9 Best Costco Prepared Foods for Solo Shoppers
Costco has long been known for its bulk deals, but solo shoppers often feel overlooked in the aisles of giant packages. Thankfully, the warehouse giant also stocks a wide range of prepared foods that are perfectly suited for one person. These options make it easy to enjoy flavorful, filling meals without worrying about spoilage or leftovers piling up. From protein-packed staples like rotisserie chicken to quick salads and microwaveable bowls, these choices help you stretch every purchase into multiple meals with minimal waste.
1. Rotisserie Chicken
Costco sushi trays offer a convenient way for solo shoppers to enjoy variety without the hassle of preparation. Each tray comes ready to eat with soy sauce and wasabi included. For optimal taste and texture, purchase earlier in the day and eat within 24 hours, keeping the tray properly refrigerated. They work well as a light lunch or dinner, especially paired with miso soup or edamame for a more complete meal. Always check freshness before buying, and skip any trays with wilted garnish or dry rice.
2. Ready-to-Eat Salads
Pre-made salad bowls at Costco deliver convenience and variety without the hassle of buying large amounts of produce. Many include protein such as chicken, salmon, or beans which helps make them a complete meal. A single large bowl can often be split into two meals if you keep the dressing separate until serving. These salads are excellent for lunches or light dinners when you want something fast and fresh. Always store them cold and check packaging dates to ensure crisp greens and flavorful toppings.
3. Sushi Trays
Costco sushi trays are a handy choice for solo shoppers who crave variety without much prep. Packaged with soy sauce and wasabi, they are ready to enjoy right away. For the best taste and texture, buy trays earlier in the day and consume them within 24 hours while properly refrigerated. They make an easy light dinner or lunch option and pair well with miso soup or edamame for a fuller meal. Always check for freshness before purchasing and avoid trays with wilted garnish or dry rice.
4. Shrimp Cocktail
Costco’s shrimp cocktail packs are an easy, low-prep way to add quality protein to your meals. Fully cooked and peeled, they’re ready to serve chilled with cocktail sauce or lemon, or to mix into salads and grain bowls. For solo shoppers, they offer several small servings that keep for a few days when refrigerated. If you won’t finish them quickly, portion and freeze the extras for later. Always check the packaging date to ensure the shrimp are firm, fresh, and flavorful.
5. Chicken Bake
The famous Costco chicken bake is a hot and hearty option when you need a quick meal. Served from the food court, it is filling enough for dinner on its own, though solo shoppers might prefer to cut it in half and save a portion for later. For best texture, reheat leftovers in an oven instead of the microwave. Though indulgent, it is convenient and comforting, making it an excellent choice on busy nights when cooking is not appealing and you still want something satisfying.
6. Pulled Rotisserie Chicken
For even more convenience, Costco sells tubs of pulled rotisserie chicken that are ready to heat and serve. The meat is seasoned and versatile, working in soups, sandwiches, bowls, or pasta. Because the packs are large, divide the chicken into smaller containers or bags once you get home. Refrigerate what you will use soon and freeze the rest for later meals. This way you avoid waste and always have protein on hand. It is a smart buy for solo cooks who like quick, homemade-style meals.
7. Microwaveable Bowl
Single-serve microwaveable bowls from Costco are a practical option for solo shoppers who need fast meals. Whether you choose grain bowls, pasta, or hearty soups, they heat in just minutes and are portioned for one person. Many freeze well so you can stock them for busy nights. Look for varieties higher in protein to make them more satisfying and balance them with a simple side of vegetables or salad. They are an excellent backup plan when you are too tired or busy to cook from scratch.
8. Prepared Sides
Prepared sides such as mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or vegetable packs offer flexibility and convenience for solo shoppers. They make excellent pairings with a portion of rotisserie chicken or meatballs, giving you a balanced meal without extra effort. Since these sides are often packaged in larger trays, portion them into single servings and refrigerate or freeze to reduce waste. With minimal prep, they add variety to your meals and allow you to enjoy comfort food in reasonable portions whenever you like.
9. Meatballs and Sauces
Kirkland Signature meatballs paired with ready-made sauces are a versatile Costco staple for solo cooks. You can heat them quickly and enjoy them with pasta, in subs, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal. Although sold in larger packs, meatballs freeze easily, so divide them into small bags for later use. This makes it simple to prepare single servings whenever you need them. Flavorful, filling, and cost-effective, they are a reliable choice that can be repurposed in many dishes throughout the week.
