Top 5 Costco Frozen Foods (And 5 You Should Avoid), Based On Reviews

The Costco Frozen Food Aisle: Hidden Treasures and Must-Avoid Items

Costco's frozen food section is a treasure trove for shoppers looking for convenience, variety, and value. From breakfast items to desserts, the frozen aisle offers a wide range of options that can save time and money. However, not every item in the freezer is worth your hard-earned dollars. Navigating this vast selection can be overwhelming, but with the help of customer reviews and expert opinions, you can separate the gems from the duds.

Best: Kirkland Signature Supreme Cauliflower Crust Pizza

For those who are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pizza, the Kirkland Signature Supreme Cauliflower Crust Pizza is a standout. This pizza offers a crispy cauliflower crust topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pork pepperoni, seasoned sausage, and a variety of colorful vegetables. At $13.61 for two pizzas, it's an affordable and satisfying option.

Customers praise the pizza for its ability to mask the taste of cauliflower, making it a great choice for those who are hesitant about vegetable-based crusts. One Redditor shared, "It's excellent and lower calories than regular frozen pizza but definitely scratches the itch." Another user noted that it's one of their most frequently purchased items from Costco. With its balance of flavor and affordability, this pizza is a must-have for any freezer.

Worst: Frozen Chicken Bakes

While Costco's chicken bakes are a hit in the food court, the frozen version has disappointed many customers. The frozen chicken bake is smaller than the food court version and often turns out "wet and mushy" when microwaved or "hard and dry" when baked. Some customers have even given it the nickname "chicken fake."

One Reddit user explained, "After tasting the delicious food court chicken bakes, the frozen version just doesn't compare." The presence of green onions in the filling is another point of contention. If you're looking for a high-quality chicken bake, it might be best to skip the frozen version and opt for the freshly-baked option at the food court.

Best: Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast Chunks

Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast Chunks are a popular choice among Costco shoppers. These chicken bites are antibiotic-free and raised without added hormones or steroids, making them a healthy option. With 16 grams of protein per serving, they are a great source of quick and easy nutrition.

Parents appreciate these chunks as a convenient snack for kids, while adults enjoy them as a meal. One Redditor mentioned, "I like them air fried and on my tzatziki salad." Compared to other chicken chunk products, the Kirkland brand is less "squishy" in texture. At $4.55 per pound, it's also an excellent value.

Worst: Tyson Chicken Strips

Despite being advertised as "crispy," Tyson Chicken Strips have received negative feedback from customers. Many find them chewy and loaded with unnecessary ingredients. One Redditor even mentioned throwing away the product due to dissatisfaction, stating, "They took up too much valuable freezer real estate for how much they sucked."

Costco shoppers recommend alternatives like Just Bare lightly breaded chicken strips, which have a simpler ingredient list and are antibiotic-free. While slightly more expensive, the quality is worth the extra cost.

Best: Kirkland Signature Tempura Shrimp

Kirkland Signature Tempura Shrimp is a favorite among customers for its crispy texture and restaurant-grade taste. Unlike some tempura shrimp that are mostly batter, these shrimp are large and evenly coated. One Reddit user shared, "8 minutes in the air fryer and they are crispy and delicious, very comparable to restaurant shrimp."

The accompanying sauce is also a hit, with customers using it to enhance rice dishes or other meals. For a high-quality, flavorful option, these shrimp are a top choice.

Worst: El Monterey Chicken Taquitos

El Monterey Chicken Taquitos have been criticized for their poor texture and inconsistent filling. Customers describe them as "too much tortilla and not enough filling" and "too doughy." Some even found the taquitos to be inedible.

Reddit users suggest buying the ingredients from Costco to make fresh taquitos at home instead of purchasing the frozen version. The frozen taquitos lack the quality and flavor of homemade versions, making them a poor choice.

Best: Kirkland Signature Premium Vanilla Ice Cream

Kirkland Signature Premium Vanilla Ice Cream is a crowd-pleaser, praised for its creamy texture and high-quality flavor. At $16.90 for two half-gallon cartons, it's a great value compared to other grocery stores. One Redditor noted, "You are getting 33% more so the price is actually pretty reasonable."

The ice cream is also praised for its slow melting and ease of scooping. For a premium ice cream that delivers on both taste and value, this is a must-buy.

Worst: Green and Sunny Pad Thai

Green and Sunny Pad Thai has received mixed reviews, with many customers expressing disappointment. One Reddit user described the experience as "tasting like someone described pad thai over a cup and string kids telephone while drunk and craving Mexican food." Others reported a fishy smell and an unnatural neon orange color.

Some shoppers even returned the product due to dissatisfaction. For the best experience, it's recommended to make fresh pad thai at home rather than relying on the frozen version.

Best: Ling Ling Chicken Potstickers

Ling Ling Chicken Potstickers are a favorite among Asian food lovers. These potstickers are known for their crispy, doughy exterior and juicy fillings. Customers recommend pan-frying them for the best results, as microwaving or steaming may affect the texture.

With a cost of only 20 cents per ounce, these potstickers offer excellent value. Adding chili oil can enhance the flavor, making them a versatile and tasty addition to any meal.

Worst: Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna

Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna has received mixed reviews, with many customers finding it greasy and overly salty. One Reddit user described it as "too greasy and somehow too sweet and too spicy at the same time."

The high sodium content, at 890 milligrams per serving, is another concern. With so many better options available in the frozen aisle, it's best to skip this lasagna and opt for healthier, more flavorful choices.