Why Shoppers Love Costco

Many shoppers trust Costco for low prices and solid quality. Kirkland Signature items often top their lists. Because Costco sells in bulk, customers usually shop to stock up—not to grab one quick meal.

Meat remains one of the most common bulk buys. The Kirkland label promises consistency and value. However, culinary experts say one popular option deserves a second thought.

Why Experts Say Skip Kirkland Ground Beef

Kirkland ground beef is notably lean. Most packages feature an 88% lean / 12% fat ratio. While that sounds healthy, it often hurts flavor.

Chef Kyle Taylor, founder of He Cooks, explains why. He avoids anything leaner than 80/20. According to him, fat carries flavor and keeps meat moist. Lean beef dries out quickly and tastes flat.

As a result, many cooks end up adding oil or butter. That extra fat defeats the purpose of choosing lean beef in the first place.

Less Fat, Less Flavor

Taylor also challenges the health argument. Even lean ground beef remains calorie-dense. If flavor matters, fat matters too.

He prefers 70/30 for burgers, meatloaf, and meatballs. For sauces, he recommends 80/20. Anything leaner, he says, simply underperforms.

Price also weakens the case. Compared to other Kirkland products, the savings aren’t significant. If you sacrifice flavor, you usually expect a bargain—but that’s not always true here.

Bulk Buying Comes With a Catch

Like most Costco items, ground beef comes in large portions. That works for cookouts. It doesn’t always suit smaller households.

Extra meat requires freezer space. Frozen ground beef lasts about four months. To avoid waste, portion it first. Then seal and freeze each section separately.

The Better Ground Beef Option at Costco

You don’t have to avoid ground beef at Costco entirely. Experts suggest choosing the organic option instead.

Brandon Dorsky, co-owner of Yeastie Boys Bagels, recommends Kirkland Organic Ground Beef (85/15). It costs more per pound, but it competes well with similar organic brands. In his view, it offers better overall value.

When Lean Ground Beef Makes Sense

Still, lean beef has its place. Dorsky says he chooses it for older guests or anyone focused on heart health.

The recipe also matters. Burgers and meatballs rely on beef flavor and fat for structure. In contrast, sauces, chilis, and tacos highlight other ingredients. In those dishes, lean beef works just fine.

Another Costco Meat to Watch

Ground beef isn’t the only item to approach carefully. Costco’s pre-cut steaks also raise concerns.

These steaks undergo blade tenderization, a process that can push bacteria inside the meat. In the past, health officials linked mechanically tenderized beef to E. coli outbreaks.

If you buy them, cook steaks to at least 145°F, as recommended by Consumer Reports.

Mixed Reviews on Costco Chicken Wings

Some shoppers also criticize Costco’s chicken wings. Complaints include leftover feathers, slimy packaging, and uneven sizes. That inconsistency can make cooking tricky.

Additionally, some customers say the wings contain more bone than meat. However, others report better results with the organic chicken wings.

The Best Costco Meat Buys

Despite a few misses, Costco still offers strong meat options. According to The Takeout and The Daily Meal, these picks consistently impress:

• Rotisserie chicken
• USDA Prime ribeye steaks
• Wagyu beef
• Bone-in ham leg
• Lamb chops
• Brisket
• Rib roast
• Ahi tuna

Costco remains a smart place to buy meat—just not every cut deserves a spot in your cart.