Costco, the well-known membership-based warehouse chain in the United States, has gained immense popularity among consumers globally for offering an extensive selection of bulk products. For many families, having a stockpile of food for emergencies is essential, and canned goods often top the list as the preferred choice. The unbeatable prices offered by Costco, combined with the convenience of canned foods, make it an excellent destination for building a pantry.
The innovation of canned food dates back to 1795 when the French government was seeking better ways to store food during a time of warfare that spanned continents. This innovation ultimately provided military forces across the world with nutritious and flavorful meals. Today, there is an overwhelming variety of canned foods available in the market.
During the recent pandemic, many households began to stockpile canned goods. In light of ongoing challenges, numerous governments worldwide are encouraging citizens to prepare for potential disasters, and accumulating canned food is indeed one effective method for disaster readiness. As such, which canned goods from Costco are worthy of your consideration?
Here are nine recommended canned food items you should consider picking up during your next Costco visit.
A variety of canned meats should be staples in any household pantry, and canned salmon is one of the top contenders. While other brands are available, the wild-caught Alaskan salmon under Costco’s Kirkland Signature label offers unbeatable pricing. This product comes skinless and boneless, making it versatile for various recipes.
Beyond its versatility, canned salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, with a six-pack retailing for approximately $19.
Costco also offers value-packed Bella Sun Luci sun-dried tomatoes. A 35-ounce container typically ranges from $12.49 to $14.40, although prices may vary based on location, promotions, or clearance sales, with some stores offering discounts as low as $4.97 to $7.97. Such high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices enhance the deliciousness of every ounce. You can check real-time stock and pricing through Costco Same-Day Delivery or Costco Business Delivery for local stores.
The appeal of sun-dried tomatoes lies in their rich flavor, especially those meticulously prepared, combining tomatoes with olive oil to create a robust taste that lingers on the palate.
Costco is one of the major retailers for canned tomato products, and Cento San Marzano whole tomatoes are especially popular. This brand of canned tomatoes is highly regarded among culinary experts. Known for its “gold standard of taste,” Cento tomatoes have been a pride of both top chefs and home cooks since its inception.
These tomatoes are cultivated at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, where volcanic soil, high groundwater levels, and the desirable Mediterranean climate allow them to have a lower acidity and higher sweetness than other varieties.
These whole canned tomatoes are beloved as they offer home cooks ample room for creativity. You can crush them to make a thicker sauce or puree them for a smooth and silky texture.
Bush’s Organic Black Beans maintain their shape beautifully while packing a wholesome flavor, and importantly, they contain no preservatives or additives. The organic label is an added bonus—especially since Costco sells each can for just $1.38, significantly cheaper than many retailers like Whole Foods.
While numerous reports suggest that canned meat isn’t necessarily health food, canned luncheon meat is not only delicious but also a great option for stockpiling. A single can at Walmart typically costs $3.88, so Costco’s eight-pack (about $29 online) is an excellent choice. In-store prices may be lower, especially during promotions.
Thanks to its impressively long shelf life, stocking up on luncheon meat poses little risk. Just frying a few slices until golden and serving them with eggs over rice makes for a satisfying Hawaiian breakfast, or you can shred them for rice balls. It is tasty and fulfilling.
Costco stores also offer a low-sodium variant of SPAM.
Canned tuna is a common pantry item, and many don’t give much thought to brand or fish safety when purchasing.
That’s what makes Costco’s introduction of Safe Catch so exciting; every individual chunk of tuna in the can is rigorously tested for mercury content, ensuring it remains at a very safe level. The National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) National Programs has confirmed that Safe Catch’s claimed average mercury content is indeed only 1/22 of the limit set by the FDA. This information is significant for households, pregnant women, and anyone cautious about seafood.
This canned fish uses wild-caught yellowfin tuna, a premium fish often utilized in sushi, known for its firmer texture and rich taste.
A six-pack of yellowfin tuna is available online for just $14.99, with each serving containing 26 grams of protein.
Kirkland Signature Organic Diced Tomatoes are certified organic by the USDA, retaining the fresh juice of tomatoes. This product contains no preservatives and has a low sodium content, all at an economical price.
The packaging includes eight cans for only $9.99, making it a bargain compared to regular supermarkets.
Canned chicken breast is a must-have in every kitchen. The six-pack of Kirkland Signature mixed canned chicken breast is priced at $16.99 online.
Best of all, it lacks the “canned meat” odor; rather, it features a firm texture instead of a mushy consistency. Despite being a less glamorous ingredient often overlooked, it can make you a star in your kitchen.
These sardines are wild-caught, skinless, and boneless, preserved in 100% olive oil, delivering intense flavor. Beyond their obvious nutritional benefits—such as omega-3 fatty acids and calcium—sardines can add a vibrant touch to dishes.
Costco’s sardine cans come in a six-pack for $16.99, providing an economical yet high-quality option with fantastic flavor.