Additional Coverage:
- 10 Costco Frozen Meals Shoppers Say Just Aren’t Worth It (financebuzz.com)
10 Frozen Costco Meals You Might Want to Skip
Costco is famous for its wide range of frozen foods, a favorite perk among members. However, not every item lives up to the hype-some fall short due to high costs, disappointing taste, or questionable nutritional value. Here’s a rundown of 10 frozen meals at Costco that you might want to pass on.
1. Jimmy Dean Delights English Muffin
Price: $15.99
While Jimmy Dean offers many popular breakfast proteins, these turkey sausage, egg white, and cheese English muffins have received consistent complaints.
The bread tends to get soggy, and the meat has a rubbery texture, leaving many dissatisfied regardless of preparation method.
2. Foster Farms Jumbo Chicken Corn Dogs
Price: $14.71
Corn dogs evoke memories of fairs and carnivals, but this 28-pack misses the mark.
Although the chicken inside is juicy, the cornbread coating is dry, spongy, and gritty-qualities that make it hard to finish a whole box.
3. Kirkland Signature Italian Style Beef Meatballs
Price: $22.69
Once a fan favorite, these meatballs have changed.
They now appear more oily and wet, and many customers find them tougher to cook properly. Those who used to soak them before cooking report that it’s nearly impossible to do so now.
4. Ling Ling Potstickers
Price: $12.26
Costco shoppers overwhelmingly prefer the Bibigo brand over Ling Ling.
The latter’s chicken filling is criticized for being overly sweet with a texture likened to wet styrofoam. Attempts to improve the taste by altering cooking methods only go so far.
5. Kirkland Signature Chicken Bakes
Price: $15.49
The frozen version of Kirkland’s popular Chicken Bakes falls short of the food court original.
The expected flavors of Caesar and Parmesan are missing, and the sodium content is alarmingly high-each bake contains about 1,370 mg of sodium.
6. Kirkland Signature Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Price: $11.99
While Costco aims to offer affordable gluten-free options, this cauliflower crust pizza disappoints.
It’s high in saturated fat and sodium, and the crust remains oddly chewy and lacks the authentic pizza crust texture.
7. Ajinomoto Shoyu Ramen with Chicken
Price: $18.13
Once a favorite, this ramen’s recipe change has not been well received.
The chicken, previously tender and sliced, now comes cubed and rubbery, making the dish less enjoyable.
8. Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese
Price: $10.99
Perfect for nostalgia but not for taste or health, this 76-ounce macaroni and cheese is budget-friendly but extremely high in sodium.
It also suffers from a gritty, floury texture, and many agree the flavor has declined over time.
9. El Monterey Burritos
Price: $19.99
Known as a protein-packed, affordable meal, these burritos have shrunk in size and lost their appeal.
Some customers note there’s now more tortilla than filling-a significant downgrade from the once satisfying product.
10. Smucker’s Uncrustables
Price: $15.79
A well-known convenience food, Uncrustables are often criticized for their texture and overly sweet jelly.
Although the formula has improved, many still find it easier and better to make a fresh peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Bottom Line
Costco offers great value on many grocery items, but it pays to research before trying new frozen meals. Avoid spending money on products you might not finish by reading reviews and considering alternatives.
Smart Money Moves for Everyone
Regardless of your financial situation, there are always ways to improve your money management:
- Increase Your Income: Explore side gigs that fit around your schedule or strategies to keep more of what you earn.
- Grow Your Savings: Take advantage of compound interest and consider working with a financial advisor to plan for the future.
- Seize Opportunities: Maximize benefits and discounts, especially for seniors, and make sure you’re not overpaying for essentials like car insurance. Avoid silent money drains by staying vigilant about where your money goes.
By making informed choices-whether in the freezer aisle or your finances-you can make the most of your resources.
Read More About This Story:
- 10 Costco Frozen Meals Shoppers Say Just Aren’t Worth It (financebuzz.com)