I grabbed my biggest spoon and hit the Costco freezer aisle to taste-test the trendiest ice creams, viral treats, and healthy pops of the season. Here is my definitive guide to what you should buy or skip.
1. Heavenly Hunks Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cherry Bites ($8.99)
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Description: This product features a prominent cherry flavor combined with vegan, gluten-free oats. The reviewer noted that it successfully mimics the taste of a traditional dessert and designated it as one of the standout items of the month.
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Verdict: Buy Again
2. Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond Bites ($10.89)
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Description: This item contains only 3 grams of sugar per piece and features a thick chocolate coating. It was described as being less sweet than a traditional Almond Joy candy bar and was highlighted as another top favorite.
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Verdict: Buy Again
3. Kirkland Signature Caramel S’mores Clusters ($11.59)
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Description: A combination of caramel and marshmallow that the reviewer described as highly addictive. The only critique was a desire for a higher ratio of graham cracker within the mix.
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Verdict: Buy Again
4. Tuscanini Olives Snack Packs – Sicilian Castelvetrano ($9.99)
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Description: A clean, portable snack consisting entirely of olives and salt. The lack of unnecessary additives earned it high praise as a major success for convenient snacking.
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Verdict: Buy Again
5. Roam Free Ranch Bison Sticks ($14.99)
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Description: These grass-fed meat sticks are noted for being highly flavorful with a distinct, pleasant peppery kick.
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Verdict: Buy Again
6. Natures Bakery Organic Oatmeal Crumble Bars ($13.59)
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Description: A multi-pack featuring Strawberry and Apple flavors. The product balances an oat crumble topping with a well-executed jelly filling, earning perfect marks for both varieties.
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Verdict: Buy Again
7. Golden Island Korean Barbecue Pork Jerky ($12.79)
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Description: This jerky features a well-balanced sweet and savory flavor profile. It is notably easy to chew, making it a highly rated option in the snack category.
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Verdict: Buy Again
8. Cheese Danish – From the Lemon & Cheese Pack ($11.99)
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Description: Part of Costco’s returning two-for-one bakery Danish deal, this item met all expectations for quality and flavor, securing a perfect score.
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Verdict: Buy Again
9. Lays Taro Lime Chips ($6.99)
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Description: This snack offers a unique taro root flavor paired with a zesty lime seasoning. The chips are exceptionally crunchy and offer a refreshing departure from standard snack options.
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Verdict: Buy Again
10. CrunchMaster Lemon Pepper Parmesan Crisps ($9.29)
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Description: These crisps deliver a tangy, savory flavor profile paired with an excellent texture. The reviewer expressed genuine appreciation for the overall execution of the product.
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Verdict: Buy Again
11. Twice Baked Pistachio Croissants ($9.99)
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Description: While the croissants are sweet and flavorful, the actual pistachio element is weaker than anticipated. Despite this drawback, the item is still considered worth purchasing.
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Verdict: Buy Again
12. Great Lakes Michigan Cherry Barbecue Kettle Chips ($5.79)
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Description: This variety offers a smoky and salty flavor profile that includes an unusual, yet interesting, hint of banana. It is recommended primarily as a snack to share with groups.
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Verdict: Buy to Share
13. Lemon Danish – From the Lemon & Cheese Pack ($11.99)
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Description: While the flavor is generally good, this pastry leaves a slight aftertaste that prevents it from matching the quality of the accompanying cheese variety.
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Verdict: Meh
14. Lemon Raspberry Loaf ($8.99)
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Description: The loaf has a light texture and a pleasant tanginess. However, a subtle, lingering aftertaste detracted from the overall experience and lowered its final standing.
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Verdict: Meh / Skip
15. Jones Soda Fallout Variety Pack ($19.99)
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Description: A novelty variety pack inspired by the Fallout franchise, featuring themed flavors and collectible bottle caps. The peach-mango option was the favorite, though the set is recommended more for themed events than regular drinking.
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Verdict: Buy for Parties
16. Lays FIFA Chip Pack ($10.69)
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Description: A party variety pack containing three flavors. The French Onion chip is overly salty, but the Brazilian Garlic Sauce and Argentine Steak flavors are solid, making it acceptable for entertaining.
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Verdict: Okay for Parties
17. Liquid Death Soda Flavored Water ($17.99)
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Description: This variety pack attempts to mimic traditional soda flavors like Cherry and Lime. However, the carbonation is weak, and several varieties leave a metallic or medicinal aftertaste.
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Verdict: Skip
18. Mini Croissant Donuts ($9.99)
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Description: This item provides standard glazed and cinnamon-sugar donut flavors but suffers from an artificial, floral aftertaste that makes it an overall disappointment.
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Verdict: Skip
19. Organic Mango Salsa ($7.99)
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Description: This salsa leans significantly sweeter than competing brand options. The flavor profile is ultimately marred by a heavy, earthy bell-pepper note.
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Verdict: Skip
20. Catalina Crunch Parmesan Garlic Snack Mix ($10.89)
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Description: Although the mix features a desirable assortment of pretzels, almonds, and cashews, it lacks any noticeable seasoning. It is not offensive, but it is exceptionally bland.
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Verdict: Skip
21. PB Fit Bar ($19.49)
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Description: This item was the lowest-rated product in the lineup. It features an unappealing peanut butter flavor combined with the heavy, chalky aftertaste common to protein isolates.
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Verdict: Leave at the Store
