Top 8+ underrated Costco products you’re walking right past

These staples are so good, you’ll wish you had discovered them sooner.

Reviewed by Dietitian Casey Wing, RD, CD

Key Points

• From prepped produce to pantry staples, these are our most underrated Costco products.
• Canned tuna, A2 yogurt, uncooked tortillas and beef jerky top the list.
• We also call out sparkling water, dried fruit, cauliflower crust pizza and cooked beets.

Costco is my go-to store for saving and stocking up on household essentials. After walking down the expansive aisles for over two decades, I’ve learned how to look beyond the popular products, leading me to discover these underrated staples along the way. They might not be the trendiest or the items you would normally reach for, but once you try them, you’ll never leave the store without them again.

While buying in bulk doesn’t always equate to savings, I’ve compared the prices of these products to those at other big-box stores, and even after sales and coupons, Costco’s prices win. 

Read on to discover my favorite hidden gems that might also give you some extra savings.

1. Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna

If you’re accustomed to grabbing a big box of Kirkland albacore tuna, you might not have noticed that there’s a potentially better option sitting right next to it. Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna is pole-and-line or troll-caught, which means it’s safer for other marine life. It’s also hand-cut and hand-packed, offering meatier chunks perfect for topping a green salad. With six 5-ounce cans in the stack, it’s only a few extra cents per ounce than the store brand.

2. Organic Bellwether A2 Whole Milk Yogurt

I find A2 dairy products to be gentler on my digestive system, but before I saw Organic Bellwether A2 Whole Milk Yogurt behind Costco’s refrigerator doors, I thought they only existed as fluid milks. This organic yogurt is made with milk from grass-fed cows, and it has a creamy texture, slight tang and minimal sugar. At just over $10 for two 32-ounce tubs, it’s a budget-friendly breakfast option you can’t pass up.

3. Tortilla Fresca Uncooked Flour Tortillas

You might not have thought to look for tortillas in the refrigerated section, so if you have yet to discover these Tortilla Fresca Uncooked Flour Tortillas, you’re in for a treat. Simply heat them on a hot pan or griddle to enjoy soft, bubbly flour tortillas you can use to make tacos, quesadillas and more—or just eat them plain (they’re that good). Unlike most shelf-stable versions, these tortillas are organic, non-GMO and preservative-free. They come in a big package of 36, but they stay fresh for a surprisingly long time when stored in the fridge.

4. Pacific Gold Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is a protein-packed snack that I always keep on rotation, but with so many brand options to choose from in Costco’s snack aisle, this Pacific Gold Beef Jerky can be easy to overlook. I appreciate that it’s made from 100% beef and is free from preservatives and nitrates. I also like that it’s offered in a variety pack that includes original and teriyaki flavors, which helps take the boredom out of everyday snacking.

5. Kirkland Signature Italian Sparkling Mineral Water

I always order a bottle of Pellegrino water when I go out to a restaurant, so I was intrigued when I spotted Kirkland Signature Italian Sparkling Mineral Water near the other bottled waters and sodas at my local Costco. Like Pellegrino, it is bottled in Italy and has gentle bubbles and a crisp, refreshing taste. I usually grab a pack or two around the holidays to serve to guests, or during the summer when I’m always craving a cold beverage.

6. Nutty & Fruity Papaya Slices

If you usually reach for trail mix to get your dried fruit fix, you might not have noticed these Nutty & Fruity Papaya Slices sitting close by in vibrant orange bags. The large spears have a chewy texture and aren’t overly sweet. I like eating them plain or chopping up a few to mix with nuts or sprinkle over yogurt. And they’re a tasty way to load up on fiber and vitamins A and C.

7. Kirkland Signature Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Costco is known for its humongous food-court pizzas, but for a gluten-free option, head over to the freezer aisle, where you’ll find this Kirkland Signature Cauliflower Crust Pizza. At first, I wasn’t sure if it would be any good—given the reputation of frozen pizzas—but after a quick search, I found people everywhere were raving about it. It features a gluten-free crust made with cauliflower, a rich tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and all the toppings you’d find on a classic supreme pizza.

8. Love Beets Organic Cooked Beets

I usually cook my beets from scratch, but when I’m in a rush, these precooked beets are a huge time-saver. Bonus: They also prevent my hands from turning red in the process. The large boxes of Love Beets Organic Cooked Beets can typically be found near the dips and deli meats, and they include four individually sealed packages, each containing about five beets. My favorite way to enjoy them is topped on a salad or plain with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

The Bottom Line

Costco is known for being a place to score deals on everyday and trending products—and in bulk quantities meant to last—but with every inch of their stores packed with options vying for your attention, these underrated products can be easy to miss. From snacks and salad toppings to a dinner staple and a copycat of a popular Italian beverage, these products are sure to become staples once you give them a try.