As a midwestern girlie who grew up on Saturday morning Costco runs, there's just nothing more therapeutic than a leisurely stroll through the warehouse's enormous aisles. I love scouting for new finds, eating an entire meal's worth of samples, and leaving with a full grocery haul and food court Diet Coke in hand (which you can finally get again, FYI).
While we spend a lot of time as a team researching and writing about viral Costco products, I wanted to take things a step further and try every last one for myself—just to see if they're worth the hype. Follow along on my journey!
Cotton Candy Grapes
Level up your fruit game with these cotton candy grapes that are always flying off shelves. I wasn't really sure what to expect of the popular treat, but these are as good as people say. They're the perfect healthy candy alternative because they really are so much sweeter than a classic grape.
"My kids ate an entire tub of these in two days. I might have helped them," a customer confessed on Reddit. Another added,"The first time I had them, I fell in love with them!"
Costco Muffins
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Costco's muffins. At some point, the retailer switched up the original, beloved recipe, and according to customers, the new version isn't good. "The new Costco muffins are very 2025 (that's my new derogatory term)," one person joked on Reddit. "Why would they ruin a good thing 😭," another said. Someone else went as far as saying they wouldn't be renewing their Costco membership over this!
With all the controversy, I had to give them a try for myself and, sadly, everyone is right—for the most part. I tasted three variations: Blueberry & Cream, Lemon Raspberry, and Banana Nut. While I loved the flavors of the Lemon Raspberry, the texture on all three was way too dry and crumbly. Hate to say it, but they won't be making my grocery list again.
Island Way Sorbet
These Island Way Sorbets have been around forever, but they've had a resurgence of sorts since going viral on TikTok. They come in a ton of flavors, including Heavenly Coconut, Red Berry & Ruby Grapefruit, Passionate Mango, and Zesty Pomegranate, in natural fruit shells. The texture is so creamy, and the sorbet has the perfect amount of sweetness. I'm definitely adding them to the sweet treat rotation, especially for a hot summer afternoon.
Kirkland Breakfast Sandwich
If you're a fan of Starbucks' Double Smoked Bacon, Egg, and Cheddar Sandwich, you're going to like this Kirkland version, which customers called "exactly the same." It has the double-smoked bacon, egg, and cheddar with a nearly identical buttery spiral croissant. Other fans of the sandwich called it the "best frozen breakfast sandwich" they've ever had and said they "punch well above their weight, considering they're frozen."
While I was a little apprehensive they wouldn't live up to the expectations (especially considering I was at the office and had to microwave mine instead of air frying), I was impressed. It really did taste just like the Starbucks version. The air fryer would make it just that much better.
Strawberry Streusel Cheesecake
I have a weird relationship with cheesecake. Sometimes I like it, and sometimes it tastes too much like cheesecake. Luckily, this Strawberry Streusel version falls in the former category. It has that creamy cheesecake base that isn't too overwhelming for my finicky palate, thanks to the layer of sweet strawberries, rich graham cracker crust, and crisp streusel topping.
You don't have to take my word for it either. Fellow Costco customers are just as impressed. "🔥it was amazing!" one user wrote on Instagram. "I have zero regrets buying this. But 100% regret giving half to my sister," another joked on Reddit.
Caramel Tres Leches Cake
The Caramel Tres Leches Cake has actually been around for quite a while, so I was pumped to finally try this decadent dessert for myself. Now, I'm here to tell you: It did not disappoint.
The cake features two layers of moist sponge cake with evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream (hence the "tres leches") for an indulgent result. The caramel custard mousse and caramel glaze add so much flavor and richness, and pair perfectly with the creamy base.
Reese's Protein Bar
If you haven’t tried Reese’s Peanut Butter Lovers Protein Bar, what are you doing? The viral treat has 18 grams of protein and quite literally tastes exactly like the Reese's all peanut butter cup. Plus, there are only three grams of sugar in each bar, so you don’t have to worry about a crash later.
Garlic Parmesan Butter Rolls
When I wrote about these Garlic Parmesan Butter Rolls going viral, I knew that I needed to get my hands (and taste buds) on them for real. And boy, am I glad I did. Not only did they live up to the hype, but they might have been my favorite item from the entire haul—which says a lot!
The rolls came out of the oven soft and warm with a slightly crisp buttery exterior. The garlic and parmesan leveled up the side dish from your usual tableside carb and I couldn't help but dream up new ways to serve them—with pasta, a good steak dinner, the list goes on.
