As a professional chef, I'm constantly on the hunt for ingredients that deliver on both quality and value. Costco has become my not-so-secret source for everything from kitchen staples to exciting new finds.

I'm sharing my current favorites - starting with the essential ingredients I rely on daily and ending with some newer discoveries that have earned a permanent spot on my shopping list.

King Arthur All Purpose Flour

I’m always looking for high-quality ingredients that deliver consistent results, and King Arthur All-Purpose Flour is one I trust. Its unbleached, non-GMO composition makes it a more natural choice, and its balanced protein content provides great structure for everything from bread to cookies.

While it’s a bit pricier than store brands and has a shorter shelf life due to the lack of preservatives, I find the performance well worth it. It may not be the best for ultra-soft cakes, but for everyday baking and cooking, it’s a flour I regularly use and recommend.

Plus, as someone who’s always mindful of increasing my daily protein intake, I appreciate that its slightly higher protein content adds a bit more nutritional value to my recipes!

Organic Tomato Sauce

It is simple, clean, and organic sauce that lets vine-ripened Roma tomatoes shine. No unnecessary fillers, just pure tomato goodness ready for your next pasta dish.

Costco also has canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste. I use each product in different recipes. They're all great to have in my pantry.

Fresh Produce

Fresh produce is a cornerstone of a healthy, balanced diet, and this image showcases a vibrant selection of organic and non-organic fruits, including mangoes, kiwis, pineapples, and bananas. Incorporating fresh fruits into your daily routine provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber while offering natural sweetness and hydration.

Mangoes, for example, are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, supporting immune health and glowing skin. Kiwis are packed with antioxidants and digestive-friendly fiber, while pineapples deliver a refreshing dose of bromelain, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Bananas, a convenient grab-and-go snack, provide potassium and natural energy.

One of the great advantages of shopping for fresh produce at Costco is the pricing. Buying in bulk often results in significant savings compared to traditional grocery stores, making it a cost-effective way to stock up on healthy options.

While organic produce can sometimes be pricier, Costco offers competitive prices, allowing shoppers to enjoy high-quality fruits without overspending. Whether eaten raw, blended into smoothies, or used in creative dishes, fresh fruit from Costco is an affordable and nutritious way to fuel your body daily.

Fresh Steaks

Costco's meat department is a paradise for steak lovers, offering restaurant-quality cuts at significantly lower prices than specialty butcher shops. Their USDA Choice and Prime selections feature excellent marbling (those desirable streaks of fat that create flavor and tenderness) and are cut to the perfect thickness for optimal cooking.

What makes Costco truly stand out is their transparent meat handling process and consistent quality control. While picking the perfect steak is something of an art form, even beginners can confidently select from Costco's well-maintained meat cases.

And it's not just about beef – their poultry section features plump whole chickens and value-packed trimmed breasts, while the seafood department impresses with everything from fresh salmon to ready-to-cook shrimp platters.

Chef Chang's Crunchy Chili Oil

As a chef, I absolutely love Momofuku Chili Crunch! It's a must-have for spice lovers looking to elevate their everyday cooking. Its spice level is moderate, offering a noticeable kick without being overwhelmingly hot.

On a heat scale of 1 to 10, it sits around 4 to 6, depending on your spice tolerance. But it’s not just about heat, this chili crunch delivers a savory, crispy texture and deep umami flavor that works with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks.

While it’s pricier than other chili oils, its versatility and high-quality ingredients make it worth the splurge. If you're wondering how to use it in your cooking, don’t limit it to just ramen—drizzle it over eggs and bagels for breakfast, mix it into soups, rice, or pasta dishes, or blend it into sauces to elevate every flavor. This staple in my kitchen cabinet adds an instant burst of bold, addictive flavor to any meal.

Nuts (Pecans, Walnuts and More - Even Pine Nuts!)

I'm nuts about nuts and Costco has such a fantastic selection of various kinds!

This isn't just a culinary preference. Nuts also help regulate blood sugar, support gut health, and keep you full longer, making them great for weight management. Their monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats support heart health by improving cholesterol levels, while their antioxidants and omega-3s promote brain function and reduce inflammation.

Despite being calorie-dense, their high satiety factor helps prevent overeating when consumed in moderation. You can enjoy them as a snack, added to salads, or incorporated into baking. Whatever you choose to do, nuts are a simple and delicious way to boost nutrition and overall wellness.

Pecans are a personal favorite of mine. Crunchy, nutty, and naturally sweet, these pecans are a powerhouse of healthy fats and antioxidants. Perfect for snacking, baking, or tossing into a salad. But be warned, they’re dangerously easy to munch by the handful!

Dot's Homestyle Pretzels

You may find this a strange recommendation from a professional chef, but here you go - my family won't do without these so into the cart they go whenever I'm at Costco.

Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels have developed a cult following for their bold, buttery seasoning and satisfying crunch. The unique twisted shape gives them a great texture, and their seasoning delivers a mix of savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavors. They’re highly addictive, making them a perfect snack for parties, road trips, or casual munching.

My teenage daughter insisted I try them, and while I can see why they’re popular, the richness might not be for everyone. My personal experience with them was mixed. While I enjoyed the crunch, I found the buttery aftertaste a bit overpowering.

If you love intensely seasoned, buttery snacks, these are a great choice, but if you prefer a lighter pretzel flavor, they may not be the best fit.

Kirkland Sweet Heat Snack Mix

This Kirkland Signature Sweet Heat Snack Mix is a flavor-packed blend of nuts and crunchy bites that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. It's a staple snack in our household!

Each handful includes a mix of almonds, cashew, sesame sticks, pecans, and corn nuggets. The heat level is moderate, making it enjoyable for spice lovers without being overpowering. I must say, while it is a high protein snack, but it is calorie dense, so portion control is key.

Aussie Bites

Busy mornings, long commutes, or midday cravings? Aussie Bites are the perfect grab-and-go snack to fuel your day. When I'm in a rush to be out the door for another long day in a busy professional kitchen, it's great to have these on hand.

Packed with whole grains, seeds, and dried fruit, these little bites offer a nutrient-dense, satisfying treat with the right balance of fiber, Omega-3s, and natural sweetness. Whether you're heading to work, hitting the gym, or just need a quick energy boost, toss a few in your bag and snack smarter!

Fresh Pastry (Cheese & Onion Pinwheels A Current favorite!)

This reminds me of an appetizer I make when I entertain, only I use puff pastry instead. Every now and again, I like to get pampered by someone else, and these from the Costco bakery are a current favorite.

These pastries are pure buttery, flaky perfection! Each bite reveals golden layers that are crispy on the outside yet soft and airy from the inside. The rich dough gives them an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The filling is a mix of cheeses and onions, spices - all baked to perfection! The ultimate savory treats for anyone who loves layers of texture and taste in every bite!

Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels

I confess, I have a sweet tooth, and a particular love for chocolate. And I can appreciate a gourmet chocolate treat when I see one.

A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and indulgent, these caramels are coated in velvety dark chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt. A decadent treat that’s hard to stop at just one.

I love pulling out the jar, whether to pamper myself or family, or to share with our guests after a meal.

Ferrero Rocher

The gold standard of fancy chocolates, literally. A crispy hazelnut shell, creamy chocolate filling, and crunchy nuts make these an irresistible bite of luxury.

I love having these on hand at home. If we manage not to eat them right away, they can make a fantastic gift to bring a host.

Skinny Dipped

Peanut butter cups, but elevated. Less sugar, more flavor, and a satisfying dark chocolate shell make these a guilt-free(ish) alternative to the classic.

My daughter who LOVES peanut butter cups didn't mind the healthier version of it. I might admit that this peanut butter cups are a bit thinner but packed with flavors even though it has less sugar. The dark chocolate is top notch quality, giving this a decadent flavor.

Jojo's Dark Chocolate Bars

Last, but not least, I wanted to share my most recent find: Jojo's guilt-free chocolate.

This is by far the most tasteful snack I've had for a long time. If you are a dark chocolate lover this one is for you! Think of this as a snack with benefits – rich dark chocolate meets protein-packed pistachios, almonds, and cranberries, no artificial ingredients added.

I was genuinely surprised by just how rich the flavor of these bars was. A great way to indulge with a touch of nutrition. They're delicious!

Your Turn at the Sample Station

From premium steaks to guilt-free chocolate treats, these Costco finds have earned their place in my chef's kitchen and my family's hearts. While my cart might look a bit different each visit (those seasonal items are hard to resist!), these staples and discoveries consistently make the cut.

What are your must-have Costco items? Do you have a favorite find I haven't mentioned? I'd love to hear what makes it into your cart on every Costco run!

Before you leave - make sure to check out my post about my Ikea must-have in every kitchen.