7 Costco Meats That Aren’t Worth the Price (And 7 That Are Total Bargains)

Shopping at Costco can be a wild adventure for your wallet and taste buds. Those massive meat coolers hold both hidden treasures and budget traps. I’ve spent years navigating these protein-packed aisles, making plenty of costly mistakes and discovering jaw-dropping deals along the way.

It is finally time for me to reveal which Costco meats deserve your hard-earned cash and which ones should stay chilling in the display case.

1. NOT WORTH IT: Lamb Chops

Costco’s lamb chops might look tempting, but they carry some of the highest markups in the meat department. The quality rarely justifies the premium pricing compared to local butchers or specialty markets.

I learned this expensive lesson while planning an anniversary dinner. After paying Costco’s steep price, I discovered my neighborhood butcher offered Australian lamb for 20% less!

For occasional treats, you’re better off supporting specialty shops where turnover ensures freshness and prices reflect true market value.

2. NOT WORTH IT: Fresh Atlantic Salmon

Costco’s fresh Atlantic salmon filets might look appealing, but they’re surprisingly overpriced compared to specialty fish markets. The quality varies significantly between shipments.

During my seafood-heavy diet phase, I noticed concerning inconsistency in freshness. Some weeks delivered restaurant-quality fish, while others yielded disappointingly soft, fishy-smelling filets.

My fishmonger friend explained that Costco’s salmon often sits in distribution centers longer than specialty shops’. For this splurge-worthy protein, support local fish markets instead.

3. NOT WORTH IT: Pre-Cooked Prime Rib Roast

Those magnificent pre-cooked prime rib roasts might seem like holiday dinner salvation, but they’re among the most overpriced items in the meat department. The markup exceeds 100% over raw equivalents.

The reheating process often results in overcooked, disappointing results anyway. My Christmas dinner fiasco two years ago still haunts me – I paid nearly triple what a raw roast would cost, only to serve dry, lukewarm meat to my in-laws!

4. NOT WORTH IT: Marinated Salmon Fillets

Those teriyaki or herb-marinated salmon fillets might seem like a convenient shortcut to flavor town, but they’re actually a first-class ticket to overpayment city. The marinade adds significant weight while masking potentially less-fresh fish.

During my pescatarian phase, I regularly bought these until comparing prices with plain fillets. The markup was shocking! The pre-made marinades often contain excessive sugar and sodium anyway.

Buy quality salmon separately and add your own simple seasonings for healthier, more affordable results.

5. NOT WORTH IT: Organic Chicken Breasts

Costco’s organic chicken breasts carry a hefty premium that doesn’t always deliver proportional quality. The inconsistent sizing makes cooking challenging, with some pieces twice as thick as others.

During my health-conscious cooking phase, I religiously bought these until comparing them with Costco’s conventional offerings. The taste difference rarely justified the 60-70% price increase!

If organic matters to you, consider Costco’s whole organic chickens instead – they deliver far better value per pound with more versatility.

6. NOT WORTH IT: Pre-Made Burger Patties

Those convenient pre-formed burger patties come with a hefty convenience tax. The per-pound price often exceeds regular ground beef by 30-40%, and the quality rarely justifies the markup.

Most contain fillers and excessive salt to maintain shape and extend shelf life. Remember my Fourth of July barbecue disaster? Those pre-made patties shrank to sad meat discs while my neighbor’s hand-formed burgers remained gloriously juicy.

Spend five minutes forming your own patties and pocket the savings.

7. NOT WORTH IT: Prime Ribeye Steaks

Costco’s prime ribeyes carry an eye-watering price tag that’ll make your wallet weep. While undeniably delicious, they’re among the most marked-up items in the meat department.

I once splurged on these for my anniversary dinner, convinced I was getting a bargain. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t! Your local butcher likely offers similar quality at better prices, especially if you catch a sale.

For special occasions, the splurge might feel justified, but for regular consumption? Hard pass.

8. BARGAIN: Whole Organic Chickens

Costco’s organic whole chickens deliver ridiculous value compared to regular grocery stores. You’ll pay nearly 40% less per pound while getting the same quality bird.

The three-pack might seem excessive, but these freezer-friendly beauties transform into multiple meals. Roast one for Sunday dinner, shred another for weekday lunches, and simmer the third into soup.

The bones even make fantastic broth – truly zero waste cooking at its finest!

9. BARGAIN: Kirkland Signature Ground Beef

Kirkland’s ground beef packs deliver consistent quality and remarkable value. The 88/12 lean-to-fat ratio hits that sweet spot – juicy enough for burgers yet lean enough for everything else.

Each vacuum-sealed portion stays fresh longer than typical grocery store offerings. My freezer always houses these reliable packages for impromptu taco nights or last-minute meatloaf cravings.

The per-pound price beats most competitors by a solid dollar, making this my go-to ground beef source year-round.

10. BARGAIN: Rotisserie Chicken

Costco’s legendary $4.99 rotisserie chicken remains the undisputed champion of value meals. These plump birds weigh significantly more than competitors’ offerings while costing several dollars less.

The consistently juicy meat provides instant dinner solutions and transforms into countless leftover creations. I’ve turned a single bird into chicken salad, enchiladas, and soup – feeding my family for days on five bucks!

Costco famously loses money on these birds but maintains the price as a customer loyalty strategy.

11. BARGAIN: Kirkland Signature Bacon

Kirkland’s bacon delivers exceptional quality at prices that make other brands seem like highway robbery. Each pack contains thicker, meatier slices that don’t shrivel into bacon bits when cooked.

The four-pound package might seem excessive, but individual vacuum-sealed sections prevent waste. My breakfast-loving teenagers demolished a pack in record time, confirming my suspicion that good bacon disappears faster than mediocre stuff.

The hickory-smoked flavor rivals premium brands costing nearly twice as much.

12. BARGAIN: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Costco’s boneless chicken thighs offer incredible value while delivering superior flavor compared to breasts. The massive packages cost significantly less per pound than standard grocery stores.

These versatile dark meat portions stay juicy even when overcooked – perfect for kitchen novices! Last month, I accidentally left my chicken curry simmering too long, yet the meat remained tender rather than turning to rubber.

The individual quick-freeze packaging means you can grab exactly what you need without thawing the entire package.

13. BARGAIN: Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs

Kirkland’s all-beef hot dogs deliver premium quality at bargain basement prices. These quarter-pound beauties contain 100% beef without the mysterious fillers found in cheaper brands.

The three-pack format initially seemed excessive until my first neighborhood cookout. Twenty franks disappeared faster than I could grill them! My picky nephew, who normally refuses “cheap hot dogs,” devoured three and asked for more.

At roughly half the price of national brands, these remain my go-to for summer gatherings.

14. BARGAIN: Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef

Kirkland’s organic ground beef delivers exceptional quality at prices that make specialty stores seem criminal. The rich flavor and clean ingredient profile justify the modest premium over conventional options.

I switched to this after my doctor recommended reducing processed foods in my diet. The four-pack format initially seemed excessive until I discovered how beautifully it freezes.