat. These bites combine diced jalapeños with cream cheese and white cheddar inside a crisp coating. The party-size package is certified gluten-free, but the main buying question for most households is whether everyone enjoys a spicy appetizer.
Taste & Texture: Earlier Costco buyers praise the combination of a crunchy outside and creamy filling. Heat is the main point of disagreement: some prefer these to familiar jalapeño poppers, while others find them much hotter than expected. Those reports are useful background for a returning product, rather than a fresh taste test of this week’s stock.
Before You Buy: Do not assume the cheese makes them mild. They are a better choice for a household of jalapeño fans than for a mixed crowd where you need one appetizer to suit everyone. Check the actual box for ingredients and cooking directions.
How to Serve It: Cook a small batch first, leaving space around the pieces as directed on the package. Let the filling cool briefly before serving; the outside can feel ready to eat while the center is still very hot.
Pair It With: Celery, cucumber and a modest amount of plain yogurt or ranch-style dip. A cool accompaniment is more useful here than another hot sauce.
Verdict: BUY — 8/10. A promising return for spice lovers who want an easy hot appetizer. Mild-food households should choose something else.
5. Stonemill Kitchens Creamy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Price: About $8.80 observed | Size: 31 ounces
Why it is on this list: A seasonal return featured on October 16. Stonemill lists the flavor as an October-through-February offering.
A holiday dip with more personality than plain cream cheese. Cranberry and jalapeño give this creamy dip both a sweet fruit element and a peppery counterpoint. It fits a fall appetizer spread, especially when you want something ready to put in a serving bowl rather than another recipe to prepare.
Taste & Texture: A recent warehouse reviewer endorsed it as a returning favorite. Earlier tasting coverage of the same brand and flavor, in a Canadian package, found a substantial pepper kick alongside the sweetness. That older review is background, not proof that the current U.S. tub has an identical recipe or heat level. The useful takeaway is to expect a sweet-and-spicy dip, not a mild cranberry spread.
Before You Buy: Buy Stonemill by name: other brands sell cranberry-jalapeño dips, and their reviews should not be combined. A 31-ounce tub is substantial for a small household, so check the use-by date and plan more than one serving occasion.
How to Serve It: Start with plain crackers or sliced vegetables. Taste a small spoonful before putting a generous amount on every appetizer, particularly if your guests are sensitive to jalapeño.
Pair It With: Celery, cucumber, plain pita crackers or a little spread inside a turkey sandwich. Keep the accompaniments simple enough for the fruit and pepper to stand out.
Verdict: CONSIDER — 7.5/10. A useful seasonal dip for a group that likes sweet heat. This rating is provisional because current U.S. tasting evidence remains limited.
6. Senoble French Crème Brûlée
Price: About $10 observed | Size: Eight individual glass dessert cups
Why it is on this list: A returning chilled dessert shown in October 16 warehouse coverage.
The custard looks like the stronger reason to buy. Eight separate cups make this an easy dessert to divide between dinners or serve to a small group. At about $1.25 each, the pack has a practical advantage over a single large dessert that needs slicing and careful storage.
Taste & Texture: A detailed independent review of Senoble’s eight-pack praised a thick, smooth custard with restrained sweetness. The disappointment was the caramel topping: that tester struggled to produce the brittle shell expected from restaurant crème brûlée. It is one detailed tasting, not a broad consensus, but it gives buyers a useful distinction between the custard itself and the finishing step.
Before You Buy: Check the current box for the topping method and storage instructions. Pack-size descriptions differ between listings, so this review uses the confirmed eight-cup count rather than promising an exact ounce weight. Buy it for convenient custard portions, with cautious expectations about a perfectly crackly top.
How to Serve It: Follow the directions on the package you buy. If serving guests, prepare one cup beforehand to see whether the topping and timing work well with your equipment.
Pair It With: A few fresh raspberries on the side and coffee. Keeping the fruit separate preserves whatever crisp topping you achieve.
Verdict: CONSIDER — 7/10. Good portioning and encouraging custard feedback, with a provisional score because the available independent tasting is limited.
7. Boulder Organic Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Price: $13.49 observed | Size: Two 24-ounce containers
Why it is on this list: A returning refrigerated soup featured in October 18 warehouse coverage.
A convenient lunch with less consistent feedback than the label suggests. The two-container format lets you open one portion of the purchase at a time. That is useful for a small household, but at about $6.45 per tub, the soup still needs enough flavor and substance to justify taking the place of a homemade batch.
Taste & Texture: Independent feedback is mixed. One detailed review found a creamy soup with tender chicken, while other buyers describe a thin consistency, restrained flavor and too little meat. Those older reports do not establish what every October container tastes like. They do show why this should be a cautious purchase if you want a thick, chicken-heavy meal.
Before You Buy: The organic label tells you about the product’s sourcing standard, not whether you will find the soup filling or well seasoned. Check the refrigerated use-by date and judge the first container before planning a dinner around the second.
How to Serve It: Heat according to the container and stir well before portioning so the chicken and rice are distributed. Taste before adding salt. Extra cooked chicken is an option if you already have some, although needing to add it changes the value calculation.
Pair It With: A slice of toast or a small salad. Keep the meal simple, and do not buy a stack of tubs until you know the consistency suits you.
Verdict: SKIP IF YOU WANT A HEARTY SOUP — 5.5/10. The convenience is clear, but the uneven feedback makes this a weaker first choice for shoppers seeking a substantial chicken-and-rice meal.
8. Chef Hak’s Roasted Root Vegetable Mix
Price: $12.99 observed | Size: Two 16-ounce packages
Why it is on this list: A returning prepared side spotted on October 18; the product has older shopper reviews.
A dinner shortcut whose value is mostly in the saved preparation. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots and parsnips come prepared with olive oil and herbs. The two-pack format is helpful when you want a vegetable side without peeling and chopping several different ingredients for one meal.
Taste & Texture: Earlier buyers of this exact root-vegetable mix liked its convenience, including being able to use one package at a time. The clearest reservation was value: someone comfortable roasting vegetables at home can make a comparable side for less. The available taste discussion is small, so there is not enough support for claiming a consistently crisp, freshly roasted texture.
Before You Buy: At roughly $6.50 per pound, this is a time-saving purchase. It makes more sense on a busy evening than for a shopper whose main goal is the lowest ingredient cost. Do not confuse it with Chef Hak’s other vegetable-and-grain dishes.
How to Serve It: Heat one package using its directions and taste before adding more seasoning. If you want to serve it with grains or beans, prepare those separately so you can control the proportions and avoid turning the whole meal into a soft mixture.
Pair It With: Roast chicken, pork tenderloin or a warm lentil salad. The sweeter vegetables work particularly well beside something savory.
Verdict: CONSIDER — 7/10. Useful when avoiding chopping and cleanup matters. The score is provisional, based on limited older buyer feedback and the current pack’s convenience.
9. Sargento Cheese Bakes Parmesan & Oregano
Price: $11.34 observed | Size: 16 ounces
Why it is on this list: Spotted in October 18 warehouse coverage. The flavor already has a review history outside Costco.
A cheese cracker for people who enjoy a firmer crunch. Real cheese is the first ingredient, but these are baked crackers containing wheat, rather than cheese-only crisps. Parmesan and oregano make them an easy candidate for a snack plate or a bowl of soup.
Taste & Texture: Reviews of the same flavor in a smaller retail bag are divided. Some buyers like the seasoning and crunch; verified purchasers also report excessive saltiness or a texture that feels too hard. That feedback helps describe the flavor, but it is not a direct test of the current Costco bag. Promotional reviews were not treated as proof of a universal favorite.
Before You Buy: If you prefer a tender, buttery cracker, the harder bite could matter more than the cheese flavor. The warehouse bag is a larger commitment than the smaller retail version, so try a sample if your store happens to be offering one.
How to Serve It: Serve a small bowl first and keep the rest sealed. A plain, soft accompaniment can balance the cracker more effectively than piling on more salty cheese.
Pair It With: Cucumber slices, a mild cream-cheese spread or tomato soup. Leave heavily salted cured meats for another part of the board.
Verdict: CONSIDER — 6.5/10. Worth considering for firm-cracker fans. This is a provisional assessment using same-flavor reviews from a different pack size.
New Arrivals and Recent Finds to Watch: Taste Ratings Pending
10. Kirkland Signature Smoked Pork Mac & Cheese
Product photo: Gina’s Shopping Life, October 16 warehouse visit.
Price: $4.99 per pound; observed trays roughly $18–$20 | Size: Variable-weight deli tray, around four pounds
Why it is on this list: A recent deli arrival featured October 14 and October 16. Earlier regional listings exist, so these are coverage dates, not its first-ever sale.
A substantial prepared dinner worth inspecting before committing. Costco combines macaroni and cheese with smoked pork pieces and shredded cheese on top. A nearly four-pound tray could cover a family dinner or several smaller meals, depending on appetites and what you serve alongside it.
Flavor & Format: The ingredients suggest a rich, smoky combination, but that is a description of the dish rather than a tasting result. The current coverage establishes the product and price; much of the buyer discussion concerns appearance and cost. It does not provide enough reliable feedback about the pork’s tenderness or the finished sauce to support a taste score.
Before You Buy: Check the total price and weight on the specific tray. Reviews of Costco’s plain mac and cheese or its barbecue chicken version do not establish how this pork recipe tastes. Look at the distribution of the pork and consider how much you can use within the package’s storage guidance.
How to Serve It: Follow the tray’s heating instructions and allow enough time for the center to heat through. Portion it with a broad serving spoon so each plate receives both pasta and pork.
Pair It With: A sharp cabbage slaw or lightly dressed green salad. Something crisp and acidic would balance the richness better than another creamy side.
Verdict: EARLY LOOK. Potentially convenient for a family meal, but the taste rating stays pending until there is enough independent feedback on this exact recipe.
11. Pilgrim’s Flamin’ Hot Boneless Chicken Bites
Price: $15.99 observed; varies by warehouse | Size: 40 ounces, or 2.5 pounds
Why it is on this list: Photographed at Costco in October 13 product coverage, with warehouse price observations updated October 18.
The freezer arrival for Flamin’ Hot enthusiasts. This is a breaded chicken-breast bite with Flamin’ Hot seasoning, sold in a fully cooked frozen format. The 40-ounce Costco bag is a different purchase from the smaller bags available at other retailers and from Pilgrim’s separate cheesy-jalapeño product.
Flavor & Format: The brand promises a spicy snack-inspired coating. That makes the intended flavor clear, but marketing does not establish whether the breading stays crisp, the chicken stays juicy or the seasoning tastes balanced after reheating. Enough independent feedback on the Costco-size product was not available for a fair score.
Before You Buy: Buy for the specific Flamin’ Hot flavor rather than assuming these are mild chicken nuggets with a little extra seasoning. At about $6.40 per pound, the bag is worth considering only if that spicy flavor is something your household already enjoys.
How to Serve It: Heat a small batch according to the current bag before planning a meal for guests. Taste the chicken without sauce first, then add a dip if it needs one.
Pair It With: Plain rice, cucumber or a cool slaw. Ranch-style dip can be offered on the side rather than covering the coating before anyone tries it.
Verdict: EARLY LOOK. A relevant new freezer find for heat lovers. Hold off on stocking up while its taste rating is pending.
12. Rustic Bakery Artisan Crisps Variety Pack
Price: $9.99 observed | Size: Three 5-ounce boxes; 15 ounces total
Why it is on this list: A limited-time Costco assortment shown in October 18 warehouse coverage. The individual crisp flavors have been sold previously.
Three more adventurous choices for a cheese board. The assortment contains Citrus, Ginger & Thyme; Apricot, Pistachio & Brandy; and Tart Cherry, Cacao Nib & Almond crisps. Three separate boxes let you open just one flavor for a smaller gathering, with the other two saved for another occasion.
Flavor & Format: An earlier independent tasting of two of these flavors preferred the apricot version for its adaptable sweet-and-nutty character. The tart cherry and cacao combination was harder to pair because of its more assertive flavor. That review did not test all three flavors in this Costco assortment, so it supports a useful comparison without justifying a score for the whole pack.
Before You Buy: These have their own fruit, nut and herb flavors. They are a more adventurous purchase than plain crackers, and the three-box format is only good value if you expect to enjoy the different combinations. Check each box’s ingredients for the guests you are serving.
How to Serve It: Start with one flavor and one cheese rather than opening everything at once. Try a crisp plain before choosing its topping; that makes it easier to avoid combinations that compete.
Pair It With: A mild soft cheese with the apricot crisps is a straightforward starting point. Keep plain bread on the board for guests who prefer a simpler accompaniment.
Verdict: EARLY LOOK. An appealing entertaining assortment with some useful flavor background. The full-pack taste rating remains pending.
The apple-pie sundae is the easiest small purchase to try, while the jalapeño bites suit a household that enjoys real heat. Be more selective with Dotcakes and the coated Asiago pretzels, where sweetness divides buyers. For the newest prepared meal and freezer arrivals, one trial purchase is more sensible than a bulk stock-up before the flavor earns a place in your routine.
Package photographs are from Costco’s catalog. The deli photograph is credited beside the image, and the sundae image is identified as an illustration. Packaging and servings may vary. The featured image is an AI-assisted editorial collage. Pairings and serving suggestions are editorial ideas unless otherwise attributed.
