Cheapest Costco prepared meal costs shockingly little per serving: 'Can't beat the price'

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Meals Rank from Budget‑Friendly Mac and Cheese to Price‑y Asian Wrap, Tasting Table Finds

By Maine News Now

A new analysis from food‑blog site Tasting Table has taken a close look at the cost of Costco’s Kirkland Signature prepared meals. Using Denver‑area prices, estimated package weights and nutrition‑label serving sizes, the study compared the price per serving of several deli favorites sold by weight at Costco warehouses.

Methodology

The report pulled data from a single Denver market to calculate how much each meal costs per portion. Tasting Table noted that package weights can vary from warehouse to warehouse, and that the nutrition‑label servings may not reflect actual portion sizes customers eat. The study did not clarify whether it examined every Kirkland Signature ready‑made meal or only a subset of products.

Lowest‑Cost Favorite

The Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese came out on top as the most economical option. In Denver, the tray costs about $4.53 per pound and weighs roughly 3.76 pounds, for a total price of $17. With 12 servings listed on the label, the cost works out to approximately $1.42 per serving.

Highest‑Priced Item

The Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken Asian Wrap with Dressing ranked as the most expensive among the meals analyzed. Priced around $7.93 per pound and weighing an estimated 2.38 pounds, the pack of four wraps comes in at roughly $4.72 per serving.

Consumer Reactions

Reddit users of a mac and cheese discussion board weighed in on the price and quality. One commenter remarked, “Never found these to be worth the cost,” while another praised the dish, saying it was “better than 90% of the ready‑made out there.” Some suggested adding breadcrumbs, bacon or extra seasoning for extra flavor.

The wraps sparked a similar split. Some users raved about the convenient dressing, whereas others dismissed them as “super bland.” One reviewer noted the high price point for a single wrap, echoing the cost‑per‑serving data.

Expert Insight

Toshie Lucas, a Texas‑based content creator who goes by @costcotv on social media, shared her experience with the products. “The mac and cheese is so delicious, and our kids love it,” she told Fox News Digital. “You really can’t beat the price for how much you get.” Lucas added that the wraps were “good to grab for an easy lunch,” but she considered them “pretty expensive for a wrap, in my opinion.” She urged shoppers to weigh factors beyond price, such as leftovers, convenience and whether the family will actually eat the meal. “Sometimes paying a little more is worth it when you need something quick for the family,” she said.

Caveats

Costco’s prepared deli meals are sold by weight, and prices and availability may differ by warehouse. The Tasting Table analysis was based on a single regional market, and the company did not confirm whether all Kirkland Signature meals were evaluated.

Fox News Digital reached out to Costco for comment on the study, but the retailer has not yet responded.

Bottom Line

For shoppers looking to stretch their dollars at Costco, the Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese offers the best value per serving according to Tasting Table’s Denver‑based estimate. The Rotisserie Chicken Asian Wrap, while convenient, sits at the higher end of the price spectrum. As always, price is just one factor—taste, portion size, and family preferences should also play a role in choosing which ready‑made meals make it onto the pantry shelf.