5 Best Cuts Of Meat At Costco And 5 To Avoid

Buy: Kirkland Signature organic ground beef

Although this is a bulk purchase like other items at Costco, Kirkland Signature organic ground beef comes in several interconnected packages that can be easily divided into smaller portions. Each purchase includes three individually sealed sections, each weighing over a pound, which can be separated thanks to convenient perforations. This design allows you to use only what you need while saving the rest in the refrigerator or freezer. One of the main downsides of buying in bulk is the potential for food waste (and budget waste) if you don’t utilize everything you purchase. However, this packaging design addresses that issue. Additionally, since the packages are vacuum sealed, you won’t have to worry about any leakage during storage.

Ground beef is incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide range of dishes from pasta meat sauce to burgers for a barbecue. Organic beef typically costs more than conventional beef due to the higher expenses associated with raising cattle on a specialized diet, a cost that is ultimately passed on to consumers. However, at Costco, it is priced around $5.75 per pound, compared to $9 for a similar package at other grocery stores. The Kirkland Signature ground beef is also produced without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. While you can find regular ground beef at Costco for a slightly lower price, if you’re willing to invest a bit more for quality and convenience, the Kirkland Signature organic ground beef package is an excellent choice.

Avoid: Kirkland Signature ground beef

The standard 88% lean ground beef available in Costco's meat section is less expensive than the Kirkland Signature organic variety, though the price difference is only a few cents per pound in certain locations. However, the packaging is a reason to consider passing on this option unless you intend to use it all immediately. The 7-pound tray is presented in a single large container resting on a flimsy styrofoam base. Like most ground meat sold at the store, it is wrapped in thick plastic to keep it secure, but this increases the likelihood of leaks. Additionally, it doesn't seal as effectively as some prepackaged alternatives, which can lead to quicker browning due to exposure to air. While the quality of the ground beef is high, the packaging is lacking, which is an important consideration when purchasing in bulk and storing extras in the fridge or freezer.

Moreover, Kirkland Signature ground beef isn't the most economical ground beef option at Costco. To maximize your budget, consider requesting ground beef from behind the counter instead of opting for the prepackaged variety. This option, known as ground beef chub due to its tube shape, has a similar texture but comes in even larger packages, so be prepared for extensive meal prep or ensure you have ample freezer space.

Buy: Kirkland Signature premium pork tenderloin

Another noteworthy meat option from Costco, praised for its excellent packaging, is the Kirkland Signature premium pork tenderloin. Each package contains four sizable pork tenderloins, conveniently divided into two separate packs that can be used, refrigerated, or frozen individually. Each tenderloin weighs approximately 1.3 pounds, making it perfect for a shared meal while still fitting comfortably in a standard roasting pan or slow cooker. If you're cooking for a larger group, you can utilize both tenderloins or save one for a future meal by storing it in the fridge or freezer.

Costco's pork tenderloin is sourced, processed, and packaged by Swift, a company with a rich history dating back to 1855, ensuring a wealth of experience. The cut features small fat deposits known as marbling, which enhance the flavor during cooking. The transparent packaging allows you to see exactly what you're purchasing. However, keep in mind that the two sections are connected, so you can't mix and match to select the best pieces from the display. Nevertheless, the quality remains consistently high, ensuring you'll always find a great cut of pork.

Avoid: Kirkland Signature USDA Prime beef brisket

The fat content in the Kirkland Signature USDA Prime beef brisket is exceptional, but be prepared to pay a premium for this top-tier cut. Marbling, which refers to the fat distribution within the meat, is a crucial characteristic that qualifies a piece for the USDA Prime grade. However, it is less significant in brisket compared to other cuts like steak, which depend on fat for tenderness. Brisket is best prepared slowly at low temperatures, such as in a smoker, resulting in a rich flavor and texture even without extensive marbling. This makes the USDA Prime designation, which comes with a higher price tag, unnecessary for all but the most discerning brisket enthusiasts. While some fat is beneficial, a USDA Choice cut can perform just as well and is often more affordable.

Weighing around 15 pounds each, these briskets are sizable, which may pose a challenge for fitting them into standard pans or smokers. The USDA Prime brisket is a whole cut that includes both the flat and point sections. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly and manageable option, consider choosing either a point or flat brisket instead.

Buy: Kirkland Signature boneless skinless chicken breast

If you're looking to save money, chicken is an excellent choice for your meals due to its affordability, high protein content, and versatility in various recipes. Purchasing in bulk is a smart option for many families, and the Kirkland Signature boneless skinless chicken breast is a popular selection at Costco. It fits well within your budget and comes in individual packages that can be stored in the freezer for future use. The three tear-off sections are individually sealed, eliminating concerns about chicken juice leaking from the packaging. This important feature of many Kirkland Signature meat products distinguishes them from typical butcher counter offerings and makes them perfect for bulk buying.

The Kirkland Signature boneless skinless chicken breasts are priced at under $3.50 per pound, with each package containing approximately 6 pounds. In contrast, the same cut at other grocery stores can exceed $1 more per pound than Kirkland Signature, often comes in flimsy packaging that leaks, and doesn't freeze as well. Additionally, the chicken breasts at Costco are USDA grade A, meaning they have been inspected and found free of defects like cartilage and feathers, making them a top choice. The combination of budget-friendly pricing, practical packaging, and versatility is just the cherry on top—or rather, chicken in the pot pie.

Avoid: Kirkland Signature New York strip steak

The Kirkland Signature New York strip steak from Costco features abundant marbling, enhancing its flavor and ensuring tenderness. Sold in a pack of four substantial steaks, they are ready to be grilled. However, if you prefer your steak cooked beyond rare, you may find it challenging to achieve a well-seared crust on the outside while cooking the center to your liking due to their thickness. The exterior may char before the interior reaches your desired doneness. Unfortunately, Costco does not offer the option to customize the thickness of the steaks, which can make them tricky to handle. For those who enjoy medium or well-done steaks, Costco offers a variety of delicious options, including some USDA Prime cuts that grill more effectively.

At first glance, this cut appears to be a fantastic bargain. The Kirkland Signature New York strip is priced up to $5 less per pound than at other retailers. However, to truly benefit from this bulk purchase, you'll need to maximize its value. While similar New York strip steaks at other grocery stores typically weigh around 1 pound or less, Costco's steaks are closer to 1.2 pounds. Although the per-pound price is slightly lower at Costco, the larger size means you'll ultimately spend more for the same number of steaks. Be ready to find a way to use any leftovers to make the most of your investment.

Buy: Honeysuckle White ground turkey

Turkey serves as an excellent alternative to ground beef, offering a lower fat content while still delivering a rich and savory taste. The Honeysuckle White ground turkey available at Costco is free from hormones, steroids, and antibiotics. Its quality is exceptional, featuring a consistent grind and appealing color. Honeysuckle White meticulously tracks the origins of its turkeys and supports family farms across various states, including Virginia, North Carolina, and Missouri, among others. Although this information isn't printed on the packaging, you can explore the farms behind Honeysuckle White online to discover who raises these turkeys and how they exceed USDA standards for humane treatment throughout the process.

Additionally, the ground turkey provides great value, packaged in large portions divided into four individual containers, each weighing just over 1.5 pounds. The sturdy, stackable plastic base makes it convenient to store in the fridge or freezer if you don't plan to use it all at once. They are vacuum-sealed, so you can expect minimal freezer burn even with long-term storage.

Avoid: Kirkland Signature boneless lamb leg

The Kirkland Signature boneless leg of lamb is a worthwhile buy—if you can locate it. While it’s not necessary to shy away from it based on value or flavor, be cautious about making it a staple in your meals, as Costco doesn’t always stock it. This boneless lamb leg is sourced from Australia, meaning the meat is frozen and must travel a long distance to reach most retailers.

Cooking and eating the boneless leg of lamb is simpler than with a bone-in cut (and it’s about $10 per pound less expensive), but it lacks the rich flavor and impressive presentation of a rack of lamb. If you’re in the market for a roast, you might want to consider the Kirkland Signature pork butt, which is more affordable and versatile than lamb. In comparison to other meats like beef or pork roasts, lamb has a more pronounced gamey taste, which may not always complement other ingredients well.

Buy: Kirkland Signature ribs

Ribs are a fantastic choice for gatherings, making them a great buy at Costco. Kirkland Signature beef ribs are USDA Choice, offering an excellent mix of quality and affordability, with ample marbling throughout the meat. Priced at just over $4.50 per pound, each package weighs around 4.5 pounds, providing a generous amount of ribs. This is typical for Costco, but be sure your smoker or oven can accommodate large quantities before you add them to your cart. You can choose them in St. Louis-style, our personal favorite, which features a blend of cumin, oregano, and other spices for added flavor, or opt for them raw without any seasoning. Kirkland Signature also offers pork ribs, packaged by Swift, similar to their other pork products in the meat section. These pork ribs can be up to $1 cheaper per pound than the Kirkland Signature beef ribs, and both options are delicious.

Before buying ribs in bulk, ensure that the rack will fit in your smoker or chosen cooking method, although you can cut them if necessary. These ribs are especially popular during the summer months, so it's a good idea to call ahead and reserve a few racks if you anticipate needing a large order.

Avoid: Kirkland Signature boneless skinless chicken tenderloins

Aside from the price and size differences, there isn't much distinction between Kirkland Signature chicken tenderloins and the brand's chicken breasts. Both have the same taste and texture, and even the packaging looks quite similar. Whole chicken breasts are priced at approximately $3.50 per pound, while the tenderloins are $3.85. Given that the chicken is sold in bulk, with each package weighing between 6 and 8 pounds, the costs can add up quickly. You can save money by making your own chicken tenderloins from other parts of the chicken. Additionally, using chicken breasts allows you to convert one or two of the three individually sealed sections into tenderloins while keeping the rest intact, adding to the versatility of chicken breasts.

These chicken tenderloins are sold by weight and often contain a significant amount of liquid in each package. This occurs when the water within the chicken freezes during processing and then thaws upon defrosting. Depending on the cut, each tenderloin may have a considerable amount of fat along the edges. Unfortunately, you can't choose the best tenderloins, and it can be difficult to assess the quality of what's in the package. Since the price is determined by weight, paying for excess water and fat that you'll need to trim isn't ideal for your budget.

Methodology

Value and convenience are key considerations when shopping at Costco, which is renowned for helping customers maximize their budgets while stocking up on essential items. Like many warehouse shoppers, we sought cuts of meat that could be easily used or stored before spoiling. Costco typically offers high-quality meat, so the primary factors to consider are price and the ease of storing excess, both of which are crucial when buying in bulk.

The best cuts of meat can be utilized in a variety of recipes, making bulk purchases a smart choice. If you frequently use chicken, beef, or pork, take advantage of the savings Costco provides on these meats. With their competitive pricing, you might even treat yourself to a higher-quality option, such as a USDA Prime steak. Packaging that facilitates easier storage, like individually portioned sections, can transform a good deal into a must-try.

On the other hand, the cuts to avoid are often those that are impractical. If you can't store, cook, or consume a bulk purchase, it won't fit your lifestyle. Some items, like large brisket roasts, can be challenging to manage in a home kitchen that lacks ample storage or cooking equipment.