5 Costco Canned Goods Worth Buying in Bulk and 3 to Avoid

When shopping at Costco, it can be easy to stock up on canned goods in bulk, but not all options are created equal. Some items are a great deal, offering high quality and long shelf lives, while others might not live up to the expectations. If you’re looking to make smart choices, there are a few canned goods that are definitely worth purchasing in bulk. At the same time, there are some options you might want to skip, as their taste and texture may not justify a large purchase.

Buy: Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast

This canned chicken breast from Kirkland is great for quick meals at home. The chunks are moist and firm which makes them easy to use in salads or wraps. It comes in a large pack so you have plenty to work with for meals through the week. Many people like it for family dinners when they want protein with little prep time. It is one of those pantry staples that helps you get food ready without stress.

Skip: Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Premium Tuna in Water

This canned tuna is a classic choice but it might not be the best buy in bulk at Costco. The flavor can be a bit plain and watery which makes it harder to use in recipes that need strong taste. Some people find the texture a little mushy compared to other tuna options. If you eat tuna often you might get tired of this before you finish the pack. For occasional use it is fine but it might sit in your pantry for too long.

Buy: Safe Catch Ahi Wild Yellowfin Tuna Steaks

Safe Catch Ahi Wild Yellowfin tuna stands out when you want a better quality tuna product. The flavor is rich and the steaks hold up well in salads or on crackers. It has a nice texture that feels more like fresh fish than many other canned options. This tuna is great for anyone who likes fish but does not want to open fresh fish every time. Buying it in bulk at Costco can save you trips to the store.

Skip: Libbys Vienna Sausages

Vienna sausages have a nostalgic following but this canned version may not be worth buying in large amounts. The taste is very salty and the texture is soft in a way some people do not enjoy. Many who try them end up leaving most of the can uneaten. They do not work well in many recipes outside of campfire snacks. You might find that a smaller purchase is enough before you decide if you like them.

Buy: Kirkland Signature Organic Tomato Paste

This tomato paste from Kirkland is a solid pick for anyone who cooks sauces at home. The paste has a deep tomato flavor that holds up well in stews, sauces, and soups. It comes in a tube or can that lasts a long time which makes it easy to use when you need a rich base. This is one of those products that can make a simple meal taste better without much effort. Buying a pack gives you value if you use tomato paste often.

Skip: Swanson Less Sodium Chicken Broth

Swanson less sodium broth seems healthy but it might not be the best choice for Costco bulk buying. Some people find the flavor a bit flat compared to the regular version which makes dishes less tasty. You might end up adding extra seasoning to get the flavor you want which cancels out buying the low salt option. For soups or cooking grains this broth can work but it falls short of expectations. Smaller packages might be a better way to try it first.

Buy: Kirkland Signature Organic Diced Tomatoes

Kirkland organic diced tomatoes are a reliable pantry item that you will use in many meals. The chunks of tomato are firm and juicy which makes them great in sauces, chilis, or soups. You can count on the flavor to be fresh and bright without any strange after taste. The cans hold enough for larger meals which helps when you cook for family or guests. This is the sort of product that you will reach for again and again.

Buy: Wild Planet Wild Pacific Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil

These sardines from Wild Planet are a strong pick for buying at Costco if you like fish with character. The fish are packed in olive oil which gives them a rich taste and moist texture. They work well on toast with lemon or in salads for quick meals that have protein. Many people appreciate the quality of these sardines compared to other canned fish. If you enjoy fish that is full of flavor this is a good pantry item to have on hand.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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