When it comes to buying frozen meats, Costco offers a vast selection that can overwhelm even the most seasoned shopper. While there are great options that offer excellent quality and value, there are also a few that might not be worth the space in your freezer. In this guide, we’ll break down seven must-buy meats and seven you might want to skip.
7 Meats to Buy at Costco
1. USDA Prime Steaks $24.99/Lb
These steaks are known for their high-quality marbling, tenderness, and superior flavor. Perfect for grilling or pan-searing, USDA Prime steaks offer premium restaurant-level meals at home.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 240 per serving
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
USDA Prime beef.
Preparation Instructions
Season generously with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear on high heat for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
2. Japanese Wagyu $99.99/lb
Known for its rich, buttery texture and unparalleled marbling, Costco’s Japanese wagyu is an indulgent treat. While pricey, it’s perfect for special occasions.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 300 per serving
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Japanese wagyu beef.
Preparation Instructions
Cook on low to medium heat to avoid burning the fat. Let the steak rest before slicing to preserve juiciness.
3. Wild Chilean Sea Bass $35.99/lb
A favorite among seafood lovers, wild Chilean sea bass is flaky and buttery with a mild flavor, perfect for grilling or baking.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Wild Chilean sea bass.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or grill over medium heat until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
4. Brisket $6.99/lb
Costco’s brisket is a fantastic option for slow-cooking or smoking. It’s a go-to for BBQ lovers looking for tender, juicy meat.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 300 per serving
- Fat: 21g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Protein: 25g
Ingredients
Beef brisket.
Preparation Instructions
Season with a dry rub and smoke for 8-10 hours at low heat, or slow-cook in a Crockpot for 6-8 hours.
5. Rotisserie Chicken $4.99 for 3 lb
Famous for its unbeatable price, Costco’s rotisserie chicken is a fan favorite. It’s perfect for meal prep, offering versatility across multiple dishes.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140 per serving
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Chicken, seasonings.
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat—can be shredded for salads, soups, or wraps.
6. Wild Caught Red King Crab Legs $39.99/lb
Red king crab legs are luxurious and packed with flavor. Costco offers wild-caught varieties that make for an impressive dinner.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 100 per serving
- Fat: 2g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Protein: 19g
Ingredients
Wild caught king crab.
Preparation Instructions
Steam for 5-6 minutes or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Serve with melted butter.
7. Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon $19.99/2 lbs
A staple in many Costco households, Kirkland’s smoked salmon is rich and flavorful, perfect for breakfast spreads or appetizers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 100 per serving
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients
Smoked salmon, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled on bagels with cream cheese or in salads.
7 Meats to Avoid at Costco
1. Pork Shoulder $1.99/lb
While inexpensive, Costco’s pork shoulder often lacks flavor and tenderness compared to other options, requiring significant prep time for a decent result.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Protein: 21g
Ingredients
Pork shoulder.
Preparation Instructions
Requires long hours of slow cooking to achieve tenderness.
2. Beef Stew Meat $4.99/lb
Costco’s beef stew meat can often be tough and chewy, making it difficult to work with unless it’s cooked for a long period.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 190 per serving
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Protein: 18g
Ingredients
Beef.
Preparation Instructions
Requires slow cooking for at least 4-5 hours for a tender result.
3. Kirkland Signature Fresh Party Wings $2.99/lb
These wings are often more fatty than meaty, leaving you with little to enjoy once cooked.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150 per serving
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients
Chicken wings.
Preparation Instructions
Bake or fry until crispy, but be prepared to trim excess fat.
4. Kirkland Signature Meatballs $16.99/6 lbs
While convenient, the taste and texture of these frozen meatballs don’t match homemade or other premium brands.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 190 per serving
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
Beef, pork, seasonings.
Preparation Instructions
Heat in the oven or microwave, but they tend to be dry.
5. Kirkland Signature Chicken Thighs $1.99/lb
These thighs are often fatty and less flavorful compared to organic or higher-quality options.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 210 per serving
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Protein: 19g
Ingredients
Chicken thighs.
Preparation Instructions
Requires trimming of excess fat. Best when grilled or baked.
6. Orca Bay Keta Salmon Fillets $14.99/2 lbs
While cheap, these fillets are often bland and lacking the rich flavor that higher-quality salmon offers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140 per serving
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Protein: 23g
Ingredients
Keta salmon.
Preparation Instructions
Best grilled or baked, but lacks flavor.
7. Kirkland Signature Hickory Smoked Bacon $12.99/4 lbs
While smoked, the flavor of this bacon is often overly salty and lacks the balance of sweetness or true smokehouse depth.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 80 per serving
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Pork, salt, smoke flavoring.
Preparation Instructions
Best baked in the oven or fried until crispy, but watch for excessive salt.
Conclusion
Costco offers plenty of high-quality frozen meat options, but some items are better left on the shelf. By following these smart shopper tips, you can fill your freezer with the best while avoiding the duds. Happy shopping!
