13 Costco Products That Top Chefs Can't Resist

Image Credit: Costco

Cooking is often referred to as a form of art, and chefs are the artists who master it. While not everyone can have a professional chef at home, you can still incorporate their expertise into your cooking. Curious about what chefs pick up during their grocery runs? We spoke with professional chefs who frequent Costco to find out their go-to items and how they use them in their recipes. Prepare your shopping list—these chef-recommended Costco products are a must-try!

Kirkland Signature Organic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

Similar to olive oil, authentic balsamic vinegar can be hard to come by. Sonali Ruder, DO, a physician and chef based in Delray, Florida, highly recommends the Kirkland Signature Organic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena from Costco for its authenticity. “This is a top pick for me because it’s crafted in Italy’s Modena region,” she shares. Unlike some watery balsamic vinegars, this one is dense, luxurious, and slightly sweet, according to Dr. Ruder. She incorporates it into salad dressings and marinades, and suggests drizzling it over meats and roasted vegetables to add a sweet contrast to savory flavors.

Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Seaweed

Often recognized as seaweed snacks, Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Seaweed packs are versatile beyond just snacking. Cindy Chou, RDN, a registered dietitian and chef in Santa Monica, California, keeps these in her pantry for their ability to elevate flavors in countless ways. “Rip them into pieces and toss them into soups, cold noodle dishes, salads, or even popcorn,” she suggests. Chou also uses them to enhance simple meals, such as a bowl of rice topped with eggs and vegetables.

Costco Bakery Butter Croissants

While chefs often pride themselves on making everything from scratch, some store-bought items are too good to pass up. For Dr. Ruder, the Costco Bakery Butter Croissants are a prime example. “I adore these croissants,” she says. “They’re baked fresh every day, offering the perfect balance of richness, flakiness, and buttery flavor.” Enjoy them as they are, or take Dr. Ruder’s advice and use them to create gourmet sandwiches that will wow your guests.

Kirkland Signature Liquid Egg Whites

Eggs are a kitchen essential in many homes, but their prices can sometimes be unpredictable. That’s where Kirkland Signature Liquid Egg Whites step in as a cost-effective solution. Not only are they a cheaper alternative to whole eggs, but Costco makes them even more economical. “Egg whites are incredibly adaptable and packed with protein,” notes Carrie Smith, a chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles. “I incorporate them into baked treats like pancakes, cakes, and brownies, as well as morning scrambles.”

Jongga Kimchi, Sliced Napa Cabbage

Fermented foods are excellent for boosting probiotics. Among Chou’s top picks is kimchi—a traditional Korean dish featuring cabbage, fish, and spices, celebrated for its health benefits. While you can find it at Korean markets, Chou highly recommends the Jongga Kimchi available at Costco. “It’s not just a flavorful side dish; it’s a versatile ingredient for enhancing broths, soups, and savory pancakes,” she explains. It’s also ideal for repurposing leftover rice. “Mix in some roughly chopped kimchi with day-old rice for a quick and tasty fried rice,” she suggests.

Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter

Chefs prioritize ingredient quality, often opting for simple, natural options. This is especially true for peanut butter, as Smith highlights. Many brands include added sugars and oils, which can alter recipes. “This [Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter] is the only one my family uses because it’s all-natural and budget-friendly,” she explains. Made solely from dry roasted peanuts and a touch of sea salt, it requires stirring upon opening. Once mixed, it’s perfect for sandwiches, smoothies, sauces, and beyond.

Kirkland Signature Pecorino Romano Cheese

“Costco offers the best value in its cheese department,” says Gigi Gaggero, former Academic Director of Le Cordon Bleu. The Kirkland Signature Pecorino Romano Cheese is a standout—two pounds of rich, salty flavor. “I use it constantly,” Gaggero shares. She suggests incorporating it into pasta, salads, and bruschetta for a delicious touch.

Kirkland Signature Farm-Raised Raw Shrimp

Even chefs rely on frozen foods, particularly the Kirkland Signature Farm-Raised Raw Shrimp from Costco. “I always keep a bag of Costco’s frozen shrimp in my freezer,” Dr. Ruder notes. It’s not only a great deal but also flash-frozen at peak freshness to preserve flavor and texture. “Shrimp is a lean, versatile protein that works well in stir-fries, pasta, tacos, and salads, making meals quick, easy, and nutritious,” she adds.

Better Than Bouillon Organic Roasted Chicken Base

Even chefs occasionally find themselves without chicken stock, but Costco offers a reliable solution, as Chou points out. The 21-ounce jar of Better Than Bouillon Organic Roasted Chicken Base might seem compact, but it packs 100 servings of chicken stock. “A little goes a long way with this bouillon,” Chou explains. “I use it to enhance soups, roasted dishes, braised meats, and stir-fried vegetables, adding rich flavor and complexity.” Simply mix about ¼ teaspoon with water to create a single serving of savory chicken stock.

Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend

Opting for frozen fruit and vegetables is a smart way to cut grocery costs. Even premium items like berries become budget-friendly when frozen. “The Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend is a fantastic value,” Dr. Ruder notes. “It includes four pounds of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, ideal for smoothies, sauces, desserts, and oatmeal.” Plus, these antioxidant-packed berries are available year-round, making them a versatile pantry staple.

Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Nonfat Yogurt

While shopping at Costco, Smith prioritizes products with clean, minimal ingredients. The Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Nonfat Yogurt fits her criteria perfectly and is also organic. “This Greek yogurt has a delightful tang and ideal texture,” she says, noting its versatility in both sweet and savory dishes. “I use it in tzatziki sauce or as the foundation for a berry parfait.”

Pure Vanilla Extract

For passionate bakers, pure vanilla extract is often expensive and hard to source. Costco offers a 16-ounce bottle of pure vanilla extract that Dr. Ruder deems essential. “This bottle is crafted from high-quality vanilla beans and is surprisingly affordable,” she explains. “Free from artificial additives, it delivers an authentic vanilla flavor that enhances baked goods and desserts.”

USDA Prime Beef

Gaggero praises Costco’s unbeatable prices on protein. “The USDA Prime beef is exceptional, sourced from young, well-fed cattle with rich marbling,” she says. While it might seem daunting, she recommends buying in bulk and trimming it yourself for the best value. She often purchases Costco’s ribeyes, New York strips, and beef tenderloins. “These cuts are perfect for stir-fries, steak sandwiches, and more,” she adds, suggesting freezing any extras for later use.