Costco’s March Madness: The Ultimate Taste Test & Review Guide

Strap in, Costco fans! It’s mid-March 2026, and I’ve been scouring every corner of the warehouse (and the internet) to see what’s actually worth your membership. From Reddit’s viral debates to Instagram’s “must-haves,” I’ve put these to the test so you don’t have to. Here is the definitive “Taste Tester” breakdown of this week’s lineup!

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The Costco Community Review Breakdown

1. Kirkland Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Glass Bottle)

• Price: $28.36

• Taste Test: I’m officially a convert. Unlike the grassier Italian version, this Spanish oil is fruitier and has a more robust, peppery finish. It’s got that signature “burn” at the back of the throat that tells you those healthy polyphenols are the real deal.

• Texture Summary: Beautifully viscous and rich; perfect for dipping a crusty baguette or finishing a salad.

2. Jackson’s Veggie Straws (Avocado Oil)

• Price: $4.99

• Taste Test: “Bobby Approved” for a reason! These aren’t just potato starch—they use real cassava and sweet potato. The flavor is clean and nutty because of the avocado oil, avoiding that greasy “stale oil” aftertaste found in cheaper brands.

• Texture Summary: Superior crunch! They stay firm and don’t turn into mush in your mouth.

3. Antico Frozen Pizza (2-Pack)

• Price: $18.99

• Taste Test: This is the closest you’ll get to an Atlanta Neapolitan pizzeria at home. It’s pre-charred and has a deep, smoky flavor. The Margherita sauce is bright and acidic, though some Redditors say it can be a tad oily.

• Texture Summary: The crust is phenomenal and airy, but be careful—it can get a bit tough if over-baked. Use an air fryer or a pizza stone for the win.

4. Truly Grassfed Irish Butter

• Price: $16.33

• Taste Test: A serious rival to Kerrygold! It’s slightly sweeter and incredibly rich. It has a deeper yellow hue that scream “grass-fed.”

• Texture Summary: Velvety smooth. It spreads like a dream even when it’s just out of the fridge.

5. St. Patty Grassfed Irish Cheese (Kerrygold/Dubliner)

• Price: $12.20

• Taste Test: The ultimate St. Paddy’s staple. It’s a hybrid between a sharp cheddar and a sweet parmesan. You get those nutty, whiskey-like undertones that make it a charcuterie MVP.

• Texture Summary: Hard but creamy with those crystalline “crunch” bits we all obsess over.

6. Jimmy Bar Creatine Bar

• Price: $23.99

• Taste Test: A polarizing one! The Strawberry Cookies & Cream is a 10/10, but the Chocolate Mint has mixed reviews. No chalky protein aftertaste here, though.

• Texture Summary: A unique soft and crunchy blend. It feels more like a dessert than a supplement bar.

7. Banza Pasta Variety Pack

• Price: $11.34

• Taste Test: If you’re gluten-free, this is the gold standard. It’s got a slight nutty, chickpea flavor but takes on sauces beautifully.

• Texture Summary: Al dente or bust! If you overcook it, it gets mushy, but timed perfectly, it’s remarkably similar to traditional wheat pasta.

8. VeggieCraft Rotini Pasta

• Price: $8.99

• Taste Test: Made with lentils, peas, and zucchini. It has a slightly more “earthy” vibe than Banza, but it’s a nutrition powerhouse.

• Texture Summary: Surprisingly chewy and firm. It holds its shape well in heavy meat sauces.

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9. Organic Sweet Potato Fries

• Price: $8.99

• Taste Test: These are a 10/10 and vastly better than the old white-bag version. They actually taste like restaurant quality sweet potato fries.

• Texture Summary: Air fryer magic. They finally mastered the “crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside” balance.

10. Tattooed Chef Frozen Sheet Pan Vegetables

• Price: $15.31

• Taste Test: Proceed with caution! Some users on Reddit reported a “turnip-heavy” smell that was off-putting, but the seasoning is generally savory and well-balanced.

• Texture Summary: The broccoli pieces are huge, which can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to flip them halfway to avoid sogginess.

11. Blueland Dishwasher Tablets

• Price: $49.99

• Performance: A win for the planet! They clean incredibly well without that harsh chemical smell. Note: Some hard-water users reported a slight residue, so maybe add a splash of vinegar.

• Texture Summary: Compact, plastic-free tablets that dissolve completely.

12. Lodge Cast Iron Griddle Pan

• Price: $39.99

• Performance: This is an heirloom piece. It’s reversible (grill on one side, griddle on the other). Heavy-duty and retains heat like a beast.

• Texture Summary: Rugged and pre-seasoned, but gets better the more you use it.

13. Scrub Daddy BBQ Brush

• Price: $30.63

• Performance: The “BBQ Daddy” uses steam to clean! No wire bristles to worry about. Pro tip: Dunk it in ice water before hitting the hot grill.

• Texture Summary: Durable mesh, though it can rip if you’re too aggressive on very jagged grates.

14. Splatter Screen for Pans (MIU 2-Pack)

• Price: $34.99

• Performance: A kitchen essential. The silicone rim keeps it from sliding, and the folding handles are a storage lifesaver.

• Texture Summary: Fine stainless steel mesh that stops grease but lets steam escape.

15. Green Pan Paella Pan

• Price: $38.99

• Performance: Pre-seasoned carbon steel. It’s lightweight compared to cast iron and oven safe up to 660°F.

• Texture Summary: Develops a natural nonstick patina over time.

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Don’t Forget the Thrive Market Faves! 🌿

While you’re out, make sure to stock up on these essentials to round out your pantry:

• The Siete Haul: Queso Puffs and Red Enchilada Sauce are non-negotiable.

• Sweet Treats: Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars and Siete Cookies for the clean-label win.

• Pantry Staples: Celtic Sea Salt (fine ground) and 4th & Heart Ghee.

• Self-Care: Weleda Skin Food and Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Lip Balm are my daily go-tos