A food TikToker with more than 1 million followers shares her 10 must-have Costco purchases

• Food TikToker Jen Curley shared her top 10 favorite Costco buys.
• Curley's list includes aged cheddar cheese, Vietnamese pho, and the food court's $1.50 hot dog.

Food TikToker Jen Curley, known as @snackqween to her 1.3 million followers, is best known for food recipes and reviews that range from the best mac and cheese (think: mounds of shredded swiss, white cheddar, gruyere, sharp cheddar, and parmesan) to what McDonald's is like in Hawaii.

Curley's content includes instructions on how to make a chicken caesar wrap with Trader Joe's supplies, as well as elevated recipes for ratatouille or the aforementioned five-cheese mac and cheese. Curley has also been open with her followers about her struggle with an eating disorder; she occasionally eats other people's "fear foods" (foods they may not eat because of a belief that they are bad) at their request to normalize them.

This week, Curley shared her top 10 foods from Costco. Curley's Costco greatest hits list is similarly relatable, with elevated staples sprinkled throughout.

10. The Costco hot dog

The Costco food court is beloved; it sells a hot dog and soda combination for $1.50. In her video, Curley acknowledges the debate amongst its fans: are the hot dogs or pizzas better?

Curley said she'd be happy to have both, but if she had to pick, she's team hot dog.

In July 2022, Insider reporter Mary Meisenzahl pitted Costco and Sam's Club food courts against one another. Costco was the victor, and the hot dog stood out. The bun was soft yet substantial, the meat flavorful and hearty, and the condiments section was impressive.

9. Kirkland mixed nuts

"These nuts are giant; they're salty; they are a go-to snack for me," Curley said.

8. Snapdragon Vietnamese pho

"This item is kind of controversial," Curley admits, picking up a pack of Vietnamese Authentic Pho Broth with Rice Noddles. She agrees, yes, pho tastes better at a restaurant. "But, if you have a craving, this does the trick."

7. FritoLay classic mixed chips packs

True to her name, @snackqween says she always grabs a 54-pack of Frito-Lay's classic mixed chips.

6. Kirkland organic creamy peanut butter

If you have not tried Kirkland peanut butter," Curley says in the TikTok, "run. Go try it. I swear you will never go back to any other brand."

5. Kirkland eggs

Curley opts for Kirkland's organic free-range eggs.

4. Kirkland seasoned rotisserie chicken

Like many Costco shoppers, Curley loves the famous rotisserie chicken. "Everybody knows that Costco rotisserie chicken is elite," she says, "why are they so juicy?"

Many fans agree. It's big, juicy, and tender, and has a Facebook page with over 19,000 followers. It's such a draw to Costco that, in 2015, Costco's chief financial advisor said they were willing to lose "$30 to $40 million a year in gross margin" just to keep selling them for $5.

3. New York strip steak

"Everyone's always team rib eye," Curley says, "but do not sleep on the New York Strip." If you want to get the exact same version, make sure you get the prime — "this cut is quality," she advises.

2. Kirkland seaweed

Curley says this is her favorite seaweed, even over specialty store options.

1. Kingdom Organic aged cheddar cheese

"Every time I put this on the charcuterie board," she explains, "everybody's asking about it — because it's so delicious."

Honorable mention: Kirkland vodka

And, lastly, while not officially on the list since it's not technically in any food group, Curley gives an honorable mention to Kirkland Vodka: "It's better than most vodkas out there."

It's worth noting that Costco stores are unique. Since Curley is based in Orange County, California, some of her go-to items may not be available for you locally. But, her list is mostly Kirkland items, which are most likely to be consistent across locations as the store's signature brand.