17 Costco Meats That Are Totally Worth It—And 7 You Should Skip
Costco’s meat section is full of hidden gems—but it’s also packed with a few overpriced or underwhelming picks. To help you shop smarter, we’ve rounded up 17 must-buy meats that offer unbeatable value and flavor, plus 7 you should skip. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or stocking your freezer for the month, this guide will help you make the best picks in Costco’s massive meat aisle. ## 17 Costco Meat Deals Worth Grabbing
1. USDA Prime Ribeye $13.99/16 oz
Restaurant-quality ribeye with intense marbling and deep beefy flavor, for less than most stores charge for Choice. ## Nutritional Facts- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 23g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Beef ribeye steak (USDA Prime)
Preparation Instructions
Season with salt and pepper, then sear over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side. Rest before slicing.
2. Rotisserie Chicken $4.99/3 lbs
Juicy, herb-seasoned whole chicken that’s ready to eat—perfect for quick dinners and meal prep. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 140 * Total Fat: 7g * Carbs: 0g * Sodium: 460mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 19g ## Ingredients Whole chicken, seasoning blend (salt, sugar, sodium phosphate, potato dextrin, spice extractives) ## Preparation Instructions Fully cooked—just heat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or serve cold in salads or sandwiches. ## 3. USDA Prime Brisket $5.49/lb
Perfect for BBQ or smoking, this brisket has rich marbling and unbeatable tenderness when slow-cooked. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 260 * Total Fat: 18g * Carbs: 0g * Sodium: 60mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 23g ## Ingredients Beef brisket (USDA Prime) ## Preparation Instructions Season with rub, smoke at 225°F for 10–14 hours until internal temp hits 195°F. Let rest before slicing. ## 4. Ground Beef $3.99/lb
Lean yet flavorful, this bulk ground beef is great for burgers, meatloaf, and more. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 250 * Total Fat: 17g * Carbs: 0g * Sodium: 75mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 21g ## Ingredients Ground beef (88% lean, 12% fat) ## Preparation Instructions Cook over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat before seasoning. ## 5. Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt) $1.99/lb
Budget-friendly and ideal for pulled pork or braising. High in fat for juicy, flavorful results. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 210 * Total Fat: 14g * Carbs: 0g * Sodium: 60mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 20g ## Ingredients Pork shoulder ## Preparation Instructions Slow cook for 8–10 hours or roast at 300°F for 6 hours. Shred and season. ## 6. Kirkland Signature Bacon $17.99/4 lbs
Thick-cut, smoky bacon that crisps up beautifully and costs less per ounce than most major brands.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Pork, water, salt, sugar, sodium phosphate, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry over medium heat for 6–8 minutes or bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
7. Organic Ground Turkey $4.99/3 lb
Lean, high-protein, and budget-friendly—great for tacos, burgers, or meatballs. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 160 * Total Fat: 8g * Carbs: 0g * Sodium: 75mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 22g ## Ingredients Organic ground turkey (dark and white meat) ## Preparation Instructions Cook over medium heat until fully browned and no longer pink. ## 8. USDA Choice Beef Tenderloin $11.99/lb
A luxe cut that’s cheaper when trimmed at home—perfect for holidays or date-night dinners.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 230
- Total Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
Beef tenderloin (USDA Choice)
Preparation Instructions
Roast whole at 425°F for 30–40 minutes or cut into steaks and grill.
9. Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs $2.49/6 lb
More forgiving and flavorful than breasts—great for stir-fries, sheet pan dinners, or grilling. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 130 * Total Fat: 6g * Carbs: 0g * Sodium: 65mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 17g ## Ingredients Boneless, skinless chicken thighs ## Preparation Instructions Grill or bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F. ## 10. Wild-Caught Sockeye Salmon $12.99/lb
Vibrant color, rich omega-3s, and firmer texture make this salmon a top seafood pick.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 25g\
Ingredients
Wild-caught sockeye salmon
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes or pan-sear skin-side down until crisp.
11. Beef Short Ribs $7.99/lb
Generously marbled and ideal for braising, these ribs become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 240
- Total Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Beef short ribs
Preparation Instructions
Brown then braise in broth at 325°F for 3 hours or slow cook for 6–8 hours.
12. Rack of Lamb $12.99/lb
Elegant and tender, Costco’s lamb racks are French-trimmed and great for roasting. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 260 * Total Fat: 20g * Carbs: 0g * Sodium: 70mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 20g ## Ingredients Lamb rib rack ## Preparation Instructions Roast at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or grill over medium heat until medium-rare.13. Ground Bison $9.99/lb
Lean but rich in flavor, bison is a nutritious alternative to beef with less fat. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 145 * Total Fat: 7g * Carbs: 0g * Sodium: 55mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 23g ## Ingredients Ground bison## Preparation Instructions Cook like ground beef—great for burgers, chili, and tacos.
14. Italian Sausage Links $4.99/lb
Savory and spicy, these sausages are great for grilling, pasta, or pizza toppings. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 260 * Total Fat: 21g * Carbs: 2g * Sodium: 680mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 1g * Protein: 16g ## Ingredients Pork, water, salt, spices, garlic powder, paprika, sugar## Preparation Instructions Grill or pan-fry for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
15. Whole Chickens (Raw) $1.29/lb
Economical and versatile—roast, grill, or use for stock. Much cheaper than cut parts. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 170 * Total Fat: 9g * Carbs: 0g * Sodium: 70mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 22g ## Ingredients Whole chicken Preparation Instructions Roast at 375°F for 1.5 hours or until internal temp reaches 165°F.16. Pork Loin $2.49/lb
Lean, mild, and perfect for slicing into chops or roasts—excellent for meal prep.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 24g
Ingredients
Pork loin
## Preparation Instructions Roast whole at 400°F for 40–50 minutes or slice into chops and grill.
17. Kirkland Signature Beef Hot Dogs $13.99/3 lbs
The same iconic hot dogs served at the food court—big, beefy, and super affordable.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 360
- Total Fat: 31g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sodium: 1230mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 13g
Ingredients
Beef, water, salt, sugar, spices, garlic, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite
Preparation Instructions
Boil, grill, or microwave until heated through.
7 Costco Meats That Aren’t Worth It
1. Pre-Seasoned Tri-Tip $8.99/lb
Convenient but heavily seasoned with a high-sodium marinade that often overpowers the beef flavor. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 290 * Total Fat: 21g * Carbs: 2g * Sodium: 650mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 1g * Protein: 23g ## Ingredients Beef tri-tip, seasoning (salt, water, spices, sugar, garlic, onion powder, vinegar, natural flavors) ## Preparation Instructions Grill or roast as is, but be aware of sodium content. Better to buy unseasoned and marinate yourself.2. American Wagyu Beef $99.99/pack
Labeled “Wagyu” but sourced domestically and lacks the luxurious marbling of Japanese A5—yet priced as if it were. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 350 * Total Fat: 28g * Carbs: 0g * Sodium: 70mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 21g ## Ingredients American Wagyu beef ## Preparation Instructions Sear over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. However, true flavor and tenderness may disappoint at this price.3. Frozen Tilapia $4.49/lb
Affordable but often bland, with a mushy or rubbery texture after cooking. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 110 * Total Fat: 2.5g * Carbs: 0g * Sodium: 55mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 23g ## Ingredients Tilapia fillets, water, sodium tripolyphosphate (to retain moisture) ## Preparation Instructions Bake, broil, or pan-sear from frozen. Results may lack the flaky texture of fresh fish.4. Packaged Deli Turkey $9.99/2 lbs
Convenient but often more expensive per ounce than grocery store deli counters, and full of preservatives. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 60 * Total Fat: 1.5g * Carbs: 1g * Sodium: 520mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 1g * Protein: 11g ## Ingredients Turkey breast, water, salt, dextrose, carrageenan, sodium phosphate, sodium nitrite ## Preparation Instructions Ready to eat. Best served in sandwiches or wraps.5. Pre-Made Burger Patties $22.99/6 lbs
Convenient but includes fillers and may be dry or overprocessed. Often pricier than forming your own from fresh ground beef. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 330 * Total Fat: 26g * Carbs: 1g * Sodium: 410mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 22g ## Ingredients Ground beef, salt, spices, preservatives (varies by brand) ## Preparation Instructions Grill or pan-fry from frozen. May require added seasoning for flavor.6. Farmed Atlantic Salmon $8.99/lb
Cheaper than wild-caught, but the texture and taste fall short, and the nutritional profile isn’t as robust. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 210 * Total Fat: 13g * Carbs: 0g * Sodium: 60mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 23g ## Ingredients Farmed Atlantic salmon ## Preparation Instructions Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes or grill. Expect milder flavor and softer texture compared to wild sockeye.7. Cooked Shrimp $16.99/2 lbs
Convenient, but often has a rubbery texture and lacks the flavor of shrimp cooked fresh from raw. ## Nutritional Facts * Calories: 120 * Total Fat: 1.5g * Carbs: 1g * Sodium: 540mg * Dietary Fiber: 0g * Sugar: 0g * Protein: 23gIngredients
Shrimp, salt, sodium tripolyphosphate (preservative)
Preparation Instructions
Thaw and serve cold or briefly heat in stir-fry or pasta. Texture may be chewy.
Final Thoughts
Costco offers plenty of top-quality meats that deliver big value, especially when you buy in bulk. From Prime cuts to rotisserie legends, you can stock your fridge and freezer without breaking the bank—if you know what to skip. By steering clear of the overpriced or underwhelming items and grabbing the real winners, your next Costco run will be a major meat success.
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