Costco offers a wide array of frozen food options, but not all of them are worth the freezer space. From convenient meal solutions to versatile ingredients, we’ve curated a list of frozen foods to buy and others to skip. Read on to find out what deserves a spot in your cart!
Buy: Nature’s Touch Frozen Broccoli $8.99/4 lbs
This versatile vegetable staple is perfect for quick, healthy meals.
Nutrition Facts (Per 100g):
- Calories: 35
- Protein: 2.5g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 0g
Ingredients:
- 100% broccoli florets
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Steam or sauté for an easy side dish, or toss into soups, casseroles, or stir-fries.
Skip: Dom Salmon or Tuna Poke Singles $19.99/24 oz
While convenient, these pre-portioned poke packs lack freshness and authentic flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per serving):
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 9g
- Ingredients:
Farmed salmon or tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, and various preservatives
Why Skip:
The fish texture is often mushy, and the seasoning is overly salty and unbalanced. Fresh poke from a local market is a better option.
Buy: Dom Smoked Salmon $14.99/1 lb
This premium smoked salmon is rich, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining.
Nutrition Facts (Per 56g):
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 0g
- Fat: 2.5g
- Ingredients:
Atlantic salmon, salt, sugar, and natural hardwood smoke
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Pair with bagels and cream cheese, or serve on a charcuterie board with crackers and capers.
Skip: Kirkland Signature Frozen Salmon $23.99/3 lbs
These frozen salmon fillets often suffer from uneven thawing and an off taste.
Nutrition Facts (Per 100g):
- Calories: 206
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 13g
Ingredients:
- Farm-raised salmon, added water
Why Skip:
Quality is inconsistent, and the texture can be rubbery post-thaw. Fresh or sustainably-sourced salmon is a better alternative.
Skip: Nature’s Touch Frozen Avocado Halves $12.99/2 lbs
While convenient, these frozen avocados often have a watery texture and bland flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per 50g):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 4g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
- Avocado halves, citric acid
Why Skip:
They’re no match for fresh avocados, which are more flavorful and versatile.
Buy: Kirkland Signature Frozen Berries $10.99/4 lbs
A mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries that’s perfect for smoothies and baking.
Nutrition Facts (Per 140g):
- Calories: 70
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 9g
Ingredients:
- 100% frozen berries with no added sugar
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Blend into smoothies, top on yogurt, or bake into pies and muffins.
Skip: Morey’s Marinated Wild Pink Salmon $14.99/2 lbs
Pre-marinated salmon portions that promise flavor but often fall flat.
Nutrition Facts (Per 85g):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients:
- Pink salmon, marinade (soy sauce, sugar, preservatives)
Why Skip:
The marinade overpowers the salmon, and the texture can be dry when cooked.
Buy: Sabatasso’s Pizza Singles $10.49/12-pack
These mini pizzas are a family favorite for quick lunches and snacks.
Nutrition Facts (Per pizza):
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 11g
Ingredients:
- Mozzarella, tomato sauce, wheat crust
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Heat in the oven or air fryer for a crispy crust in minutes.
Skip: Olivia Marinated Butterfly Shrimp $18.99/2 lbs
These marinated shrimp are convenient but underwhelming in flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per serving):
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 4g
Ingredients:
- Shrimp, marinade (garlic, oil, lemon)
Why Skip:
The marinade is overly salty, and the shrimp often cook unevenly.
Buy: Kirkland Signature Frozen Chicken Breasts $21.99/6 lbs
These individually frozen chicken breasts are a meal-prep essential.
Nutrition Facts (Per 112g):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 1g
Ingredients:
- 100% chicken breast, no added solutions
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Grill, bake, or sauté for endless meal possibilities.
Skip: Bibigo Steamed Dumplings $14.99/36 oz
These frozen dumplings promise authentic taste but fall short.
Nutrition Facts (Per dumpling):
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 2.5g
- Carbs: 7g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
- Dough wrapper, ground pork, and vegetables
Why Skip:
The texture can be gummy, and the filling lacks seasoning. Fresh dumplings are a better choice.
Buy: Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars $11.99/15 bars
Decadent ice cream bars dipped in rich chocolate and almonds.
Nutrition Facts (Per bar):
Calories: 280
Fat: 19g
Sugars: 22g
Ingredients:
- Vanilla ice cream, chocolate coating, almonds
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Perfect as an indulgent dessert straight from the freezer.
Skip: Nature’s Touch Chocolate Dipped Strawberries $10.99/2 lbs
These frozen treats are more miss than hit due to texture issues.
Nutrition Facts (Per piece):
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 3.5g
- Sugars: 8g
Ingredients:
- Strawberries, milk chocolate coating
Why Skip:
The chocolate often cracks, and the strawberries thaw into a mushy texture. Fresh chocolate-dipped strawberries are a better choice.
Conclusion
With this guide, you’ll know exactly which frozen foods to grab and which to skip. By focusing on quality, flavor, and value, you can make the most out of your Costco trips. Happy shopping and enjoy your delicious finds!
