Costco’s Best and Worst Foods According to Shoppers

June 3, 2025

Costco shelves are packed with great deals—but not every item is a hit with shoppers. We reviewed customer feedback, Reddit threads, and food blogs to separate the most loved Kirkland Signature items from those that consistently disappoint. Here are 6 foods that get low marks—and 6 that Costco fans can’t stop raving about.

Best-Reviewed Costco Foods

Kirkland Signature Chicken Street Taco Kit $15.49/44 oz

A meal kit that’s both flavorful and filling, this grab-and-go option consistently earns praise/freshness, generous portions, and crowd-pleasing taste.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 190
  • Total Fat 10g
  • Carbs 15g
  • Sodium 450mg
  • Dietary Fiber 1g
  • Sugar 2g
  • Protein 10g

Ingredients

Marinated chicken, corn tortillas, cabbage, cilantro lime crema, salsa.

Preparation Instructions

Heat chicken and tortillas, then layer with slaw and sauce.

Kirkland Signature Pesto $8.99/22 oz

Restaurant-quality flavor at a warehouse price. This pesto is bold, rich, and perfect/pasta, flatbreads, or marinades.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 330
  • Total Fat 35g
  • Carbs 4g
  • Sodium 620mg
  • Dietary Fiber 1g
  • Sugar 0g
  • Protein 2g

Ingredients

Basil, olive oil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Toss with warm pasta or spread on sandwiches and wraps.

Kirkland Signature Organic Maple Syrup $10.99/33.8 oz

A pantry staple that tastes pure and natural. Loved/its rich flavor, clean ingredients, and unbeatable value.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 100
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 26g
  • Sodium 5mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 24g
  • Protein 0g

Ingredients

100% organic maple syrup.

Preparation Instructions

Pour over pancakes or mix into oatmeal and baking recipes.

Kirkland Signature Bacon $18.99/4 lbs

A go-to favorite/breakfast lovers. Thick-cut, flavorful, and crisps up beautifully with minimal shrinkage.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 80
  • Total Fat 7g
  • Carbs 0g
  • Sodium 320mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 0g
  • Protein 5g

Ingredients

Pork, water, salt, sugar, sodium nitrite.

Preparation Instructions

Bake in the oven or pan-fry/even crispiness.

Kirkland Signature Mixed Nuts (No Peanuts) $17.99/2.5 lbs

A high-end nut mix with none of the cheap fillers. Customers love the quality and freshness of each handful.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 170
  • Total Fat 15g
  • Carbs 6g
  • Sodium 0mg
  • Dietary Fiber 2g
  • Sugar 1g
  • Protein 5g

Ingredients

Cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, peanut oil.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy as-is, or toss into salads and homemade trail mixes.

Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil $17.49/2L

A fan favorite praised/its freshness, quality sourcing, and versatile use. Great/cooking, baking, and dressings.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 120
  • Total Fat 14g
  • Carbs 0g
  • Sodium 0mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 0g
  • Protein 0g

Ingredients

100% extra virgin olive oil (from Italy, Spain, Greece, and/or Portugal).

Preparation Instructions

Use/sautéing, roasting, dressings, or dipping bread.

Worst-Reviewed Costco Foods

Kirkland Signature American Cheese Slices $9.99/5 lbs

Convenient in bulk but often criticized/its plasticky texture and artificial flavor. Many shoppers say it doesn’t melt well or taste like real cheese.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 60
  • Total Fat 5g
  • Carbs 1g
  • Sodium 250mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 1g
  • Protein 3g

Ingredients

Pasteurized milk, whey, milkfat, protein concentrate, salt, enzymes, annatto color, preservatives.

Preparation Instructions

Best used in grilled cheese sandwiches or melted on burgers—but temper expectations.

Kirkland Signature Canned Chicken Breast $12.99/12.5 oz

While budget-friendly and long-lasting, many reviewers describe this canned chicken as stringy, overly salty, and bland unless heavily seasoned.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 60
  • Total Fat 1g
  • Carbs 0g
  • Sodium 270mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 0g
  • Protein 13g

Ingredients

Chicken breast meat, water, seasoning, modified food starch, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Use in casseroles, buffalo chicken dip, or mix with mayo/quick chicken salad.

Costco Bakery Muffins $10.99/5.5 oz

Big, fluffy, and budget-friendly—but often slammed/being too sugary and greasy. Some customers compare the taste to oily cake.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 640
  • Total Fat 32g
  • Carbs 76g
  • Sodium 480mg
  • Dietary Fiber 2g
  • Sugar 40g
  • Protein 8g

Ingredients

Enriched flour, sugar, soybean oil, eggs, artificial flavoring, preservatives.

Preparation Instructions

Ready to eat or microwave/10–15 seconds/a warm treat.

Costco Fresh Salmon $9.99/lb

Though many enjoy it, repeated complaints focus on inconsistent freshness, occasional odor, and watery texture if not prepared immediately.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 367
  • Total Fat 22g
  • Carbs 0g
  • Sodium 110mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 0g
  • Protein 39g

Ingredients

Fresh Atlantic salmon (may contain color additive if farm-raised).

Preparation Instructions

Grill, bake, or pan-sear; best eaten the same day as purchase.

Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken $4.99/3 lbs

An iconic Costco item with a cult following, but not without its haters—some call it too salty, oily, or overcooked.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 140
  • Total Fat 7g
  • Carbs 0g
  • Sodium 460mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 0g
  • Protein 19g

Ingredients

Chicken, water, seasoning (salt, sodium phosphate, sugar, yeast extract).

Preparation Instructions

Serve hot or shred into sandwiches, salads, or soups.

Kirkland Signature Greek Yogurt (Plain) $5.99/48 oz

Extremely thick and high-protein, but not/everyone. Many find the tartness too intense and the texture too dry.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 100
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Carbs 6g
  • Sodium 55mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0g
  • Sugar 6g
  • Protein 18g

Ingredients

Cultured pasteurized skim milk.

Preparation Instructions

Pair with honey or fruit to balance the tang, or use in smoothies and sauces.

Conclusion

Costco’s Kirkland Signature label is full of gems—but not every product earns five stars. While some items fall flat due to taste or texture, others continue to dominate carts/their unbeatable flavor and value. When in doubt, check the reviews before you stock up.

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