Busy weeknights got you down? Dreading the “what’s for dinner?” question yet again? Costco’s frozen food aisle might just be your secret weapon! Forget the takeout menus and embrace the convenience and value that lies within those frosty doors. Costco, known for its bulk offerings and unbeatable prices, extends its savings to its impressive selection of frozen foods. But with so many options, navigating the freezer section can feel overwhelming.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve scoured the aisles, tasted the goods, and compiled a list of the absolute best frozen foods at Costco. Whether you’re looking for quick meals, delicious appetizers, healthy snacks, or decadent desserts, we’ve got you covered. This article will highlight a variety of frozen food options available at Costco, all delivering on both taste and exceptional value. Get ready to stock up, save time, and enjoy stress-free meals with our curated selection.
Categories of Frozen Foods & Best Picks in Each
Let’s dive into the freezer aisle and uncover some hidden gems! We’ll break down the best Costco frozen food finds by category, giving you our top recommendations for each.
Prepared Meals and Entrees: Dinner is Served!
These ready-to-heat meals are a lifesaver on those evenings when cooking from scratch feels impossible. Costco’s prepared meals offer a variety of cuisines and flavors, perfect for satisfying any craving.
Our Top Pick: Kirkland Signature Chicken Bake
This Costco classic is a fan favorite for a reason. A savory blend of chicken, bacon, cheese, and creamy sauce encased in a crispy, golden-brown crust, the chicken bake is pure comfort food. It’s easy to heat up in the oven or microwave, making it a quick and satisfying meal for one or a shareable snack. While it’s not the healthiest option, it’s undoubtedly a delicious treat. Expect to pay around twelve dollars for a pack of six, making it an incredibly affordable option.
Another Favorite: Bibigo Beef Bulgogi Mandu
These Korean-style dumplings are packed with flavorful marinated beef, vegetables, and a hint of sweetness. They’re incredibly versatile – steam them, pan-fry them, or add them to soups and stir-fries. A large bag, usually priced under fifteen dollars, contains a generous amount of dumplings, making it a great value for a quick and easy meal.
Honorable Mention: Ajinomoto Yakisoba
This frozen stir-fry is a convenient option for a Japanese-inspired meal. Containing yakisoba noodles, chicken and vegetables in a savory sauce, it’s a quick and easy dish to prepare in the microwave or on the stovetop. While it might not be as authentic as restaurant yakisoba, it’s a decent and affordable option for a busy weeknight, typically costing around fifteen dollars for multiple servings.
Protein Power: Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Staples
Costco’s frozen protein selection is a great way to stock up on quality ingredients for your favorite recipes. Buying frozen allows you to purchase in bulk without worrying about spoilage.
The Winner: Kirkland Signature Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
These individually frozen chicken breasts are a staple in many households. They are incredibly versatile, perfect for grilling, baking, stir-frying, or adding to soups and salads. The quality is consistently high, and the price per pound is significantly lower than what you’d find at most grocery stores. Expect to pay around thirty to forty dollars for a large bag, containing several pounds of chicken.
Seafood Sensation: Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon
Costco’s frozen salmon fillets provide a healthy and convenient protein source. The salmon is wild-caught, ensuring a rich flavor and high nutritional value. Each fillet is individually packaged, making it easy to thaw only what you need. These are a great alternative to purchasing fresh salmon. A generous package usually costs around thirty to forty dollars.
Honorable Mention: Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties
These pre-formed burger patties are a convenient option for grilling or pan-frying. They are made with high-quality ground beef and come in various sizes. While they might not be as customizable as forming your own patties, they are a great time-saver, typically costing around twenty five dollars for a large package.
Veggies and Fruits: Frozen Freshness
Frozen fruits and vegetables are an excellent way to ensure you always have healthy ingredients on hand. They are picked at peak ripeness and frozen to preserve their nutrients.
Our Favorite: Kirkland Signature Organic Broccoli Florets
These frozen broccoli florets are a convenient and affordable way to add vegetables to your diet. They are pre-cut and ready to steam, roast, or stir-fry. Frozen broccoli is just as nutritious as fresh, and it eliminates the risk of spoilage. A large bag usually costs under ten dollars.
Fruity Find: Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend
This mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries is perfect for smoothies, oatmeal, or baking. The berries are frozen at their peak ripeness, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. Buying frozen berries is much cheaper than buying fresh, especially when berries are out of season. Expect to pay around fifteen dollars for a large bag.
Honorable Mention: Green Giant Riced Veggies
These frozen rice vegetables include cauliflower, broccoli and other nutritious choices. They offer a convenient alternative to standard rice with added nutritional value from the veggies. They are usually priced affordably making them a great choice.
Appetizers and Snacks: Party-Perfect Bites
Costco’s frozen appetizer and snack selection is perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply satisfying your cravings.
Top Pick: Minh Egg Rolls
These crispy and savory egg rolls are a crowd-pleaser. They are filled with a delicious mixture of vegetables and pork or chicken, and they come with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. They are easy to heat up in the oven or deep fryer, making them a perfect party snack. A large box, usually priced under twenty dollars, contains dozens of egg rolls.
Snack Star: Kirkland Signature Mozzarella Sticks
These classic mozzarella sticks are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. They are coated in a crispy breading and filled with gooey mozzarella cheese. They are easy to bake or deep fry, making them a perfect snack or appetizer. A large box typically costs around fifteen dollars.
Honorable Mention: TGI Friday’s Frozen Appetizers
Costco sometimes carries a variety of TGI Friday’s frozen appetizers, such as mozzarella sticks, potato skins, or chicken wings. These are a convenient way to enjoy restaurant-style appetizers at home, but availability can vary. Expect to pay around twenty dollars for a multi-pack.
Decadent Desserts: Sweet Endings
No meal is complete without dessert, and Costco’s frozen dessert selection offers a variety of tempting treats.
The Sweetest Choice: Junior’s New York Cheesecake Slices
These individual cheesecake slices are a perfect indulgence. They are rich, creamy, and incredibly decadent. They are individually wrapped, making them easy to enjoy anytime. While pricey, these are a great treat. A box typically costs around thirty dollars.
Frozen Delight: Kirkland Signature Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
This ready-to-bake cookie dough is a lifesaver when you need a quick and easy dessert. The cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips. Simply place the dough on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown. It’s priced around fifteen dollars.
Honorable Mention: Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bars
Costco often carries a variety of Haagen-Dazs ice cream bars in bulk. These are a classic and decadent treat, perfect for a hot day. Prices vary depending on the variety.
Tips for Buying the Best Costco Frozen Foods
To make the most of your Costco frozen food shopping experience, here are a few helpful tips:
Storage is Key
Proper freezer storage is essential to maintain the quality of your frozen foods. Invest in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Ensure your freezer is set to the correct temperature (0°F or -18°C). Rotate your stock regularly, using older items first.
Deciphering Dates
Understanding “best by” and “use by” dates is crucial. “Best by” dates indicate the period of peak quality, while “use by” dates are related to safety. While frozen foods can often be consumed after the “best by” date, their quality may decline.
Read the Label
Always check the ingredients and nutritional information before purchasing frozen foods. Be mindful of sodium content, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. Look for products with whole, recognizable ingredients.
Sample Savvy
Take advantage of Costco’s sample program whenever possible. Sampling allows you to try new products before committing to a large quantity. Availability of samples can vary depending on your location.
Potential Downsides and Considerations
While Costco offers great value on frozen foods, there are a few potential downsides to keep in mind:
Bulk Buying Blues
Buying in bulk can be challenging, especially for smaller households. Consider freezing portions of larger items to prevent waste. Sharing with friends or family is also a great way to split the cost and avoid overstocking.
Freezer Real Estate
Adequate freezer space is essential for storing Costco’s bulk frozen foods. Consider investing in a chest freezer if you regularly purchase large quantities of frozen items.
Availability Alert
Product availability can vary significantly by location. What’s available at one Costco might not be available at another. Check your local Costco’s website or app for up-to-date information.
In Conclusion: Costco Frozen Foods: A Smart Choice
Buying frozen foods at Costco offers an excellent combination of convenience, value, and variety. From quick and easy meals to delicious snacks and desserts, Costco’s freezer aisle has something for everyone. By following our guide and keeping our tips in mind, you can stock up on the best Costco frozen foods and save time and money. The best Costco frozen foods offer the ultimate way to prep for weeknight dinners without sacrificing quality.
Next time you’re at Costco, be sure to check out these frozen food winners! You might just discover your new go-to meal or snack. And remember, sharing is caring! Don’t be afraid to share your favorite Costco frozen food finds in the comments below – we’d love to hear your recommendations. Enjoy the convenience and savings that Costco’s frozen food aisle has to offer!
