The 12 Best Things We Bought from Costco This Year

Lisa Freedman
Lisa FreedmanExecutive Lifestyle Director
Lisa Freedman is the Executive Lifestyle Director at The Kitchn. She has never met a cheese or a washi tape she didn't like. She lives in New York state with her husband and their pup, Millie.
published Dec 30, 2019
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
Credit: a katz/Shutterstock

If you’ve been to this site even just once this year, chances are you can tell that we love us some Costco. And can you blame us? The warehouse store has great deals, fun new products, and a private-label brand that deserves ALL the awards. We bought a LOT of groceries at Costco this year — including many items we plan on buying again in 2020.

Before the calendar flips over, let’s take a look back at 12 of the best things we picked up this year.

Credit: Katie Workman

1. Kirkland Signature Virginia Peanuts

We wrote about these Virginia peanuts as something to keep on hand for holiday entertaining, but really, these deserve a spot in your desk drawer year-round. (As long as your office isn’t a peanut-free zone! Peanut allergies are NO JOKE!)

Read more: The Most Underrated Kirkland Signature Item to Get at Costco (Especially for the Holidays)

Credit: Lisa Freedman

2. Mint Chocolate Chip Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars

We found these bars at Costco, over the summer, for the lowest price we’ve ever seen. A box of 15 was just $11 (usually, a box of four is $5 at other stores!). We’re hoping this bargain returns next summer.

Read more: The Costco Find I’m Stocking in My Freezer All Summer Long

Credit: Susan Freedman

3. Street Taco Kits

Costco launched these Street Taco Kits early last year and has since come out with a slider kit, which we love equally as much. The taco kit comes with perfectly seasoned chicken, lime wedges, slaw, cheese, salsa, cilantro lime crema, and a stack of 12 tortillas — for $5.59 a pound. You just have to heat up the chicken and the tortillas, and it’s time for assembly.

Read more: The New Costco Item My Mom Is Obsessed With

Credit: Faith Durand/The Kitchn

4. Kirkland Signature Artisan Rolls

These rolls seem pretty basic at first glance. But if you drizzle them with olive oil and put them on the grill, you’ll end up with a showstopping dinner addition. The bread is crusty, yet also chewy, and just the most delightful dinner upgrade for spring and summer (and also the colder months if you’re serving a soup or stew!).

Read more: My $7 Costco Splurge That Won Dinner Last Weekend

Credit: Dana McMahan

5. Sushi-Grade Salmon

Did you know that you can make sushi, ceviche, or sashimi using the salmon from Costco? You can! And it’ll cost you way less than if you ordered it at a restaurant.

Credit: Dana McMahan

6. Frozen Avocado Chunks

Costco started carrying frozen avocado chunks earlier this year and, while they’re not great for avocado toast, they are amazing additions to smoothies. If you’re tired of timing your life around the ripeness (or lack thereof) of your avocados, this is your answer.

Read more: I Tried Costco’s Frozen Avocado Chunks — Here’s What I Thought

Credit: Melissa Jameson

7. Rao’s Marinara Sauce

Costco carries our all-time favorite marinara sauce. The jars are larger than the usual size (because, Costco), but we’ve got some tricks to help you make sure every last drop goes to good use.

Read more: Costco Sells Our Favorite Marinara Sauce for Super Cheap — But There’s a Catch

Credit: Danielle Centoni

8. Kirkland Signature Egg Nog Wine Cocktail

It’s wine! It’s eggnog! It’s both! And it’s super festive for the holidays.

Credit: Costco

9. Kirkland Signature Organic Olive Oil

We’ve been buying this olive oil for years now, but 2019 was the year that we got validation from none other than Samin Nosrat.

Read more: The Most Underrated Grocery Item at Costco, According to Our Favorite Netflix Star

Credit: Heather McClees

10. Kirkland Signature Mixed Nut Butter with Seeds

A fun upgrade from the usual almond butter, this stuff is made with almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds.

Credit: Heather McClees

11. Kirkland Signature Raw Kombucha

Kombucha is super trendy (and delightful!) and Costco is well aware. The store stocks a few different brands — including its own Kirkland Signature version. The Ginger Lemonade is refreshing during the summer and feels like a good cold-fighter in the winter.

12. Orca Bay Crunchy Tempura Green Beans

The freezer section at Costco is not to be overlooked. Mostly because that would mean missing these Tempura Green Beans. Pro tip: Cook them in an air fryer, if you have one!