8 Must-Buy Costco Deli Items & 6 to Avoid

Costco Deli Highlights and Must-Avoid Items

Costco has built a reputation for offering high-quality products at unbeatable prices. This philosophy extends to its deli section, which is known for its unique approach to food offerings. Unlike traditional grocery stores, Costco’s deli focuses on bulk items and offers a range of premade foods that are often more substantial in size and variety. While some products are highly praised, others have drawn criticism from customers.

Best Buys at the Costco Deli

Buy: Rotisserie Chicken

One of the most popular items at Costco is the Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken. At $4.99, it provides excellent value for money. Although some customers find it overly salty or questionable in terms of sourcing, the chicken is generally well-received for its taste and versatility. Many members use the meat in various dishes, such as salads, pasta, or omelets, making it a staple for many households.

Buy: Oven Browned Turkey Breast

For those who prefer to save money by buying whole turkey breasts instead of pre-sliced options, the Kirkland Signature Oven Browned Turkey Breast is a great choice. Each 4-pound breast is ideal for sandwiches or larger meals like Thanksgiving dinners. Customers appreciate the quality and flexibility of this product, even though it requires some preparation.

Buy: Organic Hummus

The Kirkland Signature Organic Hummus is another standout item. Priced at around $7 for 34 ounces, it offers excellent value. Despite being quite salty, it is considered one of the best hummus options available, with many customers comparing it favorably to other brands like Sam's Club or Sabra.

Buy: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Although Costco doesn’t have a wide selection of soups, the Chicken Tortilla Soup is a notable exception. It contains a hearty mix of ingredients like white meat chicken, tomatoes, corn, onions, and tortilla chips. While some customers note that the tortilla strips don't stay crispy, the soup itself is generally well-received and makes for a convenient lunch option.

Buy: Italian-Style Dry Salame

For sandwich lovers, the Kirkland Signature Italian-Style Dry Salame is a solid choice. It’s cheaper than similar products and versatile enough to be used in sandwiches or paired with cheese. Fans of this salami praise its thin, soft texture and overall flavor.

Buy: Broccoli Salad With Walnuts And Dressing

This salad, introduced in 2025, quickly became a hit among Costco members. It features a mix of kale, cabbage, broccoli, dried cranberries, Asiago cheese, walnuts, and a poppyseed dressing. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a refreshing and satisfying option for a quick meal.

Buy: Organic Chunky Guacamole

Costco’s Organic Chunky Guacamole comes in individual 2.5-ounce cups, making it perfect for small servings. Customers appreciate the freshness and quality of the guacamole, with many noting that the individual cups help maintain its freshness. It’s a convenient option for parties or casual snacking.

Buy: Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Seasonal items like the Cilantro Lime Shrimp are highly sought after by Costco members. Known for its flavorful sauce, this shrimp is a favorite among those looking for a quick protein addition. Though not always available, when it is, it tends to be a crowd-pleaser.

Must-Avoid Items at the Costco Deli

Don’t Buy: Chicken Street Tacos

While the Chicken Street Tacos offer convenience, they fall short in terms of flavor. The dry tortillas and under-seasoned chicken make this taco kit less appealing. Many customers recommend purchasing the ingredients separately for better results.

Don’t Buy: Shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano

Although Costco’s shredded Parmesan is a good deal in terms of volume, it has several drawbacks. It tends to go bad quickly, and many customers prefer the unshredded version, which lasts longer and tastes better.

Don’t Buy: Organic Feta

The Kirkland Signature Organic Feta has received mixed reviews. Some customers found it inferior to other brands like President or Dodoni, citing issues with texture and taste. It’s generally not recommended unless you’re looking for a specific alternative.

Don’t Buy: Mac And Cheese

Costco’s deli mac and cheese is a bulk item, but it doesn’t live up to expectations. Many customers find it bland and lacking in cheese flavor. Alternatives like Beecher’s "World's Best" Mac and Cheese are often preferred.

Don’t Buy: Chicken Alfredo With Penne Pasta

Similar to the mac and cheese, the Chicken Alfredo With Penne Pasta is criticized for its lack of flavor. Customers often find it too bland and suggest adding their own cheeses to enhance the dish.

Don’t Buy: St. Louis Style Dry Rub Ribs

These ribs, while available in the hot case, have not received positive feedback. Many customers describe them as tough and lacking in flavor, with some even finding them unappealing.

Methodology

The list of items was compiled based on online reviews and customer feedback. Products with strong positive or negative opinions were included, while those with mixed or neutral reviews were excluded. Personal experience was also taken into account where relevant, ensuring that the recommendations reflect the general sentiment of Costco members.