Costco isn’t just a store—it’s a haven for professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts alike. With high-quality ingredients and unbeatable prices, it’s no surprise that pros head straight to Costco for their kitchen essentials. From olive oil to Wagyu beef, here are the top 18 Costco buys that chefs swear by.
1. Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil $13.49/2L
This cold-pressed, high-quality olive oil is a staple in professional kitchens. It’s perfect for dressings, marinades, and sautéing.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120 per tbsp
- Fats: 14g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Preparation Instructions
Use for drizzling over salads, sautéing vegetables, or blending into homemade sauces.
2. Fresh Produce (Prices Vary)
Costco’s produce section offers high-quality, fresh vegetables and fruits in bulk, making it easy for chefs to keep their kitchens stocked with fresh ingredients.
Nutritional Facts
Varies by product.
Ingredients
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Preparation Instructions
Use immediately in salads, soups, or as garnishes.
3. Kirkland Signature 100% Whole Wheat Bread $5.99/2 loaves
This hearty, nutritious bread is a favorite for sandwiches and toast.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 100 per slice
- Fats: 1g
- Carbs: 20g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
Whole wheat flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt
Preparation Instructions
Perfect for sandwiches, breakfast toast, or making croutons.
4. Kirkland Signature Super Extra Large Peanuts $6.99/2.5 lbs
These peanuts are roasted to perfection and make an excellent snack or addition to salads and stir-fries.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 170 per ounce
- Fats: 14g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Peanuts, peanut oil, salt
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy as a snack or chop and sprinkle over dishes for extra crunch.
5. Tellicherry Peppercorns $4.99/12.7oz
These robust and flavorful peppercorns add a gourmet touch to any dish.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 5 per serving
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Black Tellicherry peppercorns
Preparation Instructions
Grind fresh over meats, veggies, or into sauces for a burst of flavor.
6. Costco Wine (Prices Vary)
Costco’s wine selection offers top-tier choices at unbeatable prices. Chefs swear by the Kirkland Signature selections for their quality and value.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 125 per 5oz serving
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Grapes, sulfites
Preparation Instructions
Pair with meals or use for cooking in sauces and reductions.
7. Wagyu Beef $99.99/2 lbs
Costco’s premium Wagyu beef is known for its rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 400 per 4oz serving
- Fats: 35g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Wagyu beef
Preparation Instructions
Best grilled or pan-seared, seasoned simply with salt and pepper.
8. Pork Chops $3.99/lb
These thick-cut pork chops are juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling or oven-baking.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 210 per 4oz serving
- Fats: 13g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Pork
Preparation Instructions
Marinate and grill, or bake with herbs and garlic.
9. Bacon $16.99/4 lbs
Kirkland’s bacon is thick, smoky, and crisps up perfectly, making it a chef’s go-to for breakfast or adding savory depth to recipes.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 90 per 2 slices
- Fats: 7g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Pork, water, salt, sugar, sodium phosphate
Preparation Instructions
Cook on a skillet or bake until crispy.
10. Burgers $19.99/5 lbs
Costco’s burger patties are a fan-favorite, with juicy, flavorful beef that’s ready to grill.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 240 per 4oz patty
- Fats: 18g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 19g
Ingredients
Ground beef
Preparation Instructions
Season with salt and pepper, grill, and serve on a toasted bun.
11. Spinalis Steak $29.99/lb
Also known as the ribeye cap, this tender cut is prized for its flavor and texture.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 350 per 4oz serving
- Fats: 30g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Beef
Preparation Instructions
Best cooked to medium-rare for optimal tenderness.
12. Kirkland Raw, Tail-On Shrimp $38.99/4 lbs
These high-quality shrimp are perfect for quick weeknight meals or impressive dinner parties.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 90 per 4oz serving
- Fats: 1g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Shrimp
Preparation Instructions
Defrost and sauté, grill, or bake.
13. Rotisserie Chicken $4.99/whole chicken
This Costco classic is known for being a juicy, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal option.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 140 per 3oz serving
- Fats: 7g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 19g
Ingredients
Chicken, seasoning
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat as is or shred for use in salads, sandwiches, and soups.
14. Organic Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs $4.99/lb
These versatile thighs are great for grilling, baking, or slow-cooking.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 180 per 4oz serving
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Chicken
Preparation Instructions
Marinate and grill or bake for juicy results.
15. Deli Meat (Prices Vary)
Costco’s deli section offers premium sliced meats, perfect for sandwiches or charcuterie boards.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
Varies by meat type
Ingredients
Varies
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat or use in sandwiches, wraps, and more.
16. Kirkland Signature Organic Agave Syrup $8.99/36 oz
A great alternative to sugar, agave syrup adds a natural sweetness to dishes and drinks.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 60 per tbsp
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Organic agave syrup
Preparation Instructions
Use in baking, coffee, or drizzled over pancakes and waffles.
17. Frosted Mini-Wheats $7.99/70 oz
A popular breakfast cereal, Frosted Mini-Wheats offer a fiber-rich start to the day.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 210 per 25 biscuits
- Fats: 1g
- Carbs: 51g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Whole grain wheat, sugar, gelatin
Preparation Instructions
Serve with milk or enjoy as a snack.
18. Kirkland Signature Maple Syrup $10.99/33.8 oz
This 100% pure maple syrup is a favorite among chefs for its rich, authentic flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 52 per tbsp
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 13g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
100% pure maple syrup
Preparation Instructions
Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or incorporate into marinades and desserts.
Conclusion
Costco’s chef-approved items aren’t just about bulk savings—they offer top-notch quality that professionals rely on. Whether you’re a home cook or a seasoned chef, these Costco finds are sure to elevate your kitchen game.
