Costco’s produce section is packed with fresh fruits and vegetables, but not all of them are worth your time or money. While some items are perfect for stocking up, others may leave you disappointed. Whether you’re a seasoned Costco shopper or new to the bulk-buying game, this guide highlights the 10 best fresh produce items to buy and 10 you should skip.
10 Must-Buys at Costco
1. Russet Potatoes $7.99/15 lbs
Russet potatoes are a versatile kitchen staple with a long shelf life, making them perfect for bulk purchasing. Whether mashed, baked, or fried, these potatoes are a great buy for large families or meal prep enthusiasts.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Russet potatoes
Preparation Instructions
Wash thoroughly, then bake, mash, roast, or fry according to your recipe.
2. Citrus (Oranges) $9.99/8 lbs
Costco’s citrus fruits, particularly oranges, are a standout in both quality and flavor. Perfect for snacks, juicing, or zesting, they last long and are packed with vitamin C.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 62
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Oranges
Preparation Instructions
Peel and enjoy fresh, juice them, or use zest for recipes.
3. Carrots $5.49/10 lbs
Carrots are affordable and stay fresh for weeks when stored properly. They’re a healthy snack or great for soups, salads, and roasting.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 25
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Carrots
Preparation Instructions
Wash, peel if desired, and slice for snacking, roasting, or adding to soups and stews.
4. Brussels Sprouts $6.49/2 lbs
Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse and a crowd favorite when roasted. Costco offers these in bulk, making them an excellent addition to your weekly meal prep.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 38
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Brussels sprouts
Preparation Instructions
Trim ends and halve; roast with olive oil and seasoning, or sauté with garlic and herbs.
5. Winter Squash $7.99/3-4 lbs
Perfect for autumn dishes, Costco’s winter squash selection includes varieties like butternut and acorn. Their long shelf life makes them ideal for roasting or using in soups.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 82
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sodium: 8mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Winter squash
Preparation Instructions
Peel and cube, then roast, steam, or purée for soups or side dishes.
6. Whole Garlic Bulbs $5.99/2 lbs
Garlic is a kitchen essential, and Costco’s whole garlic bulbs come in bulk, allowing you to always have fresh cloves on hand for seasoning.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 4
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Garlic
Preparation Instructions
Peel cloves and mince or chop for use in cooking, roasting, or sautéing.
7. Artisan Romaine Heads $4.99/6 heads
These romaine heads are perfect for salads and last longer in the fridge than pre-bagged lettuce. They stay crisp and fresh, making them a great buy for health-conscious shoppers.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 8
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
Preparation Instructions
Wash leaves thoroughly and use them in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
8. English Cucumbers $5.49/3-pack
These cucumbers are crisp, seedless, and perfect for salads, snacking, or pickling. They stay fresh for days and are great for adding crunch to meals.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 16
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
English cucumbers
Preparation Instructions
Slice and enjoy raw, add to salads, or pickle for a tangy snack.
9. Bell Peppers $7.99/6-pack
Costco’s bell peppers come in a vibrant, colorful assortment. Whether you’re sautéing them for stir-fries or using them in fajitas, they add great flavor and nutrients to your meals.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Bell peppers
Preparation Instructions
Wash, slice, and use for grilling, stuffing, or eating raw with dips.
10. Shiitake Mushrooms $9.99/1 lb
Shiitake mushrooms add a rich, umami flavor to dishes. Costco offers these mushrooms fresh and in bulk, perfect for stir-fries, soups, or grilling.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 25
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Shiitake mushrooms
Preparation Instructions
Rinse lightly and slice. Sauté, grill, or add to soups and stir-fries.
10 Produce Items to Skip at Costco
1. Onions
While affordable, Costco’s onions often come in quantities too large for the average household, leading to spoilage before they’re all used.
2. Vine Ripe Tomatoes
Costco’s vine-ripe tomatoes tend to be bland and lack the vibrant flavor you’d expect, making them less appealing for salads or sandwiches.
3. Baby Bok Choy
While it may be fresh, baby bok choy from Costco comes in large quantities that may be too much for smaller households, leading to waste.
4. French-Style Green Beans
French-style green beans can be hit-or-miss at Costco, with freshness being an issue. Often, they’re not as crisp as expected.
5. Fresh Fruit Bowl
Pre-cut fruit bowls may seem convenient, but they tend to have a short shelf life and are often pricier than buying whole fruits.
6. Leafy Greens
Costco’s bagged leafy greens, while convenient, tend to wilt quickly and are best avoided unless you’re planning to use them immediately.
7. Celery Sticks
Pre-cut celery sticks from Costco are often stringy and lose their crispness quickly, making them less desirable for snacking or cooking.
8. Berries
Berries are delicate and tend to spoil quickly when purchased in bulk at Costco, leading to wasted food and money.
9. Bananas
While the price is tempting, Costco’s bulk bananas often ripen too quickly, leaving you with mushy bananas before you can eat them all.
10. Whole Avocados
Costco’s avocados come in large quantities, and unless you consume them quickly, they can go bad before you have a chance to use them all.
Final Thoughts
When shopping for fresh produce at Costco, focus on items that have a long shelf life or are versatile enough for bulk buying. Skip those that spoil quickly or come in quantities too large for practical use. Happy shopping!
