15 Costco Freezer Section Treasures for Empty Nesters

Gone are the days when you needed to cook for four or more. Now that the kids have flown the coop, bulk buys may not seem like bargains. But that doesn't mean you should stop shopping at the warehouse club.

We can help you unlock the true value of your Costco membership. And our first tip is to start shopping in the freezer section. From gourmet pizza to chocolate-coated ice cream bars, our roundup features the best frozen meals, sides, starters, and sweet treats for empty nesters.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $13.49

Your kiddos are fans of pepperoni and extra cheese, not mushrooms and tuffles. Now that you're an empty nester, it's time to buy what you want to eat. And this pizza has a more "grown-up" flavor you'll savor. Get three dinners from each triple-pack of gourmet garlic-infused pies.

Price: $14.99

Sixty dumplings may seem like too much for two people. But you don't have to eat this entire bulk buy in one sitting. With five 12-piece trays, you can pan fry one serving at a time or wait until your next get-together. This freezer find is also the perfect party starter.

Price: $9.99

Snag this 10-count of frozen seasoned turkey burgers for under $10. The 90% lean, 10% fat patties are high in protein (30 grams per serving) and made with antibiotic/hormone-free meat.

Unlike some of Costco's other "burger" buys, this pack won't take up too much space in your freezer. The smaller size makes it more manageable to store, giving you extra room for frozen veggies, desserts, and more.

Price: $10.99

This four-pound bag of strawberries is a versatile find that you'll use almost daily to make smoothies, cobblers, cocktails, mocktails, marinades, salad dressing, or ice cream sundaes.

Smaller families may not use a fresh fruit bulk buy before it goes bad. But a frozen alternative (like this) can save you money and eliminate food waste. Just defrost what you'll use right now and save the rest for another day.

Price: $13.99

Indulge in a sweet treat that's made for an adult's palate. Instead of filling your freezer with party cake ice cream and Disney popsicles, pick up this decadent dessert.

For under $14, you'll get 18 of the 160-calorie double caramel and cacao treats. And don't worry about overdoing it. These "minis" are snack-sized. Save some serious cash on this purchase. For reference, Target sells a six-count for $7.89. At that price, you'll pay over $23 to get Costco's quantity.

Price: $11.99

Are you looking for a quick dinner? These protein-rich organic bean, rice, and cheese burritos are an easy vegetarian option. Even though the eight-count is technically a "bulk" buy, you can heat and eat these flour tortilla wraps one at a time.

Price: $11.99

Don't waste money on bread, chicken, and cheese. These protein-packed (11 grams per serving) melts have it all in one convenient pocket. Microwave a frozen sandwich in under one minute.

No room for the 15-pack in your freezer? Take the individually wrapped sammies out of the box and store them in a resealable freezer bag.

Price: $9.99

Tackle the high cost of takeout and pass on pricey apps. This three-pound box of spring rolls is a steal for less than $10. An appetizer (three vegetable spring rolls) costs $8.99 at P.F. Chang's.

Of course, Costco's 50-count size is too big for a smaller family. Prepare smaller one, two, or three-roll portions at a time and freeze the rest.

Price: $17.99

Fish sticks have no place in your freezer. Without kids at home, you can start serving something more sophisticated.

Beer enthusiasts will enjoy this wild Alaskan craft brew battered cod. Air fry a few fillets at 400 degrees for 13 to 14 minutes or bake them in the oven (at 475 degrees) for 15 to 18 minutes.

Price: $13.99

Make Taco Tuesday easier and skip the from-scratch prep. Air fry one (or a few) of the gluten-free shredded chicken tacos for five to six minutes at 375 degrees, and serve this savory selection with spicy salsa and creamy guac.

Price: $10.69

You don't have to serve the whole 3.5-pound bag of fire-roasted sweet corn at one meal. The crumbled queso fresco cheese, sour cream elote sauce-coated blend is packaged in four 14-ounce bags, making it easy to heat some now and save the rest.

Price: $15.99

A barrel-sized ice cream bulk buy doesn't make financial sense for an empty nester. But these individually portioned cups do. The 12-pack features adorable (and affordable) real fruit shells and fan-favorite flavors. Get three of each: coconut, red berry and grapefruit, mango, and pomegranate.

Price: $24.69

Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner without going out. This smaller six-count is the perfect size for a family of two. While $24.69 may seem like a lot for half a dozen, a single takeout crab cake appetizer at Mitchell's Fish Market costs $19.

Price: $14.99

Pass on pricey takeout and take advantage of this two-bag deal. Heat one of the 16-ounce packs and keep the other in the freezer. Add pasta and cooked veggies to create a balanced meal.

Price: $10.99

Plan for a party and nab this four-pound box. Don't worry about wasting food (or money) with this bulk purchase. The two resealable bags make it easy to cook as many mozzarella sticks as you want.

The bargains don't stop at the frozen foods aisle. Empty nesters can save money on groceries by scoring deals on shelf-staple pantry bulk buys that last for months.

Plus Kirkland Signature bakery and deli goodies, pet products for your fur babies, the savings at Costco are endless.