The 9 Best Cult Favorites You Need to Buy at Costco

Are you a fan of Costco? Both families and individual shoppers love this popular wholesale store. It's one of the top places families flock to when they need to stock up on groceries for a competitive price. Not to mention, you can feed your entire family at the food court on your way out for likely less than $15.

There are many reasons why people love Costco — from the quality of the Kirkland Signature brand to the gourmet goods they carry. Most Costco fans will tell you shopping there is an experience in itself. Next time you plan on browsing the aisles of your local store, don't forget to check out these nine Costco cult favorites that are worth the purchase.

This post was updated in October 2025 to include new information about favorite items at Costco and additional editorial enhancements.

The history of Costco Wholesale involves two companies: Price Club, which was founded in 1976, and Costco, which opened its first warehouse in 1983. The two companies merged in 1993 to form what is now known as Costco Wholesale.

The Price Club was created as a place for small businesses. However, the idea to sell to members who weren't necessarily businesses was born. It wasn't too long after, in 1983, that the first Costco Wholesale opened up. Then, after both companies continued to grow and succeed, they merged in 1993 to create what we now know and love as Costco Wholesale.

For a good reason: Costco is one of the most popular Wholesale companies worldwide. Costco aims to give its customers excellent deals with the best value. This is why they only keep around 4,000 SKUs in the store.

Costco carries unique bulk deals that give you the best bang for your buck. Furthermore, while walking around with your family, you can try Costco's quick and tasty samples throughout the store. More reasons people love Costco include:

• The food court
• Return policy
• Competitive prices
• The consistent quality of products
• Cheap gas
• Wide range of items, including food, electronics, and even apparel

When you go to Costco, there are so many cult favorites that you absolutely must try. However, time and time again, the products on this list are the most popular. Here are the nine best cult favorites you need to buy at Costco.

The Kirkland shelled pistachios come in a 1.5-pound bag. They are roasted & salted, which adds to the delicious flavor. At Costco, you can get this 1.5-pound bag for $16.99. Additionally, this buy is a healthier choice as well. The pistachios are trans-fat-free and cholesterol-free. For a quick and easy snack, these shelled pistachios are a must.

The Kirkland brand sells these enormous tubs of maple syrup for less than $15. The rich flavor and being a bulk item made this maple syrup a fast favorite. It's hard to beat a rich syrup slathered over your pancakes any day of the week.

Sanders' Sea Salt Caramels may seem on the pricy side; after all, this product goes for around $36.99 for a 36-ounce two-pack. However, once you bite into these caramel goodies, you realize how worth the price tag is.

The sea salt caramels perfectly combine salty and rich caramel flavors. Which makes them the perfect after-dinner treat.

If you are a fan of pretzels and peanut butter, why not combine the two? For around $11.99, you can buy a 55-ounce package. The pretzels are full of protein and carbs and can be addictive! They make a perfect little snack that gives you an afternoon pick-me-up when you need energy.

Making a beeline straight for the Kirkland Signature almonds as soon as you walk through the doors of Costco is always a good idea. This three-pound pack of almonds is a cult favorite.

The almonds are perfectly roasted, and the milk chocolate complements the almond flavor. But be warned, you may not be able to stop eating them.

The sheet cakes at Costco have earned the title of cult favorite for a reason. So much so that they are often bought and used for weddings. These tasty quarter sheet cakes are also the perfect dessert for important occasions like birthdays.

The 2-ounce cake totals 3.5 pounds and comes with 14 pre-cut slices. The delicate flavor and the convenience make the price worth it for many.

Speaking of desserts, Costco's pumpkin pie is a hit every fall. This cult favorite only makes an appearance every fall season. It has become so popular that customers rush to grab one before they sell out every season. This pie freezes perfectly and has delicious spices, including nutmeg and cinnamon.

For $5.99, customers can grab this 58-ounce pumpkin pie and be an instant hit at any holiday party.

Does your child live on chicken nuggets? Finding the best brand, especially for your buck, can be challenging. However, Just Bare Chicken Nuggets deserves the title of top chicken nuggets.

Even as an adult, you will find that these tasty chicken nuggets are so tasty. They have no added hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. The four-pound resealable bag makes it easier to grab what you want and freeze the rest.

Healthy? No. Addictive and tasty? Yes. The 36-ounce barrel of cheese balls makes a yummy snack for kids and adults alike. While it's not necessarily a healthy snack, these cheese balls are gluten-free and made with real cheese.

Costco is a favorite of many people for good reason. Buying snacks, meat, drinks, and many more items in bulk is convenient. Not to mention, buying in bulk can save you money in the long run. So, if you are a member of Costco and want to try something new, give these nine cult favorites a chance.