6 Frozen Costco Foods To Buy And 7 To Skip

Skip: Nature's Touch frozen avocado halves

The first item I suggest avoiding in Costco's frozen section is their frozen avocado halves. Once thawed, the avocado develops an odd, almost freezer-burnt taste that needs to be covered up with spices and other ingredients. Additionally, while it may be creamy, the texture is far from that of a perfectly ripe avocado.

There are very few situations where you would need large quantities of frozen avocado, and unless you’re operating a Mexican restaurant that requires a steady supply of guacamole, this product probably isn’t for you. Instead, I recommend purchasing the bags of avocados found in the produce section and allowing them to ripen naturally, much like a beautiful sunset. (You can store nearly ripe avocados in the fridge for a few days to stagger their ripening.)

Buy: Kirkland Signature frozen berries

With a wide selection of berries, including perfectly halved strawberries, wild blueberries, mixed berries, and raspberries, Costco offers all the berry varieties you could possibly need, all at unbeatable prices. Our top pick is the Kirkland Signature three-berry blend, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them.

If you enjoy smoothies, Costco's frozen berries are a must-have for your freezer. For baking enthusiasts, their frozen blueberries are ideal for scones and galettes. If you have little ones, mashing some thawed berries and mixing them into yogurt or cottage cheese with a drizzle of honey is a fantastic way to elevate plain Greek yogurt (you can even freeze the mixture in ice molds for a delightful treat). Above all, I love adding those frozen berries to regular water for a refreshing and fancy twist.

Skip: Morey's marinated wild pink salmon

I typically enjoy Costco's frozen fish and seafood, particularly their portioned sole, haddock, and a variety of scallops and fish. As a result, I'm usually eager to sample any new frozen fish product that hits the shelves. Unfortunately, their marinated wild pink salmon did not meet my expectations. This product is designed for grilling, which might be its strong suit. However, when prepared in the oven, air fryer, or microwave, it ended up drying out, even when cooked for a shorter time than recommended.

The fish is heavily seasoned, and its flavor becomes overly spicy and somewhat unappealing. Additionally, the filets are drenched in sauce that mostly evaporates during cooking, leaving you with a sticky mess to clean up, forcing you to reach for dish soap and a tough scrubber while regretting your decision to try Costco's marinated wild pink salmon.

Buy: Sabatasso's pizza singles

These individual pizzas have been a lifesaver for hungry appetites in my home on numerous occasions. Praised for their perfectly sized portions and quick cooking options, Sabatasso's pizza singles have been a favorite among Costco shoppers for years — and for good reason. They can be prepared in the oven, air fryer, or even the microwave, all while maintaining their delicious flavor.

With a combination of pepperoni and four-cheese varieties, they offer a fantastic base for adding extra toppings during enjoyable pizza and movie nights, allowing everyone to customize their own pie just the way they prefer. Plus, with their convenient single-serving size, you won’t have to deal with cold, leftover slices or the hassle of cutting a pizza in half if you’re dining solo. We highly recommend opting for these frozen pizzas instead of Costco's mediocre pepperoni option.

Skip: Olivia marinated butterfly shrimp

This dish aims to capture the essence of summertime grilling, with the Olivia butterfly shrimp designed to evoke the feeling of Bobby Flay crafting the ultimate grilled shrimp in your backyard. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different; it tastes as if someone mishandled the shrimp, crushed it underfoot, doused it in excessive oil and spices, and then served the unappealing result on your plate. If you're looking to grill shrimp like a pro, it's best to steer clear of this frozen option and instead follow our shrimp grilling guide using a product you can always find at Costco: Kirkland Signature farm-raised raw shrimp.

Buy: Nature's Touch frozen broccoli

If you're aiming to eat healthier by filling your freezer with nutritious, versatile, and convenient options, then Nature's Path frozen broccoli from Costco is a must-have. As a busy professional and parent, I can confidently say that this frozen broccoli is an outstanding choice.

Firstly, we appreciate the larger packaging, which allows you to prepare enough broccoli for multiple servings in one go. The quality is consistently top-notch, featuring vibrant green florets that maintain their texture and flavor even after cooking. Unlike some frozen vegetables that can turn mushy, Costco's broccoli retains a satisfying crunch. It's ideal for quick stir-fries, roasting, or adding to casseroles and soups, but we often find ourselves enjoying it simply as a side dish after microwaving. The generous packaging provides excellent value, ensuring you always have a healthy vegetable option readily available. Plus, frozen broccoli is just as nutritious as fresh, making it a fantastic choice for increasing your vegetable intake without the need for frequent grocery shopping. Best of all, it costs even less than fresh broccoli at Costco while delivering the same great taste.

Skip: Dom salmon or tuna poke singles

Although the idea of ready-to-eat poke bowls from Costco's freezer section is enticing, the salmon and tuna poke singles do not meet expectations. These pre-packaged seafood options are overwhelmed by a blend of seasonings that overshadow the subtle flavors of the fish. The excessive seasoning leaves little opportunity for customization or appreciation of the raw fish itself.

Additionally, the shelf life of these products is disappointingly short, with quality declining quickly after thawing. This creates a pressure to consume them promptly, which may not fit well with your meal planning. The packaging also adds to the frustration, as the individual portions are neither substantial enough for a satisfying meal for two nor small enough for a single serving. This awkward sizing complicates the integration of these poke bowls into your regular dining routine. Ultimately, you would be better off making fresh poke at home or opting for Costco's new poke trays from the refrigerated section.

Buy: Kirkland Signature frozen chicken breasts

Frozen chicken breasts from Costco are an absolute must-have that I always make sure to pick up during my shopping trips. These protein-packed essentials are a key part of my meal planning and preparation routine. Unlike Costco's pre-cooked chicken options, these raw frozen breasts provide unmatched versatility in the kitchen. They're ideal for batch cooking, enabling me to prepare an entire week's worth of meals in one session.

The quality of these chicken breasts is consistently excellent, with each piece individually frozen, allowing me to thaw only what I need. This minimizes waste and guarantees that I always have protein available for last-minute meals. Whether I'm grilling, pan-frying, or using the slow cooker, these chicken breasts can easily adapt to a wide range of recipes and cuisines. Their mild flavor makes them perfect for marinating or seasoning to complement any dish. If you're cooking for a busy family that values healthy eating without compromising on convenience, Costco's frozen chicken breasts should definitely become your go-to freezer staple.

Skip: Bibigo steamed dumplings

Although Bibigo's steamed dumplings have become a sensation on TikTok, they may not live up to the culinary acclaim that social media suggests. Despite being recognized as America's leading Korean food brand, these dumplings were quite disappointing. While they offer convenience, the microwave cooking method compromises authenticity and texture, leading to soggy wrappers that fall short of traditional Korean dumplings. The filling, which includes chicken, cabbage, onions, and mushrooms, lacks the richness and complexity found in authentic Korean cuisine. Even when we attempted to enhance the dumplings with various sauces and toppings inspired by TikTok, we found them to be bland and in need of significant improvement.

Additionally, the excessive packaging was frustrating, as the preparation instructions were printed on the outer box rather than on the individual frozen trays. While Bibigo may be a prominent name in Korean food, these dumplings do not accurately reflect the quality of their offerings. For those looking for an easy Korean dumpling experience, we recommend trying Bibigo's beef mandu dumplings and pan-frying them instead.

Buy: Kirkland Signature ice cream bars

Kirkland Signature ice cream bars are an essential treat that competes with the well-known Magnum bars in both flavor and quality. These decadent desserts provide the same luxurious experience as their branded equivalent but at a much more affordable price. The rich, creamy ice cream center is coated in a thick, crunchy layer of premium chocolate, sprinkled with nut pieces that delightfully crack with every bite, just like a Magnum.

What distinguishes these bars is their generous size and top-notch ingredients. Plus, they come individually wrapped for convenience and portion control. These bars are an excellent option for discerning dessert enthusiasts who want to indulge their sweet cravings without overspending.

Skip: Nature's Touch chocolate dipped strawberries

In contrast to the previous frozen dessert, Costco's Chocofruit chocolate-dipped strawberries were a major letdown. I was eager to try them, believing I had finally discovered a healthy frozen option at my favorite store. Unfortunately, I was met with disappointment. The chocolate coating tasted stale and lacked any real cocoa flavor, missing the rich indulgence I had anticipated. To make matters worse, the strawberries were watery and bland, lacking the vibrant, juicy taste that makes fresh strawberries so enjoyable.

The combination of subpar chocolate and uninspiring fruit resulted in a treat that resembled soggy fruit left forgotten in the back of the fridge, rather than the delightful fondue-dipped bites I had envisioned. The texture was unappealing, and the overall experience fell far short of the sweet, satisfying snack I had hoped for. This product fails to deliver as either a luxurious dessert or a healthy alternative, leaving consumers with a mediocre choice that’s better off staying in the freezer aisle.

Buy: Dom smoked salmon

Costco's smoked salmon is a fantastic option that merges top-notch quality with incredible value for bagel and cheese enthusiasts everywhere. Harvested from the frigid waters of Alaska, this smoked steelhead salmon features a rich, buttery texture and a well-balanced flavor profile. The one-pound package provides ample servings at a price significantly lower than that of specialty shops or delis.

Thinly sliced, this salmon is perfect for everything from sophisticated appetizers to a quick bagel topping. Its versatility also shines in salads, pasta dishes, or as a standalone protein. The vacuum-sealed packaging guarantees freshness and prolongs shelf life, making it easy to store and use over time. Nutritionally, it’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein. In summary, whether you're hosting a brunch, whipping up a quick lunch, or indulging in a luxurious snack, Costco's smoked salmon is a smart and delightful choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Skip: Kirkland Signature frozen salmon

In contrast to its smoked version, Costco's frozen farmed Atlantic salmon is a product that’s better left untouched. While it may seem convenient, it doesn't offer good value for the price. For starters, it is priced the same as Costco's farmed chilled salmon, eliminating any potential savings. This makes it hard to rationalize choosing the frozen variety over the fresher one. Additionally, the packaging is excessively wasteful, with individually wrapped portions adding unnecessary plastic waste to landfills.

From a cooking standpoint, the flavor and texture leave much to be desired, as the salmon tends to overcook quickly. The freezing process often diminishes the salmon's delicate flavor, leading to a bland, occasionally fishy taste that falls short of fresh fillets. To make matters worse, the texture can be inconsistent, varying from mushy to overly dry when prepared. In summary, discerning shoppers would be wise to skip this option and choose Costco's fresh salmon instead.