I tried 10 foods Costco employees told me they loved, and I'd buy almost all of them again

Molly AllenJul 22, 2023, 20:54 IST

My recent grocery haul was filled with favorites from Costco employees.Molly Allen

I asked Costco employees for recommendations, from frozen food to snacks, and tried their picks.
I loved Costco's premade quinoa salad, frozen meatballs, and peanut-butter pretzels.

Shopping at Costco can be pretty overwhelming.

The warehouse club sells thousands of products from fresh produce to frozen meals. With so many choices, it can be hard to know what's worth purchasing. Plus, trying something new is a gamble when you're buying in bulk at Costco.

To try to find some new favorites, I turned to those who know the store and its products best — Costco employees. I bought 10 items recommended to me by Costco employees throughout various departments and tried them all.

Two employees raved about the versatility of the Kirkland frozen Italian-style meatballs.

Kirkland frozen Italian-style meatballs come in large bags.Molly Allen

The meatballs cooked fast and were very flavorful.

I tried the Kirkland meatballs in a variety of ways.Molly Allen

I asked a deli employee for their favorite cheese recommendation.

Beecher's cheese is a pretty famous name.Molly Allen

This is a great cheese to serve on a cheese plate.

Beecher's impressed me with its cheese.Molly Allen

One employee said Costco's quinoa salad is their favorite premade item.

Costco's quinoa salad comes in a pretty large container.Molly Allen

I would buy this quinoa salad every time I go to Costco.

Costco's flavorful quinoa salad blew me away.Molly Allen

Several employees said Kirkland peanut-butter-filled pretzels are their go-to snack.

Kirkland peanut-butter-filled pretzels have a loyal following.Molly Allen

These pretzels are the ideal salty snack.

Kirkland peanut-butter-filled pretzels are fantastic.Molly Allen

One employee said they love Costco's premade mac and cheese for dinner or a party.

Costco sells a range of premade meals.Molly Allen

I wished the mac and cheese had a little more flavor.

The mac and cheese was not my favorite item I tried.Molly Allen

An employee in the frozen section said acai bowls are their favorite breakfast item at Costco.

Acai bowls can be pretty versatile.Molly Allen

The acai bowls were good, but I probably wouldn't buy them again.

The bowls are organic, vegan, and gluten-free.Molly Allen

The Tattooed Chef sheet-pan vegetables are a favorite for one employee.

In the frozen section, you can find plenty of fruits and veggies.Molly Allen

I loved the convenience and versatility of these veggies.

The frozen vegetables were delicious.Molly Allen

Another employee suggested I pair Kirkland hummus with naan.

Kirkland hummus can come in small containers.Molly Allen

This is a new favorite combo for me, too.

Naan and hummus is a great snack.Molly Allen

One employee said MadeGood mini packs of granola balls are great as a snack or breakfast.

You'll find this MadeGood recommendation from an employee in the snack aisles.Molly Allen

These are the perfect hiking snack or quick breakfast.

The mixed-berry balls were solid.Molly Allen

I tried Ina Garten's new cosmopolitan recipe and it's even better than the one that made her an Instagram star

Cookies on the Business Insider India website