One Of Costco's Best Items Under $20 Is A 3-Pound Snack From Kirkland Signature

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Costco has no shortage of bulk buys. The warehouse chain offers oversized versions of everything from chicken to coffee to paper towels. And one other must-try to add to your list is Kirkland Signature in-shell salted pistachios.

This 3-pound bag costs $19.99 (though prices may vary by location). They're "naturally opened," meaning the pistachios have grown large enough for the shells to crack on their own instead of being mechanically pried apart early on with less kernel inside. Marked as U.S. Extra #1, a high grade determined by the USDA, these pistachios are also roasted and salted for maximum flavor. Popular for their affordability and quality, they have a nearly 5-star rating with more than 3,200 reviews on Costco's website.

Nuts are one of the best pantry staples to buy from Costco; while pistachios are technically seeds, Costco groups them with bulk-buy "nuts," including cashews and walnuts. These pistachios' $6.66 price per pound is lower than at many other stores (although Sam's Club offers Wonderful-brand pistachios at a similar price, expect other bulk sellers to go higher). Costco keeps prices low by limiting markups on its in-house products and nixing a marketing budget altogether.

Kirkland Signature pistachios are among the Costco favorites under $20 that feel like they should cost $50. Each serving contains 170 calories, 14 grams of fat, 8 grams of carbs, 2 grams of natural sugar, 6 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber. Nutrient- and antioxidant-rich pistachios are famously heart-healthy with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and they may even bring down blood pressure.

Customers swear by them. "Almost every nut was edible without applying any extra effort to get it open. Very impressive! Any other pistachios I've had always have a bunch I have to throw out because I can't get them open," one Costco reviewer attests. "They are fresh and taste great! I took the time to go through the whole bag and only found a small handful of empty shells," adds another. "Better than the more expensive Wonderful pistachios brand, which has far smaller pistachios and more rotten ones. These are always large and have a great taste," claims a third.

And pistachios aren't just for snacking. Try incorporating them into recipes, like pistachio-crusted salmon, to create a verdant, crunchy topping for fish. Or toss them in a savory, herby sauce for mortadella ravioli with pistachio butter. Even simpler, make pistachio milk with a food processor or blender. And don't forget dessert: Wow guests with a pistachio torte.