Food & Drink

7 Best Items To Buy From Costco's Produce Section (and 5 To Skip)

By Choya Johnson Parade - Food and Drink Stories

Updated June 9, 2026 8:32 AM

Costco is one of those stores I simply can't get enough of. Every week, I find myself looking forward to my trip to the wholesale giant, eager to see what new products have arrived on the shelves. As an Executive Member, I get the added perk of accessing the store a little earlier than most shoppers, which gives me a head start on discovering the latest finds before they sell out.

One of my favorite parts of shopping at Costco is the thrill of uncovering new items to try. More often than not, I leave impressed with the products I bring home, which is one of the reasons I keep coming back week after week. This fan-favorite store has built a reputation for offering quality products at competitive prices, making it easy to feel confident about most purchases.

However, every shopper knows there are bound to be occasional misses, especially when shopping for fresh foods from the produce section. Sometimes a product looks like it will be an absolute winner in the store, only to end up being a letdown once you get it home. That feeling can be especially frustrating when your budget is tight and every dollar matters. Nobody wants to spend money on something that doesn't live up to expectations.

That's exactly why I wanted to put together this list of Costco produce section hits and misses. My goal is simple: to help fellow shoppers make more informed decisions, avoid costly disappointments and get the most value out of every grocery run.

Read on to see the Costco produce section items worth buying-and the ones to skip that don't live up to the hype.

Related: I Made a Copycat Version of This ‘Iconic' Costco Food Court Favorite, and It's Better Than the Original

Does Costco Have Organic Produce?

Costco carries an extensive selection of organic products and is widely recognized as one of the largest retailers of organic foods in the United States. Its organic offerings span nearly every food department, from fresh produce to frozen foods, giving shoppers plenty of options to stock their kitchens.

Inventory often rotates based on seasonal harvests and local availability, ensuring a fresh and diverse selection year-round.

When shopping in the Costco produce section, you can expect to find organic fruits, vegetables and other pantry staples in bulk quantities.

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7 Best Items To Buy From Costco's Produce Section

These are the best items to shop in the Costco produce section.

1. Organic Brussels Sprouts

Organic Brussels sprouts remain one of the most versatile vegetables available at Costco. These nutrient-dense veggies are known for their rich supply of fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants that support overall wellness.

Whether roasted until crispy, sautéed with garlic or added to sheet-pan meals, they provide a hearty side dish you'll love. Their fresh flavor and firm texture allow them to hold up well in a variety of recipes. Plus, Costco's larger bag size makes them especially appealing for families and meal preppers looking to stretch their grocery budget.

Related: The 13 Best Things To Buy at the Costco Deli, According to a Superfan

2. Wild Wonders Grape Tomato Medley

The Wild Wonders Grape Tomato Medley brings vibrant color and sweet flavor to your plate. The assortment typically includes a variety of grape tomatoes in different shades of red, yellow, orange and green, adding a fun element to salads, charcuterie boards and fresh snack trays.

These tomatoes offer a balance of sweetness and acidity that enhances any dish without any additional prep beyond washing. Their naturally juicy texture and bright appearance help elevate everyday meals with minimal effort. You'll appreciate the generous package size of this product too because it makes it easy to use throughout the week for lunches, dinners and entertaining.

3. Sunset Organics Biologiques

Sunset Organics Biologiques products have become a popular choice among shoppers seeking certified organic produce options. Known for quality growing practices and fresh harvests, these vegetables are often selected by consumers who prioritize organic produce and freshness.

Depending on seasonal availability, you may find cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and other produce options under the Sunset Organics label. The brand's commitment to delivering consistent quality makes it a trusted option in Costco's produce department.

4. Seedless Watermelon

Seedless watermelon continues to be a warm-weather favorite for Costco shoppers. Its crisp texture, refreshing sweetness and hydrating high water content make it one of the most popular fruits for summer gatherings, cookouts and family meals.

Because it comes without seeds, preparation is simple and convenient, allowing you to quickly slice and serve it for a snack or dessert. Watermelon is naturally hydrating and contains vitamins A and C, making it a refreshing addition to a balanced diet.

5. Pure Crunch Golden Melon

Pure Crunch Golden Melon offers a unique alternative to traditional melon varieties. Known for its vibrant golden exterior and exceptionally crisp flesh, this fruit delivers a refreshing sweetness that appeals to shoppers looking to try something different.

Its crunchy texture and sweet flavor make it ideal for fruit trays, summer snacking and dessert. Pair it with cheese, or incorporate it into fruit salads for added color and flavor contrast.

6. Rouge River Farms Corn

Rouge River Farms Corn is a seasonal favorite that signals the arrival of fresh summer produce. Known for its sweet flavor and tender kernels, this corn is perfect for grilling, boiling, roasting or incorporating into a variety of recipes.

The natural sweetness pairs well with butter, herbs and seasonings, making it a crowd-pleasing summer side dish.

7. Tasty Selections Potatoes

Tasty Selections Potatoes offer convenience and versatility for busy households. These small potatoes are ideal for roasting, air frying, boiling or mashing, making them a staple ingredient in countless meals.

Available in colorful varieties that may include red, yellow and purple potatoes, they add visual appeal alongside their rich taste and texture. Costco's larger package sizes make them particularly attractive for meal planning and family dinners.

5 Costco Produce Items You Can Skip

These are the five items in the Costco produce department you may want to skip or buy elsewhere.

1. Mission Products Avocados

Mission Products Avocados can be one of the most frustrating produce purchases at Costco because consistency is often a problem. I've frequently found that the avocados are either rock hard and take several days to ripen, or they're already overly soft by the time they get home and I can't use them all in time. The bags contain multiple avocados, so even one or two bad fruits can make the purchase feel wasteful.

If you're looking for perfectly ripe avocados, I'd recommend carefully inspecting each bag before purchasing, or shopping at a grocery store for a smaller quantity of avocados that you can handpick yourself.

2. Tanimura & Antle Romaine Lettuce

Tanimura & Antle Romaine Lettuce may seem like a healthy bulk buy, but in my experience it doesn't maintain its freshness for very long after purchase. The leaves can quickly become mushy, wilted and discolored even when stored properly in the refrigerator. And because Costco packages the lettuce in larger quantities, it can be difficult for smaller households like mine to use it all before spoilage sets in.

Once the outer leaves begin breaking down, the quality of the entire package can decline rapidly. If you don't plan on using romaine lettuce within a few days, this may not be the best produce purchase to buy in bulk, even if it is a good deal.

3. Bybee's Best Onions

Bybee's Best Onions are another produce item that you may want to skip due to quality concerns. I've found that the large mesh bags often contain onions with bruises, soft spots and damaged skins, which may shorten their shelf life.

Since onions are typically purchased in bulk at Costco, discovering several unusable onions in a bulk bag can significantly reduce the value of the purchase, so you may want to buy onions elsewhere.

4. Naturipe Farms Fresh Strawberries

Naturipe Farms Fresh Strawberries can be a risky purchase at Costco when freshness isn't at its peak. Because strawberries are highly perishable, even a small amount of moisture inside the container may encourage mold growth and spoilage.

In my experience, I've found berries that are overly soft, bruised or already showing signs of mold shortly after purchasing. Costco sells strawberries in larger containers, so even one bad berry can quickly affect the rest of the package.

While quality can vary depending on season and location, if you do buy berries from Costco, it's important to inspect every container closely and eat them quickly to avoid unnecessary food waste.

5. Mighty Vine Tomatoes

Mighty Vine Tomatoes are known for their attractive appearance, but in my experience I've found issues with freshness and quality. Tomatoes can occasionally arrive to stores overly ripe, bruised or showing early signs of mold, particularly when they have been transported or stored for extended periods.

Because tomatoes continue ripening after harvest, even a short delay in consumption can lead to rapid deterioration. Mold on one tomato can also spread quickly to others, making the entire purchase less appealing as a bulk buy.

Before buying, it's worth examining the container carefully for soft spots, excessive moisture or damaged fruit that may spoil quickly.

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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 7:20 AM.