Does Your Costco Have These? 22 Items Aren’t Available In All Stores and Are So Worth The Trip!

Living in an area with several Costco warehouses has turned me into something of a Costco detective. While most items remain consistent across locations, I've discovered that each store has its own identity, featuring unique products that neighboring warehouses don't carry. This regional variation creates an irresistible treasure hunt – one that occasionally justifies driving an extra 20 minutes - or more! - to that location in another town, rumored to stock a particular favorite.

From international delicacies to premium proteins and unique snacks, these items transform everyday meals and elevate special occasions – if you're lucky enough to find them. The following items are based on my own preferences and experiences in Illinois. Leave me a comment when you're done reading and let me know if you've seen them in your local Costco!

JOJO's Dark Chocolate Bars with Plant-Based Protein

Tucked away in the snack section of select Costco warehouses, these JOJO's Dark Chocolate Bars have become my go-to afternoon treat. Each 16.9 oz bag features rich 70% dark chocolate squares generously studded with pistachios, almonds, and tart cranberries. What sets these apart from typical chocolate treats is the added 5g of plant-based protein per serving, making them somewhat justifiable as a more functional snack.

I'm addicted to Jojo's bars, and I have yet to find someone who doesn't love that rich, chocolatey flavor. Unfortunately, they're not easy to find. If anyone from Costco is reading this - please bring Jojo's to all locations!

Fabbri Amarena Wild Cherries in Syrup

The decorative jar caught my eye before I even realized what treasure it contained. These Amarena wild cherries from Fabbri are the real deal – genuine Italian cherries preserved in a rich, not-too-sweet syrup that transforms ordinary desserts into something special. I'm not the only one who appreciates them. I often see them featured in Costco fan groups on Facebook.

The cherries themselves are plump, deeply flavored, and much more complex than standard maraschino varieties, with a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle tartness. They're wonderful spooned over vanilla ice cream, tucked into crepes, or used to elevate a homemade Manhattan.

Deluxe Sushi Platter ($12.69-$15.99)

Sushi fans, if your Costco has fresh sushi, you have to grab some! This is one of my favorite things to bring home when I make a trip. The portion size is generous enough to serve as a substantial meal for two or an appetizer for a small family gathering.

What separates these from typical grocery store sushi is the freshness factor – the rice maintains its proper texture without getting hard or gummy, and the seafood tastes clean and fresh. And of course, it comes with a Costco price tag.

EVO Rosemary & Olive Oil Nut Mix ($13.99)

There's something distinctly elevated about this EVO Rosemary & Olive Oil Nut Mix that separates it from standard snack aisle fare. The thoughtful blend combines almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pistachios – a premium assortment you don't typically find in basic mixed nuts.

For $13.99, you're getting a nut mix that's both versatile and nutritionally impressive, with 5g of protein per serving and zero added sugar. This particular blend seems to appear sporadically at Costco, occasionally disappearing for months before returning to select locations.

Hampton Farms Super XL Honey Roasted Peanuts ($6.99)

These Hampton Farms "What's the Buzz?" honey-roasted peanuts have become my guilty pleasure during Costco runs. At just $6.99 for a substantial 2.5-pound bag, they deliver serious value. They make an excellent pantry staple for everything from road trip snacks to topping homemade ice cream sundaes. When you spot them, they're definitely worth adding to your cart.

Sargento Parmesan & Oregano Cheese Bakes ($9.99)

The warehouse gods smiled upon me when I discovered these Sargento Parmesan & Oregano Cheese Bakes. At $9.99 for a generous one-pound bag, these hexagonal crackers occupy a delicious middle ground between cheese crisp and savory biscuit.

Each crisp delivers a satisfying crunch with robust parmesan flavor and aromatic oregano that elevates them beyond ordinary snacking. These versatile bakes shine on their own but also make excellent companions for soups, salads, or charcuterie boards.

Leclerc The Big Cookie Factory Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cookies ($16.69)

When it comes to weeknight desserts that feel special without any effort, these cookies have earned their place in my Costco cart. What makes these stand out is the triple threat of peanut butter: actual peanut butter in the dough, peanut butter-flavored chips, and chocolate chunks that provide the perfect counterpoint to the nutty flavor.

These cookies seem to make sporadic appearances at certain Costco locations. When I spot them, I usually grab a box for those times when homemade just isn't happening but a genuinely good cookie is needed. The good news is that there are a decent number of cookies, so they can actually last a while.

Upper Crust Bakery Lemon Bites ($7.99)

These sweet and tangy lemon bites are a super tasty bite-sized treat. If I'm not careful, I could easily eat way too many in one sitting. I've noticed these tend to be more common in Costco's spring and summer rotations, though some warehouses carry them year-round.

The substantial quantity in each container makes them ideal for sharing at gatherings, though I've found they're equally perfect for keeping in the pantry for those moments when you need a little sweet-tart satisfaction. Their bite-sized nature lets you control portions… theoretically, at least!

Zalea Gourmet Whole Peaches in Syrup ($10.79)

Yes, these juicy peaches have that dreaded Costco "death star," meaning once they're sold out, they're sold out. So, stock up if you love a product and see that star! I've found these to be incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

They make stunning desserts when served simply with a dollop of mascarpone or vanilla ice cream, but they also shine when incorporated into more elaborate creations like trifles or tarts.

Mr. Yoshida's Original Gourmet Marinade & Cooking Sauce ($5.89)

The sauce selection at Costco is incredible. I've found so many new and different sauces I probably wouldn't have tried otherwise. For just $5.89, these distinctive square bottles of Mr. Yoshida's Original Gourmet sauce deliver exceptional value considering the flavor complexity packed inside.

The dark, glossy sauce strikes that elusive balance between sweet and savory notes, with a consistency that works beautifully both as a marinade and as a finishing glaze. While many Costco warehouses carry the large format bottles regularly, some locations only stock it seasonally during grilling months.

Chick-fil-A Sauce 2-Pack ($8.49)

Finding restaurant-branded sauces at Costco always feels like stumbling upon a little hack for recreating favorite flavors at home. This sauce's versatility makes it worth the shelf space in my refrigerator. Plus, my younger kid is a Chic-fil-a fan, so it's good to have the familiar flavors right at home.

While obviously perfect for homemade chicken sandwiches and nuggets, I've discovered it works brilliantly as a dipping sauce for roasted potatoes, an upgrade for turkey sandwiches, and even as a surprisingly good secret ingredient in deviled eggs. I've learned to grab a pack whenever I spot them, as they have a decent shelf life, and the squeeze bottle design makes them easy to use without waste.

Kirkland Signature Cashew Clusters with Almonds and Pumpkin Seeds ($9.89)

These Kirkland Signature Cashew Clusters have become a staple in my pantry rotation. The texture is what truly sets these clusters apart – substantial enough to provide a satisfying crunch but not so hard that you worry about your dental work.

With 5g of protein per serving, they work equally well as a quick breakfast accompaniment, an afternoon energy boost, or a more wholesome dessert alternative. These clusters seem to appear and disappear from Costco's inventory throughout the year, which has trained me to stock up whenever I spot them.

Love the Kirkland items? Me too! Read more: 36 Exclusive Kirkland Items You Can Only Get At Costco (They’re Worth the Trip!)

Idaho Spuds Hashbrown Potatoes ($8.99)

These Idaho Spuds Hashbrown Potatoes have revolutionized my weekend breakfast routine. For $8.99, you get eight 4.2-ounce cartons of dehydrated shredded potatoes that reconstitute into remarkably fresh-tasting hashbrowns.

The convenience factor is unbeatable, especially when serving breakfast to a crowd, but I wouldn't keep buying them if the quality wasn't there. Made with 100% real Idaho potatoes, these hashbrowns crisp up beautifully in a skillet with minimal oil, achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior while maintaining a tender interior.

Purely Elizabeth Original Salty-Sweet Granola ($10.99)

At $10.99, it initially seems like a splurge compared to conventional granolas, but the quality ingredients and substantial packaging make it a reasonable value for organic, premium granola. Made with ancient grains and sweetened primarily with coconut sugar, it delivers a complex flavor profile where you can actually taste the nutty grains, seeds, and hints of salt rather than just sugar.

While this granola makes an excellent breakfast foundation, I've found it equally enjoyable as a topping for baked fruit or as a quick handful straight from the bag when afternoon hunger strikes. This specific variety seems to come and go at Costco, appearing more reliably at certain locations than others, so I've learned to stock up when I find it.

Girl Scouts Thin Mints Bites ($12.49)

Finding these Girl Scouts Thin Mints Bites at Costco means I no longer have to wait for cookie season to satisfy my chocolate-mint cravings. Is your mouth watering like mine is right now? These thin mint bites are an instant-buy for me whenever I see them! They're the perfect snack and satisfy my mid-day sweet tooth perfectly.

The resealable bag helps maintain freshness, though willpower becomes the real challenge once opened. These seem to make limited appearances at select Costco locations, or at least, I've only noticed them recently and only in one particular store. They're perfect for mindful snacking since the individual pieces let you control portions better than an open sleeve of cookies.

Want more Costco chocolate? See this: I Tried Costco’s Best Chocolate Treats—These Are My Top Picks!

Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips Variety Pack ($11.99)

For those navigating dietary restrictions without wanting to sacrifice snacking pleasure, this Siete variety pack represents the holy grail of alternative chips. The box contains 14 individual bags featuring three flavors, all made with avocado oil instead of less desirable seed oils. Priced at $11.99, these grain-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly chips deliver surprising value considering their specialty ingredients and convenient single-serve packaging.

These chips are perfect for lunch boxes, on-the-go moments, or even while browsing your pantry for a quick snack. My favorite flavor is the nacho (can you blame me?).

Tiramisu Cheesecake ($23.99)

Tiramisu + cheesecake = a match made in heaven! Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply want a sweet treat at home for the family, this hybrid cheesecake will bring all kinds of compliments. I love checking out the fresh bakery selections whenever I go to Costco because I frequently find delicious goodies like this cheesecake!

The generous size means you'll likely have leftovers, which I've found hold up remarkably well for several days when properly refrigerated. For anyone who struggles to choose between cheesecake and tiramisu, this fusion dessert brilliantly eliminates that dilemma. Though, I should say here as well that this could be more of a seasonal item than a local one. Costco does seem to rotate their cheesecake varieties.

TenderBison Ground Bison ($20.99)

In Costco's meat department, this TenderBison ground bison represents one of the more unique protein options. Priced at $20.99 for a 2.5-pound package (approximately $8.40 per pound), it is a premium price point compared to conventional ground beef, but it offers distinct nutritional advantages that justify the cost for many health-conscious shoppers.

Ground bison is different from standard beef in that it has a naturally leaner profile and slightly sweeter, richer flavor that many describe as "cleaner" tasting. This particular product appears inconsistently across different Costco locations, making it something of a treasure when spotted in the refrigerated meat section.

Kirkland Signature Australian Lamb Rack ($14.99/lb)

One of Costco's most impressive meat counter offerings sits quietly in the display case – these Kirkland Signature Australian lamb racks that transform ordinary home dinners into restaurant-worthy experiences. Priced at $14.99 per pound, these premium lamb racks offer exceptional value compared to specialty butcher shops.

What makes these racks particularly special is their consistency and clean flavor profile. Australian lamb tends to have a milder, less gamey taste than some other varieties, making it more approachable for those who might be hesitant about lamb. These racks appear in Costco's meat department somewhat sporadically, so spotting them often prompts me to adjust dinner plans.

Maple Leaf Farms Fully Cooked Roast Half Duck ($19.99)

The prepared meats section of select Costco locations hides this culinary shortcut that elevates weeknight meals to special-occasion status. Maple Leaf Farms' fully cooked, partially boned roast half duck is ready to heat and serve for $19.99, offering remarkable convenience for a protein that typically intimidates home cooks.

The vacuum-sealed packaging preserves the duck's moisture and flavor while the partial boning makes serving significantly easier than dealing with a whole bird. These prepared ducks also seem to appear sporadically at certain Costco locations, often as seasonal offerings rather than year-round staples.

Royal Asia Prawn Hacao with Soy Ginger Sauce ($13.99)

In Costco's freezer section, these Royal Asia Prawn Hacao dumplings represent one of those rare convenience foods that actually delivers restaurant-quality results at home. For $13.99, you get a substantial box containing 40 handcrafted dumplings, making them an economical alternative to takeout dim sum.

I took this picture as a Costco that seemed to have larger-than-usual Asian cuisine offerings. I suspect local Costcos may offer more variety based on the local communities who live in the area. I'm not complaining - another reason to travel around more than one Costco warehouse!

Read more: Foodie Alert! 20 Spectacular Asian Cuisine Discoveries at Costco

Qatayef Arabic Pancakes with Sweet Cream & Orange Blossom ($16.99)

Hiding in Costco's freezer section is this impressive find that brings authentic Middle Eastern desserts to your home with minimal effort. Each box of Qatayef contains 12 pieces of these delicate Arabic pancakes filled with sweet cream, cheese curds, and orange blossom.

I found these Qatayef during the month of Ramadan, so this may be not only local but seasonal as well. Either way, they're perfect for entertaining guests with something unexpected yet approachable, or for satisfying cravings for international flavors without leaving home. Plus, they're a freezer item, so good to have around.

Why These Hard-to-Find Gems Make Costco Shopping an Adventure

What makes these hard-to-find Costco gems so special isn't just their quality or value (though both are exceptional) – it's the element of surprise and discovery that transforms routine shopping into a treasure hunt. The inconsistent availability of these items across locations and seasons creates a certain mystique that regular grocery shopping simply doesn't offer.

So, the next time you're wandering Costco's aisles, venture beyond your usual route. Check the end caps, peer into freezer cases you normally skip, and be willing to try something unfamiliar. The true Costco experience isn't just about getting the staples – it's about stumbling upon that perfect find that leaves you wondering how you ever lived without it.

Which of these hard-to-find gems have you spotted at your local Costco? Or better yet, what treasures have you discovered that didn't make this list? The hunt is always more fun when shared with fellow Costco enthusiasts!