Four Incredibly Delicious Things to Try at Costco Right Now

Costco is a lifestyle. If you know you know. But between the absolutely unbeatable floor samples of everything from granola and protein drinks to pizza and dumplings, the amazing prices, the quality of the products and the $1.50 giant hot dog and soda, it simply can't miss. If you've got the space for things and you think outside the box (Like, literally - take things out of those giant boxes to save fridge and freezer space. Or, you know, buy a chest freezer while you're there.)

Seasonal/Bespoke Produce

Have I ever heard of a Sierra Honey Plum before I found 2 lbs of them at Costco for about 4 bucks? No. But are they the sweetest, juiciest and crispiest plums I've ever sunk my teeth into? Yeah, they absolutely are. And I don't even like firm stone fruit usually. Turns out, these are sorta bespoke, if you will, as they're specially bred by one orchard inparticular: Kingsburg Orchard in California, also responsible for delights like Donut Peaches and Velvet Apriums. I'm gonna need to explore further.

Now, these won't always be there, as their season runs from late summer to about Thanksgiving, but in general, Costco is FULL of seasonal produce at great prices. Just last trip I got 6 lbs of organic carrots for $3.49.

Langers Organic Mango Nectar

I'm one of those people who had a love affair with mangoes. A really good mango will spoil you on almost any other fruit for months. I love all varieties, from champagne to red and Alphonso.

For me, this particular mango nectar is the purest expression of mango perfection on Planet Earth. I've tried them in smoothie blends, at Whole Foods, in nice restaurants. But one glass of this bathes me in delicious liquid sunshine. It's perfect. I'm trying to find more ways to incorporate it into everything from smoothies to dinners and ...anything I can think of. Langers is a name I've always trusted when it comes to fruit juices, but this is on another level.

It is insanely inexpensive, sold by the gallon, and one of the few things I can almost always find, and almost never pass up, on a Costco run.

Stan's Sourdough

Here in Chicago, game recognizes game. When we see the pink Stan's logo, we know we're in for a treat. A lot of times here that means donuts and coffee. But since those are impeccable, I took a chance on this Stan's sourdough on a trip not too long ago. Not only was I raised by a baker mother, I was later a baker myself, and married a baker. At one point during the pandemic, we were putting out two loaves of rye bread and one loaf of brioche a day, and had a sourdough pet on the side. To say I'm particular about my bread is an understatement.

When I say this blew my mind, I mean it. I'm a huge fan of sourdough but I like it aggressive. I also like it to have a nice firm outside and that perfect airy crumb on the inside. I toasted this up for my morning avocado toast (Yes, I'm responsible for the fall of the economy. I'm sorry.) and it brought a tear to my eye. Now this may be harder to find outside the Midwest market but if you see it, grab it.

This is texturally perfect, the sour notes are amazing, and when it's toast it's sublime. I will not be taking questions at this time.

Cleveland Kitchen Pickles

I know, I know, every basic lady in the world LOVES pickles. Listen to me very carefully. I was raised on the pickle. Bathed in its juice from a young age. I was refined by fire when I'd bring pickles to school in my lunch box and everyone made fun of me for liking them. I was raised in a Polish household, and in Chicago. I have earned my pickles.

There's not one right answer to pickles. I love spicy pickles for things like Cubans and I love little cornichons and baby dills for snacking. I love a classic Claussen right next to my deli sandwiches. I adore Grillo's, too, but I hate to pay 9 dollars for something, quite frankly, I can consume in 2 days or even 2 hours.

Friends, let me tell you about the bucket of Cleveland Kitchen pickles you can find at Costco. I covet them. I hoard them. I use the juice to marinate chicken in, and yes, I do drink it from the container on occasion. These are homemade, crispy, sandwich elevating little chips from heaven. I put a handful in pinch bowls and chow down as a snack, but they're good anywhere you put them. And your money goes far, because did I mention it's a BUCKET of them. I mean, ok, it's a little fridge sized bucket, but I dare you to find better quality at a better price.

I have had varying luck finding them, not only because apparently they go fast and aren't always around, but because they're either in the refrigerated aisles or the ready made middle aisle cases near the meats.

It doesn't matter where they hide you, bucket of pickles. I will find you.

That concludes this round of "things you should look forward to at Costco" and in advance: I'm really sorry if your Costco does not carry these. Each entry also has a link to the main company website, where you can track them down if they don't turn up at your warehouse. I have a feeling we'll be doing this again, with many other gems, so stay tuned!