Think you know everything Costco has to offer? Think again! Walking through those massive warehouse doors, most of us head straight for the usual suspects – toilet paper, rotisserie chicken, and maybe a slice of pizza on the way out. But hidden among those towering shelves are some seriously unexpected food treasures waiting to be discovered. From luxury delicacies to international specialties, Costco’s food selection goes way beyond the basics. Ready to have your mind blown about what’s really hiding in those aisles? Your next Costco trip is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
Massive wheels of cheese that weigh as much as a child
You might need a workout buddy to help you get this one into your cart. Costco sells wheels of cheese that weigh up to 70 pounds! These enormous wheels aren’t just for show – they’re real, high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano that you can actually buy and take home. Just imagine showing up to your next dinner party with a cheese wheel the size of a car tire. The shocked looks on your friends’ faces would be almost as good as the cheese itself. And if you’re wondering about the price tag, these mega-wheels can cost several hundred dollars – but the per-pound price is actually lower than buying smaller portions.
What makes these cheese wheels even more special is that they’re the real deal, imported straight from Italy. True Parmigiano Reggiano is made using traditional methods that have been around for centuries, giving it that distinctive nutty flavor and granular texture that make it so prized by cheese lovers. While it might seem ridiculous to buy such a massive amount of cheese, many home cooks find that having a large piece on hand means always having fresh, high-quality cheese ready for grating. Plus, properly stored, these wheels can last for months, making them a practical purchase for serious cheese fans.
Luxury Japanese Wagyu beef at warehouse prices
Who would expect to find one of the world’s most luxurious meats next to the ground beef and chicken breasts? Yet there it is – authentic Japanese Wagyu beef, sitting pretty in select Costco meat departments. This isn’t just any beef; it’s the highest possible grade, known for its intense marbling, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and rich flavor. In fancy restaurants, a single Wagyu steak can set you back hundreds of dollars. At Costco, you can get the same quality meat for a fraction of the restaurant price. Of course, it’s still expensive compared to regular beef, but if you’ve been wanting to try this bucket-list food, Costco makes it much more accessible.
What makes this deal even more surprising is that Costco isn’t cutting corners on quality. They offer genuine Japanese Wagyu beef, not American Wagyu or other less exclusive alternatives. For special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to an extraordinary meal without the restaurant markup, this hidden Costco gem delivers big time. The meat counter staff can even provide cooking tips if you’re nervous about preparing such a premium product. Remember that with Wagyu, less is more – its richness means you’ll likely be satisfied with smaller portions than you’d expect from regular beef.
Premium caviar that won’t empty your bank account
Fancy food doesn’t get much fancier than caviar, those tiny fish eggs that usually come with a massive price tag. But guess what? Costco has somehow managed to make this ultra-luxury food more affordable. They sell tins of quality caviar that would cost two or three times as much at specialty food shops. Finding caviar at Costco is a bit like discovering diamonds at a hardware store – it just doesn’t seem to fit, but there it is! While it might not be the absolute top-tier caviar that costs thousands per ounce, the varieties Costco carries are definitely the real deal, imported and properly handled.
For special occasions when you want to feel extra fancy without spending your entire paycheck, Costco’s caviar offers amazing value. The tins typically come with mother-of-pearl spoons (metal spoons can affect the taste), and some even include blini or crackers for serving. If you’ve always been curious about caviar but put off by the price, this is your chance to try the famed delicacy without serious financial commitment. Just remember that caviar needs to be kept very cold, so make sure it’s one of the last items you pick up before heading to checkout.
Whole roasted pigs at Alaskan Costco stores
If you ever find yourself in Alaska and happen to wander into a Costco there, you might be surprised to find whole roasted pigs in the meat section. Yes, entire pigs, fully cooked and ready to be the centerpiece of your next big gathering! This regional specialty isn’t something you’ll find at most Costco locations, but in Alaska, it’s apparently popular enough to earn shelf space. Just imagine pushing your cart through the store and coming face to face with a whole roasted pig – that’s definitely not something you see every day at your local grocery store. These ready-to-eat pigs are perfect for large community gatherings and celebrations.
What’s interesting about Alaskan Costcos is that they offer many regional specialties you won’t find elsewhere. Besides whole roasted pigs, they also stock huge amounts of crab and jumbo shrimp, reflecting the state’s seafood-rich culture. There’s also a unique Alaskan cracker called “Sailor Boy Pilot Bread” that’s a staple in many Alaskan homes but virtually unknown in the lower 48 states. If you’re traveling through Alaska, stopping by a Costco can actually give you an interesting glimpse into local food culture – something you probably wouldn’t expect from a warehouse store chain.
Food with a 25-year shelf life for emergency prep
Not all unexpected Costco food items are about luxury – some are seriously practical. Tucked away in some Costco warehouses are emergency food kits with shelf lives of up to 25 years. These aren’t your typical canned goods, but specially prepared and packaged meals designed to last for decades. Each kit typically contains enough food to feed a person for a month or more, with options ranging from breakfast foods to main dishes and even desserts. While the idea of eating food that was packaged when your kids were babies might seem weird, these products are specifically designed to retain their nutrition and flavor over extremely long periods.
These emergency food kits have become increasingly popular as more people focus on being prepared for natural disasters or other emergencies. The Alaskan Costco stores in particular carry a wide selection of these doomsday foods, but they’re available in many locations across the country. The packaging technology is actually pretty impressive – special oxygen absorbers and moisture barriers keep the food fresh despite the passing years. While hopefully none of us will need to rely on emergency food supplies, having some tucked away provides peace of mind, and Costco makes it surprisingly affordable to stock up.
Alcohol-infused ice cream that’s definitely not for kids
Ice cream is a standard grocery item, but boozy ice cream? That’s a different story. At certain Costco locations, particularly in France, you can find liquor-infused ice cream that combines two favorite treats in one. These aren’t just flavored to taste like alcohol – they actually contain real spirits mixed right into the creamy base. Flavors might include rum raisin with actual rum, Irish cream, or bourbon vanilla. The alcohol content isn’t high enough to get you tipsy (usually around 2-5%), but it’s definitely enough to add a warming kick to your dessert. The combination creates a sophisticated treat that’s perfect for adult dinner parties.
While these boozy frozen treats are more common in European Costco locations, some U.S. stores have started carrying them too. The selection varies widely by location due to different alcohol sales laws across states and countries. Because they contain actual alcohol, you’ll need to show ID when purchasing, just like buying beer or wine. The texture of these adult ice creams is often extra-creamy because alcohol lowers the freezing point, resulting in a softer, more luxurious dessert. Next time you’re browsing the frozen section at Costco, keep an eye out for these grown-up treats.
Specialty foods that change with each region
One of the most surprising things about Costco is how the food selection changes depending on where you are. Each warehouse tailors part of its inventory to match local tastes and populations. In Astoria, Queens, where there’s a large Greek community, you might find whole frozen lambs ready for traditional roasting. Visit Hawaii, and the bakery section features mango and guava cheesecakes. Head to Washington D.C., and you might spot chocolate federal buildings. This regional customization means that visiting Costco in different areas can be like a food tour of local specialties, all under one warehouse roof.
The international Costco locations take this localization even further. Canadian stores feature poutine in their food courts, while French locations offer platters of crepes in their bakery sections. In Japan, entire aisles are dedicated to massive bags of rice, and South Korean Costcos carry fresh sea cucumber and whole raw octopus. Even the food court menus change dramatically across countries. This regional variation means that Costco shoppers in different areas get completely different shopping experiences – what’s everyday to you might be totally exotic to a Costco member from another state or country.
A 22-pound chocolate bar that’s bigger than a laptop
Chocolate bars are nothing special – unless they weigh as much as a toddler. At Australian Costco locations, shoppers can buy a massive 22-pound Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate bar that’s approximately the size of a small suitcase. This isn’t some novelty item made of cheap chocolate either; it’s the same creamy Cadbury milk chocolate you know, just in a ridiculously oversized format. Buying this chocolate monstrosity is like walking out with your weight in gold – except it’s chocolate, which some might argue is even better. While the practical uses for such a massive amount of chocolate might be limited, it certainly makes for an unforgettable gift or party centerpiece.
The giant Cadbury bar isn’t just impressive for its size – it’s actually a pretty good deal when you break down the price per ounce compared to buying regular-sized chocolate bars. Some creative Costco shoppers have used these mega-bars for making massive batches of homemade chocolates, fondue parties, or epic s’mores gatherings. Others simply enjoy the novelty of having an absurdly large chocolate supply that lasts for months. While primarily found in Australian stores, these chocolate behemoths occasionally make appearances in other international locations, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re traveling abroad and shopping at Costco.
Next time you’re wandering through those wide Costco aisles, take a detour from your usual shopping path. Check out the sections you normally skip, ask employees about specialty items, or browse the international foods aisle. You never know what unexpected treasures you might discover. From luxury foods at reasonable prices to quirky regional specialties, Costco’s food selection goes far beyond bulk basics. The warehouse giant continues to surprise even its most loyal members with new and unusual offerings that make every shopping trip an adventure.
