Sunday, March 29, 2020

Post March2020-2021 COSTCO PRODUCTS REVIEWS

#1, item #992437, KIRKLAND Signature Microwaveable! ITALIAN SAUSAGE & BEEF LASAGNA, 48 oz./ 3 lbs.,
two trays.
My opinion:
NOT RECOMMENDED.

I bought this back in 2008 and it's been frozen in the chest freezer ever since now with the CoVid19 virus and stay-in orders for weeks, months.
The picture looks good, about 3" thick, but once microwaved it is about 1" thick!, and as shown, only one very thin layer of ricotta and 2-3 of flattened pasta, tho I waved it frozen per instructions.
There is plenty of meat on top, just not enough layerS of Ricotta Cheese.
I want a lasagna at least 2-3" thick.
The black plastic pan edge of the Entree got very crusty.
I have a few, but would never buy again.
Costco's Kirkland Signature again needs higher standards!

#2, item # 992437, KIRKLAND SIGNATURE MICROWAVEABLE! ITALIAN SAUSAGE & BEEF LASAGNA, net weight 48oz/ 3lbs/ 1.36KG, one big pan.
My Opinion:
NOT RECOMMENDED.

Again, the blown up picture is about 3" thick but cooked the middle is only about 1" thick. Only one thin layer of ricotta cheese. The meat was inside instead of being as pictured on top. It's just too thin.

#3, item # 283341, CRAZY CUIZINE MANDARIN ORANGE CHICKEN, net weight 66oz/4lb2oz. FULLY COOKED, HEAT AND SERVE.
My opinion:
NOT RECOMMENDED.

The box picture shows rather uniform pieces of chicken. But out of the box are lots of marble SIZE to tiny pieces and others larger than a golf ball. Tasted TOUGH, like it had not been Brined. Warmed in 400f oven per Directions. Another "not buying this again!" sold by Costco.

#4,
(Finally, something He Likes!)
item # 990551, KIRKLAND SIGNATURE, BASIL PESTO, 100% IMPORTED.
PLASTIC JAR and foil sealed. 22 ounces.
KEEP REFRIGERATED.
I buy this all the time!
and RECOMMENDED!

#5, item # 229644, PASTA PRIMA, SPINACH AND MOZZARELLA RAVIOLI, 3LB 8OZ.
My opinion:
RECOMMENDED!

Buy it all the time, but I UNDER COOK it, so the ravs don't fall apart. Also save a cup of very salted water to add back to strained ravs.
Wish Costco had most popular red sauce brand, but it's ok. Used Pesto last night.Only add "herb and cheese packs" to individual servings, not Pyrex frig bowl or you'll get a concrete block! Add that saved boiling water, the ravs are very absorbent.

#6, item # 127482, 
CHEF AIDELL'S CHICKEN MEATBALLS, TERIYAKI & PINEAPPLE, ALL NATURAL.
My opinion:
RECOMMENDED!

I keep in freezer,12 years?,,, ok, thaw 4min in the Sharp microwave. Cut the plastic bag. Add a Costco carton of Chicken Broth paper box. And a can of pineapple chunks to the big lidded Pyrex bowl and wave another 2 min. Serve the bottom ones on flour tortillas, with green salsa or red hot sauce. Refrigerate and wave to serve for days of lunches/ dinners.

#7, item # 817965,
DEL REAL TAMALES, CHICKEN IN RED SAUCE.
(also #81 79 74, PORK TAMALES, and #81 79 76, CHEESE AND GREEN CHILI TAMALES.)
My opinion:
JUST OK.

Little filling, thick corn meal, not enough corn leaf wrap.
Bought a bunch for Christmas season, but disappointed with skimpy fillings.
Probably won't buy this brand again. But do like tamales!

#8, WHIRLPOOL CABRIO He TOP LOAD CLOTHES WASHER.
My opinion:
Highly NOT RECOMMENDED!!

My Mom bought this, without my or CR magazine help! It is a VERY WEAK and SLOW machine!! 

#9, item #18612,
10"x10.75" COUNTERFOLD WAXED PAPER, 500 SHEETS.BY RMC, ONTARIO ,CA.
My opinion:
NOT RECOMMENDED.

It's like thin tissue paper!, between your food!
It falls apart, way too thin.

#10, another no item #,
ROLI ROTI, FARMER'S MARKET HEIRLOOM POTATOES, CHICKEN DRIPPINGS, rosemary sea salt. 2-24oz/1.5lb plastic packages in black plastic tray. 10min Oven(crispy) or microwave.
My Opinion:
NOT RECOMMENDED.
I microwaved 6 min to thaw the frozen brick.
Then broiler.
Tasted lousy.
My Costco "discontinued"!

Lots of new items always at Costco, and buy many, not always the Regulars.
Like A2 digestible milk and 4 kinds of dry pasta, there are new surprises, usually a secret...No online notice. Some Costco stores post signs at Entrance of new or deep sale items, much appreciated !!

So I tried these new item potatoes, hopefully, but 50:50 realistic I'd get a bloody thigh bone, undercooked rotisserie chicken!
The picture on the back shows a BBQ grill with 4 skewers of 5 whole chickens with the potatoes under for the "drippings".
But when I opened the 2 packages, I didn't see any broiling or grill sheet frying BROWNING. And I TASTED no "chicken drippings". They looked steamed or boiled and tasted bland.
I understand the Directions that "I" have to Oven to get "crispy", but I'd rather, for the Price $, Roli Roti do the Browning, on big front pic!

#11, item 1057076, YRU GRILL, GRILLED CHICKEN STRIPS, 2 PACK, 100% ALL NATURAL.
My opinion:
Too TOUGH, probably not BRINED overnight.
Not enough FLAVOR.
NOT RECOMMENDED.

#12, item # 160772, SAUSAGES BY AMYLU, SMOKED, PORK FREE, APPLE & GOUDA CHEESE CHICKEN SAUSAGES, 21 LINKS IN 3 PACKAGES, 3LBS/ 48 OZ.,FROM CHICAGO.
My opinion,
Thinner than the wide ones I usually buy, but OK.
I microwaved in a Pyrex lidded bowl with a cup of chicken broth. Keep in freezer...

#13, item #1243287, KIRKLAND SIGNATURE, ORGANIC KOMBUCHA, GINGER LEMONADE, CRAFT BREWED, LIVE AND ACTIVE, 16 fluid oz.
My opinion:
RECOMMENDED 
Much cheaper than at restaurants like Belcampo.
Be careful of NOT shaking before opening; Open, then swirl.

#14, item # ?, KEVIN'S NATURAL FOODS, PALEO, KOREAN BBQ-STYLE CHICKEN, 2 SETS, 2 LBS/ 32 oz.
My opinion:
"Mild" but too bland.
Tender Chicken Breast strips", Yes!, but too BLAND.
So I brined in water salt sugar overnight in the frig on the 2nd set of chicken bag and seasoning bag.
NOT RECOMMENDED.

#15, item #1259871, DELICI BELGIAN CHOCOLATE MOUSSE, 6x 2.68oz. in 6 mini glasses.
My opinion:
RECOMMENDED.
Very rich. Too hard. Just enough, I add whipped cream from a can.

#16, item # ?,
DELICI TIRAMISU, 6 GLASSES, 3oz each.
My opinion:
RECOMMENDED.
VERY RICH, SMOOTH. I add whipped cream from a can.

#17, item #43217, CUISINE SOLUTIONS, SOUS VIDE, SLICED GRASS-FED (cooked) BEEF SIRLOIN, $9.79lb and 2 packages total 2.07lb.
My opinion:
RECOMMENDED.
Very lean so not as much flavor as my usual Chuck steak. I reheated in a covered Pyrex bowl on the microwave, added a cup of chicken broth to moisten,  and made sandwiches each day for the week with goat cheese, too lazy to saute onions brown. Refrig-ed daily in same Pyrex.
Next time!

#18, item # 1285362, KIRKLAND SIGNATURE ORGANIC CHUNKY GUACAMOLE, 16 SMALL 2.5 oz SERVINGS, total 2.5lbs.
My opinion:
RECOMMENDED.
I like Chunky, so could be more. Wish tomato pieces were larger and visible. Can't taste the cilantro which is usually too strong so that's good! Box picture shows pieces of red tomato. Red onion pieces could be larger too, please.

#19, item #37447, NAPLES KITCHEN, HAWAIIAN STYLE CHICKEN, FULLY COOKED CHARBROILED CHICKEN THIGH with TERIYAKI SAUCE AND PINEAPPLE. CHICKEN RAISED WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS and SKINLESS.
Microwave.
My opinion:
RECOMMENDED, tho I wish they would Brine. And leave skin on for Flavor.
Very good over rice.
Pineapple chunks are big enough, but no smaller pls.

#20, item 440175, LING LING ASIAN KITCHEN, ALL NATURAL POTSTICKERS, PORK AND VEGETABLE DUMPLINGS with saByvory dipping sauce.
My opinion:
Not Cooked. Bought frozen but they thawed on the way home 30 minutes. Turned into a Big Sticky Blob!  So they SHOULD BE BOILED AT THE FACTORY, I think. Not too much to ask.
NOT RECOMMENDED, until Boiled Cooked at factory.

#21, item # ?,
FRONTERA SLOW- BRAISED PORK CHILI VERDE with roasted poblanos, onions, jalapenos, and tomatillo salsa.
My opinion: expensive, priced by total weight, but tasty, RECOMMENDED.
Not much meat, hotdog bun size amount , but lots of salsa.
Flour tortillas and organic pineapple chunks were added for tasty lunches.

#22, item # ?,
AMERICAN BBQ COMPANY, BRISKET BURNT ENDS, with bbq sauce packet 8 oz.
More meat in this package vs Frontera.  Used leftover green salsa to marinate and mircowave braise.
Tasty with added organic pineapple chunks.
My opinion:
RECOMMENDED.

#23, item# 1113136, MONTEREY GOURMET FOODS company, ORGANIC SPINACH AND CHEESE RAVIOLIS, twin pack.
My opinion: NOT RECOMMENDED.
Too little filing.

#24, item# 918150, PASTA PRIMA, ORGANIC CHICKEN AND M. CHEESE RAVIOLIS.
Twin pack.
My opinion: $13.59, expensive, but ok.

#25, item# 818073,  KIRKLAND SIGNATURE, 5 CHEESE TORTELLONI, WITH P.R. CHEESE.
My opinion:
It's OK.
Wish the cheeses were individual instead of mixed ,so I can't taste them each and all (hint hint).

#26, item# 597865, FRAMANTI, HOLIDAY DRESSING, with sausage and sage. Microwavable!
My opinion:
Very Good, Recommended!
Better than Whole Foods (Amazon) with too much Celery taste!

#27, item #897453, FRA'MANI, CHICKEN MARSALA, BONELESS WHITE CHICKEN WITH MUSHROOMS AND MARSALA WINE.
My opinion:
Sorry, NOT RECOMMENDED.
Just ok, because of the package picture difference of 2x larger pieces of chicken, not actual 4xs. Also very few Mushrooms in the bag vs the package picture.
The flavor taste is good, but definitely could use Brining, very Tough chicken!

#28, item# 20728, SOUS VIDE, SLICED ROASTED TURKEY BREAST, with citrus herbs. "Reheating is optional. Stovetop."
My opinion:
Sorry, NOT RECOMMENDED.
Turkey comes in a tight wad, probably sliced, cooked, and then packaged. One package of 1-3" slices and one of 4-5" long slices.
I reheated by Microwave in covered Pyrex, 6minutes, then 8 min total with a cup of water added.
Slices were very hard to separate.
Tasted like turkey, but needs more seasoning, please.
Too tough and dry, so Brine prep, please.
Priced $6.99/lb so rather Expensive for so poorly done.
My package was $13.14 total for 2 small fist sized plastic packages.
Could be so much Better for That price, sold at Costco.

#29, item#  1109262, VICKY'S KITCHEN, ORGANIC BROWN SUGAR BABY SWEET POTATOES, with maple butter.
One package under cover. 2#, 32 ounces. Made in small batches. Gluten free. Fully cooked. Microwaves in minutes. 21g Sugar, over 5 teaspoons!
My opinion:
It's ok, but NOT RECOMMENDED.
Needs less Sugar, more flavoring seasoning, maybe Tumeric.
I microwaved 8min in a covered Pyrex with a cup of water added.

#30, item # 951691, SUKHI'S IRRESISTIBLE INDIAN CUISINE, CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA, 2 POUCHES. WHITE CHICKEN, TOMATO CURRY. 36oz/2.25lbs.
My opinion:
NOT RECOMMENDED.
I was so hopefully this would be spicy and have some heat. But sadly, the spice is minimal and no heat! Where is all that india spice richness and depth ,,, and some Heat, please!?
At least the white chicken meat was cut in small uniform pieces. Will have to use Cholula's red hot sauce on the second package.

#31, item # 1177117, FRA'MANI TURKEY GRAVY, 2 POUCHES, 48oz/ 3 lbs.
My opinion:
RECOMMENDED.

#32, item #81393, FANCY LIMES, PRODUCE OF MEXICO. 
My opinion: 
Beware of mold dust.
Wash well,dry, refrigerate.
Green bag hide 10 yellow unripe limes!
NOT RECOMMENDED.

#33, item # 25949, CHRISTOPHER RANCH FRESH GARLIC, 2 LBS.
Full purple mesh bag was covered in grey mold in a week! Stored in dark cool place! Next time washing all ,drying well, and Then storing in dark cool place!
Heads were all too small from Gilroy!
NOT RECOMMENDED.

#34, COSTCO PUMPKIN PIE, refrigerated but moldy in a week!?
My opinion:
Kitchen ventilation etc is not clean enough,
NOT RECOMMENDED!

#35, Same for COSTCO BAGGED GARLIC, moldy in a week, when Garlic Shops hang braids for Months!
Also, too small !!

#36, Same for rotting COSTCO AVOCADOS, only lasted on shelf a few days! Will wash and dry from here on!!

#37, Same for mold mesh bag of COSTCO YELLOW ONIONS. Did not even last a month!!

#38, item #904984, KIRKLAND ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES, 4 lbs.
One was very unripe and white!
Several were unripe and pink, Sour not sweet.
My opinion:
NOT RECOMMENDED!
White opaque bag prevents seeing color Quality!!

#39, item # 1518054,
ROSE RANCH BRISKET CHILI with Black Beans. Fully cooked. 
Microwaved mine..
My Opinion:
EXCELLENT !! DELICIOUS !!
SO GOOD !! (buy'n More)

#40, item # 1233863, 
DEL REAL FOODS, FIRE ROASTED GREEN and RED SALSA.
My Opinion:
VERY GOOD, 2 containers !!

#41, item # 585581,
HARRY'S CREAMY TOMATO SOUP, 2 Containers.
My Opinion:
EXCELLENT!! DELICIOUS!!
Mine was Chunky Better !!

#42, item # .....  ,
CHLOE'S POPS , ORGANIC, 10 STRAWBERRY, 10 MANGO.
My Opinion:
EXCELLENT !!
Only 13g Sugar. Could be less and still Super !!
No more fudge sucked or HD vanilla w choc coat...

#43, item # 21930, COSTCO back kitchen, SPINACH AND CHEESE CANNELLONI, 8 pieces.
My opinion:
NOT RECOMMENDED.
Too bland.
Spinach in long pieces, and tough! I luv creamed spinach, so why was this so Horrible?
Flushed it!

#44, item,
Food Court, Costco Business Center, iced Coffee with cream has been replaced by a Mocha foam with chocolate Syrup on top.
My opinion:
NOT RECOMMENDED!! $2.99!!
Foam? Yikes! Just awful.

#45, item #40506,
COSTCO back kitchen, MAC &  CHEESE food tray, $10.26 and $10.70(by weight)
My opinion:
NOT RECOMMENDED.
Bland, too little cheese.
Too little flavor.
So I added P-R, seasoning.
Why didn't Costco include other better cheeses??

#46, item #1182511,
CINN BREAD.
My opinion:
NOT RECOMMEND.
All raisin sweetness, zero Cinnamon taste! WHY???
How could Costco sell such ICK?

#47, item#30783,
Costco back kitchen MEATLOAF and MASHED POTATOES.
My opinion:
NOT RECIMMENDED.
The Meatloaf is TOO HARD, not enough fresh bread and onions for texture, amateur cook mistake!
And there could should be more Mashed Potatoes, only lasted half way.

#48, item #1406373 or 1408373, KIRKLAND DOUBLE CRUST APPLE PIE WITH ORGANIC APPLES.
My opinion:
TOO MUCH SUGAR, TOO SWEET !!
Should have sugar grams per serving but does not.

#49, item # 577943,
RESER'S ,MAIN ST BISTRO, BAKED SCALLOP POTATOES.
My opinion: 
NOT RECOMMENDED, bla.
Says to wave 7-8 minutes, added 5min.
Potatoes were under cooked, too hard.
Cheddar cheese needs more flavor, like add Guyere cheese.
Add salt and pepper.
Overpriced. Bland. Eh.

#50, item # ???,
FRONTERA SLOW BRAISED PORK CHILI VERDE, MEDIUM, HEAT AND SERVE FULLY COOKED.
3 pouches of pork, green poblanos and jalapeno peppers, and last of tomatillo salsa. 15 servings.
My opinion:
Only 8-10 medium taco servings, or 10-12 tiny servings.
Meat had bits of white lard for browning so could not microwave.
Expensive, $15.50 for 2.35lbs.
Used large covered nonstick pan to brown meat.
Then add green pepper pouch.
RECOMMENDED, for taste, not ease of prep.

#51, item # 1487438,
STONE MILL KITCHENS, CREAMY CRANBERRY JALAPENO PREMIUM DIP, 31 OUNCES.
My opinion,
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
The heat of the jalapenos peppers is just warming and the cold rich creaminess of the cranberry cream cheese is spot on!
So delicious!
I usually buy various Spinach Dips and various chunky Guacamoles, but this is a great 3rd player!
So good, not just on Costco tortilla strips, but plan on using it on warm Sesame B and even English Muffins.
YUM.

#52, item # 10191,
BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS WITH SESAME BBQ SAUCE, two pack, price/lb at 3.67lb for $26.75 or $7.29/lb.
My opinion:
Expensive, "12 hr slow cooked" but still 2 gobs of white fat, lots of big heavy bones, as pictured, microwaved, so... Just OK.

#53, item# 43217, CUISINE SOLUTIONS, SOUS VIDE, SLICED GRASS-FED BEEF SIRLOIN. 2 PACKS. $18.97 for 2.03lbs or $9.79/lb.
My opinion:
Taste is off, not good.
Will return for refund.
NOT RECOMMENDED!!

#54, ITEM# 729441,
EPOCA COOL PLUS+, PLAIN. finest quality cultured daily product, made in usa, 5 different live and active cultures.
My opinion:
Stool is still hard and round balls. Not soft.
NOT RECOMMENDED.
Will not buy again!

#55, item #1355725, "NAE POT PIE", MARIE CALENDER'S 8 CHICKEN POT PIES.
My opinion: 
Microwave but to dry and burnt bottom.
So add some WATER for moistness and less burnt.
Filling is still too low, not Full.
So...just OK.

#56, item # 319714,
FOSTER FARMS CHICKEN JUMBO CORN DOGS.
My opinion:
Tasty, Quick to microwave in pyrex covered bowl, so
RECOMMENDED.

#57, item# 16603, THE ORIGINAL POPPERS BRAND, CREAM CHEESE JALAPENOS.
My opinion:
Not as much full cream cheese filling as picture,
but easy to quick microwave 5-6 minutes, so
RECOMMENDED.

#58, item #18668,
EL MONTEREY MEXICAN GRILL, CHICKEN & CHEESE TAQUITOS, FLOUR TORTILLAS, 30.
Tasty Quick microwave in covered pyrex, steamed 6min, so
RECOMMENDED.

#59, item # 437741, DELIMEX BEEF TAQUITOS,66, CORN TORTILLAS.
My opinion:
Too little filling.
Very disappointed.
NOT RECOMMENDED.

#60, item # 729441, COOL PLUS . probiotic mini shots.
My opinion:
In first week I got a very sore throat! Returning for full Refund!
NOT RECOMMENDED!!

#61, item # 298801, POMEGRANATE JUICE.
$9.59, so rather expensive I think.
Tastes good, so OK.

#62, item # 41486, PHILADELPHIA CREAM CHEESE, in small aluminum fingers.50 count.
My opinion:
Less spoilage than tubs because of easy to open individual servings. Easy to use on bagels or with oatmeal.
RECOMMENDED!

#63, item # 518090, KS ARTICHOKE, guarters in oil.
My opinion:
Great on cottage cheese with sliced tomatoes and black olives.
RECOMMENDED.

#64, item # 1542061,
La COLOMBE , UNSWEETENED, MEDIUM/ DARK ROAST, COLD BREW, BOLD AND RICH BRAZILIAN COFFEE, 42 FLUID OZ., 1.25L, TWIN PACK.
My opinion:
Glad Costco is going Big on 3 new brands of cold brew coffee.
This one is a little bitter. Still,
RECOMMENDED.

#65, item # 729441, 
BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE, COLD BREW COFFEE, 8oz.
My opinion:
Don't worry about the small size half can!
Zero added Sugar!!
Aluminum recycle can!
Great flavor, full rich taste, and no bitter aftertaste. I add A2 whole milk to an insulated Quart container and I'm Good all morning!
Delicious!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

#66, item #632293,
LEE'S COFFEE, ORIGINAL, CA PHE SUA DA, CAFFE LATTE CONCENTRATE, 6 OF 16 FL OZ. ,plastic bottle.
My opinion:
3rd brand new to Costco Business Center.
Lots of added SUGAR!
38gr per 6fl oz serving!!
So, 4g= teaspoon, that's 9 1/2 teaspoons per 6oz or about 1/3rd the PLASTIC bottle!!
Of course it is very sweet, so diluted with A2 whole milk.
Too much Sugar, and Plastic!
NOT RECOMMENDED.

#67, item # 1057341,
LUCKY JACK, TRIPLE JACK, NITRO COLD BREW COFFEE, FORTIFIED WITH ORGANIC EXPRESSO, 10.5 FL OZ, GLASS BOTTLE. Metal pull off cap. 6 per box.
My opinion:
Says "Shake before opening" but be ready for spitting!
Moderate BITTERNESS, some might like. 
Like tannin in red wine or mostly alchy taste in dry white wine or alchy taste in taquila when you could have had Mezcal flavors, smooth rich red wine or fruity white mellow wine. Oh well. No plastic bottle, thank you, so like recyclable glass bottle.
But too Bitter, for me.(See "Blue Bottle").
Sor-ry, not Recommended.

#68, item #1332544,
SNAPDRAGON VIETNAMESE PHO, 9-2.1 oz.
My opinion:
NOT RECOMMENDED.
Waved the noodles and they came out too soft.
Too much plastic.

#69, item #1158303,
SOFIA'S KITCHEN ORGANIC CHICKEN FLAUTAS, 16 COUNT, 2 TRAYS, 44 oz/2.75 lbs. "use or freeze by 7/8/21". USDA organic.
My Opinion:
Recommended, like corn kernels, but Expensive.
(Prefer El Monterey chicken and cheese taquitos, similar, thinner, tastier!)

#70, a real Shocker!, 
item# 416076 (can't you make it tinyist, less readable, more hooked 6s?!) ,
KIRKLAND SIGNATURE DAILY MULTI vitamins & minerals. 500 tablets.
Magnesium is the first listed on the right, but which compound? I called and was told "magnesium oxide", not the best as it is rarely used to boost Magnesium digestion and is not easily absorbed by the body! Balance Woman's Health says of 4 "worst forms of magnesium" and "non-chelated" and "poor absorption". WebMD doesn't talk about all the unique compounds, just "Magnesium", BOO! Health line says "used for Milk of Magnesia" and "typically not for magnesium deficiency"!!
Costco should do better!
Pick a better magnesium compound !!
NOT RECOMMENDED.

#71, item#1099976, THE PERFECT BITE CO.,. MAC & CHEESE BITES WITH BACON.
My opinion: NOT RECOMMENDED!!
Very Bland, flavorless.
No bacon!!
Balls not full!?

#72, item #4165758, 
KIRKLAND SIGNATURE, COLD BREW COFFEE 100% COLOMBIAN. 12 cans.
My opinion: NOT RECOMMENDED!!
Too bitter!
Blue Bottle brand in short cans at CBC or paper small cartons at regular Costco's is very Rich and Smooth.