Tried, Tasted & Rated: 10 Costco Food Finds for October 20–26, 2026

October 26, 2026

Costco’s bakery has two tempting additions this week, but the refrigerated and frozen aisles deserve a look, too. These 10 new, returning and recently spotted foods include a rich coffee ice cream, a divisive lobster ravioli and easy options for fall entertaining. Each is new to this series’ recent lineup.

Research window: October 20–26, 2026. Prices reflect observed warehouse prices and can vary by location. Ratings are editorial assessments of documented tasting feedback, value and convenience, rather than personal taste tests. Older feedback is identified where used; four finds remain unrated while more tasting reports develop.

Costco Finds With Tasting Feedback: What to Buy, Consider or Skip

1. Kirkland Signature Shortbread with Belgian Milk Chocolate

Price: $13.99 observed | Size: 15 cookies

Why it is on this list: Recent bakery arrival featured in an October 21 warehouse tour, followed by fresh buyer discussion on October 22–26.

The bakery pick for a buttery cookie break. This is a substantial shortbread cookie with chocolate pieces throughout. At about 93 cents apiece, it brings something different to the coffee table without requiring a whole cake.

Taste & Texture: Buyers who actually ate these describe a soft, dense bite and a pronounced buttery character. Several liked the balance of cookie and milk chocolate, with one finding the sweetness restrained enough to enjoy easily. The enthusiasm is not unanimous: another buyer preferred Costco’s regular chocolate chip cookies. Expect a richer, thicker cookie rather than a thin, crisp biscuit.

Before You Buy: Look for item 2062195 and the 15-count package. This is different from the chocolate-dipped shortbread and assorted European cookie tins. Milk chocolate also makes it a less natural choice for someone who strongly prefers dark chocolate.

How to Serve It: Serve at room temperature so the dense cookie is easy to bite through. Divide the tray before putting it out if you want portions left for another day.

Pair It With: Unsweetened tea, a cappuccino or fresh raspberries.

Verdict: BUY — 8.5/10. A strong choice for buttery-cookie fans, supported by fresh buyer feedback.

2. Kirkland Signature Cookies & Cream Cupcakes

Price: $8.99 observed | Size: 12 cupcakes

Why it is on this list: New bakery coverage on October 20, a firsthand purchase report on October 24 and another shelf listing on October 25.

An easy dessert for a dozen guests. Cookie-studded cake, a generous swirl of buttercream and more cookie crumbs on top make these an easy party choice. At roughly 75 cents each, they are especially useful when you need individual desserts that require no slicing.

Taste & Texture: The combination puts cookies-and-cream flavor into both the cake and frosting. A food writer who bought a package during this week’s shopping trip gave it an enthusiastic first impression. That supports an encouraging early verdict, although detailed independent texture reports remain limited. The substantial frosting is the main attraction for icing lovers and the most obvious reason to hesitate if you prefer a lightly topped cupcake.

Before You Buy: Choose these for a group or a household that will use a dozen. Check the bakery label for storage directions and the best-by date, especially if you are buying ahead for a gathering.

How to Serve It: Arrange them on a platter just before serving. For a smaller dessert spread, cut a few in half and offer them alongside fruit.

Pair It With: Cold milk, black coffee or strawberries.

Verdict: CONSIDER — 7.5/10. Good party value with a positive early tasting report; the rating is provisional while broader feedback develops.

3. Mavens Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream

Mavens Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream

Price: About $15.99 observed | Size: Two 16-fl-oz containers

Why it is on this list: Featured again in an October 21 warehouse tour and October 21 ice-cream coverage; an established flavor receiving fresh attention.

A distinctive dessert for strong-coffee fans. Mavens builds this flavor around Robusta coffee and sweetened condensed milk. At about $8 per pint, the reason to buy is the specific Vietnamese-coffee flavor, rather than bargain pricing for an everyday tub.

Taste & Texture: Earlier buyers of this exact flavor repeatedly praised its strong coffee taste and dense, rich consistency. Some compared the sweetness and body to condensed milk; others felt the premium price was too steep. Those reports point toward a satisfying choice for people who enjoy bold coffee desserts, with less appeal for anyone seeking a mild vanilla base with a hint of coffee.

Before You Buy: This contains caffeine: the manufacturer lists 119 milligrams per serving. Keep that in mind when choosing an evening dessert. The verified Costco package contains two 16-fluid-ounce containers; smaller tubs sold elsewhere should not be used for a price comparison.

How to Serve It: Serve a modest scoop in a chilled bowl and taste it before adding toppings. The coffee flavor already supplies plenty of character.

Pair It With: A plain butter cookie or a little toasted coconut.

Verdict: BUY — 8.5/10. A worthwhile specialty dessert for coffee lovers, with price and caffeine as the main considerations.

4. Sweet Craft Ube Cheesecake Cups

Sweet Craft Ube Cheesecake Cups

Price: $12.99 observed | Size: Six 4-oz cups

Why it is on this list: Explicitly identified as a returning item in an October 23 warehouse tour.

A colorful dessert with a softer texture. The purple ube layer and golden crumb base make these individual cups an attractive addition to a dessert tray. Each costs about $2.17, and six separate portions are easier to plan around than a large cheesecake that needs cutting.

Taste & Texture: Earlier shopper feedback summarized in food coverage describes a smooth dessert closer to pudding or mousse than a firm slice of baked cheesecake. That distinction matters more than the dramatic color. Positive comments support its appeal as a creamy sweet, but the available accounts do not establish how strongly the purple-yam flavor comes through. Expect a spoonable dessert, especially if your usual preference is dense New York cheesecake.

Before You Buy: This week’s evidence confirms the return; the texture feedback comes from earlier coverage. Check the package’s storage and serving directions rather than assuming these should be handled like a whole bakery cheesecake.

How to Serve It: Present the cups individually with small spoons. Leave the layers intact for the first bite so guests can taste the topping and crumb base together.

Pair It With: Plain tea or fresh berries. Keep extra sweet toppings modest.

Verdict: CONSIDER — 7/10. Convenient for fans of soft, creamy desserts; limited, older taste evidence keeps the recommendation cautious.

5. Sheila G’s Chocolate Chip Brownie Brittle

Sheila G’s Chocolate Chip Brownie Brittle

Price: $7.99 observed | Size: 20-oz bag

Why it is on this list: Called a returning snack in an October 21 tour and spotted again on October 25.

For people who reach for the brownie edges. Brownie Brittle offers chocolate brownie flavor in thin, crunchy pieces. The large resealable bag works for sharing, but the more useful purchase question is whether your household enjoys crisp chocolate snacks enough to finish 20 ounces.

Taste & Texture: Firsthand accounts consistently distinguish the chocolate flavor from the crisp texture. Fans enjoy the brownie-edge quality; people expecting a soft, fudgy center can find it disappointing. This week’s tour likewise recalled the thin, chip-like format from an earlier purchase. Older buyers also reported changes between package versions, so nostalgia for a previous bag does not guarantee an identical experience today.

Before You Buy: Check for the chocolate chip variety in the 20-ounce bag. The older 16-ounce pack and M&M’s version are not exact comparisons. Crumbs are part of this format, so plan a use for the smaller pieces at the bottom.

How to Serve It: Serve a small handful beside dessert or crumble broken pieces over vanilla ice cream. Reseal the bag between servings.

Pair It With: Vanilla ice cream, plain yogurt or milk for a creamy contrast to the crunch.

Verdict: CONSIDER — 7/10. A sensible return for crisp-snack fans; skip it if a soft brownie is what you really want.

6. Rana Roasted Lobster Ravioli

Rana Roasted Lobster Ravioli

Price: $13.99 observed | Size: Two 13-oz packages

Why it is on this list: Identified as a returning refrigerated pasta in an October 23 warehouse tour.

A quick dinner with a lobster-flavor caveat. Two separate packages make this convenient for splitting between meals, and the label lists a four-minute cooking time. At about $7 per package, it looks like a manageable shortcut when you want something beyond plain pasta. The filling is where expectations need adjusting.

Taste & Texture: Earlier buyers discussing the Roasted Lobster version were divided. Several found the lobster flavor weak or the filling unexpectedly sweet, while a smaller group enjoyed it with butter or olive oil. Convenience earns more consistent support than a convincing seafood experience. These reports concern the roasted version; they should not be blended indiscriminately with reviews of Rana’s older Maine Lobster packaging.

Before You Buy: Consider this only if a mild seafood-filled pasta sounds appealing. The prominent lobster picture can set expectations higher than the buyer feedback supports. Keep the packages refrigerated and follow their cooking directions.

How to Serve It: Start with butter, black pepper and a little lemon zest. Taste before adding a strongly flavored sauce that could overwhelm a subtle filling.

Pair It With: A green salad or roasted asparagus.

Verdict: SKIP — 5.5/10. Hard to recommend for shoppers seeking pronounced lobster flavor, despite the convenient format.

New Arrivals and Recent Finds to Watch: Taste Ratings Pending

7. Mason Dixie Garlic Parmesan Butter Pull-Apart Parker Rolls

Mason Dixie Garlic Parmesan Butter Pull-Apart Parker Rolls

Manufacturer photograph: Mason Dixie. Smaller retail carton shown; Costco’s package contains 24 rolls in two trays.

Price: $12.79 observed | Size: 24 rolls in two trays; 24 oz total

Why it is on this list: Recent freezer arrival shown in an October 25 warehouse tour, with October 24 warehouse price observations.

A promising shortcut for the holiday bread basket. Two ready-to-heat trays make this box useful for smaller gatherings: you can plan around one tray at a time. At roughly 53 cents per roll, it is an entertaining option worth comparing with the bread you normally serve.

Flavor & Format: The manufacturer describes brioche-style rolls with garlic-Parmesan butter. That establishes the intended flavor, but it does not show how soft or evenly seasoned the Costco pack will be after heating. Independent tasting feedback for this exact flavor and warehouse package was not strong enough to support a score.

Before You Buy: The Costco box has 24 rolls; the manufacturer’s smaller retail carton pictured here contains fewer. Check the flavor, since Sweet Honey Butter is a separate product. Use the heating instructions on the Costco package.

How to Serve It: Prepare one tray for a smaller meal and serve warm. Taste a roll before adding butter or grated cheese—the garlic-Parmesan topping is already included.

Pair It With: Roast chicken, tomato soup or a green salad with a tangy dressing.

Verdict: EARLY LOOK — UNRATED. A useful format for entertaining, with a taste recommendation still pending.

8. MT Vikos Mediterranean Phyllo Pastry Savory Selection

MT Vikos Mediterranean Phyllo Pastry Savory Selection

Price: $14.99 observed | Size: 27 pieces; 52.9 oz

Why it is on this list: Featured in separate October 21 and October 25 warehouse tours.

Three appetizer choices in one freezer box. The assortment contains nine spinach-and-feta rolls, nine honey-and-feta spirals, and nine tomato, Kalamata-olive and feta triangles. At about 56 cents per piece, it offers variety without opening three separate appetizer boxes.

Flavor & Format: The package establishes three fillings, including a sweet-and-savory honey option alongside the vegetable-and-cheese combinations. The unanswered questions are how crisp the pastry becomes and how generous the fillings taste. Current sightings verify fresh attention, but they do not supply enough independent tasting evidence for a dependable rating.

Before You Buy: Feta appears in every variety, so this is not a mixed box with a cheese-free option. The package lists a longer oven time than air-fryer time; build that difference into your serving plan and follow the directions for your appliance.

How to Serve It: Prepare a small selection first to learn which filling your guests prefer. Keep the varieties recognizable on the platter so people can choose between spinach, honey and olive.

Pair It With: Cucumber slices, tomatoes and a simple yogurt dip.

Verdict: EARLY LOOK — UNRATED. An appealing party assortment on paper; crispness and filling quality still need stronger buyer validation.

9. Kitchens of Fra’Mani Carbonara Risotto with Chicken

Kitchens of Fra’Mani Carbonara Risotto with Chicken

Price: $15.99 observed | Size: 32 oz

Why it is on this list: Added to a new-product warehouse listing on October 25.

A refrigerated comfort-food dinner to investigate. This fully cooked meal combines Arborio rice, chicken and dry-cured pancetta in a cheesy sauce. The 32-ounce package offers a weeknight shortcut when you want a warm rice dish without standing at the stove stirring risotto.

Flavor & Format: The verified ingredients suggest a rich, savory dish, with chicken providing substance and pancetta contributing cured-pork flavor. Those are expectations from the product description, not confirmed tasting results. Rice texture matters particularly in reheated risotto, and there was not enough independent feedback to judge whether this one stays pleasantly firm or becomes overly soft.

Before You Buy: This contains pork as well as chicken. Check the label if buying for someone with dietary restrictions, and plan portions from the package rather than assuming a two-pound tray feeds every household the same way.

How to Serve It: Heat according to the package instructions and taste before adding salt or cheese. Serve promptly, when the sauce is warm and easiest to distribute through the rice.

Pair It With: Steamed green beans or a lemon-dressed salad.

Verdict: EARLY LOOK — UNRATED. A verified new dinner option, with rice texture and sauce balance still unproven in accessible buyer reviews.

10. Sabatino’s Chicken Florentine

Sabatino’s Chicken Florentine

Price: About $13.99 observed; varies by warehouse | Size: 32 oz

Why it is on this list: Spotted in the refrigerated prepared-food section during an October 23 warehouse tour.

A quick chicken dinner that needs a simple side. Chicken breast pieces come in a cream sauce with spinach, garlic and Parmesan. The package describes a fully cooked meal ready in four minutes, giving it a clear role on evenings when preparation time is short.

Flavor & Format: The ingredients point toward a creamy garlic-and-cheese profile. What the listing cannot establish is the chicken’s tenderness or whether the sauce feels pleasantly rich after reheating. The current creator sighting was an observation, not a tasting verdict, and accessible independent feedback did not resolve those questions. It stays unrated for that reason.

Before You Buy: The package contains chicken and sauce, so budget for rice, pasta or vegetables if you want a fuller meal. Check the shelf price: observed warehouse prices differ, and delivery prices are not reliable substitutes for the in-store tag.

How to Serve It: Follow the package’s heating directions, then spoon the chicken and sauce over a modest portion of rice or pasta. Taste before adding extra Parmesan.

Pair It With: Broccoli, green beans or a crisp salad alongside the cream-based sauce.

Verdict: EARLY LOOK — UNRATED. Convenient ingredients and preparation, but a recommendation on taste needs stronger evidence.

The Belgian-chocolate shortbread is this week’s strongest bakery pick, while the cupcakes make sense when you need an affordable dessert to share. Coffee lovers have a more distinctive option in Mavens. For dinner and entertaining, check the four early looks against your household’s preferences before committing to a large package.

Product photographs are from Costco’s catalog, with other image credits beside the relevant photographs. Packaging and servings may vary. The featured image is an AI-assisted editorial collage. Pairings and serving suggestions are editorial ideas unless otherwise attributed.

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