7 Chef Approved Costco Snacks to Add to Your Cart in 2025

When chefs talk about Costco, it’s not just bulk staples they’re excited about; it’s the snacks. The best ones check all the boxes: bold flavor, smart ingredients, and that rare balance between indulgence and practicality. From savory seaweed sheets to dark chocolate coconut bites, these are the kinds of snacks that show up in professional kitchens and home pantries alike. They’re reliable, satisfying, and built for real-world cravings. If you want to shop like a chef in 2026, start with these smart picks.

1. Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Seaweed

Think of roasted seaweed as the snack that gives you a lot of flavor for very little fuss. Costco’s bulk sheets or snack packs deliver a crisp, saline bite that works as a low-calorie, umami-forward nibble between meals. Chefs like it because it pairs with everything: crumble it over salad for instant ocean lift, use strips as a crisp garnish for rice bowls, or enjoy straight from the pack as a light, crunchy alternative to chips. Store in a cool, dry place and keep packages sealed so the sheets stay brittle and bright. Because it’s shelf-stable and portable, each bag stretches across meals and occasions, making it both economical and versatile.

2. Golden Island Korean BBQ Pork Jerky

If you want a snack that reads like a quick, concentrated meal, a sweet-savory Korean BBQ pork jerky delivers. The texture is chewy and satisfying, and the flavor profile is dense with soy, garlic, and sesame notes layered over caramelized sugar. Chefs appreciate jerky for its high protein content and its reliable seasoning; it travels well and performs as a fast, filling snack on long days or outdoor trips. For home use, chop small pieces into fried rice or a noodle stir-fry to add instant depth. The key is managing chew: enjoy slowly to appreciate the marinade complexity, and keep it in an airtight container so it retains its best texture.

3. Kirkland Signature Milk Chocolate Covered Almonds

There’s a reason chocolate-covered almonds stay popular: they combine fat, protein, and sugar in a single bite that satisfies both snack cravings and dessert moments. Costco-sized bags of milk chocolate-covered almonds mean you always have something to offer guests or to use when you want a controlled sweet treat after dinner. Chefs value these for their simplicity and versatility: the almonds bring crunch and umami while the chocolate provides a creamy counterpoint. Store them in a cool, dark cupboard or fridge during hot months to prevent bloom. For a quick dessert, melt some and drizzle over fresh fruit or ice cream.

4. Kirkland Signature Supreme Whole Almonds

Whole almonds are a pantry workhorse, and a big bag from Costco gives you more than savings. They act as a snack, a baking ingredient, a salad topper, and a simple source of healthy fat and protein. Chefs often keep nuts on hand because they’re neutral enough to pair with savory and sweet recipes while sturdy enough to be chopped, toasted, or ground into a paste. Toast the almonds briefly to wake their oils before adding to a dish; that step transforms their aroma and makes everything taste more intentional. Store in the fridge or freezer if you buy in very large quantities to preserve freshness and avoid rancidity.

5. SoKusa Shrimp Chips with Garlic and Butter

Shrimp chips are a textural joy: light, airy, and aggressively crunchy. The garlic and butter seasoning takes them beyond novelty into a snack that has a real savory backbone. For chefs, these make excellent pairing tools; think of them as a crunchy, umami-laced spoon for creamy dips or seafood-forward spreads. They add theater to a snack board, and they travel well, so they are a popular impulse repurchase. Keep them sealed and away from humidity so they stay snappy. For a quick appetizer, pair with a citrusy mayo or a tangy yogurt dip to balance the salt and oil.

6. Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Minis

Coconut and dark chocolate are a classic for good reason: the chocolate’s bitter notes play beautifully against the coconut’s sweet, slightly tropical chew. These minis are easy to portion, which helps control indulgence while still feeling like a treat. Chefs like portable sweets that use real ingredients and deliver honest texture, and dark chocolate coconut fits that bill. Use a few pieces as a plated finish alongside espresso or a small scoop of sorbet, or chop them into granola or yogurt for a layered dessert effect. Store in a cool, dry place to keep the chocolate snap intact.

7. In-Shell Pistachios (Salted)

Pistachios in the shell are slow food in snack form. The act of cracking each nut makes them feel more intentional and satisfying than shelled varieties, and the light salt brings out their buttery, slightly floral flavor. Chefs and hosts love in shell nuts for convivial settings because they naturally slow the pace of eating and encourage conversation. They’re also an economical, nutrient dense choice for stashing in work bags or keeping on coffee tables during gatherings. Keep them refrigerated to maximize shelf life, and use the shells as a casual serving vessel or compost them when you’re done.

8. Choco Churro Turtle Chips

Tortilla chips dressed up with dessert flavors are a novelty that actually works when done with restraint. Choco churro turtle chips pair cinnamon sugar and chocolate notes with the satisfying crunch of a chip, creating a snack that crosses sweet and salty lines. Chefs appreciate snacks that can do double duty: serve these with a simple dulce de leche dip or a mascarpone-honey mix for an unexpected dessert board, or let them stand alone as a playful treat. Because they combine sugar and starch, keep portions small and store them sealed to maintain crispness.

9. Kirkland Signature Organic Popcorn or Bulk Popcorn Variety

Popcorn is the ultimate snack room staple: inexpensive, customizable, and fast to make. Costco’s bulk popcorn offers a blank canvas for chefs and home cooks to riff, drizzle with browned butter and rosemary for a savory twist, toss with nutritional yeast for a cheesy vegan option, or dust with cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish. The economics are compelling: a big bag turns into many batches, and popcorn’s long shelf life makes it a reliable go-to. For the best texture, store kernels in an airtight container and pop in small batches so each bowl stays crisp and aromatic.