The average Costco warehouse spans an astonishing 146,000 square feet. But Costco doesn’t just pride itself on selling products in bulk; it champions an eclectic array of items, turning it into a treasure trove for food enthusiasts.
Imagine stepping into a realm filled with everything from clothing to home decor, luggage to gigantic jugs of olive oil, and yes, even excellent eggs. Hidden among this eclectic mix are countless **culinary delights** waiting for you to discover. While it’s tempting to stick to familiar staples, venturing into Costco’s lesser-known offerings could lead you to an **explosion of flavor**.
If you’re looking to spice up your culinary routine, there’s an undeniable gem hidden in those aisles: **Korean products**! These flavorful treasures make it simple for even the busiest home cooks to whip up delicious Korean meals. To sift through the sea of options available at Costco, we turned to the experts—content creators from @crazykoreancooking.
Featuring a delightful blend of nostalgia and critique, Grace Lewis showcases her Korean parents tasting everything from classic American dishes like deep-dish pizza to authentic Korean meals. Their family even sells their own **gochugaru**—the versatile Korean red chili powder—on their website.
With their profound knowledge of Korean cuisine, the family curates a list of must-try products available at Costco, helping you navigate this vast food landscape effectively. Here’s their insightful rundown!
The Korean Items You Should Buy from Costco
**Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Seaweed Snack**
These crispy and salty seaweed sheets are a standout for Grace and her parents; packed neatly in individual packets, they reveal a quality that surpasses much of the seaweed found in American Korean markets. Made in Korea, each ingredient is **organic**—just simple combinations of organic seaweed, sunflower oil, sesame oil, and a touch of sea salt.
**Bibigo Steamed Dumplings**
These **wheat-wrappered dumplings** might not clarify if they’re trying to be Chinese or Korean, but they scored high marks for being **remarkably good for mass-produced dumplings**. Grace’s mom suggests enhancing them with a simple homemade sauce comprising vinegar, soy sauce, and gochugaru. A touch of creativity can elevate your experience. Just poke a hole in the dumpling tops before saucing for glorious flavor infusion!
**Korean Ramen**
If you’re a ramen lover, Costco is your **mecca**! Here, you can stock up on fan-favorite brands like Shin Ramyun and Buldak at affordable prices. Known as the most popular ramen brand in South Korea, Shin Ramyun is a must-try—while Buldak brings the heat that spicy food enthusiasts crave.
**Bibigo Cooked Sticky White Rice**
Allow us to introduce your new pantry staple! In microwavable bowls that cook in less than 2 minutes, this rice is perfect for both quick dinners and fried rice—just rip it right into the pan for **fluffy perfection**.
**Melona Bars**
These sweet, frozen treats are the quintessential summer indulgence. Recognized for their **gelato-like texture**, they’re available in flavors like honeydew melon, mango, and coconut. Originating in Korea in 1992, the honeydew bar has become a beloved nostalgic treat that’ll keep you cool on hot days.
**Jongga Kimchi**
While this kimchi is a **convenient option** for those without access to Korean markets, Grace’s family admits it might not meet their personal taste standards; they prefer a spicier, less processed option. Nonetheless, this kimchi could suit those looking for milder flavors.
**CheongKwangJang Hong Sam Won Red Ginseng Drink**
Enriched with Korean red ginseng, jujube fruit, and ginger, this antioxidant-rich drink is marketed as an energy elixir without any caffeine. This is an excellent option for those sensitive to caffeine, and it proudly represents a **well-known Korean brand**.
The Korean Products You Should Skip at Costco
**Bibigo Kimchi and Cheese Rice Ball**
Despite the attractive packaging suggesting flavorful kimchi rice, this option falls flat, as it **lacks sufficient kimchi flavor**. Skip these and consider creating a homemade version with your favorite kimchi and rice!
**Gimbap**
While Grace’s parents agree that the frozen gimbap is acceptable, they mentioned that the **frozen offering from Trader Joe’s surpasses it** if you crave this beloved Korean snack.
**Kevin’s Korean BBQ-Style Beef**
While labeled as “Korean-style,” this product is made by a non-Korean company. Lewis and her parents found that the **aftertaste** from the monk fruit sweetener used was unappealing, further disqualifying it from their recommendations.
**Yukgaejang (Spicy Beef and Vegetable Soup)**
Even though Grace’s family enjoyed this vibrant red stew, they noted a disappointing lack of shredded meat—an essential element of the classic dish. Ultimately, it seemed **overpriced for what it offered**.
So, whether you’re adding a pinch of Korean flavor to your meals or diving into the world of expertly crafted products, **Costco** is an exciting destination! Happy shopping!
