Secrets Of Costco's Freezer Aisle You'll Wish You Knew Sooner

Some options are cheaper frozen than fresh

Chicken is an adaptable ingredient that should definitely be included in your bulk shopping list. You can easily stock up on this essential item in the Costco freezer aisle and incorporate it into a variety of dishes, from casseroles to soups. Choosing frozen precooked chicken can save you time, but uncooked options are also convenient and budget-friendly. In many cases, frozen chicken can be more economical than fresh, as it helps you avoid potential food waste.

The price difference between fresh and frozen chicken is minimal. For instance, a 6-pound bag of boneless, skinless chicken breasts from the freezer section is approximately $22, while a pack of the same from the meat counter costs around $3.50 per pound. However, the frozen variety can be stored for several months without the risk of spoilage. If you often find yourself discarding meat because you can't use it before it spoils, opting for frozen chicken is a smart way to stretch your budget. Additionally, keep an eye out for promotional deals on frozen options to save even more.

These chicken breasts come uncooked but pre-seasoned, making them ready to be cooked in a pan or on the grill. They are individually frozen, so you won’t have to worry about them sticking together in the bag. Just take out a few pieces as needed, let them thaw, and prepare them according to your recipe, just like you would with fresh chicken breasts from the meat counter.

Certain items are regional specialties

Costco features popular items, such as its frozen chicken bakes, in most locations. However, certain products, like crab and shrimp from Pacific Seafood, are only available in specific areas of Washington and Oregon. Store managers select items that resonate with local customers and often partner with businesses that are well-liked in the community. The chain also offers sports apparel and gear, including coolers for transporting frozen goods, tailored to support local professional and college teams. As a result, you might not find exactly what you're looking for at every Costco, but this could encourage you to explore something new. Since each manager is in charge of ordering and stocking their store, product availability can differ even within the same region or city. Pricing may also vary slightly at each Costco due to manager promotions and sales.

If you're in a new area, it’s worth visiting the local Costco to discover unique items that may be unfamiliar to you. Just remember that any frozen products will need to be consumed or transported back to your freezer, which could be challenging depending on your travel situation. However, a beloved Costco item, especially one from a local supplier, can make for a fantastic souvenir. Costco provides samples to highlight new and interesting products, including many regional favorites, allowing you to try before committing to a bulk purchase.

Return frozen food for a refund

Costco is well-regarded for its generous return policy, which extends to frozen food items. With a few exceptions, you can return almost anything for a full refund if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, as per the store's guidelines. To qualify for a return, items should be in their original packaging and unused, except for a small amount that may have been sampled. This means that if you've consumed the entire package of frozen food, returning it won't be possible. However, if you open it and find that it doesn't taste right or isn't what you expected, you can get a refund. While a receipt isn't always required, having one can expedite the process and make returns more efficient. Even if the food is perfectly fine, you can still return it if it doesn't meet your needs or preferences.

To return an item at Costco, simply head to the customer service counter located just inside the entrance. They can handle returns and also facilitate exchanges for different frozen food options. If your food is defective or past its expiration date, you may just need to swap it for a different bag or box.

Frozen proteins are great for meal prep

Meal preparation becomes effortless when you have ample portions of protein to mix with rice, vegetables, and other ingredients. Chicken can serve as a topping for salads, transforming them into complete meals, or it can be added to soups and stews. Other tasty options include Kirkland Signature meatballs and shrimp, which are great for stir-fries or can be enjoyed on their own. For those seeking meatless alternatives, Beyond Burgers are available in the freezer section. Most of Costco's frozen meat and seafood come in large resealable bags or boxes, making storage easier. This is ideal for bulk buyers who may not use all the meat or seafood in one go; you can take what you need and save the rest for later. Plus, since they are individually frozen, they won’t stick together.

Costco offers a diverse selection of chicken in the freezer aisle. You can find crispy varieties as well as grilled options, all pre-cooked. The lightly breaded chicken breast chunks are a fantastic alternative to your favorite fast-food chicken nuggets and are among the most sought-after meal prep chicken items from Costco's freezers. The rotisserie-style chicken breast strips are excellent for salads or sandwiches. Some options, like the Kirkland Signature boneless, skinless chicken breasts, come raw and require cooking, but they can be more affordable and convenient than similar products from the meat department.

Create your own smoothie kits

Kirkland Signature offers a wide variety of frozen fruit options in large 3- or 4-pound bags. You can create your own smoothie blends that are significantly more affordable than visiting your favorite smoothie shop, plus they can be tailored to your taste. Simply portion your favorite fruits into small ziplock bags and store them in the freezer for easy access. The berries are flash-frozen, ensuring they don’t clump together as long as they remain frozen. They can be added directly to the blender with milk, juice, or yogurt as a base. For a more filling breakfast or lunch, consider adding a scoop of protein powder, which is also available at Costco. If you're in the mood for a frozen cocktail, these fruit blends can enhance the flavor and icy texture of your drink.

The three-berry mix is a personal favorite, but feel free to include additional cherries, strawberries, or even mangoes. Keep in mind that each Costco location may have a slightly different selection based on local preferences, so you might not always find the same products. Many locations also offer a few organic options.

Additionally, some Costcos provide a frozen smoothie blend that contains six pre-portioned servings, conveniently mixed and sealed in a larger bag. This is perfect for those who want the health benefits of a smoothie at home without the hassle of preparation. However, to maximize your budget, consider portioning your own servings instead.

Replace takeout on a budget

If you enjoy takeout but want to stick to your budget, Costco has you covered. The store offers a variety of options, from orange chicken to fried rice, allowing you to recreate your favorite Asian dishes at home. Popular items include stir-fries, spring rolls, and chicken meals, along with delicious alternatives for breakfast like egg bites and breakfast sandwiches. Most of these items can be prepared in just a few minutes and are significantly cheaper than what you’d pay at Starbucks or other chains. Many frozen foods are sold in bulk but can easily be divided into individual meal prep containers, providing a more economical substitute for your usual takeout lunches or dinners.

The prepared foods section is another excellent resource for quick meals when you don’t feel like cooking, or for sides that can complement the proteins from the frozen food aisle. Dishes like macaroni and cheese or stuffed peppers freeze well, making them convenient to store for later use. Although you’ll need to explore beyond the freezer aisles to find them, these meals can enhance your home selection and align perfectly with budget-friendly freezer strategies.

Eggs and milk are in the freezer section

In certain Costco locations, eggs and milk are located alongside frozen items at the end of an aisle. If they are situated in the frozen foods section, you will find eggs and milk in a refrigerated display or a designated walk-in area. In other stores, the walk-in case for eggs and milk is positioned closer to the prepared foods and produce sections. For regular shoppers, knowing the dairy case's location is crucial, as wandering through the store can lead to impulse purchases—a strategy that Costco employs to enhance sales.

Costco's store layout is designed to guide customers through the space, ensuring they encounter as many products as possible. However, store management often rearranges items, either to encourage customer movement and increase the likelihood of additional purchases or to accommodate new products and seasonal displays. Nevertheless, the freezer section remains relatively consistent, as it requires specialized storage. Depending on the size of the dairy section, it may be located near the freezer aisles or within a larger refrigerated area.

Kirkland Signature frozen berry blend is produced by Townsend Farms, and tastes like it

If you're a fan of Townsend Farms berries, which originate from the company's headquarters in the Pacific Northwest, consider trying Costco's Kirkland Signature frozen berry blend instead. Although these berries are marketed under the Kirkland label, they are actually produced by Townsend Farms. This was revealed during a 2019 recall in certain states. The quality and dedication to consumer safety are exceptional, making this three-berry blend one of Kirkland Signature's most sought-after frozen products. Costco rebrands items under its store label to offer additional savings, and this particular blend is available in most of its locations.

Like many Kirkland Signature offerings, the frozen berries are significantly more affordable when sold as a store brand, yet they maintain high quality. The three-berry blend features strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, making it ideal for cobblers, pies, or homemade smoothies. The bag comes with a resealable top, allowing you to use only what you need and save the rest for later. These berries contain no added sugar or preservatives—just naturally sweet and delicious fruit.

Hosting starts in the frozen section

If you're organizing a big event, make sure to visit Costco to gather everything you need in one trip. The frozen food aisle is ideal for finding shareable options, including appetizers like wings and popular desserts such as Drumsticks and ice cream sandwiches. You'll often find samples available, typically located at the end of each aisle, allowing you to taste new products and discover special promotions. If you enjoy a sample, an associate can guide you to its specific spot in the frozen food section, usually close to the sampling area.

Since items are sold in bulk, you'll have more than enough for your gathering. Costco also offers paper products like plates, napkins, and utensils, though these are usually found in a separate section away from the frozen foods. This layout encourages customers to explore the store, increasing the likelihood of adding extra items to your cart.

Don't forget about Dole Whips

Certain specialty items can be elusive, but occasionally Costco stocks them—even if you don't reside in the region where the product is produced. One popular item is the famous Dole Whip, a treat that many enjoy at Disney World but can also find at Costco. This delightful frozen dessert is crafted from pineapple puree, coconut cream, and honey for sweetness. Its unique texture is both creamy and icy, making it an ideal refreshment on a warm day. You can enjoy it straight from its convenient cups or enhance it with toppings like pineapple, fresh berries, granola, or even chili crisp to create a personalized dessert. Purchasing desserts and toppings in bulk allows you to set up a DIY station at parties or events, enabling guests to craft their own versions of Dole Whip.

Costco offers them in packs of eight for approximately $13. In comparison to the $6 price for a Dole Whip at Disney, the Costco option is a bargain. Additionally, they are much more widely available, as they can be found in most Costco locations rather than being restricted to Disney parks in Florida and California. While Disney offers a few more flavor choices and some special seasonal toppings, Costco does provide the classic Dole Whip flavor: pineapple.

Avoid freezer burn

One of the standout features of many frozen foods at Costco, particularly those under the Kirkland Signature brand, is their resealable bags and containers. This design allows you to take what you need for a single meal and save the remainder for later without needing any special storage solutions. This meal prep tip helps you avoid wasting food due to improper storage in the freezer. Individually portioned frozen items are usually flash-frozen, which keeps them from clumping together in the bag. Products like prepared soups or multi-serving meals are packaged and sealed in separate portions. You can even place one in the refrigerator for use within a few days while keeping the other servings in the freezer.

When shopping at Costco, it's crucial to pay attention to the number of servings included in each item and to choose frozen foods if you don't intend to use them immediately. While buying in bulk can be economical, especially with the Kirkland Signature range, you need to ensure you can use or store your purchases before they spoil. Frozen foods typically last for several months in the freezer, unlike refrigerated perishables, which only last a few days. To maximize the benefits of the packaging that prevents freezer burn, avoid opening frozen items until you're ready to use them.