When you think of Costco, what do you picture? Most likely, it’s giant-sized shopping carts filled with jumbo-sized versions of the grocery staples you rely on each week.
The reason so many people are willing to shell out good money for a Costco membership is simple. The $65 annual fee (or $130 if you’re paying for the Executive membership) can more than make up for itself in the form of savings on groceries and essential household items year-round.
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Of course, one gripe Costco members tend to have is that it’s tough to get all of your groceries in one shopping trip. That’s because Costco doesn’t carry tens of thousands of food products like typical supermarkets do.
Related: Costco makes sneaky food pricing change, angers members
Rather, Costco intentionally limits its inventory to about 4,000 items. That way, it can maintain better quality control while keeping tabs on prices.
Supermarkets with tens of thousands of items on their shelves can’t negotiate prices the same way Costco can. And Costco suppliers know that if their prices increase too drastically, their products risk getting dropped, as the warehouse club giant is committed to offering members the best value for their money.
Costco unveils gourmet grocery item.
Image source: Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via Getty Images
Costco likes to keep its inventory interesting
Although Costco doesn’t carry the same broad selection of food products as major supermarket chains, it still likes to mix things up on a regular basis.
In fact, if you’re a big Costco fan, you may be familiar with the concept of the Costco treasure hunt.
Related: Costco product change has members ‘disgusted’
The company’s management team uses that term often, and it refers to the excitement of exploring the store and finding new products on the shelves.
Those products aren’t limited to grocery items. Costco tends to rotate inventory across a range of product categories and commonly introduces seasonal items for members to enjoy.
Costco also doesn’t limit its grocery offerings to low-budget foods. During the winter holidays, Costco stocks its share of higher-end chocolates. And Costco’s cheese selection, while priced competitively, runs the gamut from everyday cheeses to gourmet.
Costco’s latest dinner offering is restaurant quality for a fraction of the price
The nice thing about going out to dinner is sampling dishes you wouldn’t necessarily think to make yourself (or that you might be too intimidated to attempt).
The problem, of course, is that restaurants tend to impose huge markups on the meals they serve, which can be a major budget-buster. Plus, you have to tip.
Given that food prices are up across the board these days, a lot of people are opting to cook more at home. But that can sometimes mean limiting yourself to more traditional (a.k.a boring) options.
Related: Iconic restaurant closing after successful 10-year run
That’s what makes Costco’s latest dinner offering such a glorious find.
Costco has started selling miso-marinated black cod in its freezer section. Each box contains 30 ounces of black cod for about $23 (though prices can vary by Costco location).
The entree is reminiscent of the miso-glazed cod from famed restaurant Nobu. The dish might cost close to $50 at a Nobu location, yet a serving of Costco’s version costs a fraction of that.
Costco fans took to Reddit to share their thoughts on the miso-marinated black cod, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
“Mannnn it was so good,” said one user who was initially skeptical because of the low price.
“This is the best frozen fish I have ever had, from Costco or anywhere else,” said another.
A third commented, “Had this at Nobu in Vegas for what two boxes from Costco cost.”
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Costco’s miso-marinated black cod can be baked, grilled, or air-fried. The package suggests serving it with bok choy and jasmine rice, but it could pay to wander the aisles at Costco and see what other side dishes tempt you.
Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.
