6 Meals at Costco That Aren’t Worth the Money

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Costco is a prime place to scout the best deals on bulk savings. Better yet, you can also do some easy meal prepping with some quick grabs of ready-made meals. However, not every meal in Costco’s freezer or prepared foods section is worth the price tag.

Even though they are full meals, some options are overpriced, have poor reviews or can be found for cheaper elsewhere. Here are six meals at Costco that probably aren’t worth your money and where you can find better alternatives. 

Frozen Chicken Bake

• Price: $13.50 per box

The Kirkland Signature Chicken Bake is a fan-favorite at the Costco food court, but the frozen version they sell isn’t as good, according to some customer reviews. Many unhappy customers say that the frozen version doesn’t have the same fresh and crispy texture as the in-store version. 

So, if you want a good deal to align with your taste buds’ preference for the warm and cheesy chicken bake, buy the ones sold at Costco’s food court or simply make your own using Costco’s rotisserie chicken, some pre-made dough and a mix of cheese and Caesar dressing.

Rana Maine Lobster Ravioli

• Price: starting at $12.99 for a two-pack

Lobster ravioli sounds pretty luxurious, but many Costco shoppers have been disappointed by Costco’s version. Some reviews say that their lobster has a bland flavor and that the filling tastes more like a cheese blend than real seafood.

If you’re craving lobster ravioli without spending a fortune, head to Trader Joe’s instead. Each package of lobster ravioli only costs around $5 at Trader Joe’s. And even though it comes with fewer servings, the taste is rated better and you’re not committing to a large and expensive Costco pack that might not meet your expectations.

Kirkland Signature Chicken Alfredo

• Price: approximately $16 for a tray

Costco’s Chicken Alfredo comes with pre-cooked pasta, chicken breast strips, shredded cheese and a big packet of alfredo sauce. It might seem like a convenient dinner option, but you may want to think twice before buying since many customers complain that it’s too greasy and bland. The large portion size also means you’re committing to a meal that may not reheat well.

You can easily make your own version at home using Costco’s rotisserie chicken, pasta and a jar of Alfredo sauce. Or select a more balanced prepared meal with a different Costco favorite like the stuffed bell peppers.

Kirkland Signature Shepherd’s Pie

• Price: approximately $20 per tray

Costco’s Shepherd’s Pie comes with a pretty big portion, but many reviewers complain that the mashed potatoes taste artificial and that the meat layer is too soupy. For a meal that costs almost $20, you might expect better quality.

Instead of paying for an underwhelming pre-made meal, make your own using ground beef, frozen mixed vegetables and real mashed potatoes. Aldi offers a solid frozen shepherd’s pie for less than $10 if you don’t have time to make one from scratch.

Kirkland Signature Chicken Street Taco Kit

• Price: approximately $15 per kit

Costco’s taco kit is a popular grab-and-go meal, but we don’t think it’s worth the money. Many customers say that the tortillas become soggy quickly, and the chicken is either too salty or dry. Even though it’s only $15 for a meal that serves about four, you probably won’t be impressed with the taste. 

Instead, create your own taco kit using Costco’s pre-cooked grilled chicken strips, a bag of tortillas and some fresh toppings. Or, switch it up and get the more highly reviewed tempura shrimp taco kit. 

Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese

• Price: approximately $12 per tray

Costco’s pre-made mac and cheese is rich and creamy, but it’s also pretty expensive for what it is. Like many of Costco’s meals, this mac and cheese comes in a large portion. However, some customers say that it lacks seasoning and isn’t much better than cheaper boxed versions.

If you’re looking for some alternatives, Trader Joe’s sells a few options that may offer a better taste and texture for a fraction of the cost. You can also make your own using a pack of shredded cheddar cheese and elbow pasta, which are both available at Costco for a much lower per-serving price.

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

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