The Absolute Best Things We Bought from Costco in 2021
One could argue that every Costco buy is the best Costco buy. Because, you know, the warehouse store is filled to the brim with economical and tasty finds. It’s easy to feel good about a 20-pound bag of pecans. Or a pasta sauce you know you’ll use up within the month. Or frozen goodies for your air fryer. This year, as many of us readjusted back to in-person shopping, the store’s culinary contributions reminded us of why we love this warehouse chain.
These are the best things we bought at Costco this year.
1. Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, $10.69 for 2 (28-ounce) jars
It’s no secret that Kitchn editors love Rao’s marinara sauce — it’s a repeat winner on our annual Kitchn Essentials list, after all. Still, we always wondered if a little friendly peer pressure may have influenced our taste buds. In short: NOPE. After a blind taste test revealed Rao’s as the best-tasting pasta sauce at Costco, we felt vindicated and thrifty: At Costco you can pick up two large jars for the price of what you’d pay for a single smaller jar at your regular grocer.
2. Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar, $10 for 40 (1/2-ounce) bags
The sheer quantity of snacks that have crossed the threshold of our kitchens this year is astounding. While the appeal of granola bars, crackers, and chips wax and wane weekly, one snack reigns supreme: Pirate’s Booty. The punny puffs are cheesy, crunchy, and perfectly sized for a midday munch or after-school snack. Whether you’re shopping for two or have a full house, Pirate’s Booty bags are the ultimate on-the-go snack.
3. King Arthur Flour, $6.89 for 12 pounds
A lasting effect of the flour shortages we experienced in 2020 was that we resolved to never run out of that baking basic again. King Arthur Baking Company’s All-Purpose Flour is the preferred brand of many Kitchn editors, and once we realized Costco carried it, there was no going back. Even if you don’t bake every week, this big bag of flour won’t go to waste because you can use it for breading chicken and thickening sauces.
Read more: 5 Things I ONLY Buy at Costco
4. Seeds of Change Quinoa and Brown Rice, $10.79 for 6 pouches
Cooking fatigue set in hard this year, so we went searching for easy-yet-wholesome dinner solutions — and Costco came through. These pouches are a game-changer, acting as a flavorful side dish or the foundation for a filling dinner. Each one takes just 90 seconds in the microwave (or 10 minutes on the stovetop) to prepare.
5. Veuve Clicquot Rosé, $55 for 750 mL
We’re no longer saving the bubbly for special occasions … because every day deserves a little luxury. Thankfully one of our favorite bottles of Champagne makes an occasional appearance in Costco’s wine section. Veuve Clicquot Rosé is fruity and crisp, but when we buy it at Costco it’s less of a splurge. That’s because the bottle is usually about $20 cheaper than at other stores. Now if that’s not a reason to celebrate, we’re not sure what is!
6. Kirkland Signature Bulk Pecans, $11.69 for two pounds
Sure, we wrote about these pecans for crisp, fall mornings, but pecans are great any time of year. A single bag can transform salads, bowls of oatmeals or yogurt, baked goods, and more. For this price, you really can’t afford to pass these up.
Read more: The Costco Find I’ve Been Reaching for Every Morning This Fall
7. Cascadian Farms Organic Wild Blueberries, $10 for 48 ounces
Fun fact: Wild blueberries are smaller and sweeter than regular blueberries, yet have no added sugar. They also contain more antioxidants. Stash this bag in your freezer for smoothies and yogurt and pancakes.
Read more: 7 Frozen Groceries from Costco I’m Buying on Repeat Right Now (They’re All Just $10 or Less)
8. Cuisine Adventures Mini Quiche Bites, $15 for 72 pieces
We loved these mini quiche bites for holiday entertaining purposes, but they’re also great for a brunch in the new year. Pair them with a salad and you’ve got a nice, casual meal.
Read more: The 5 Best Frozen Appetizers to Buy at Costco Right Now
9. Bitchin’ Sauce, $8.99 for 1.5 pounds
This dip is luxuriously creamy (but still somehow dairy-free), tangy, and extremely well-seasoned. It also makes for a great sandwich spread or mayonnaise alternative in tuna and egg salad.
Read more: The Super-Sized Dip from Costco That Has Me Eating Way More Vegetables
10. Dr. Praeger’s Organic California Veggie Burgers, $13 for 12 burgers
When we asked a registered dietitian to tell us about the frozen groceries she always buys at Costco, we should have predicted that she’d mention Dr. Praeger’s Veggie Burgers. Sure enough, they actually topped her list.
Read more: 8 Frozen Groceries This Registered Dietitian Always Buys at Costco
What’s the best thing you bought from Costco this year? Tell us about it in the comments below!