Additional Coverage:
- I’m a Costco executive member who hates cooking, but loves a good deal. I buy these 12 products every month. (businessinsider.com)
Costco Queen Shares Her Top Must-Haves for Busy Lives (and Delicious Snacking!)
Local Shopper Reveals Her Go-To Items for Quick Meals and Nostalgic Treats
For Annmarie Gajdos, a 27-year-old executive member, Costco isn’t just a store – it’s a way of life. From childhood memories of sample-snatching and receipt-smiley-faces to her present-day reliance on its budget-friendly staples, Gajdos has perfected her Costco haul.
Living with her sister and juggling demanding careers in media and entertainment, elaborate cooking isn’t on the menu. Instead, they lean on Costco’s prepared foods and easy meal kits to fuel their grab-and-go lifestyles.
So, what makes it into her legendary cart? Let’s dive into this Costco connoisseur’s must-have list:
The Unbeatable Staples:
- **The $5 Rotisserie Chicken: A True Classic. ** Gajdos hails this as the “ultimate classic product.”
Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, a single chicken provides multiple meals, easily deboned for sandwiches, wraps, or quesadillas.
- **Kirkland Signature Chicken Quesadilla Kit: Weeknight Warrior.
** This prepped-and-ready meal kit is a lifesaver for those “I don’t want to think about it” evenings. While it’s her favorite, she’ll occasionally swap in Costco’s premade taco kits for variety.
- **Blount Family Kitchen Tomato Soup: A Hug in a Bowl. ** For just $12, a pack of two hearty, freezable tomato soups offers quick comfort.
Gajdos describes it as “a hug in a bowl,” perfect with a side of burrata if available.
Snack Attack Essentials:
- **Don Miguel Chicken Chipotle Mini Tacos: Tailgate Ready! ** A constant snack in Gajdos’s home, these mini tacos are microwave or air fryer friendly.
A 50-pack lasts her about a month and is a hit for football watch parties.
- **Driscoll’s Raspberries: A Sweet Childhood Memory.
** Growing up with raspberries in her yard, a box (or two!) of Driscoll’s is a non-negotiable.
Enjoyed with whipped cream while watching “Real Housewives,” they’re a sweet escape.
- **Bel Gioioso Mozzarella: Gourmet on the Go.
** Cheese is a household essential. These ready-to-serve mozzarella slices elevate salads and soups, and sometimes, a quick snack straight from the fridge in between meetings.
- **Unsalted Pistachios: A Taste of Nostalgia. ** A throwback to her grandma’s Costco stash, these Kirkland Signature pistachios still bring back fond memories of shelling nuts while watching TV.
Dinner Delights and Frozen Favorites:
- **Kirkland Signature Atlantic Salmon: Friday Night Tradition. ** As part of her Slovak Eastern Orthodox upbringing, red meat is out on Fridays.
This salmon is a go-to, also tossed into salads during the week. While the priciest item, Gajdos praises its freshness and lack of added flavoring.
- **El Monterey Taquitos: The Unrivaled Late-Night Snack. ** Gajdos declares El Monterey the only taquito brand she’ll buy, citing superior flavor, crispiness, and consistency.
The chicken-and-cheese variety is her top pick for a post-concert treat.
- **Bibigo Sobaba Crunchy Glazed Chicken: Restaurant-Quality at Home.
** These frozen Korean meals are a recent obsession. This crunchy glazed chicken tastes like it came from a restaurant and pairs perfectly with string beans.
The Sweetest Endings:
- Tru Fru Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The Perfect Indulgence. A grocery trip isn’t complete without a sweet treat, and these chocolate-covered strawberries are her favorite. The double layer of milk and white chocolate perfectly complements the ripe strawberry interior.
And, of course, the ultimate grand finale:
- Costco Food Court Pizza: The $2 Smile-Inducer. No shopping trip is complete without a stop at the food court for a $2 slice. Its generous thickness and ideal cheese-to-sauce ratio are guaranteed to put a smile on her face.
It’s clear that for Annmarie Gajdos, Costco isn’t just about bulk buying; it’s about smart shopping that supports a busy lifestyle, provides delicious meals, and even stirs up a little nostalgia.