News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

10 Costco Frozen Meals That You’re Better off Skipping

They may be convenient, but there are some that just aren’t worth the buy.

costco irvine
Updated Nov. 27, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

One of the top Costco membership perks is the incredible selection of frozen foods, but not all of them live up to the hype. 

Some options can have strange textures, sky-high sodium, or just lack flavor — turning what seemed like a bargain into wasted cash.

Here are 10 frozen meals at Costco worth skipping.

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

Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.

New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!

If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.

Jimmy Dean Delights English Muffin

Courtesy of Costco jimmy dean delights english muffin

Price: $18.19

Jimmy Dean is known for their variety of breakfast protein options. Their turkey sausage, egg white, and cheese whole grain English muffins may be convenient, but people say no method of prep makes these taste good.

The bread is oddly soggy and the meat is rubbery, and it’s just not good.

Foster Farms Jumbo Chicken Corn Dogs

Courtesy of Costco foster farms jumbo chicken corn dogs

Price: $17.39

Corn dogs are universally loved for their nostalgic and playful existence at fairs, carnivals, and outdoor events, so a 28-pack of jumbo ones may sound like heaven — but you’d be wrong.

While the chicken dog itself is quite juicy, the cornbread outer coating is spongy and dry, and has an unappealing grittiness to it making this one box you won’t want to finish.

Kirkland Signature Meatballs, Italian Style Beef

Courtesy of Costco kirkland signature meatballs, italian style beef

Price: $20.19

While fans used to love Kirkland’s Italian Style Beef Meatballs, they aren’t singing its praises so loudly now. The frozen meat — which was already tough to chew unless you deviated from the printed cooking instructions — seems more oily and wet than it used to be.

Customers who used to soak them to cook them correctly say it’s almost impossible to do so now.

Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco

Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.

Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.

Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1

Get Capital One Shopping now

Ling Ling Potstickers

Courtesy of Costco ling ling potstickers

Price: $14.29

Costco customers massively prefer the Bibigo potstickers over the Ling Ling brand. The chicken is super sugary, the filling’s texture has been compared to wet styrofoam, and the recipe has been consistently horrible over the years.

While some shoppers insist on cooking them differently than the packaging suggests for better texture, you can’t make up for the taste — or lack thereof.

Kirkland Signature Chicken Bakes

Courtesy of Costco kirkland signature chicken bakes

Price: $15.49

Kirkland Signature’s cheesy, herbed Chicken Bakes are a big-time fan favorite at the food court, but, sadly, the frozen version tastes nothing like those, and are void of the caesar and parmesan flavors fans love.

Unfortunately, the sodium content is also terrifying, with each chicken bake packing in a whopping 1,370 grams.

Kirkland Signature Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Courtesy of Costco kirkland signature cauliflower crust pizza

Price: $13.59

Costco is working to provide affordable, gluten-free crust options that taste better than other brands, however, the saturated fat and sodium values are alarmingly high.

Plus, cauliflower takes a lot of manipulation to taste like a true pizza crust, and this one still falls flat and oddly chewy.

Ajinomoto Shoyu Ramen with Chicken

Courtesy of Costco ajinomoto shoyu ramen with chicken

Price: $21.99

While Ajinomoto Shoyu Ramen with Chicken was a bit of a fan favorite before, the recipe has since changed and left a bad taste in customers’ mouths.

Where the chicken was sliced and tender before, it’s now cut into cubes, feels rubbery, and is tougher to eat.

Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese

Courtesy of Costco stouffer’s macaroni and cheese

Price: $12.59

If you’re eating Stouffer’s macaroni and cheese, it’s probably for nostalgia — not the taste or nutritional value. Sure, 76 ounces of prepared pasta is a budget-friendly dream, but this option is astronomically high in sodium and has a gritty, floury texture to it.

The internet also acknowledges the taste isn’t what it once was.

El Monterey Burritos

Courtesy of Costco el monterey burritos

Price: $23.19

El Monterey Burritos are known for being protein-packed meal options on a budget. Unfortunately, their formerly beloved burritos shrank in size and are much less satisfying than they used to be.

Some customers even claim there is more tortilla than anything else — a massive downgrade on a once perfectly good product.

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.

Get a free quote

Smucker's Uncrustables

Courtesy of Costco smucker's uncrustables

Price: $15.79

Surely, this isn’t the first time you have heard that Smucker’s Uncrustables aren’t a great option for regular consumption. It takes almost the same amount of time to make a fresh peanut butter and jelly with more organic ingredients.

The formula has improved over the years, but there are still tons of people who complain about the texture and way-to-sweet jelly taste.

Bottom line

jetcityimage/Adobe Costco Wholesale Location from outside

While it can be easy to save on groceries at Costco, be sure to do your research before adding something new to your cart so you aren’t disappointed that you wasted money on something you won’t even finish.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

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 and Drawbacks
Card Details


Author Details

Meredith Schneider

Meredith Schneider is a writer, editor, and marketing professional with over a decade of experience across multiple industries. As a creative entrepreneur, she is always on the lookout for money-saving hacks to support her single-income household. Meredith is dedicated to finding high-quality products at affordable prices to elevate her life and those around her.