Costco is packed with ingredients for great meals that can be cooked at home, but what happens when there's no time (or desire) to cook?
Fortunately, the warehouse retailer offers plenty of items that are easy to prepare or require little prep work, so you can get more out of your membership.
So if you’re not a cook, check out these things instead from your favorite Costco.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
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Food court pizza
One of the best Costco hacks is to stop by the warehouse retailer’s food court before you start wandering the aisles to order a pizza.
Do your shopping, check out, and arrive back at the food court for a perfectly hot pizza ready for you to take home with no cooking required by you.
Kirkland Signature Protein Bars
A good way to get some extra protein if you don’t cook is to grab a good protein bar.
Check out the chocolate brownie version of Kirkland Signature Protein Bars. The protein bars come in a two-pack with 20 bars each, so you’ll have plenty to keep you going throughout the day.
Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
Need a hearty snack? Then check out the Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets.
The tasty nuggets include a good helping of peanut butter nestled inside a crunchy pretzel shell, making them the perfect salty-and-sweet snack.
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Kirkland Signature Chicken Breasts
Costco has canned chicken breasts that are good for any number of quick meals that you won’t have to cook—or at least not much.
You can eat the chicken on its own or add it to a can of chicken noodle soup to give it an extra poultry kick. Or throw in some mayo and diced celery for a quick chicken salad.
Gourmia 7-Quart Digital Air Fryer
Want to know what all the hype is about when it comes to air fryers? The Gourmia 7-Quart Digital Air Fryer includes 10 pre-set functions to make it super easy for you to make food with almost no cooking effort involved.
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Rotisserie chicken
Costco is well known for its rotisserie chickens, so remember to grab one on your next Costco run.
When you arrive at your favorite warehouse, the chicken is hot and ready, so just grab it and head home for a delicious meal that requires no prep work.
Kirkland Signature Trail Mix
Costco’s Kirkland Signature has a great trail mix that you’ll want to grab for snacking.
The four-pound bag of trail mix includes nuts, raisins, and chocolate candies to ensure that every bite is delicious, and no cooking is required.
Gift cards
Let someone else cook for you with Costco’s wide selection of gift cards you can give to friends and family — or use them for yourself to save money.
The gift cards at Costco cover sit-down restaurants, take-out places, and even donut shops. And you can purchase them at Costco for less than the face value of the card to save you extra cash.
Goldfish crackers
Goldfish crackers are a staple for some kids because they’re easy and delicious.
You can pick up a pack of three stay-fresh bags or a 45-count box of snack packs. Grab one if you’re on the go or toss a few in a bag when you go out with the kids.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Welch’s Fruit Snacks
Welch’s Fruit Snacks have a tasty fruity kick and are the perfect quick snack during a busy day.
Costco offers a box of 90 snack packs for you to grab and go. And unlike crackers or chips, you won’t have to worry about them crumbling into crumbs when you toss them in your bag.
Candy
Costco has a wide selection of candy that you can choose from to satisfy your sweet tooth. Check out packs of full-size candy bars and other tasty treats or the fun-sized versions of your favorite candy if you’re just looking for a quick bite.
Kirkland Signature Chicken Street Tacos
Costco has some great dinner kits, including this chicken street tacos options. A little bit of assembly is required, but it should be a snap with the Kirkland Signature Chicken Street Tacos.
The kit includes tortillas that you can fill with seasoned chicken, shredded cabbage, cheese, and sauces to give them an extra kick.
Kirkland Signature Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter
Need a fancy dinner, but you aren’t a fancy cook? Costco can help you with its Kirkland Signature Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter.
The salmon pieces are seasoned with Costco’s signature basil pesto butter. Follow the directions on the label, and you’re all set. You can even cook the salmon in the aluminum foil container it comes in for easy cleanup.
Kirkland Signature Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Costco is well known for its baked goods, including its Kirkland Signature Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies.
The cookies come in a 60-count pack and are perfect for snacking or if you need dessert for yourself or to take to a party.
Coffee
Need a quick coffee fix in the morning? Costco has plenty of K-cup options if you’re just making a quick cup for yourself as well as plenty of ground coffee choices.
Another way to save money shopping is to buy whole-bean coffee and then use the coffee grinder at Costco to freshly grind your coffee before you leave.
Bottom line
If you’re limiting your Costco selections to items that don’t require much cooking, it’s a good idea to take a list with you so you can remember to pick up exactly what you need.
You’ll also want to ensure you have the best credit cards for Costco in your wallet if you want to maximize the extra perks of your shopping experience.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
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