Shopping for meat at Costco can feel like hitting the jackpot—until you realize not all meats are created equal. Some cuts offer unbeatable value and quality, while others might leave you disappointed. In this blog, we break down the seven best meats you should buy and seven to avoid, ensuring that your next Costco trip is a meat-lover’s success!
Pick: USDA Prime Steaks $24.99/lb (Prices may vary based on location)
Costco’s USDA Prime steaks are among the highest quality cuts, featuring rich marbling for tender, flavorful results. They’re perfect for a special occasion or weekend grilling session.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 55mg
- Protein: 21g
Ingredients
100% USDA Prime Beef
Why Pick
Costco’s USDA Prime steaks offer restaurant-quality flavor at a great price. Whether you’re grilling or searing, these tender steaks are consistently juicy and flavorful.
Skip: Pork Shoulder $2.99/lb (Prices may vary based on location)
Costco’s pork shoulder is affordable, but it often contains too much fat, requiring extra trimming. While great for slow cooking, the hassle and excess fat might make you think twice.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Protein: 23g
Ingredients
Pork Shoulder
Why Skip
Though it’s affordable, the excess fat makes it less appealing. You might spend more time trimming than cooking, which takes away from its value.
Pick: Japanese Wagyu $99.99/lb (Prices may vary based on location)
If you’re looking to splurge, Costco’s Japanese Wagyu is the ultimate luxury. With its delicate, buttery texture and rich flavor, it’s a special-occasion meat that’s worth every penny.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
100% Japanese Wagyu Beef
Why Pick
Japanese Wagyu is an indulgent, premium meat that offers a restaurant-quality experience at home. Perfect for high-end dining without the high-end price tag of a steakhouse.
Skip: Beef Stew Meat $4.99/lb (Prices may vary based on location)
Costco’s beef stew meat might seem like a convenient option, but the cuts are often inconsistent, leading to uneven cooking results.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 55mg
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Beef Stew Meat
Why Skip
The quality is inconsistent, with some pieces being tough and others too fatty. You’re better off buying a whole cut of beef and prepping it yourself.
Pick: Wild Chilean Sea Bass $26.99/lb (Prices may vary based on location)
Wild Chilean sea bass is a delicacy known for its mild, buttery flavor and delicate, flaky texture. Costco’s offering is sustainably sourced, making it a high-quality, eco-friendly choice.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Protein: 23g
Ingredients
Wild Chilean Sea Bass
Why Pick
If you’re craving a top-tier seafood experience, wild Chilean sea bass is a rich, indulgent option. The price might be higher, but the flavor and texture are worth it for a special meal.
Skip: Kirkland Signature Fresh Party Wings $2.99/lb (Prices may vary based on location)
While chicken wings are a popular snack, Kirkland Signature’s fresh party wings are often disappointing. They don’t get as crispy or flavorful as some of the other options available.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
Why Skip
These wings tend to be less flavorful and can cook unevenly. If you’re planning a game day snack, you might want to look elsewhere for crispier, more satisfying wings.
Pick: Brisket $5.99/lb (Prices may vary based on location)
Costco’s brisket is a BBQ lover’s dream. With its ample marbling, it’s ideal for low-and-slow smoking or roasting, producing tender, juicy results every time.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Protein: 21g
Ingredients
Brisket
Why Pick
Brisket from Costco is a BBQ staple at a great price. It’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd and is a top choice for weekend cooks.
Skip: Kirkland Signature Meatballs $16.99 for 6 lbs
Costco’s Kirkland Signature meatballs are convenient but often taste processed. They tend to be overly salty and have a rubbery texture, making them less appealing than homemade alternatives.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
- Beef
- Pork
- Breadcrumbs
- Water
- Salt
- Spices
Why Skip
While convenient, the flavor and texture don’t match up to the quality you’d expect. Opt for homemade or a premium brand instead for better-tasting meatballs.
Pick: Rotisserie Chicken $4.99 for 3 lbs
Costco’s iconic rotisserie chicken is a fan favorite. Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, it’s a steal for the price and works in a variety of meals.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 3 oz
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 460mg
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Water
- Salt
- Sodium phosphate
- Spices
Why Pick
For only $4.99, this rotisserie chicken is one of the best deals at Costco. Whether you’re using it for dinner or meal prep, its versatility and flavor are unmatched.
Skip: Kirkland Signature Chicken Thighs $1.49/lb (Prices may vary based on location)
While chicken thighs are generally more flavorful than chicken breasts, Kirkland Signature chicken thighs tend to be inconsistent, with excessive fat and skin.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Protein: 19g
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
Why Skip
Kirkland’s chicken thighs require extra trimming and may not deliver the same quality you’d expect from Costco’s other offerings. You’re better off buying higher-quality chicken elsewhere.
Pick: Wild Caught Red King Crab Legs $39.99/lb (Prices may vary based on location)
For a seafood splurge, Costco’s wild caught red king crab legs are unbeatable. Known for their sweet, rich flavor and tender meat, these crab legs are a showstopper.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 3.5 oz
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 710mg
- Protein: 23g
Ingredients
Wild Caught Red King Crab Legs
Why Pick
The price may be high, but the quality and taste are worth every penny. These king crab legs are ideal for a special seafood feast or holiday meal.
Skip: Orca Bay Keta Salmon Fillets $24.99 for 3 lbs
While keta salmon is often a budget-friendly option, Costco’s Orca Bay keta salmon fillets are drier and less flavorful compared to higher-quality varieties of salmon.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Keta Salmon
Why Skip
Though affordable, keta salmon tends to be dry and less satisfying. You’re better off spending a little extra on sockeye or king salmon for a better dining experience.
Pick: Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon $19.99 for 1 lb
Costco’s Kirkland Signature smoked salmon is a premium, versatile product. With its rich, smoky flavor, it’s perfect for bagels, appetizers, or salads.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 2 oz
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients
- Atlantic Salmon
- Salt
- Natural wood smoke
Why Pick
This smoked salmon delivers top-tier quality at an excellent price. Whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a simple breakfast, it’s a must-buy for Costco shoppers.
Skip: Kirkland Signature Hickory Smoked Bacon $14.99 for 4 lbs
Kirkland’s hickory smoked bacon can be overly salty and inconsistent in thickness, making it less enjoyable compared to other bacon options available.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
- Pork
- Water
- Salt
- Sugar
- Sodium nitrite
- Hickory smoke flavoring
Why Skip
While affordable, the excessive saltiness and inconsistency make this bacon less than ideal. You might want to opt for a higher-quality brand if you’re looking for better texture and flavor.
Final Say
Costco has a vast selection of meat and seafood, but it’s important to choose wisely. By focusing on high-quality options like USDA Prime steaks and smoked salmon, while avoiding some of the less impressive offerings like Kirkland Signature meatballs, you’ll ensure your shopping cart is filled with top-tier items that deliver on both taste and value.
