The highest-rated Costco products are the ones that their customers love!
When it comes to the highest-rated Costco products, you will see a lot of different lists out there. Many blogs and magazines will compile their top picks, but often they focus on the same well-known items, like the famous food court hot dog or the legendary rotisserie chicken. These are undeniably great, but they’re only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the true value hiding in those wide aisles.
While there are some trustworthy ones that tell you about the products everyone loves, there are many other Costco staples that fans of the store love to get that do not get the same reputation and attention as the others. These are the unsung heroes of a Costco run, the items that seasoned shoppers make a beeline for, knowing they offer unparalleled quality and value. We wanted to shine a light on these less-talked-about, yet deeply cherished, products.
Sure, the store has an almost fanatic-level fanbase, but it is understandable. The “treasure hunt” atmosphere, the surprisingly generous return policy, and the way they treat their employees all contribute to a shopping experience that builds incredible loyalty. It’s more than just a store; for many, it’s a community built around the shared joy of finding a fantastic deal.
They are one of the biggest warehouse clubs out there; their prices have always been competitive both online and in-store; and their own brand has managed to come out with amazing products! The Kirkland Signature brand, in particular, has become a phenomenon. It frequently goes head-to-head with premium, national brands in blind taste tests and often comes out on top, all while costing a fraction of the price. This commitment to quality under their own label is a huge reason for the devotion.
Since they have such devoted fans (a couple has even gotten married at Costco, where they had their first date), we have decided to dig deeper and find out which of their favorite products are. After all, who is better to give us all solid advice than them? We sifted through online forums, fan groups, and social media threads to see what the die-hard members are consistently adding to their carts, trip after trip. These are the items they swear by.
Here are some of the highest-rated Costco products by their most loyal fans that we think you will also love!
Which is your favorite item to buy at Costco, and why? Let us know your opinion in the comments below!
Fresh Atlantic Salmon Filet
When it comes to meat products, a lot of customers rave about them. And you already know about the riveted Costco rotisserie chicken, so we decided not to include it on our list this time! That beloved bird gets enough press, and frankly, its popularity sometimes overshadows other incredible finds in the fresh food department that deserve just as much praise.
However, have you heard much about their fish selection? If you’ve only ever breezed past the seafood cooler on your way to the chicken, you’re missing out on what many members consider a crown jewel of the fresh department.
One of their highest-rated customer products is the Fresh Atlantic Salmon Filet! These can also come in huge salmon fillets that you can separate yourself at home or in pre-portioned sizes. The quality is immediately apparent; the fish has a vibrant, rich color and a firm texture that holds up beautifully to any cooking method, whether you’re grilling, baking, pan-searing, or even making sushi or poke bowls at home (with sushi-grade options).
It is one of those products that you can cook fresh and then freeze off the rest of the item that you bought in bulk so it lasts longer. Pro tip from loyal fans: when you get home, portion the large fillet into meal-sized pieces, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them all in a large freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn and makes pulling out a single portion for dinner incredibly convenient.
But this salmon is the best bang for the buck; it is ethically sourced and extremely tasty, even after being frozen! The flavor is rich but not overly “fishy,” making it a hit even with family members who might be hesitant about seafood. Its high-fat content ensures it stays moist and forgiving during cooking, so you don’t have to be a professional chef to get a perfect result every time.
The skinless, boneless filet is a fan favorite, and you can expect the price to be somewhere around $12.99 a pound! When you compare this price per pound to what you’d pay at a traditional grocery store for salmon of this quality, the savings are significant. It makes having a healthy, delicious protein on hand an affordable luxury rather than a once-in-a-while treat.
Maple Syrup
Another one of the highest-rated Costco products that you may not be able to get anywhere else is their maple syrup. In a world of artificially flavored “pancake syrups” made mostly from corn syrup, finding the real deal at an affordable price can be a challenge. Costco’s Kirkland Signature version is the answer many shoppers have been looking for.
If you’re looking for 100% pure Grade A amber-colored syrup that is organic and won’t end up blowing a hole in your budget, Costco is the place for you. This isn’t just for pancakes and waffles, though. Fans use this liquid gold as a natural sweetener in their coffee, oatmeal, and yogurt. It’s also a fantastic ingredient in savory dishes, perfect for creating a glaze for roasted salmon or Brussels sprouts, or adding a touch of complexity to a salad vinaigrette or a barbecue sauce.
Some fans of the store are so into this product and the store that they are willing to drive four hours to pick up their favorite items, and more often than not, this one is on their grocery list. This level of dedication speaks volumes about the product’s consistent quality and unbeatable value. For families that go through a lot of maple syrup, it’s a non-negotiable part of their shopping list.
The best deal for the maple syrup is to go for the 33-ounce bottle, which is going to be about $14.99! We would be surprised if you found a better deal at another grocery store! A bottle of this size and quality, especially with an organic certification, could easily cost you double elsewhere. It’s a pantry staple that makes you feel smart every time you buy it.
Alcohol
Yes, you read that right. If you have a party coming up with a lot of guests, we recommend that you not blow your budget out. Then you should turn your attention towards Costco alcohol. For many, the savings in the liquor aisle alone can justify the cost of the annual membership fee, especially if you entertain often or simply appreciate a well-stocked bar cart. A fun fact for some shoppers: depending on your state’s laws, you might not even need a membership to purchase alcohol!
The warehouse store has a wide selection of both liquor and wine, along with beer, but the ones that end up getting the highest ratings time and time again are the liquor and wine ones. Their buyers are known for having an excellent palate, curating a selection that features both well-known brands at a discount and exclusive Kirkland Signature offerings that consistently over-deliver on quality.
This is because they both have a lot of different varieties to choose from, as well as quality alcohol that is fairly affordable. You can find everything from award-winning Scotch and small-batch bourbon to cases of globally sourced wines from acclaimed regions in France, Italy, and California, often for under $10 a bottle.
Of course, there are going to be outliers, and your palate may not agree with all the types, but the consensus stands: you can get good alcohol at Costco. The sheer volume of positive reviews and fan discussions online about their favorite Kirkland spirits and wines is a powerful testament to the store’s success in this category.
Their most riveting drink is the Kirkland Signature’s Cabernet Sauvignon, which has been reported online to be able to keep fresh even 20 days after being opened. This remarkable longevity is a huge bonus for those who only enjoy a single glass at a time and worry about wasting the rest of the bottle.
So you do not have to feel pressured to drink it fast, so it won’t spoil. Even better, it generally goes for about $9.99, but your location may have different prices. It’s an easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing red that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or serving at a large gathering without breaking the bank.
Another one of their popular drinks is Kirkland Signature vodka. The rumors are that it is very similar to Grey Goose, but we cannot confirm nor deny this allegation. The speculation is fueled by the fact that both are made using water from the same source in the Cognac region of France.
The truth is that they are sourced from the same region in France, but Costco’s version will only be $20. For a massive 1.75L bottle, the price is simply unbeatable. Whether it’s an exact replica or not, fans agree it’s an incredibly smooth, high-quality vodka that is perfect for cocktails, and at that price, it’s a hands-down winner.
Muffins
The baked sweets section has a lot of outliers and fan favorites, but there is one that most people often forget to mention. As you walk past the bakery, the aroma of freshly baked goods is intoxicating, drawing you toward giant croissants and oversized cookies. Amidst these popular choices, the humble muffin stands tall—quite literally, as they are enormous.
Since we do not want to gatekeep amazing products from you, we say you have to try their muffins. These are not your average, dry, crumbly grocery store muffins. They are famously moist, dense, and absolutely packed with high-quality ingredients, whether it’s an abundance of juicy blueberries, rich chocolate chunks, or savory corn and cheese.
They are by far the best grocery store muffins offered around, and you will not regret it. The sheer size of them makes them a great value; one muffin can easily serve as a satisfying breakfast or be shared between two people. They are a decadent treat that feels incredibly indulgent.
Costco sells them in packs of six, and if you are lucky, you will be able to pick up two packs for the price of one; that makes the muffin dozen only $8.99! This “mix and match” deal is a huge draw, allowing you to try a variety of flavors at once. You can grab a six-pack of Double Chocolate and pair it with a six-pack of classic Blueberry or a seasonal favorite like Pumpkin Streusel.
Another perk is that you can easily freeze them and then heat them when you want to enjoy them later, and they will keep well. The best method, according to fans, is to wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready for a treat, a quick 30-60 seconds in the microwave brings it back to a warm, “freshly-baked” state of perfection.
Be careful not to fall in love with a specific flavor, as they vary by store and season, and you may not find it outside your local Costco. This rotating selection is part of the fun, turning each trip into a potential discovery of a new favorite, but it can also be heartbreaking when a beloved flavor disappears. Our advice? If you find one you adore, buy an extra pack for the freezer!
If you want to see if you can mimic the Costco muffins at home, then you are going to need a good pan to make them in. This one here is great quality and affordable!
Tires
If you are ever in need of new tires and you do not know where you can get a great deal, then you should head to Costco. While it might seem odd to include car parts on a list with muffins and salmon, the Costco Tire Center is one of the store’s most highly-rated and value-packed services. Many members overlook it, but those in the know swear by it.
It is one of their highest-rated services, and if you end up buying new tires at Costco, you can also opt to have them installed in their own section. The convenience is a major selling point; you can drop off your car and get your grocery shopping done while the professionals handle the installation. No need for a separate trip to a garage.
And the great deal does not stop here! With the installation, you also get balancing, rotation, and nitrogen tire inflation! It is a great service, and it is one of the Costco products and services many do not speak about! Let’s break down that value: lifetime balancing and rotations can save you hundreds of dollars over the lifespan of your tires. Nitrogen inflation helps tires maintain pressure more consistently than regular air, which can improve fuel economy and tire longevity. Plus, they offer an excellent road hazard warranty.
So do not discount them, since when you do the addition at the end, with the installation and everything else, you can end up saving a lot of money! They carry top brands like Michelin and Bridgestone, and they frequently run promotions that offer an instant rebate of $70 or more off a set of four. When you factor in the competitive initial price, the promotional discounts, and the free lifetime services, Costco is often the most economical and intelligent choice for new tires.
Sheet Cake
Another Costco baked good that is beloved by customers is the sheet cake. The catch is that it has been on hiatus for a while! This isn’t just any cake; for years, the customizable half-sheet cake was the go-to for birthday parties, graduations, office celebrations, and any event requiring a delicious and affordable dessert for a crowd.
Back in May 2020, the sheet cake was discontinued by the warehouse. What followed has been a hoard of angry customers who have demanded for it to be brought back. There have even been several petitions and angry social media posts involved! The public outcry was immense, a true testament to how much this particular product meant to families and their traditions. Fans fondly called the period “The Great Sheet Cake Famine.”
However, their efforts paid off, as the sheet cake is finally back. The price has increased since 2020, from $19 to $25, but customers are still extremely pleased. Even with the price adjustment, feeding up to 48 people a high-quality cake for around $25 is a value that is virtually impossible to find anywhere else.
The cake is hefty, a great size, and of great quality. Fans of the dessert say there is no other grocery store version that compares. You can typically choose between a white cake with a vanilla cheesecake mousse filling or a chocolate cake with a chocolate mousse filling, both topped with a rich yet light buttercream frosting. The ability to add custom decorations and messages makes it a perfect, personalized centerpiece for any celebration.
Honey
Speaking of natural sweeteners, if we talk about maple syrup, we cannot ignore honey. The chance may be that it is another high-rated product among customers, and not many people talk about it. Just like with syrup, the honey aisle at a regular store can be confusing, but Costco simplifies it by offering high-quality options at their trademark low prices.
The Kirkland Signature brand has done it again, and their organic raw honey is both extremely adorable and delicious. This honey is a fan-favorite for its mild, classic flavor and the fact that it is raw and unfiltered, meaning it retains more of the natural pollens and enzymes that many health-conscious consumers look for. It’s the perfect all-purpose honey.
It comes in three 24-ounce plastic bottles that are bear-shaped for only $17.99. You may not need all of them at once, but they have a long shelf life, and you can even share them with friends and neighbors when you go. The price per ounce is significantly lower than what you’d find for a single, smaller bottle of organic raw honey at other retailers. The cute bear bottles are just a bonus!
Another version that is popular is the Wildflower Honey, which is five-pounds for $17.99! This option, often sold in a large jug, is perfect for serious honey enthusiasts or those who use it for baking and cooking in large quantities. The Wildflower variety typically has a deeper, more complex flavor profile that can vary slightly depending on the source, which adds to its appeal.
Which one would you try? The organic raw honey bears are great for drizzling on toast and tea, while the larger wildflower jug is an incredible value for all your culinary needs. You can’t go wrong with either.
And since we are on the topic of Costco, if you have a membership, are you sure you are using it to its full potential? Make sure you are using all the perks that come with it, not just the access to the warehouse store, by checking our article to see if you’re truly in the know! Beyond the shelves, there are amazing deals on travel, insurance, optical services, and more that you could be missing out on.
