What is the one item you always leave Costco with?

[SoozyQ]

I find quite a few items that I automatically go for at Costco. I wonder what other people just have to have. These are a few of my go for items:

Roasted chicken
Molcajete chile rojo salsa
Kirkland Margaritas
Mario Batali Marinara Sauce (tho' haven't seen it last couple of visits)
Garafalo dried spaghetti
Kirkland Extra Virgin Olive Oil Toscano
Pkg of 5 avocados (big with buttery pulp and resonably priced)
Bistro Scalloped potatoes

What's yours?

[tardigrade]

Whole chickens - they have the best prices around here
Limes - when they have them. Limeade is my summertime drink of choice

Otherwise, it's hit or miss. I've gotten some good paneer once, but have never seen it again. Most of the packaging is too large for my household, so if it doesn't freeze it's not really a bargain. Unless it's something seasonable like the box of fresh peaches, that became a pie and a cobbler.

[golfer1]

Lamb Chops, Almonds, Old Chedder and extra Old Balderson's cheddar, Chicken, Steak, Bread, Back Ribs, and others.

[Maggie19]

Blue Agave Sweetener - Large Gedney dill pickles -

[goodhealthgourmet]

i don't buy every one of these items every time as it's just little ol' me in my place, but these are all the things i buy at Costco. i rarely deviate from this list unless i'm shopping for someone else:
organic eggs
organic carrots
organic spinach
roasted seaweed snacks
green tea bags
Saigon cinnamon
Kirkland toilet paper
Kirkland paper towels
Glide dental floss
the occasional bottle of wine or liquor
white kitchen trash bags
Swiffer cloths
Kirkland environmentally friendly laundry detergent
Cascade dishwasher packs

i stopped buying PB there when they discontinued the Kirkland Organic, and though it kills me because the price is so incredible, i no longer buy the large jars of Maranatha almond butter since they switched from glass to plastic. i used to get the Kirkland balsamic, but i don't use enough of it anymore to justify the space that huge bottle takes up in the cabinet. i also used to buy the large tubs of Fage yogurt - in fact i'd make extra trips just for that - but i'm off dairy these days.

[Dax]

So you really like their environmentally friendly laundry detergent then? We just bought one of the regular kirkland brand but might get the EF version when it's on sale next. Good prices.

[goodhealthgourmet]

i like it as much as any other eco-friendly detergent; it's about as good as Seventh Generation, which IMO is the best of the name-brands. and i like the scent, which is a bonus because some of them really don't sit well with me.

but a word of warning, DO NOT buy the Kirkland EF fabric softener, it's terrible. it smells weird, leaves a slimy residue on your laundry, and it's not eco-friendly. (these days i use Mrs Meyer's, which i've found to do a better job than the Seventh Generation i had been buying.)

[Leepa]

The best thing to use for fabric softener is white vinegar. Actually, it's the best thing to use for a lot of things. And Costco sells a huge jug of it. I bought two for my laundry room the last time I was there!

[goodhealthgourmet]

this one surprises me - i'd think the acid would contribute to wear & tear on fabric. and the pungent odor does't linger at all? i can't stand the smell of white vinegar.

[Leepa]

The smell, if any, goes away in the dryer. About twenty years ago I took a part time job working as a JCrew customer support person. We recommended people add some white vinegar to the water when washing their garment dyed items for the first time to set the color. My experience has been that my clothes are softer and the color stays fast longer. Towels are fluffy and actually absorb water better than those dried with fabric softener.

And you can use it to clean your oven, too! I love white vinegar!!

[divadmas]

fabric softener makes stuff less absorbent i hate it on towels.

[goodhealthgourmet]

that's interesting about setting the color! and i NEVER use fabric softener of any kind with towels because i like them to actually do their job and absorb moisture ;)

i still have concerns about the odor in my clothes because i line-dry most things, but i may try it on my towels. thanks!

[mcf]

There's zero odor; you're putting it into a whole lotta water, with detergent and rinsing it. No promises if you use cider or balsamic vineger, though. :-)

[lcool]

Nearly everyone is doing wash in HIGH pH,off the scale of life municipal water.Reducing the pH softens the water and helps preserve colour.
Me with a low pH,aggressive well,3.5 years now can tell the difference.

[mcf]

I add it to all my dark laundry to prevent fading. Never has aged anything. No smell.

[rasputina]

Chicken for the dogs food. Since we generally schedule visits for when we need to restock the freezer with meat for the dogs.

[jbsiegel]

Phillips Jumbo Lump Crabmeat - 1 lb. in a little plastic tub
Bumble Bee Solid WhiteTuna in water
Skippy Peanut Butter
Lots of Poland Spring Water
Any and all types of the Kirkland big plastic containers of nuts (particular the mixed ones)
Sometimes cereal, granola bars, Clif bars
Equal
Solo plastic cups
Bounty paper towels
Kirland white kitchen trash bags and green lawn and leaf bags

[Dax]

How much is that lb of crabmeat at your Costco? Just curious.

[jbsiegel]

My husband is the official Costco shopper. He absolutely refuses to bring me along - did that once and I dragged him up and down almost every aisle! He's not exactly the savviest shopper, but said "a lot" when I asked him. Then he said "maybe $16." My guess is probably closer to $17-$18. Sorry to not be more help!

[1sweetpea]

I buy organic chicken broth, dried mangoes and dried young coconut, Mary's organic crackers, San Marzano canned tomatoes, Grezzo olive oil, coconut water, Pellegrino or other sparkling water and Pellegrino Orangiata and Limonata, TP, PT, campari tomatoes, avocadoes, blueberries, Bolthouse organic carrot juice, Acai juice, pineapple spears, lox, fresh fish (preferably wild caught).

Every so often I buy a box of clementines or a bag of apples, but invariably, I am unhappy with the quality. Maybe this winter, I'll manage to refrain from buying a box of those clementines. The odd bag of apples is a winner, but most seem to have a few good apples, while the rest are spongy, bruised or rotten at the core, or just tasteless.

I have tried the canned salmon and tuna, but find both salty and kind of mealy. I've been suckered into the frozen dumplings that are available for sampling, but when I make them at home, they just taste mushy. The wrappers are soggy and the filling tastes grossly overprocessed.

[cstr]

I've always had good luck with their fruit, their peaches and melons this season were huge and juicy and their champagne grapes were delicate and sweet. Just have to know mostly by sight, when the season is ending and when to move on to the next best choice.

[Chowrin]

buy the restaurant size oranges. excellent qual.

[wolfe]

How does this look?
http://www2.costco.com/Browse/Product...

[Jeanne]

Yes, that's the claw meat - they were talking about the lump. I used to buy it quite a bit - I have a good crab & shrimp casserole recipe my Aunt gave me that I use it for - also an appetizer crab cake recipe I occasionally make. Very good - It used to be around $14 here in NC but I think it has gone up.

[wolfe]

delete please

[lcool]

in Maryland it's $18.00 or $19.00 and the local,mid Atlantic fresh is $22.00

[jbsiegel]

Also like those big sheet cakes that you can order. Great for birthday parties.

[divadmas]

costco nuts are good, in the mixed nuts the brazil nuts used to be rancid but they fixed that awhile ago. prices are way up in last 2 years but comparatively good price. even peanut butter is up. love cashews but hate the cashew clusters.
there is a warning about eating too much tuna, esp the solid white because of mercury.
i think the shucked oysters come in 32 oz bottle, about the only thing i am willing to deep fry.

[forkit]

Tuscan EVO
Dried cherries
Pistachios
Espresso beans
Two kinds of imported cheese (various)
wine
50lb bread flour
Jasmine rice

[lolabrw]

Costco muffins, usually always the chocolate chocolate chip ones which we repack at home and freeze (it doesn't feel like an official trip to costco without the muffins!)

Organic Italian lemon juice

kirkland trail mix

kirkland chocolate covered almonds

Wymanns frozen wild blueberries

kirklandNormandy frozen veggies

precut butternut squash

I always want to try the frozen yogurt on my way out (after years and years of seeing people enjoying it) but have yet to :/

[treb]

"I always want to try the frozen yogurt on my way out (after years and years of seeing people enjoying it) but have yet to :/"

It's really good and it's a deal. Enough to split, sometimes!

[goodhealthgourmet]

did you ever have Colombo frozen yogurt back in the days when soft-serve fro-yo first came on the scene, before all the sugar-free/fat-free/whipped air products took over? that's what they sell at the Costco food court.

[Tripeler]

Uh.... a headache?

[PenskeFan]

Yes - that or regret - regret for waiting 20 minutes or more in line.

And also every time I tried to save a few cents at their fuel pumps, I regretted that decision as well, because the parking lot and fuel situation for the West End Costco in Richmond is terrible. Finally all that regret added up.
The last straw was trying to buy tires at that Costco, the second time around. Both times were like what I imagined getting TP in the Soviet Union must have been like.

I do have some regret we left, because they had some good stuff. But between the atrocious lines and the badly laid out parking and gas situation, it just was not worth it.

We go to Sam's now just down the street, lines are usually shorter. I can get the same price on gasoline, and the setup is better, lines are shorter and more cars can move through more quickly.

When I needed tires at Sam's, I walked up to the department and they were helpful, and quick, they didnt snicker when I asked if they could be done in under 3 hours. In fact they did everything in less than an hour. And the Sam''s website "click and pull": system means I can shop online and they will have the basket waiting for me , stocked as per my order. With Costco it was a crap shoot if they had the items I really wanted most.

I almost wonder if maybe the Costco I used to go to was just very badly managed, for all the raves I hear about Costco in other places.

[cstr]

Must be your specific Costco, I've purchased several sets of tires, over the years, and have been in and out in an hour and the service was stellar. I'd recommend that you send an email, via their website, about your issues.

[ferret]

The customer service at our Costco is excellent and, not surprisingly, there are lots of employees who've been there for nearly the entire time we've been going there (almost 12 years). We've purchased tires for at least 3 vehicles in that time and have returned for rotations, nails in tires, etc., always with great and prompt service. If your experience was typical at that location I'd be pretty shocked; people do complain and Costco acts on complaints

[Rella]

Ah, darn that's too bad. We've been buying tires for many years with prompt service (while we're shopping), and never a wait for gas except for one car ahead.

It must be a big town, as I've not seen a Costco and a Sams in one area. I'm a Costco and BJ's member, and in a town we go to often now, there is no Costco, so we scouted Sams. We won't join, though.

[wolfe]

delete

[Chowrin]

where was that costco again?
I go to the costco with no lines, so I can't speak there, but everybody loves their tires... and their service is beyond compare.

[PenskeFan]

Richmond VA,, the far west end store on West Broad. I quit a few years ago, so it could be different now.

[Lexikaetzchen]

Those big canisters of mixed nuts... so good :-)
Also: Cantaloupes, shrimps and ready to cook broccolie florets

[ChefRoux]

More stuff than I need.

[coney with everything]

and always something you didn't come in for!

[pdxgastro]

Baby loaf of Vintage White Tillamook cheddar.
Wedge of Parmesan.
Bag of coffee beans-flavor of the month usually.
Cello pack of spinach.

[duncanhayden]

Butter
smoked salmon spread--I used to get the lobster spread, but the salmon is much better!
spinach-mozzarella ravioli
salmon filet
advil
whitefish spread(okay, maybe i have a thing for fish spreads--yum!)
organic salad greens
usually a book or magazine
roasted garlic rustic bread
batteries(whenthey are in the coupon book)

[coney with everything]

advil....hee.

I still have a mega bottle I bought there 3 years ago...expired but people are still taking it!

what brand of smoked salmon spread are you buying?

[Rella]

Sometimes I wonder why I keep an aspirin bottle around for a couple of years after it's expired. I'm wondering if this sort of thing EVER expires.

Is smoked salmon eated as is? In other words, not ever cooked after unwrapping?

[wolfe]

If you are referring to the cold smoked a favorite recipe is Lox, eggs and onions.
http://www.fairwaymarket.com/lox-eggs...

[Rella]

Thanks. Cold smoked, smoked, cured, all the descriptions of the packages at Costco and other places really mystify me.

I only know I can't stand texture of chewy raw-tasting meat, which is what I've had on a bagel and cream chese, and it's not something I'd like to repeat.

Probably it's because it reminds me of cured, salted, smoked ham, which even though as a child I always saw them in an outbuilding hanging, I could never get the hang of eating it. I guess salmon would be a good candidate for the ongoing thread of "You'll like it the way I cooked it."

[biondanonima]

Nina brand canned San Marzano tomatoes (I make back my membership fee on this one item alone)
Milk (half the price of my local supermarkets)
Eggs (half the price of my local supermarkets)
Red bell peppers
Cherry tomatoes
Brussels sprouts
Low-carb tortillas and/or Flatout wraps
Amylu chicken sausages
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
Flank steaks
FLAP MEAT!!!!!!!!!

[Tripeler]

The Receipt!!!

[PHREDDY]

A HOT DOG IN MY BELLY!!!!!!!!

[flowerpainter]

Land o Lakes Cottage Cheese
Kraft Parm...big green can
Kirkland Chicken tenders
...and a hot dog! Mettawa, Illinois: north of Chicago

[Beach Chick]

flowerpainter..
You might want to try the block of some Reggiano Parm vs the big green can of Kraft Parm...so much better than the stuff that has long lost its flavor.
Runs about $8-$10 and last quite awhile...

Never seen chicken tenders at my Costco in San Diego.. : (

[treb]

Kraft in the green can, are you kidding???? that stuff is not worthy!!!! The Beach Chick is soooooo right.

[Rilke]

Jumping on the bandwagon here -- that green can does not contain parmesan! Step away from the green can . . .

[Cheese Boy]

Davwud has a great moniker for it in this supplied thread. Should be about 3 replies down. Here is the GCOD reference ---> http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/5502...

[biondanonima]

If you're looking for a good alternative to the green can, my Costco carries sacks of grated Parmesan and Romano cheese in the refrigerated section (near the Jarlsburg and Stilton) that, while not Parmiggiano Reggiano quality, are quite a step up from the green can and only $1 more or so per pound. I always have this type of Parmesan on hand for making cheese crisps or tossing into sauces, etc - I keep the good stuff for eating straight, mostly.

[xoxlilnxox]

I love the tortilla crusted tilapia! However, I just moved from southern california to northern california, and can't find it in any nearby costcos. any suggestions?

[cstr]

where are your new digs? did you check the Costco website? You may need to move back!

[xoxlilnxox]

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area now... used to live in Orange County. I went to a nearby Costco and someone checked the inventory for me and told me the tortilla crusted tilapia wasn't in stock anywhere in CA. Not sure I believe him though, since I just bought it very recently in the OC!

[cstr]

Just checked, there are three locations in SFO.

[fledflew]

No significant other, offspring, or domesticated animals here, so my consumption habits and priorities are a bit different.

Every trip -
Liquor and wine
Fresh seafood if they have the stand set up
Cheese of some sort
Haricot verts
Romaine hearts
Mushrooms
Raspberries or blueberries (whatever looks good)
A couple boxes of Pellegrino

Periodically -
Brussel sprouts
A box of navel oranges if they have them
Whole peppercorns
Dental floss
Standing rib roast
Butter
A pair of cargo shorts
Aluminum steam table trays
Underwear
Maybe a case of baby back ribs or a whole leg of prosciutto if I'm having a bbq/party

When I'm in Maui, I hit the Costco on the way out of the airport and grab a couple boxes of fresh pineapples to live off of (so good!) and good coffee for drinking at the condo and to bring back to friends in the mainland
I don't consume their media (books, music, movies), frozen/canned processed food (no desire/no microwave), and chicken (grew up on the good stuff so I'm not a fan of the factory stuff).

[divadmas]

hawaii costco check out all the island food like poke.

[shades]

whitefish salad

[MeMeMe]

6 pack of frozen shrimp dumpling soup.
120 pack of Reactine.

[coney with everything]

Forgot to mention the excellent Kirkland tuna...it's not something I need every trip (seriously, that's a lot of tuna!) but I always want to have it on hand.

[Tripeler]

Certainly nothing I would have shoplifted.

[Rella]

It used to be almost always a 'treat' for myself. Either a cookbook, DVD movie, a new 'top," something new in the kitchen appliance department, a box/sack of candy, software, electronic gadget or equipment. a new food-find...
I just don't seem to find any treats anymore. Is it them or me?

[khh1138]

It used to be the same for me! But I think there was some kind of double-whammy: I had to figure out why my total bill was always around $300 (it was partly because of my cheap top + cheap movie + cheap book habit) and also, I think the buyers' tastes changed. They definitely don't have as great of movies and TV shows as they used to. I do still buy books, but I notice they aren't carrying some of my fav. authors anymore, like Alexander McCall Smith. He was always good for a book every couple months. :)

[pdxgastro]

I don't think it's totally that the buyer's tastes have changed. I think their 'method of acquisition' has changed. They can't get the same deals with the manufacturers (or can't go through middlemen) anymore and that's why you're not seeing certain brands/movies.

[Rella]

I even used to pick up some sort of clothing for myself - I think the last was those winter socks at $17 a pair some months ago. I find little anymore in the clothing department, as well.

I used to dress warehouse beginning in Seattle, where I loved their clothing in the late 80's. I know it's a change in my age and because of my age, preferring granny pants (pants waists coming up to the waist). But when they have some nice Peruvian/organic big tees, I'm there for it. Little else calls my name anymore.

Geez, and why did they stop selling 'wash cloths'? What they use to have as a set of towels, the small square towels they have starting selling as washcloths. Hey, maybe this rant should go on the 'disappointed' thread.

No, I don't use the book anymore to enter "why don't you have this anymore."
I always leave with cheese!

[treb]

Funny you rant but then brag about all the cash back money you received. Just admitt, you enjoy Costco and it's savings.

[Rella]

Hey, Costco is my absolute favorite place in the whole world to shop, no matter what or how I rant and brag. I love it and have loved it from 1988. A loyal customer, investment in Costco, praise it when I wish, and speak from my heart when it fails me.

Let's see I had a big doctor day during which I spent a great deal of time gathering and moving linens, pots and pans, furniture, elderly care items, providing most of which came from Costco: new or from our storage of items we have bought at Costco over the years. YES< YES, I love Costco, always have.

But during this busy hectic day, I stopped in Costco and picked up a prescription, greek yogurt, avocados and tomatoes, 2 bottles of Kirkland extra virgin olive oil, 1 bottle white wine, and rushed on to the next chore. My Costco is 25 miles away. I use it, I have big bills, and most of the time 99.9% I'm happy as can be!

But, you knew that this is how I feel, why did I bother...
Much admiration for your tactful and pleasant post.

[treb]

grazie!

[jay seigle]

Costco (off Rt 309 Philly) has the small containers of Sahara hummus that last us through a summer time of car trips, bike rides and long walks. The Jarlsberg is also good, though quite large. Bulk toothbrushes and dental floss an excellent buy. I worry how all that meat, fish and chicken has been raised and processed so I leave those purchases for the nearby farms.

[chompy]

Frozen wild salmon patties. We always run out of these before the next trip to Costco.

[caitlink]

BBQ Chicken, frozen mango chunks, gum and fresh flowers.

[jrmd]

I just bought some of these for the first time. How do you prepare them and what do you eat with/on them?

[pdxgastro]

Well any frozen fruit you can make into smoothies.

[chompy]

I think jrmd was referring to the frozen salmon patties, which would certainly be *interesting* in a smoothie.

The patties, we just pan-fry and eat on toast with mayo, Sriracha and sometimes avocado slices.

[scubadoo97]

I just bought them for the first time the other day. Glad to know someone likes them

[honeybea]

A book ...usually a cookbook if I find a good one
Baking soda, vinegar, TP, waxed paper sheets, a cleaning thing ( sponges, gloves, etc.)
Sardines, avocados, a fruit (mango, berries, whatever looks good), box of seaweed squares
These things I buy each time, the rest of my shopping is pretty random.

[khh1138]

I love their book section! I always need a stack of "disposable" novels for my bedside and one in my gym bag, and I don't feel as guilty with Costco's prices.
-the rotisserie chicken (although I agree about the odd flavour - I just rip off all the skin & throw it out). At least 3 meals plus 3 cups of very concentrated stock made overnight in the slow cooker.
- cat food and kitty litter
- beef jerky
- pork jerky
- Fage yogurt
- cottage cheese
- frozen chicken breasts
- giant bag of rice (okay, maybe only twice a year but this is the only place I buy it)
- garafalo pasta
- Hawaiian shirt for my husband

[locksmithy]

1. Phillapines dried mango slices
2. Lime Crusted frozen Tilapia
3. Snow Brooms/ICe Scraper ( the scraper is weak acrylic, not LEXAN, so they break, buy new one, return old one )
4. Jump Box, generic Chinese make ( to jumpstart cars..... the one under the STANLEY name from Lowes that replaced the VECTOR brand is not half as good as Vector, back before Stanley Bought Black&Decker who bought Vector.... the lineage is like kissing cousins... something that happens, but we do not talk about
5. Roomba vacuums. They have a habit of failign after 1-2 years, so Costco and Bed Bath and the Great Beyond are the only place to buy these non-repairable items.... refund, pick up a fresh one 5 minutes later. A non-service way to efficiently handle a dissatisfaction.... by NOT dealing with repairs or parts. Everything is disposable at Costco.
6. Chocolate covered pomegranite bites.... OMG, these are awesome
7. Dress Shirts. Could no longer get striped dress shirts by size at MEns Warehouse... settled for the lesser ones from Costco... not horrible, but not the quality of MW.... Costco goes to the lesser province of China... of course, it is 17.00 Vs 60.00, but I would have rather had 60.00 shirts made in USA.
8. Fleece hoodies by Moose River ( Import ) and by Carhartt ( import )

that is all.

and like everyone lese, the Sushi is weird tasting.... but come one 35 pieces for 8.99, what does one expect ? rice and seaweed?

[viperlush]

3. Snow Brooms/ICe Scraper ( the scraper is weak acrylic, not LEXAN, so they break, buy new one, return old one )
5. Roomba vacuums. They have a habit of failign after 1-2 years, so Costco and Bed Bath and the Great Beyond are the only place to buy these non-repairable items.... refund, pick up a fresh one 5 minutes later. A non-service way to efficiently handle a dissatisfaction.... by NOT dealing with repairs or parts. Everything is disposable at Costco.

If they suck and keep breaking, then why do you keep buying them?

[prio girl]

I was wondering the same thing as well as being kind of sad to think of the disposable society we live in - poor environment!

[shasta21]

Maybe if enough people returned these cheap products when they break/quit working, then MAYBE(?) Costco, in addition to other retailers, will expect and demand more from the manufacturers. After all, if enough of any one item is returned, it is more likely the "product" and not the customer.

I use to detest taking time to return items; but, it got to the point, I couldn't afford to absorb the cost of such poor quality merchandise. (Keurig coffee maker, pressure washer, garden hose, returned the past year)

Although people do not like to compare Costco to Wal-Mart, there are items specially made for BOTH retailers; and, with the narrow profit margin, there are short cuts taken that eliminate certain features (like no re-set buttons) on particular items. But in all fairness, some manufactures do provide EXTRA FEATURES on many Costco items. The extra cup size or bowl is not adding that much extra cost to the manufacturing process; especially knowing that "volume" compensates. It's a case of buyer beware.

Recently, after purchasing "The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook", I soon realized WHY the price for so reasonable. Certain pages (mainly the index pages), had ink smears throughout. This, in no way affected the usability of the book, so I kept it. BTW, it's a great addition ($23.00) to any cookbook collection; another "kitchen bible".

[Rella]

Good post.
Same here with Essential Pepin - a look-like gravy smear on one of the pages - I'm sure not Costco's fault. I 'might' have returned it, but there were no more copies there.

I get disappointed with products that become inferior to the one previously purchased. An example is a stainless steel table that I purchased one year and it's a jewel - the next year (or so), I wanted another one -- the steel was so flimsy that it rattled as I walked by - kid you not! This table was bought online and delivered to my home. Yes, one can imagine how ticked-off one can get taking that table apart after putting it together, and getting it into today's itty-bitty car and trotting it up to Customer Service. This makes on-line buying of anything that might possibly be questionably returnable fraught with concerns.

It's funny knowing a person who says that they can get 'cat food' at Walmart cheaper than they can at Costco, and they usually add, "when it goes on sale." But won't hesitate to have you pick up something for them at Costco because it is cheaper at Costco. They are so funny, but don't even realize it.

[shasta21]

I have read numerous reviews on some of Costco's chrome shelving that people have purchased on-line. According to these reviews and ratings, the on-line racks seem to be of lesser quality than what is sold in their stores. For my garage, I made a store purchase of two six-tier chrome racks, with wheels, and love them. (My Costco garage pantry lol) Thankfully, I have a truck to transport such bulky and heavy items. After reading so many poor reviews regarding the difference in quality between the in-store purchase verses on-line, I would never take a chance on purchasing this item on-line. But, for consumers who do not have the convenience of a near-by Costco, - are they going to go to the trouble of repackaging and paying(?) to return this type of purchase? So, not to be a skeptic, but maybe Costco's buyer offers the manufacturer a special price to save their "seconds" and sell them on-line? (usually with a ten to twenty dollar savings) Know that sounds a little far fetched, but one has to wonder. It would be nice if they acknowledged that these items might be "irregulars"? Some people might not care.

Also, you are "right on" about follow-up merchandise being inferior to "first bought".
I noticed that about the shower heads they now carry; in addition to "some" of their Kirkland brand cookware. The original materials used made the product superior to what they now sell. That said, I LOVE their new commercial restaurant section but realize not that many Costco's offer this specialty department. Very reasonably priced, it's truly overwhelming.

On another note, - even though I rarely buy ground beef, it was good to hear that Costco was one of the few retailers who does not sell ground beef using "pink slime". ....unlike Wal-Mart, of course.

[Rella]

I, too, rarely buy ground beef, and I had just finished up local grass-fed ground beef in my freezer that I was going to compare with the Costco grass fed ground beef. But it didn't work out that way, so I'll really never know.

In Costco's packages 3 of them hooked together make 4 lbs.

I did use 4# (all of it) mixed with 4# of their big packages of hot sausages and made 4 dozen good-sized meatballs (along with other ingredients). The fat content was about the same as the farm-bought grass-fed ground meat.

[The Chowhound Team]

Since it was focused on local restaurant supply options in Seattle, we split a sub-thread over to our Seattle board: http://www.chow.com/topics/841582

[shasta21]

Thanks Chowhound Team! I never took the time to read/ navigate and understand the ways this ENTIRE board really worked. I apologize. I'll try and do better from here on and post WHERE appropriate.

[shasta21]

Rella, Attaching a photo of the ink smears I mentioned in a previous post from a Costco purchase of ATK's Family Cookbook. About 80% of all index pages have these ink smears. Still worth the purchase price, but would have been nice to come with a warning of "seconds/irregular". It seems to be a gamble on what to expect anymore from a Costco purchase. Oh well, I like surprises? lol

[shasta21]

Sorry, only the picture of the food item showed up. The print that was affected was UNDER this picture. Weird!!

[viperlush]

If the product sucks then sure return it. But I don't get buying the same thing again and expecting a difference or repeatedly returning the same thing after breaking it. At some point move on or start thinking User error.

[Linara]

Bananas!

[keli175]

Green Olives stuffed with Garlic and Jalapeno
Einstein bagels
milk
18 pack of eggs (they are SO fresh)
pork Tamales
Amys (?) natural white Queso
Proscuitto
and a big hunk of manchego

Always ALOT more - but these are everytime staples

[tastesgoodwhatisit]

We have a pretty standard Costco list - olive oil, canned tomatoes, breakfast cereal, Listerine, the 5 packs of feta cheese, coffee beans, scotch, bacon, dry pasta, German sausages, beef shanks. Plus occasionally parmesan cheese and the big containers of mixed Jelly-Bellys, as needed.

[DuchessNukem]

Grape tomatoes
Carrots, 10#
Feta crumbles
Wine
Paper plates (the pack that serves you and 1000 friends)
Spanokopitas, frozen
Nuts in big cannisters

[divadmas]

nuts here have gone up about 1/3 this last year. i think 2 1/2 pound canister is just shy $15.

[rasputina]

raw chicken for the dogs.

[Isolda]

Wine, paper goods and dish detergent, Cheerios, organic milk, any fat level, it just has to be organic.

[tzurriz]

Strawberries (my 3 year old is addicted - and I can bribe anything from him for a strawberry)
avocados
artichokes
onions
ribeyes or ground beef, one or the other every single trip I swear!
eggs
heavy cream (I make my own coffee creamer with it)
blueberry muffins (1 makes a great breakfast split in 1/2 for the kids)
salsa
tortilla chips
andouille whenever they have it. They seem to have replaced it with chorizo. /cries

[Dax]

I like the AmyLu chicken andouille from Costco.

[tzurriz]

me too, but it's gone at my store! /cries

[Dax]

Ah, i was not sure you were talking about the AmyLu brand. I think they have some Emeril's but I have not tried it. The AmyLu chicken andouille is surprisingly good. They hooked me with a sample about 6 months ago.

[biondanonima]

It disappeared from our stores (NYC area) for a while, but my husband said it showed up again last month - he was THRILLED, because he doesn't like their other flavor (Mozz/tomato). They also carry a maple breakfast flavor now that I quite enjoy.

[divadmas]

ha my 3 year old nephew loves strawberries too - more than cookies!
eggs cheap but not my favorite. even the organic ones i think are better elsewhere.
heavy cream although ultrapasturized is great, makes some wonderful scalloped potatoes, wonder what the fat content is using this vs. a lot of butter?
organic tortilla chips are better, lighter besides being non gmo.

[hawkeyeui93]

Cointreau .... It is $10 cheaper at Costco than at any liquor store I frequent.

[rasputina]

how much of that you drinking that you get it every time you're at Costco? lol

[CrazyOne]

If I could get Cointreau at my Costco I think that would be on my list too!

[hawkeyeui93]

rasputina: I guess I needed to qualify my statement [or admit I have a problem]. I live about 45 minutes from Costco, so I go between 4-6 times a year. My wife loves Cosmos and we enjoy hosting parties where my Cointreau Margaritas flow freely ....

[ceekskat]

Good to know though don't think I've ever seen it at my Costco; will be on the lookout.

[azveggieguy]

a bag of Wm. Macy's cheese crisps

[lilmomma]

lingling dumplings
fish sticks
world market? coffee
Tropicana orange juice
Kirkland trash bags
Kirkland toilet paper
Ulta laundry detergent
Stacy's pita chips

hot dogs and cheese pizza aat the food court

[mcf]

World Blend, I believe. They replaced their delicious gold bagged bargain organic house blend with it.

[lilmomma]

Just wondering... what other coffees do people like from Costco other than that World Blend. I bought the Caribou one last time to shake things up and was disappointed.

[ceekskat]

Kirkland Sumatra. Bought last year, then disappeared; reappeared earlier this year only to disappear again. Ugh! Feels like Trader Joe's.

[jnk]

We also loved the "Sumatra" coffee, were disappointed whe it disappeared and it never reappeared in NJ. Went to "Charbucks" for a while. Wish they had another alternative.

[ceekskat]

Tried Kirkland's Espresso Blend custom roasted by Starbucks...not bad. With gas at $4.50+/gal. and other rising costs, I don't feel like splurging on Trader Joe's Organic Sumatra at $10.66/lb or Peet's Sumatra at $13.95/lb. Something has to give & it certainly isn't going to be my wine budget :)

[mcf]

We hated the World Blend. I don't like any of their coffees since they stopped putting out the organic house blend in the gold foil bag.

[angelsmom]

Oh, I envy you....ours stopped carrying them.....I am addicted.

[boogiebaby]

Kirkland Vodka
Kirkland Paper towels
Kirkland TP
Kirkland liquid laundry soap
Cascade liquid
trash bags
Children's Claritin
Mountain High LF plain yogurt
3 pack english cucumbers
Babybel cheese
Kirkland Parmesan wedge
Salonpas

[mcf]

Yeah, I don't buy the crap Kirkland dishwasher gel, either. Turned all my glassware cloudy white and nothing else had any shine. One load with Cascade and it was all sparkling again.

[wolfe]

When they have it Beecher's Flagship at 1/2 the price of the store at PIke's Place Market, the stilton that comes in around Christmas and drops to around $3 a pound as it nears best by date and LaTur.

[fuji315]

These are my steady restock items from Costco recently:

Kirkland Vodka
Keurig K cups (Newman's Own or Caribou)
Frozen fish - Atlantic farm salmon, Ono, whatever else looks good
Jennie-O ground turkey (6-pack?)
Frozen Normandy mix vegetables
Frozen Stir-Friy mix vegetables
Frozen Blueberries
Frozen Mixed Berries
Dentine Fire gum box

[CindyJ]

*Boneless short ribs
*Dried cherries
*Marcona almonds
*Kirkland TP
*Kirkland kitchen trash bags

I wish they'd carry the "select-a-size" rolls of paper towels.

[mcel215]

compari tomatoes
bagels (I know, I know, but the price is right and I only eat 1/2 each morning)
mozzarella
cremini mushrooms
avacadoes
spring mix in a box (sometimes)
english cukes (sometimes)
refrigerated pesto (sometimes)
rotisserie chicken (sometimes)
paul newman's k-cups (sometimes)
butter (sometimes)
frozen scallops (sometimes)
frozen alaskan salmon (sometimes)
frozen jumbo uncooked shrimp (sometimes)

[mattstolz]

oats
broccoli
chicken breasts
some sort of fish
gum

[Beach Chick]

Roasted Chicken and baby peppers for the dog..

For us humans..
Stuffed Salmon
Coffee
Half and Half
Banana's
Ahi
Tomatoes
Mango and Pineapple slices

[jbsiegel]

Mixed Nuts
Orange Juice
Peanut Butter
Canned Tuna
Clif Bars

[mcf]

Cheeses; havarti, feta, Cabot Cheddar, grana padano, buffalo mozzarella... some or all.

[bjd001]

Sometimes I find it hard to believe we go to Costco almost every week! And there's only two of us!We get (I can't limit myself to one item...We actually buy a lot of these every week or every 2 weeks.):

Blueberries
Bananas
Big bag of giant russet potatoes
Brussels sprouts
Green beans
Baby spinach
A pineapple
Artichokes (sometimes)
Asparagus (sometimes)
Sugar snap peas
Mushrooms
Cereal
Candy!
Manchego cheese
Goat cheese
Feta cheese (sheep milk only)
Sausages
Milk
Eggs
Sugar (keeps forever and I have 3 hummingbird feeders)
Bird seed
Wine (sometimes)
Proscuitto
Sliced turkey breast
Bread
Bagels
TP
Tissues
Foil and plastic wrap
Paper towels
We have a vacuum packer so we periodically buy meat and freeze in individual vacuum packer bags. We get top sirloin steaks, chicken breasts, and pork tenderloins. Sometimes whole chickens. I'd like to buy fish, but it is more than we can eat and I don't like frozen fish, even if vacuum-packed.

[sinfullydecadent]

TP, milk, eggs, frozen fruit (nice mix they have), ground beef and chicken breast the Perdue NOT Tyson.

[helou]

Gas. Paper Towels, Grapes, avocados, grapefruit, brussels sprouts, seasonal fruits as available. Seltzer, Kirkland cranberry juice, fresh fish (if there's no supper plan yet), And so much more.

[prio girl]

Roasted Chicken:
For me, that's getting old. I'll buy it because it's a quick snack and makes a good chicken broth later on, but there's something about the flavor and seasonings that's not quite right

[CanadaGirl]

Yep. WAAAAAY too salty. Too bad, because it's such a great price.

[sueatmo]

I don't like rotisseried chickens in general, and Costco's are no exception. Too salty, too oily and they always have a funny taste--like lunchmeat.

[rockandroller1]

I thought I was the only one that tasted the funny, chemical undertaste of their seasoning in the roast chick. I confess to grabbing one of these once and awhile at my local grocery, but everyone raved about the Costco ones so I picked one up. Awful. Strange tasting. Not even salty per se, just weird.

[Vetter]

They taste very chemically to me. I can't eat one straight. Turned into a strongly flavored chicken salad, it's okay. A cheap work lunch. But I suspect it is full of all kinds of things I normally wouldn't eat in any other circumstance.

[scubadoo97]

They might brine them. Don't know just speculating

[mcf]

They're definitely brined, but that doesn't typically lead to off tastes. I don't buy them because they have too much flaccid, mushy skin and are factory farmed, but they taste good to me, most folks I know are addicted.

[wolfe]

Convection oven about 475 crisps up skin, finishes cooking the meat enough to make my wife happy.

[PHREDDY]

I agree...they heavily brine them at each store before they cookk them....I wake up 3 AM and drink water, then bruch my teeth again....

[Rilke]

I'm guessing they taste like lunch meat due to nitrites. Not sure though. Either way, they're not good.

[CanadaGirl]

CJ Mini Wontons.

Fantastic cooked in chicken broth with some broccoli tenders (Costco), soy sauce, and sesame oil. A bit (okay, a lot) of sriracha, also from Costco.

[coney with everything]

a block of Tillamook sharp cheddar

garden fresh salsa

case of san pellegrino lemon and orange soda

[RB Hound]

The receipt.

[RetiredChef]

Beat me to it

[RB Hound]

It took me the longest time to train myself to keep the receipt out of the bags/boxes/my pockets, because you need it checked as you leave. As a result, whenever I think Costco, my mind is constantly reminding me to hold the receipt in my hand.

More often than not I leave there with the Amorosa tomatoes, and raspberries when they have them (and they look reasonably ripe). I often get the Foster Farms chicken thighs.

[brooklynkoshereater]

i presume you're not asking about the kirkland garbage bags (never leave costco without 'em!). Mango Peach Salsa - yum. put it on top of everything.

[ipsedixit]

The Chocolate Hand-Dipped Ice Cream Bar from the food court.

Sometimes (well, ok, lots of times) I go there just for that.

[suburban_mom]

Organic non fat milk. Only one of my kids drinks "plain" milk. I bought the organic milk just to check it out and she raved on how good it tasted.

[jawinfree]

Oh, I wish our Costco did Organic NF milk; we only get low-fat here :(.

[mcf]

I wish mine had Organic whole milk and Fage yogurt. :-(

[EM23]

Hey MCF - I know, from your posts, that you live on Long Island. I was shopping at the Westbury Costco today and they had the Kirkland organic whole milk sold in a box of 3, 1/2 gallons. And last month they had a large tub of Fage for sale but, sadly, not today.

[mcf]

With FAT? I'll have to take a new look at the cases in my stores... I'm pretty hooked on Fairway Grass Fed milk and half and half now, no longer buy those or eggs at Costo. My other Costcos only have low fat and fat free. I want the fat, dammit! Thanks for the head's up; I'm not far and I visit my MIL in the Westbury Bristal every week. But if they have Fage with at least 2% fat at yours, that'd be great!

[EM23]

I think so but it was not in stock the other day. They had the 0% individual cups but I don't care for them. I will check on my next visit and will post back here.

[mcf]

Thanks so much for the info... and enjoy your new Fairway when open!

[EM23]

Hi MCF - just to follow up on the Fage situation - today the Westbury store had only the no fat plain and no fat fruit individual cups. I'll continue to check on my visits as I like the 2% too and continue to hold out hope.

[mcf]

I don't think Costco carries any yogurts with fat, thanks for reporting back.

[gordeaux]

Gas
Butter Crumb Cake (sooooo wrong)
Paneer
Welch's Fruit Snacks. Thank heaven I have a three year old so I can pretend they are for him.

[jules127]

They have paneer at Costco?! I will have to check my store for that. I always pick up

carrot juice
organic eggs
bananas
mangos
haricot vert
fresh fish

[Rilke]

Raspberries :P

[escondido123]

Parmigiano Reggiano
Proscuitto

[treb]

Greek Yogurt
Imported Parm

[viperlush]

The need for coffee and chicken pieces are what trigger a visit. But butter, yogurt, dish detergent, and granola bars are purchased if needed at the time of the visit. I can't seem to get out w/out a hot dog.

[viperlush]

Might rethink the whole hot dog thing. Turns out 10:45 am isn't the best time to get a hot dog. Should have gone for the iceream.

[IndyGirl]

Coffee for sure. I can never ever leave without coffee, and a few bottles of wine. And cereal.

Also, laundry detergent, dish soap, etc.

[onrushpam]

Dog food! It's why we have a Costco membership...
But, also... avocados, Parmigiana, cleaning/laundry supplies, TP... sometimes marcona almonds, other snacks. Got some NASTY Kirkland peanut butter yesterday... I'm guessing those two big jars will go into the dumpster.

[Leepa]

Donate the unopened jar to a food pantry. They'd love to have it.

[givemecarbs]

I go to Costco for the beasties as well. Dog food, bird seed, chicken for my dogs (they get drumsticks or thighs to be eaten raw. The bones are so good for their teeth. And lots of cardboard boxes for my rabbit, especially in winter. My rabbit loves to sculpt and redecorate her cage with many boxes. She is like a kid making a fort. I always get lemons for myself, Meyer if they have them. I spurge on one or two prepared items, last time it was shepherd's pie which goes over very well at my house.
In winter I love to have some refrigerated soups stashed in the fridge. Last time it was a two pack of miso soup, very tasty.
Unless the line is too long I always snag a smoothie or berry berry sundae from the food court.

[mucho gordo]

I've always been told that bones, especially chicken bones, were dangerous for dogs. They can splinter and sharp edges pierce their innards.
I don't leave without the chicken strip treats and boneless/skinless thighs for my guy. For us, its a whole bunch of other goodies.

[viperlush]

Cooked or frozen bones are a no go because of the splintering . Fresh, unfrozen are fine.

[meatrabbits4all]

I would rethink the chicken strip jerky treats--regardless of testing results, the ones from China are still linked to dog illnesses and deaths. :(

RAW chicken bones are fine unless your dog is a gulper (in which case feeding frozen is one of several management choices). My coydog will not keep weight on without raw in her diet, so I feed home raised rabbits and beef trim in addition to Costco kibble.

Guess why *I* go to Costco...? LOL! :) yep. Cat food and dog food. Everything else except the pizza and hot dogs is just 'on the way by'!

[debbypo]

I had a dog who choked and died on a chicken bone... snatched from the fridge as I was unloading groceries. It was years ago and I still shudder at the thought.

[shasta21]

Please listen to the advise others are giving you. Chicken bones, raw OR cooked, are extremely dangerous to ALL dogs. I have witnessed too many sad endings when uninformed pet owners fed their pets poisonous food items including bones and chocolate. I'm sure your veterinarian will be glad to discuss this with you. Or, go on-line and learn about what constitutes a healthy diet for your dog.

[escondido123]

Isn't poisonous the wrong term for bones. Aren't they hazardous/dangerous/lethal rather than poisonous? Just trying to keep terms straight.

[Vetter]

Once again...raw bones that are NOT the weight bearing bones of large mammals are safe for a healthy dog. Raw chicken bones are still relatively soft. My dog crushes a chicken carcass like it's nothing. People don't realize that dogs aren't chewing - they're tearing and gulping - and their shorter digestive tracts and more acidic stomachs enable them to eat things that we can't. Do you REALLY think that dogs evolved from the wild only eating the meat off of a carcass? My vet knows I feed raw and has absolutely no problems with it. My dog has stellar teeth and looks and moves half her age.

To bring this back to the thread...I buy LOTS of chicken at Costco for my woof.

[Chowrin]

the problem is that we don't give dogs HAIR to eat. wolves eat plenty of bones, but they're all wrapped up in hair, so they don't catch.

[drongo]

Gas

[lilmsmuffin]

Must be those darned hotdogs mentioned just above! ;) LOL

me:
Kirkland balsamic vinergar
Big bag baby carrotts
2 pack greek yogurt
2 pack cottage cheese
2 pack philly cream cheese
Pure protein bars
Random cereals/granola bars

[latindancer]

Nathan's hotdog, coke and soft serve.
I can live without the rest.

[latindancer]

oops....a little freudian I guess....

Hebrew National.

[wolfe]

You guys still get Hebrew National down there, we get Kirkland. Sigh!

[KaimukiMan]

We have Kirkland now too, but I'm pretty sure its a requirement to have one either before or after you enter the store. Doesn't it void your membership agreement if you dont?

Almost always frozen boneless skinless chicken parts - thighs or breasts. Usually ground beef. And after a quick look in my pantry, too often diced tomatoes.