Every grocery list has two sides. One is practical, built around meals and nutrition. The other is driven by enjoyment, made up of snacks that make long days better and downtime more satisfying. Even professional chefs, who spend their careers planning menus and sourcing ingredients, rely on store-bought snacks to get through busy schedules.
As food prices continue to rise, many chefs say they turn to Costco to keep snacks affordable without compromising on quality. Known for bulk pricing and unexpected finds, the warehouse store offers several snack options that chefs consistently buy for their own kitchens. From light bites to indulgent sweets, these seven Costco snacks come highly recommended by culinary professionals.
Overview: Chef-Approved Costco Snacks at a Glance
| Snack | Category | Why Chefs Buy It |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Organic Roasted Seaweed | Savory | Light, salty, budget-friendly |
| Golden Island Pork Jerky | Protein snack | Flavorful and filling |
| Kirkland Chocolate-Covered Almonds | Sweet | Crowd-pleasing and affordable |
| San Pellegrino Essenza | Beverage | Elegant, refreshing |
| Kirkland Whole Almonds | Pantry staple | Clean flavor, good value |
| SoKusa Shrimp Chips | Savory | Light texture, versatile |
| Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Minis | Sweet | Simple ingredients |
Why Costco Works for Chef-Approved Snacking?
Chefs are trained to think about value, portioning, and consistency. Those same instincts shape how they shop for snacks. Costco’s bulk packaging reduces cost per serving, while its private-label and specialty offerings allow chefs to buy higher-quality items at lower prices.
Food sourcing consultant Marina Lewis explained, “Chefs don’t snack randomly. They look for flavor, texture, and value. Costco checks all three boxes.”
The 7 Costco Snacks Chefs Swear By
Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Seaweed
Costco’s roasted seaweed snacks are a favorite for chefs who want something light but flavorful. Made with sunflower oil, sesame oil, sea salt, and rosemary extract, the sheets are crisp and savory.
Chef Roshara Sanders of Red Rooster Harlem described them as “light, salty, and the perfect late-night snack.” A 10-pack costs about $12, or roughly $1.20 per serving, far less than similar options at standard grocery stores.
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Golden Island Korean BBQ Pork Jerky
Jerky can be expensive, but Costco’s nearly one-pound bag of Golden Island Korean BBQ Pork Jerky offers better value. Each serving provides seven grams of protein, and the full 14.5-ounce bag costs around $15.
Chef and cookbook author Jon Kung said, “Costco has this Korean BBQ flavored pork jerky that I couldn’t control myself around. I’d eat the pound bag within an episode of whatever show I’m watching.”
Kirkland Signature Milk Chocolate Covered Almonds
For sweet snacking, chefs often reach for Kirkland’s large tub of chocolate-covered almonds. The 48-ounce container is popular for gatherings, road trips, and long workdays.
Kung noted, “When I’m running a shoot, the things people graze on most are the giant tub of chocolate-covered almonds and dried mango.” The bulk size keeps costs low while feeding a crowd.
San Pellegrino Essenza
Although technically a beverage, San Pellegrino Essenza is considered a snack-time staple by many chefs. Slicehaus chef Agostino Cangiano called it “elegance in a bottle” and added that “Costco’s price lets you keep it flowing.”
A 24-count case costs about $18.50, breaking down to roughly 77 cents per can, a significant savings compared with single-can purchases elsewhere.
Kirkland Signature Supreme Whole Almonds
Simple, unsalted whole almonds are another pantry essential. Cangiano said, “They taste honest. I keep them in the kitchen when I’m tasting dough and need a reset for my palate.”
Costco sells a three-pound bag for about $13.69, or roughly $4.56 per pound, compared with more than double that price at specialty nut retailers.
SoKusa Shrimp Chips With Garlic and Butter
These light, crispy shrimp chips are a favorite of chef Daniel Ontiveros, corporate executive chef at Carver Road Hospitality. He described them as “super light and a great vehicle for just about any dip.”
Made with tapioca flour and wild shrimp, the chips are sold in a two-bag bundle for $28. While not cheap, the price is still significantly lower than other retailers, where a single bag can cost over $18.
Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Minis
For a bite-sized dessert, Ontiveros recommends Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Minis. These vegan candies are made with dark chocolate, organic coconut, and organic cassava syrup.
Nearly a pound of the minis costs about $12.47, offering a premium-feeling treat at a warehouse-friendly price.
How Shoppers Can Snack Smarter?
Chef-approved snacks offer everyday shoppers a roadmap for buying better. Focusing on value per serving, ingredient quality, and versatility helps stretch grocery budgets while keeping snack time enjoyable.
Costco’s ability to combine bulk pricing with specialty items makes it especially appealing for households trying to manage rising food costs.
Final Thought
Costco’s snack aisle offers more than oversized packages. According to chefs, it is one of the best places to find snacks that deliver flavor, value, and versatility.
Whether you prefer savory crunch, protein-packed bites, or sweet treats, these seven chef-approved snacks prove that smart snacking does not have to come at a high cost.
FAQs
Are these snacks available at all Costco locations?
Availability may vary by store.
Are Kirkland products good quality?
Many chefs say Kirkland items offer strong value.
Is jerky cheaper at Costco?
Yes, bulk bags reduce cost per serving.
Are these snacks good for entertaining?
Yes, many work well for sharing.
Does Costco carry healthier snack options?
Yes, including nuts, seaweed, and protein snacks.
