During my childhood, having lunch was always a significant occasion. Our grade-school teachers would usher us into brightly lit lunchrooms each afternoon, and we'd eagerly open lunchboxes lovingly prepared by our mothers. We'd trade, share, and savor our meals before returning to the classrooms for more learning.
However, as we grow up and take on the responsibilities of work, school, raising children, and all the other demands of adulthood, lunch often takes a backseat. On those busy days when time is scarce and cooking seems impossible, having a pantry stocked with quick and convenient lunch options can be a true lifesaver.
Fortunately, Costco offers its members a wide range of food items that are just what you need. We've compiled a list of the 11 top lunch options from Costco that customers rave about for their deliciousness and convenience. So, when you find yourself in need of a quick and effortless solution for those hectic afternoons, consider giving one of these options a try.
1) Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen
Costco's Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen is a beloved lunch choice among members for more reasons than one. Not only does it require just two minutes to prepare, but it also boasts an "amazing" taste, as attested by Costco shoppers. This microwaveable noodle soup features a luscious pork broth and is available in packs of six at Costco. While it's suitable for any time of day, members particularly appreciate it as a quick and delectable midday meal.
One enthusiastic Reddit user recently exclaimed, "This is my go-to lunch for eating at the desk. It is fast and tasty. I highly recommend it. I buy a couple of boxes at a time to keep on hand."
Another Reddit user added, "I went through about 12 whole boxes of these quickly until I finally got sick of them. They were a lifesaver at work."
2) Kirkland Signature Mixed Greens Salad with Pecans & Goat Cheese
Nutritional Information per Serving (1/6 of Tray):
- Calories: 350 cal
- Fat: 28 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g)
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Carbohydrates: 19 g (Dietary Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 13 g)
- Protein: 6 g
Costco's Kirkland Signature Mixed Greens Salad with Pecans & Goat Cheese, though relatively new, has swiftly garnered a dedicated following among Costco customers as a go-to lunch option. This salad offers a medley of delectable toppings, including goat cheese, dried cranberries, bell peppers, pecans, grape tomatoes, red onions, and a honey dijon vinaigrette.
With six servings in every container, Costco shoppers find it perfect for portioning into several days' worth of effortless lunches. Some even choose to enhance its filling factor by adding their own proteins.
"I love this salad. I divide the whole thing up into four containers. I also buy the chicken and tear it up and put it in small containers to go with it," a Costco shopper enthusiastically shared on Reddit.
3) Ajinomoto Yakisoba with Vegetables
Nutritional Information per Serving (1/2 Pack):
- Calories: 210 cal
- Fat: 6 g (Saturated Fat: 1 g)
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Carbohydrates: 33 g (Dietary Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 4 g)
- Protein: 5 g
The Ajinomoto Yakisoba with Vegetables is another lunchtime standout at Costco, known for its convenience and adaptability. These vegetable-laden noodles come in individually portioned packs, requiring just a couple of minutes in the microwave before they're ready to enjoy.
However, many Costco shoppers take it a step further by enhancing these premade noodles with their own delicious additions, such as sesame oil, chicken, shrimp, or a touch of soy sauce.
"I usually always have a pack of these in my freezer in case I need a quick lunch at work!" exclaimed a fan on Reddit.
4) Kirkland Signature Southwest Wrap with Rotisserie Chicken
Nutritional Information per Serving (1/4 Tray):
- Calories: 620 cal
- Fat: 35 g (Saturated Fat: 16 g)
- Sodium: 1,560 mg
- Carbohydrates: 50 g (Dietary Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 6 g)
- Protein: 27 g
Costco's Kirkland Signature Southwest Wrap with Rotisserie Chicken is a standout among quick and convenient lunch options on this list because it requires absolutely no preparation. These ready-to-eat wraps are generously filled with rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, and spinach, and they come with a creamy chipotle-style sauce.
Each container includes four substantial wraps, providing more than enough for a couple of days' worth of effortless lunches. What's even better, Costco shoppers mention that they're quite delicious.
"They are super good, and a little spicy!" exclaimed a fan on Reddit.
5) Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks
Nutritional Information per Serving (3 oz):
- Calories: 140 cal
- Fat: 5 g (Saturated Fat: 1 g)
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Carbohydrates: 9 g (Sugar: 1 g)
- Protein: 16 g
The Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks have been receiving enthusiastic reviews ever since they made their debut in Costco's freezer section back in September. According to members, these nuggets provide a tasty and convenient lunch option.
These fully cooked chicken nuggets are frozen, meaning customers simply need to heat them up in the microwave, oven, or air fryer for a few minutes. Afterward, they can enjoy them as they are or use them to easily boost the protein content of their lunches.
"I like the Kirkland breaded chicken nuggets thrown over whatever salad or the pasta salad from the deli when they have it," mentioned a shopper on Reddit recently.
6) Kirkland Signature Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef & Rice
Nutritional Information per Serving (1 Pepper):
- Calories: 300 cal
- Fat: 13 g (Saturated Fat: 6 g)
- Sodium: 770 mg
- Carbohydrates: 24 g (Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 8 g)
- Protein: 20 g
The Kirkland Signature Stuffed Bell Peppers may not be the quickest lunch option at Costco because they require about an hour in the oven to cook. However, if you plan ahead and prepare the peppers before the work week, dividing them into individual portions, you can enjoy several days of convenient and reheatable lunches. Each tray contains six stuffed peppers filled with ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese.
"Those stuffed peppers are my go-to for nights I don't have time to cook or weeks I couldn't meal prep," shared a Costco shopper on Reddit.
7) Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils
Nutritional Information per Serving (2/3 Cup):
- Calories: 140 cal
- Fat: 6 g (Saturated Fat: 3 g)
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Carbohydrates: 17 g (Dietary Fiber: 6 g, Sugar: 4 g)
- Protein: 6 g
The Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils, a well-liked lunch choice at Costco, offer the advantage of being ready in just 60 seconds in the microwave. So, if you find yourself in need of a quick lunch one afternoon, this product can provide you with a hot and satisfying meal in almost no time.
This product includes lentils, red beans, and spices cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. You can enjoy the lentils on their own, or take inspiration from other Costco shoppers who like to pair them with rice, vegetables, or even tortilla chips.
"The Madras lentil packets served with rice are amazing," exclaimed a fan on Reddit.
8) Kirkland Signature Organic Hummus
Nutritional Information per Serving (1 Container):
- Calories: 170 cal
- Fat: 13 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g)
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Carbohydrates: 1 g (Dietary Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 1 g)
- Protein: 4 g
Costco's Kirkland Signature Organic Hummus Cups may not constitute a full meal on their own, but they serve as a convenient foundation for a quick and tasty lunch. Costco shoppers often pair this flavorful spread with vegetables, protein, or any other accompaniments of their choice. With each box containing 20 cups, shoppers can enjoy them for an extended period before needing a restock.
"One or two of these cups, along with some crackers, veggies, ham, or fruit, and you've got yourself an adult Lunchable," commented one Reddit user about the hummus cups.
"I rely on these," confirmed another Costco shopper.
9) Kirkland Signature Beef Chili
Nutritional Information per Serving (1/4 Tray):
- Calories: 470 cal
- Fat: 19 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g)
- Sodium: 1,380 mg
- Carbohydrates: 49 g (Dietary Fiber: 7 g, Sugar: 5 g)
- Protein: 24 g
Costco's choice to include beans in its chili has sparked heated debates in the past. However, many shoppers find this ready-made meal to be an excellent option for effortless lunches.
For instance, one shopper recently shared on Reddit that they and their spouse purchased three containers of the Kirkland Signature Beef Chili during a single Costco visit. This provided them with "more than enough chili" for a week's worth of lunches.
Certainly, eating the same thing for an entire week can become monotonous, but shoppers point out that the chili freezes exceptionally well. This allows shoppers to portion it into containers and reheat it quickly whenever they crave a convenient lunch.
10) Bibigo Steamed Dumplings
Nutritional Information per Serving (1 Tray):
- Calories: 240 cal
- Fat: 7 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g)
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Carbohydrates: 30 g (Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 2 g)
- Protein: 15 g
The Bibigo Steamed Chicken & Vegetable Dumplings are practically designed to provide consumers with a quick yet delicious midday snack. These frozen dumplings are packaged in microwaveable trays, requiring just two minutes of heating before they're ready to enjoy. Since each Costco box contains six trays, customers can keep them in their freezers for convenient access whenever they crave an easy lunch.
A Reddit user remarked that Bibigo dumplings are an ideal choice for lunch, requiring just two minutes in the microwave.
11) Kirkland Signature Chicken Tortilla Soup
Nutritional Information per Serving (1 Cup):
- Calories: 120 cal
- Fat: 3 g (Saturated Fat: 1 g)
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Carbohydrates: 12 g (Dietary Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 6 g)
- Protein: 11 g
Almost any premade soup can serve as a convenient and hassle-free lunch, but among Costco shoppers, the Kirkland Signature Chicken Tortilla Soup stands out as a favorite. One shopper even confessed to enjoying it so frequently that they eventually grew tired of it.
"I love the chicken tortilla soup! I ate it every day for two months and I'm tired of it now, but it's tasty, filling, and healthy," they shared on Reddit.
This soup boasts diced tomatoes, white chicken meat, sweet corn, and roasted poblano peppers in a rich chicken stock. After warming it in the microwave or on the stove, customers recommend adding fresh avocado, extra chicken, or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the flavor.