I went on a massive Sam’s Club haul and taste-tested everything! From sweet salads to savory snacks and indulgent treats — here are my honest ratings, pros, cons, and whether I’d repurchase. Let’s dive in!
1. Taylor Farms Strawberry Crisp Chopped Salad Kit
Price: Mentioned as a limited-time deal at Sam’s Club.
Key Details: Contains romaine lettuce, kale, almonds, feta cheese, red cabbage, carrots, and dried strawberry-flavored cranberries (no actual dried strawberries). Paired with a seed-oil-free strawberry white balsamic vinaigrette.
Aroma: The dressing smells a bit like strawberry ChapStick.
Taste & Texture: It is a very sweet, summery salad. It tastes heavily of strawberry juice or fruit punch—leaning strongly on the “candy” side. The dried cranberries successfully mimic a true strawberry flavor.
Critique: The reviewer noted it was too sweet. While the almonds and feta help tone down the intense sweetness, there simply aren’t enough toppings. She strongly recommended buying an extra container of feta to add to it. Ultimately, it’s an interesting flavor profile, but a “one-and-done” purchase for her.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (docked a point specifically for the lack of toppings).
2. Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Apple Fritters
Price: $6.76 for a 6-pack.
Key Details: Tested two ways: straight out of the box (room temperature) and warmed up in the microwave with a slab of butter on top.
Aroma: Smells wonderfully of good cinnamon with no weird aftertaste.
Taste & Texture: Eating it plain, it possesses a distinct “fried flavor” that strongly mimics an authentic, fresh fairground treat. It is not overly dry like many grocery store bakery items.
Critique: Actual apple chunks are incredibly rare and “few and far between” inside the pastry. However, warming it up with butter completely elevates it. The reviewer noted it isn’t something she would buy all the time just for herself, but it is perfect for a party.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (highly recommends serving it warmed with butter).
3. Dubai Style Chocolate Mousse Cake
Price: $22.74
Key Details: Features chocolate mousse, chocolate curls, a bright green pistachio layer, and tiny, crispy pieces of fried pastry mixed in to replicate the trendy “Dubai chocolate” texture. Kept in the fridge.
Taste & Texture: The mousse layer is incredibly fluffy, chocolatey, and lovely. The toppings offer a unique crunch and a deep, intense nuttiness from the pistachio.
Critique: The actual chocolate cake base layer is slightly dry (a common side effect of being refrigerated). While it is definitely one of Sam’s Club’s better bakery cakes, it failed to truly excite her. For nearly $23, she expects something “out of this world” and noted she’d rather buy a cheap boxed cake mix or wait for Sam’s Club’s traditional $18 chocolate cake to return.
Rating: 3.85 out of 5 stars (or a soft 4/5). Good, but not worth the premium price tag.
4. Jack Link’s “Simply 3” Hickory Smoked Air Dried Beef
Price: Sold in a 10-pack.
Key Details: Made with only 3 ingredients: grass-fed/finished beef, salt, and vinegar. Thinly sliced, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, boasting 15g of protein and only 70 calories per pack.
Aroma: Very smoky. It smells heavily of cooked bacon, which the reviewer loved.
Taste & Texture: It is paper-thin (“sicey dicey”), making it incredibly easy and pleasant to chew. It tastes like a smoky, salty hybrid of bacon and beef.
Critique: Because it lacks the sugar and extra additives of traditional beef jerky, it has a slightly different flavor profile that wasn’t the reviewer’s personal preference (she prefers classic beef sticks). However, looking past her own bias, she acknowledged that from a nutritional standpoint (15g protein for only 70 calories) and clean ingredient list, it is an exceptional on-the-go snack.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (noted that if you already like air-dried beef/biltong styles, it’s an easy 5 out of 5).
5. Member’s Mark Southwest Chopped Salad Kit
Price: Around $7–$8 (varies by location/size, often ~12–15 oz bag).
Key Details: Romaine, cabbage, tortilla strips, cheddar, corn, black beans, with a creamy Southwest dressing or cilantro lime option. Popular for adding rotisserie chicken or avocado.
Review Summary: Crunchy and fresh with a taco-like vibe—zesty, not overly sweet. Good balance of textures (crispy strips + creamy dressing). Many say it’s better than similar Taylor Farms kits for value and flavor punch. Critique: Dressing can be thick; some add extra lime or protein. Great for meal prep.
Rating: Solid 4.5/5 — frequently recommended as a go-to easy lunch.
6. Member’s Mark All Butter Sandwich Croissants (or Chocolate Croissants)
Price: ~$5–$6 for 12 ct. (sandwich style); chocolate versions similar.
Key Details: Flaky, all-butter croissants—plain for sandwiches or filled variants. Often praised in bakery hauls.
Review Summary: Buttery and tender when warmed; better than many grocery croissants with nice layers. Chocolate-filled ones have gooey centers that feel indulgent. Aroma is fresh-bakery strong. Critique: Can dry out if not stored properly; best eaten warm. Perfect for breakfast sandwiches or quick desserts.
Rating: 4.5/5 — “Will repurchase” for parties or daily use.
7. Member’s Mark Assorted Donut Tray (5 Flavors)
Price: ~$17–$18 for 20 ct. variety pack.
Key Details: Mix of glazed, chocolate, filled, etc. Fresh bakery item.
Review Summary: Soft, fluffy donuts with good sweetness balance—not greasy. Variety keeps it fun. Taste tests highlight classic flavors as strong. Critique: Best fresh same day; can get stale quickly. Excellent value for groups or events.
Rating: 4/5 — Fun crowd-pleaser with minor freshness notes.
8. Member’s Mark Raspberry Chipotle Dip
Price: ~$7–$8 for 24 oz tub.
Key Details: Sweet-spicy cream cheese-based dip with raspberries and chipotle. Pairs with crackers, veggies, or meats.
Review Summary: Sweet berry notes balanced by smoky heat—versatile and addictive for charcuterie or snacks. Smooth texture. Critique: Can be polarizing if you dislike sweet-heat combos; some find it rich. Pairs amazingly with chicken or turkey.
Rating: 4.7/5 — High repeat buy for entertaining.
9. Member’s Mark Chicken Sausage Variety Pack (e.g., Mushroom Fontina + Double Berry Gouda)
Price: Around $10–$13 for pack (multiple links).
Key Details: Pre-cooked sausages in creative flavors—grill or pan-fry.
Review Summary: Juicy with bold flavors; Double Berry Gouda often wins for sweet-savory balance. Good protein snack alternative. Aroma is savory when cooking. Critique: One flavor (e.g., mushroom) may be milder/less popular. Great for quick meals or BBQs.
Rating: 4–4.5/5 overall (flavor-dependent).
10. Member’s Mark Beef Birria Tacos with Consommé (or similar ready kits)
Price: ~$12–$13 for pack.
Key Details: Ready-to-heat birria tacos with broth. Refrigerated or freezer section.
Review Summary: Tender, flavorful meat with rich consommé—tastes authentic and comforting. Easy to prepare. Critique: Portion size or heat level varies; best with extra toppings like cilantro/onion. Strong “nearly perfect” feedback in recent taste tests for convenience.
Rating: 4.5/5 — Meal-worthy and repurchase-worthy.
