Busy households need quick, nutritious, and cost-effective meal solutions. That’s where Costco steps in! Stocking up on these 13 essentials will streamline your meal prep, making dinner time hassle-free.
1. Kirkland Signature Thick-Sliced Hickory-Smoked Bacon
Price: $16.99 for 4 lbs
Smoky, savory bacon that crisps perfectly, adding flavor to breakfast, salads, or sandwiches.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 90 (per 2 slices):
Fat: 7g
Sodium: 290mg
Carbs: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 6g
Ingredients:
Pork
Water
Salt
Sugar
Sodium Nitrite
Preparation Instructions:
Fry in a skillet on medium heat for 5–7 minutes or bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
2. Kirkland Signature Pine Nuts
Price: $29.99 for 1.5 lbs
Rich, buttery pine nuts are perfect for pesto, salads, and adding crunch to your favorite dishes.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 190 (per 1 oz)
Fat: 19g
Sodium: 0mg
Carbs: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g
Ingredients:
Pine nuts
Preparation Instructions:
Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to bring out their natural flavor.
3. Kikkoman Soy Sauce
Price: $7.99 for 64 oz
A classic soy sauce with a deep, umami flavor, perfect for marinades, stir-fries, and dressings.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 10 (per 1 tbsp):
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 920mg
Carbs: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Water
Soybeans
Wheat
Salt
Preparation Instructions:
Use as a marinade base or a seasoning for Asian-inspired dishes.
4. Primal Kitchen Dairy-Free Buffalo Sauce
Price: $9.99 for 12 oz
A tangy, spicy Buffalo sauce without dairy, perfect for wings, veggies, or as a dipping sauce.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 15 (per 1 tbsp)
Fat: 1.5g
Sodium: 280mg
Carbs: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
Avocado oil
Vinegar
Water
Salt
Spices
Preparation Instructions:
Toss with cooked chicken or drizzle over roasted vegetables for a spicy kick.
5. Kirkland Signature Fresh Wild Sockeye Salmon
Price: $23.62
This sustainably caught sockeye salmon is rich in omega-3s and makes a healthy meal.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 200 (per 4 oz):
Fat: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Carbs: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 25g
Preparation Instructions:
Grill or bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until flaky.
6. Kirkland Signature Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts
Price: $32.81 /pkg (est.)
These versatile chicken breasts are lean and easy to incorporate into any meal.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 110 (per 4 oz):
Fat: 2g
Sodium: 75mg
Carbs: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 24g
Preparation Instructions:
Grill, bake, or sauté until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Kirkland Signature Five-Cheese Tortellini
Price: $13.67
A creamy, cheesy tortellini perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal-prepped lunches.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 330 (per 1 cup):
Fat: 12g
Sodium: 690mg
Carbs: 41g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 16g
Ingredients:
Wheat flour
Cheese blend (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan)
Eggs
Preparation Instructions:
Boil for 5–7 minutes and serve with your favorite sauce.
8. Kirkland Signature Ground Turkey
Price: $19.99 for 5 lbs
Lean and full of flavor, this ground turkey is ideal for meatballs, tacos, or casseroles.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 160 (per 4 oz):
Fat: 8g
Sodium: 70mg
Carbs: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 22g
Ingredients:
Ground turkey
Preparation Instructions:
Sauté in a skillet until fully cooked, about 7–10 minutes.
9. Kokuho Rose California Rice
Price: $29.22 for 25 lbs
This premium short-grain rice is soft and sticky, making it perfect for sushi, stir-fries, and more.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 160 (per 1/4 cup):
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Carbs: 35g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 3g
Ingredients:
Short-grain rice
Preparation Instructions:
Rinse rice, then cook in a rice cooker or on the stovetop with a 1:1.25 water-to-rice ratio.
10. Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken
Price: $4.99 for 25 lbs
A Costco favorite, this juicy rotisserie chicken is pre-cooked and ready to serve.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 140 (per 3 oz):
Fat: 7g
Sodium: 460mg
Carbs: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 19g
Ingredients:
Whole chicken
Salt
Spices
Preparation Instructions:
Serve hot or cold in salads, wraps, or on its own.
11. Onions 52 Yellow Onion
Price: $5.99 for 10 lbs
These versatile onions are great for everything from soups to sautéed veggies.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 45 (per 1 medium onion):
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Carbs: 11g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 1g
Preparation Instructions:
Peel and chop to sauté, caramelize, or roast for added flavor.
12. Market Fresh Produce Sweet Potatoes
Price: $8.99 for 10 lbs
These nutrient-dense sweet potatoes are excellent for roasting, mashing, or baking.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 103 (per 1 medium sweet potato):
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 41mg
Carbs: 24g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Sweet potatoes
Preparation Instructions:
Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes or bake for 45 minutes until tender.
13. Kirkland Signature Cage-Free Eggs
Price: $6.99 for 24 count
Cage-free eggs are perfect for scrambling, baking, or hard-boiling for quick meal prep.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 70 (per 1 large egg):
Fat: 5g
Sodium: 70mg
Carbs: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 6g
Preparation Instructions:
Cook as desired—boil, fry, or scramble for an easy protein boost.
Conclusion
These 13 Costco essentials will make your meal prep easy, delicious, and stress-free!
