Costco members know the warehouse retailer excels at bulk staples, from rice and eggs to frozen meals and snacks. But one of the smartest places to stretch your grocery budget is often overlooked: the refrigerator door.
Condiments shape how food tastes more than almost any other category. A good olive oil, a punchy mustard, or a versatile sauce can turn a simple weeknight dinner into something memorable. Buying these items in bulk does not mean sacrificing quality. To prove that point, we spoke with professional chefs about which condiments they consistently buy at Costco and why those items earn a permanent place in their kitchens.
Overview: Chef-Approved Costco Condiments at a Glance
| Condiment | Why Chefs Love It |
|---|---|
| Kirkland Extra Virgin Olive Oil | High quality at a fair price |
| Kewpie Deep-Roasted Sesame Dressing | Intense flavor and versatility |
| Kirkland Organic Maple Syrup | Balanced sweetness, great value |
| Kirkland Basil Pesto | Fresh taste, refrigerated quality |
| Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base | Fast depth of flavor |
| Maille Dijon Mustard | Sharp acidity and classic bite |
Why Condiments Make Sense to Buy in Bulk?
Chefs think about cooking differently than most shoppers. They focus on value per use, not just price per item. Condiments are used repeatedly, store well, and rarely go to waste when chosen thoughtfully.
Food sourcing consultant Marina Lewis explained, “Bulk buying works best for items you use a little at a time but reach for often. Condiments fit that category perfectly.”
Costco’s large-format offerings allow chefs to buy premium products at prices that would be difficult to match at conventional grocery stores.
Kirkland Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Pantry Essential
The Kirkland Extra Virgin Olive Oil is frequently mentioned by chefs who want both quality and affordability. The two-liter bottle costs about $28, which works out to roughly $0.41 per ounce.
Chef Agostino Cangiano, co-owner of Slicehaus, said, “There’s something fascinating about finding artisanal quality in a place as massive as Costco. It’s actually quite good. Smooth, grassy, balanced not Tuscan, but respectable.”
Compared with smaller bottles sold elsewhere, the Kirkland oil offers strong value without feeling compromised.
Kewpie Deep-Roasted Sesame Dressing: Flavor Without Effort
This lesser-known Costco item packs roasted sesame seeds into a creamy, nutty dressing that works far beyond salads. Chefs use it in marinades, as a dip, and tossed with noodles or vegetables.
Executive chef Daniel Ontiveros of Carver Road Hospitality called it “one of the most important items in my household.”
He added that fans of Kewpie’s mayonnaise will appreciate how this dressing elevates simple roasted vegetables.
Kirkland Organic Maple Syrup: Not Just for Pancakes
Two chefs independently pointed to Kirkland Organic Maple Syrup as a must-buy. The 33.8-ounce jug costs about $15, or roughly $0.44 per ounce.
Chef Roshara Sanders of Red Rooster Harlem said the syrup works well in vinaigrettes and marinades. Ontiveros highlighted its use as a natural sweetener in savory cooking.
At comparable stores like Whole Foods Market, private-label maple syrup typically costs more per ounce, making Costco’s version a standout value.
Kirkland Basil Pesto: The Refrigerated Advantage
While homemade pesto remains the gold standard, Costco’s Kirkland Basil Pesto comes surprisingly close. Sold refrigerated rather than shelf-stable, the 22-ounce jar maintains a bright, fresh flavor.
Cangiano admitted, “I expected something dull and oily, but it actually has life to it. The basil tastes real, and the cheese isn’t too salty.”
For pasta, sandwiches, or quick sauces, the bulk size makes it easy to use generously.
Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base: Depth in Seconds
Developing flavor quickly is a constant priority for chefs, and Better Than Bouillon delivers. Made with real roasted chicken, the paste dissolves easily into soups, sauces, and pan reductions.
Costco sells a 21-ounce jar, far larger than the standard grocery store size. Cangiano recommends stirring a spoonful into butter and white wine for what he described as a “lovely” pan sauce.
Maille Dijon Mustard: A Classic With Attitude
Sharp Dijon mustard remains a kitchen workhorse, and chefs prize the large-format Maille Dijon Mustard when they can find it. Cangiano described it as having “perfect acidity” and “a bit of attitude.”
Availability varies, as this item is more commonly found in Canadian or Australian Costco warehouses. When available, it is worth grabbing for sauces, dressings, and marinades.
What These Condiments Share?
Culinary consultant Rachel Nguyen noted, “These condiments all do more than one job. That versatility is what makes them worth buying in bulk.”
From sweeteners to sauces, each item helps chefs build flavor quickly without relying on complex preparation.
How Shoppers Can Cook Better for Less?
Buying the right condiments in bulk can quietly improve everyday cooking. Instead of spending more on takeout or specialty ingredients, shoppers can rely on well-chosen staples to elevate simple meals.
Costco’s ability to offer premium-quality condiments at scale gives home cooks access to the same tools professionals use.
Final Thought
Condiments may seem like minor purchases, but they shape how meals taste day after day. These six chef-approved Costco finds prove that buying in bulk does not mean lowering standards.
For shoppers looking to cook better while spending less, restocking the condiment shelf at Costco is a smart place to start.
FAQs
Are Costco condiments good quality?
Yes, many are chef-approved for everyday cooking.
Do bulk condiments go bad quickly?
Most store well when refrigerated properly.
Is Kirkland olive oil authentic?
It is a single-origin imported oil.
Are these items available at every Costco?
Availability may vary by location.
Are Costco condiments cheaper than grocery stores?
Often yes, especially when comparing price per ounce.
