15 Canned Costco Items Worth Stocking Your Pantry With

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Go big or go home is the Costco shopper's motto. Unless you dropped by your nearest location simply for the joy of standing in a long line at the food court, you'll likely leave with a cartful of supersized groceries. Fortunately, if those bulk buys consist of canned goods, they'll be much easier to store than perishables. Rather than clamoring for fridge or freezer space, you can, if necessary, stuff surplus cans in your sock drawer or under your bed. As long as canned foods are unopened, they never really expire, so feel free to stock up on your next Costco run.

Costco doesn't offer the widest variety of canned goods, as it seems to save its shelf space for more eye-catching items, like a 5.5-pound chocolate monster head. But it does have a pretty serviceable selection: Our canned goods finds include fish, fruit, meat, and vegetables, and range from wallet-friendly staples to more elevated options. Some are name brands, while others are Costco's own products. What they all have in common, though, is that you can use them in a number of different ways to make some surprisingly delicious dishes. Until you do, they'll be waiting patiently in your pantry until the right recipe comes along.

Please note: Not all of the items listed here are available online. When possible, we have provided a link for purchase.

Kirkland Signature tuna is actually made by a big brand, despite the generic label. For nearly 25 years, it' has been produced by Bumble Bee, so the Kirkland cans are the exact same item, only cheaper. And if you get stuck for ideas on how to use it, numerous Costco condiments and seasonings can make your canned tuna 10 times bolder.

Purchase an 8-count package of 7-ounce cans of Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water at Costco for $20.42.

Sardines have been having a moment lately, as well they might, since each can packs plenty of calcium and is also rich in omega-3s. Costco sells sustainably caught Wild Planet Wild Pacific Sardines, which have a slightly smoky flavor and come packed in olive oil. As they don't have any additional sauces or flavorings, they're suitable for use in any recipe as well as eating straight from the can.

Purchase six 4.4-ounce cans of Wild Planet Wild Pacific Sardines at Costco for $11.34.

Costco shoppers in the Midwest should keep an eye out for Skyline Original Chili, which is one of the premier Cincinnati-style chili brands. The proper way to eat Cinci chili is to make it a three-way, which means that it's on top of spaghetti all covered with cheese, but you can also make it a four- or five-way with the addition of beans and/or onions.

Costco carries jars of Tasso's Garlic & Jalapeno Double Stuffed Green Olives, extra-large Greek olives stuffed with two of the most assertive ingredients you can find: pungent garlic and spicy sliced jalapeños. While these olives do come in a more-than-quart-sized jar, rest assured that they can last for a few months in the fridge, even after the jar's been opened.

Spam was once maligned as a mystery meat, but it got a glow-up once we mainlanders found out how popular it is in Hawaii. And whaddaya know: Spam musubi is actually delicious, and Spam loco moco is quite tasty, too. With a Costco-sized carton of 25% Less Sodium Spam, you'll have enough to try out a bunch of new recipes. (Spam fries! Spam and eggs! Spam and pineapple pizza!) Be aware, though, that an opened can of Spam needs to be used up in just a few days.

Purchase eight 12-ounce cans of 25% Less Sodium Spam at Costco for $28.93.

Once upon a time, we thought that the only kind of maraschino cherries were those weird neon-red globes found floating in Shirley Temples. When the craft cocktail movement came along, we all found out about Luxardo cherries, which are much, much fancier and also free of food dye. The brand Costco sells is the original one, imported straight from Italian cherry orchards.

It's not just beans but also artichoke hearts that are packed with plant-based protein; a 4-ounce serving of the latter has about four grams. Kirkland Signature Artichoke Hearts can be baked with breadcrumbs, tossed into salads, or used to top pizzas, and you can also caramelize them for a flavor upgrade.

Even professional chefs use canned tomatoes, so why shouldn't you? Kirkland Signature Organic Diced Tomatoes are great for any number of recipes: chunky marinara sauce, chili, or even the easiest and most versatile one-pot dinner imaginable (beans and tomatoes). 

Purchase an 8-pack of 14.5-ounce cans of Kirkland Signature Organic Diced Tomatoes for $9.99.

Thai Kitchen Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk is a must-have for vegan desserts, since it can be whipped into a tasty non-dairy topping or swapped out for milk or cream in recipes. It also makes an affordable coffee creamer swap or smoothie ingredient, while non-vegans can use it to upgrade a chicken curry.

Purchase six 13.66-ounce cans of Thai Kitchen Organic Unsweet.ened Coconut Milk at Costco for $12.99.

Yes, you can use canned peaches to make a peach cobbler that will taste just as good (and involve a lot less effort) than one made with fresh fruit. What's more, this generously-sized jar of Kirkland Signature Sliced Peaches will allow you to keep enjoying fresh-baked peach cobblers throughout the winter, instead of having to wait for summer when stone fruits come back in season.

Wild Planet, the same brand that brought you the sustainable sardines mentioned above, also sells cans of wild-caught albacore tuna at Costco. Albacore is seen as a premium tuna species with a light, clean flavor, and when sold as fresh, can cost anywhere from $20 to $45 per pound. Needless to say, the canned version sold at Costco won't put quite such a dent in your wallet.

Purchase six 5-ounce cans of Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna at Costco for $20.99.

If you like your pasta sauce on the sweet side but don't want any added sugar, you can opt to make it with canned San Marzano tomatoes. Nina Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes, which are sold at Costco, are the real deal, meaning that they were imported  from Italy's San Marzano region. Be aware, though, that they come in a restaurant-sized (6-pound, 10-ounce) can, so plan on making a really big batch of marinara and freezing the leftovers.

The Safe Catch Ahi Wild Yellowfin Tuna Steaks sold at Costco are not only wild caught, but have also been tested to assure that their mercury level is 10 times lower than the FDA's acceptable maximum. There's no added water or oil, either, so you won't even need to drain it before adding it to salads or mixing it with pasta.

Purchase six five-ounce cans of Safe Catch Ahi Wild Yellowfin Tuna Steaks at Costco for $14.99.

A can of Giorgia Organic Sliced Mushrooms is an easy addition to stir-fries and omelets, and the mushrooms, when sauteed, make a great burger topping when paired with a slice of Swiss cheese. They can also take your mac and cheese to the next level or make an easy shortcut for homemade mushroom soup. In short, there's a lot of fun to be had with these fungi, so have at it.

Purchase 12 4-ounce cans of Giorgia Organic Sliced Mushrooms at Costco for $10.99.

Canned chicken is a cheap canned protein you shouldn't sleep on, and not just because the cans make a hard, lumpy pillow. While Kirkland Signature Chunk Chicken Breast can obviously be used to make chicken salad, it can also serve as the main ingredient in soups, white chili, Buffalo chicken dip, or pretty much any recipe where you'd use shredded rotisserie chicken. (Yes, Costco's got a great deal on those, too, but canned chicken lasts a lot longer.)

Purchase six 12.5-ounce cans of Kirkland Signature Chunk Chicken Breast at Costco for $16.99.