15 Costco Kirkland Signature Frozen Foods That Use High Quality Ingredients

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Shopping at Costco is always an adventure. There are so many options to choose from, especially in the frozen food aisle; and finding something new and delicious to try at home almost always feels like an accomplishment. But, if you've made a commitment to eat healthier, you're likely a little pickier these days and looking for products that contain clean, nutritious, or high-quality ingredients. The challenge then becomes actually finding them among the countless options lining the shelves of the frozen food cases.

And, if you're short on time and need to be in and out in a matter of minutes, you simply don't have the time to read every label before throwing it into your cart. That's why we've taken the time to do the research for you and curate a list of the best Kirkland Signature frozen foods with the highest quality ingredients. This way, the next time you run into the warehouse club for a few things, you'll know exactly what you're looking for in the frozen food aisle. Here are the highest quality Kirkland Signature frozen food items you should be seriously considering the next time you're shopping at Costco.

When it comes to healthy eating, salmon is often at the top of everyone's list — especially wild caught sockeye salmon. Not only does this particular fish have the highest protein and vitamin D levels of all five species of salmon, but it also has a deep red color and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to be good for the brain and heart. The end result is a firm-fleshed fish that's easy to prepare. And, the beauty of Kirkland's Signature Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is that it isn't farm-raised. This means that it's free of artificial colorings or additives, lives in the pristine waters around Alaska, and eats a natural diet where it lives.

At the Costco in Columbus, Ohio a bag of Wild Alaskan sockeye salmon is $42.99 and includes about eight filets that are 5 to 7 ounces each. Each boneless filet is individually vacuum packed and flash frozen with the skin on. Plus, the only ingredient listed on the nutrition label is good-for-you sockeye salmon. You can't get more high quality than that.

Known for its buttery, sweet taste, red shrimp that are wild caught in the waters of Argentina, have a tender bite reminiscent of lobster and are rarely rubbery, like other shrimp. Also known as Patagonian king prawn, these must-buy frozen shrimp are naturally reddish in color due to their high-quality diet and aren't injected with dyes. In fact, the only ingredient on a bag of Kirkland Signature Wild Argentine Red Shrimp is Argentine red shrimp.

At the Costco in Columbus, Ohio a 2-pound bag of frozen red shrimp is $21.79 and includes about 20 to 40 shrimp per pound or about eight 4-ounce servings per bag. These shrimp are also peeled and deveined and don't contain any chemicals or preservatives. When cooking these crustaceans, it's important to thaw them first. Cooking them frozen can compromise the flavor and cause the shrimp to become mushy. To properly thaw the shrimp, put your desired serving size in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours before cooking and avoid thawing them at room temperature or in warm water.

The Kirkland Signature Wild Caught Sea Scallops are an incredibly healthy seafood choice. Not only are these little delicacies rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, but they also have several trace minerals including selenium, zinc, and copper, all of which may benefit brain, nervous system, and heart health. These shellfish are also considered a lower mercury fish by the Environmental Protection Agency, though women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should limit consumption to a couple of servings per week.   

Like other seafood options on this list, the ingredient list contains only one item — sea scallops. Once caught, the scallops are hand shucked and quick frozen to preserve freshness. A 2-pound bag of Kirkland Signature Raw Sea Scallops contains about eight, 4-ounce servings of scallops or about 15 to 20 scallops per pound. While prices range, you can typically snag a bag of these for around $55, though this is subject to availability. 

When it comes to fish, people often assume that fresh is best. But frozen fish may actually be the fresher option, especially if you live inland. In other words, the "fresh fish" in your local supermarket may have traveled days before hitting the shelves — a process that could potentially degrade its nutritional value and safety. Consequently, purchasing fish that has been frozen shortly after being caught may yield the healthiest fish.

That's why we have no qualms about recommending the Kirkland Signature Wild Caught Alaska Pacific Cod, a mild, flaky fish that's also kid-friendly. Not only does this frozen fish only have one ingredient on its label — cod — it also has been certified as a sustainable food. This means this wild caught cod is sourced from healthy, naturally occurring fish populations, while ensuring there's minimal impact on its neighboring ecosystem.  At the Costco in Columbus, Ohio, you can secure a 2-pound bag of 5- to 8-ounce loins for $37.44. 

When most people hear mahi mahi, they automatically assume that the fish is derived from a dolphin. But the name "mahi-mahi," which is a Hawaiian phrase that means "strong-strong," is used to describe the dorado or dolphinfish and isn't the same thing as a dolphin. Instead, it's a fast-swimming, saltwater fish and not a marine mammal. This fish has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a meaty texture that holds up well when used in dishes like fish tacos or simply baked with butter, lemon, and fresh herbs.

The Kirkland Signature Wild Caught Mahi Mahi is one of the more popular frozen fish choices available at Costco, so these 3-pound bags tend to go fast. And, like other fish selections on this list, mahi mahi is the only ingredient on the label — no additives or colors to worry about. Each bag, which is $42.55 at the Las Vegas Costco, contains about 12, 4- to 8-ounce pieces of fish that are individually vacuum sealed.

If you want restaurant-quality tempura shrimp, then snag a box of Kirkland Signature Tempura Shrimp when it's in stock. The ingredients list includes basic items like shrimp, water, salt, rice flour, and corn flour and the sodium level hovers at 460mg. This means, if your goal is less than 600mg of sodium per meal (or 2300mg per day), this dish puts you within that range. 

That said, this tempura shrimp dish does have a few minor flaws. For instance, the shrimp used in the dish are farm raised rather than wild caught and there's soybean oil on the ingredients list. But this oil is the seventh ingredient, which means the manufacturer used very little of it in comparison to the first three ingredients on the list — shrimp, water, and salt. You also may want to make your own shrimp dipping sauce because using the one included could push the sodium level over what's recommended. For a box of 30 tempura shrimp at the Columbus, Ohio Costco you can expect to spend $17.99.

Chicken wings are the classic game day snack and the Kirkland Signature Crispy Wings deliver on all fronts. Not only are these wings air fryer ready, making prep a breeze, but they're also a much more high quality version than most other pre-made, frozen wings. The ingredients include chicken wing sections, long grain rice flour, salt, and other seasonings — and, if you're following a gluten free diet, these wings fit that need, too. You'll also find some sodium phosphate listed on the ingredient list, which is a form of salt used to improve the texture and shelf-life of many foods. 

That said, these chicken wings may not be something you want to eat every week, especially since they contain about 870mg of sodium. But, when eaten in moderation, they make a good snack for special occasions. That said, you may want to make your own Buffalo sauce recipe to keep the sodium level in check. You can expect to pay about $17 for a 64 ounce bag with roughly 13 servings inside — more than enough for your next football gathering.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a staple ingredient in most households in the U.S. with some people eating poultry as many as three to four times per week. In fact chicken has become so popular that some researchers say chicken consumption has tripled in the last several decades. That's why it pays to find good sources for frozen chicken breasts with high quality ingredients — and the Kirkland Signature Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts are a superior choice.

Not only does this chicken not contain any antibiotics, but its ingredient list includes only chicken breast, water, and kosher salt. This means the product doesn't contain a saline solution or other sodium additives like most other frozen chicken products. Still, the kosher salt bumps the sodium content up to 300mg, so keep that in mind when preparing these USDA Grade A chicken breasts. A 10-pound bag costs $27.99 at the Costco in Columbus, Ohio and contains about 40, 4-ounce chicken breasts.

When it comes to eating red meat, what the cows eat could have some impact on how healthy the beef is. Choosing grass-fed beef over grain-fed beef could provide some health benefits. For instance, some sources suggest that grass-fed beef could have a lower fat content, more omega-3 fatty acids, and more antioxidant vitamins. Of course, more research is needed comparing the two types of beef; but, in the meantime, if you prefer quality meat, you'll be excited to see the Kirkland Signature 100% Grass-Fed Beef Patties in the frozen food aisle at Costco.

Not only are these frozen beef patties made from cows that have been fed exclusively grass and not grain, but the meat is also free of hormones and antibiotics — two characteristics that often make meat less desirable. Each 1/3 pound burger patty is 80% lean, 20% fat, and can be cooked from frozen. A package of 15 burgers costs $32.99 at the Costco in Columbus, Ohio.

When it comes to beef, wagyu beef is often considered the pinnacle of luxury, especially if the meat comes from 100% certified Japanese cattle breeds that must adhere to strict standards. Not only can you expect the wagyu beef to be tender and juicy, but it also has a better mouthfeel overall and appears to melt in your mouth. Plus, wagyu often contains more oleic acid, a heart-healthy fat. In the U.S., you can get either Japanese wagyu beef or American wagyu, which is made from a crossbreed of cattle that include both American and Japanese lineages.

While the label of the Kirkland Signature Wagyu Ground Beef Patties doesn't say whether or not the beef comes from Japanese or American cattle, these 1/3 pound pre-formed patties are sourced from grass-fed cattle and are free from antibiotics and hormones. And, they deliver on taste too. In fact, one Redditor says they're "light years" better than Costco's other beef patties while others say they cook well on the grill. You can expect to pay $40.62 for a bag of 15 patties at the Costco in Columbus, Ohio.

While most people assume that eating fresh berries is best for you, there's some research that contradicts that idea. For instance, studies have found that frozen produce is just as nutrient-dense as fresh — and in some areas it's even better. For instance, the research suggests that vitamin C levels in frozen blueberries are significantly higher than that of fresh blueberries. Likewise, vitamins B2 and E are also better preserved in frozen produce.

So, it may make sense to stock up on Kirkland Signature Organic Blueberries, Kirkland Signature Wild Blueberries, Kirkland Signature Organic Strawberries, and Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend. Not only are these berries the only ingredients on the labels — a key characteristic in making these choices high quality — but they're also sometimes half the price of some supermarkets. At the Columbus, Ohio Costco frozen strawberries cost $13.61 for a 4-pound bag, organic blueberries cost $10.20 for a 3-pound bag, and the berry blend costs $12.59 for a 4-pound bag.

If you're like most people, you buy fresh vegetables at your local supermarket with the best intentions of serving them throughout the week, only to find that they've gone bad before you could even eat them. That's why it often makes sense for busy families to rely on frozen vegetables. Not only are these vegetables frozen at the peak of freshness, but they also tend to last longer and taste just as good as their fresh counterparts. Plus, they can be prepared in a moment's notice.

Frozen vegetables at Costco contain only the vegetable on the ingredient list, making them a good choice for anyone looking for high quality ingredients. You'll likely find single vegetables, like Kirkland Signature Organic Broccoli Florets, which cost $11.11 at the Columbus, Ohio Costco, Kirkland Signature Organic Green Beans, which also cost $11.11, and possibly others depending on what your warehouse has in stock.

Just like bags of individual vegetables, having a vegetable mix on hand can make dinner preparation much easier; and Costco offers a variety of options all with high-quality ingredients — vegetables frozen at the peak of freshness with nothing else included. Some examples of the warehouse store's options include Kirkland Signature Stir Fry Vegetable Blend, Kirkland Signature Organic Mixed Vegetables, and Kirkland Signature Normandy-Style Vegetable Blend. These bags each offer a unique blend of vegetables designed to meet a variety of taste preferences. Redditors agree, with one ranking these a "10/10." 

At the Costco in Columbus, Ohio the stir fry vegetable blend retails for $12.02, the organic mixed vegetables is $9.07, and the Normandy-style vegetable blend is $10.54. Plus, each of these different vegetable blends come in a 5-pound resealable bag, making them easy to use in your favorite stir fry recipes, soups, and stews. 

Nothing caps off a dinner better or makes a birthday more complete than a bowl of vanilla ice cream, especially when it's made with high-quality ingredients. At the top of the ingredient list for the Kirkland Signature Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream you'll find fresh cream, skim milk, pasteurized egg yolks, vanilla extract, and sugar. This blend of whole foods without dyes or preservatives is the epitome of high quality ingredients when it comes to ice cream.

Of course, the sugar content of this ice cream hovers around 30g for a 2/3 cup serving, which is above the recommended daily allowance, so you may want to reduce your serving size or limit your sugar from other food items when eating this ice cream. Either way, Redditors are in love with this ice cream and you can purchase two half-gallons of it for just $12.99 at the Columbus, Ohio Costco.

Perhaps one of the most popular frozen food items, aside from ice cream, is frozen pizza. Yet, finding one with high-quality ingredients isn't always easy. Enter the Kirkland Signature Cauliflower Crust Pizza. This pizza may be particularly appealing to you if you tend to prefer low-carb eating or follow a gluten-free diet. The pizza's crust is made with a base of cauliflower, eggs, and cheese instead of a flour dough, and though the rest of the ingredient list is long, it includes mostly whole foods, including tomato paste, a variety of cheeses, and vegetables.

You will find Italian sausage and pepperoni on the ingredient list, which drives up the sodium content, but overall this supreme pizza contains a number of high-quality ingredients. Even the cheeses used in the pizza are rBST-free. This means the cows from which the milk products were sourced were never treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin, an artificial growth hormone. This two-pack of pizzas retails for $11.99 in Columbus, Ohio.

When it comes to finding Kirkland Signature frozen foods with the highest quality ingredients, it all starts with knowing what you're looking for. After all, the front of a food's label could include misleading terms — like light, low-fat, natural, and fortified — that can trick some people into believing a food is made with high-quality ingredients. The key, then, to finding frozen foods with high-quality ingredients is to focus on the ingredient label.

Typically, frozen foods that contain high quality ingredients will have a very short list of ingredients that are easily recognizable. In other words, if the package contains whole foods, like vegetables, meats, seafood, eggs, or whole grains as its first or only ingredients, it's going to be much more nutritious — and more high quality — than those foods that include refined grains, additives, or hydrogenated oils as their first ingredients.

When curating this list of Kirkland Signature frozen foods with high quality ingredients, we considered how long the ingredient list was and if it contained mostly whole foods. We also looked for products that didn't contain many additives or other notoriously unhealthy ingredients. And, when it came to meat and seafood, we looked for meats and chicken that were free of antibiotics and hormones.