What A Chef Buys At Costco
FRUIT & VEG
Globe Grapes: These giant grapes, particularly the Sugra34 and Adora Seedless varieties, are perfect for snacking or pairing with cheese. Costco sells a 1.3kg punnet that’s perfect for sharing platters or fruit salads.
Heritage Tomato Box: These tomatoes are bursting with flavour. I always have some in the fridge for salads or snacking.
Broccoli Florets: This bag is full of perfectly sized broccoli florets, ideal for a crisp raw salad, or quickly blanched and served with savoury dishes. I like to toss them with honey, almonds, sultanas, mayo, red onion, lemon zest, and a generous sprinkle of seasoning for a crunchy salad.
Wild Mushrooms: Mushrooms last a while in the fridge, so a big bag is great for roasted veg trays and breakfasts. Most mornings I’ll have toasted sourdough with poached eggs and mushrooms.
Indian Mangoes: Excellent value, these are sweet, perfumed, and delicious on their own or topped with fresh lime and mint.
FRIDGE STAPLES
Australian Boneless Lamb Chops: Perfect for the BBQ or a quick Sunday roast, these rump lamb chops are tender and flavourful.
Continental Cheese Mix: It’s always handy to have a selection of cheeses in fridge, in addition to everyday varieties like cheddar and mozzarella. One of my favourites is the light and creamy Brie de Meaux.
Olive Mix: This box from The Fresh Olive Company includes green and purple pitted olives with garlic and herbes de Provence.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Belazu's sun-dried tomatoes are packed with concentrated flavour, perfect for adding a punch to pasta, salads or sandwiches. I also love its pesto.
Tinned Tuna: Buying in bulk saves a lot of money in the long run. Tuna is a great source of protein for salads, sandwiches or wraps.
CUPBOARD ESSENTIALS
60 Medium Eggs: A versatile staple for baking, cooking or quick meals, a 60-pack of eggs goes a long way.
Maldon Sea Salt: Known for its delicate flakes and distinct crunch, Maldon Salt is the only type I use at home. It’s quality stuff, and the 500g tub lasts a while.
Tinned Chickpeas: These are incredibly versatile – great for adding protein to salads, soups or stews. Plus, hummus is so easy to make at home, and won’t contain any of the ultra-processed ingredients some of the supermarket ones have.
Napolina Peeled Plum Tomatoes: Ideal for sauces, soups, and stews, it’s worth buying better-quality tinned tomatoes to add extra flavour to dishes.
Dried Wild Mushroom Mix: This adds a deep, earthy flavour to risottos and broths. Rehydrate them to enrich your dishes with a hit of umami.
Weetabix (48 Pieces): A breakfast essential especially if, like me, you enjoy a hearty serving.
Knorr Stock Pots: These are so convenient for enriching everyday dishes with extra flavour. Vegetable, chicken or beef will work with practically any dish.
Mi Goreng Noodles: Spicy and quick to prepare, these noodles are great for making soups or stir-fries.
Green Lentils: Packed with protein and a great substitute for potatoes, green lentils add texture and nutrition to soups or salads. They’re also a tasty side dishes cooked down with herbs and stock.
Smoked Paprika: One of my favourite spices, this is an easy way to add that smoky flavour to dishes.
SNACKS
San Francisco Sourdough Company Salted Pretzels: These pretzels are crunchy, salty and so moreish.
Sweet Chilli Popchips: Not many supermarkets stock this flavour, so I always pick up a couple of bags when I’m at Costco.
KP Salted Peanuts: Ideal for a quick energy boost, these peanuts are packed with protein.
Smoked Almonds: Offering a savoury, smoky flavour, these are another favourite snack.
Giant Wotsits: Because, well, why not?
FREEZER ITEMS
Meat: Costco has a wide selection of frozen meat, from chicken fillets and whole joints to bacon and sausages. Great if you’re hosting a gathering or BBQ.
Tilapia Fillets: Tilapia is an underrated fish. It’s just as meaty as cod or seabass, and far less expensive.
Bibigo Dumplings: These are a great freezer staple for speedy dinners or snacks. I like the Mandu pork and vegetable dumplings best.
Organic Green Peas: I always have a bag of these knocking around to make petit pois flamande.
DRINKS
Highland Spring Water: I buy 1.5l bottles for the fridge, and 500ml bottles for the car.
Coke Zero: This is mainly for my kids. The supersize packs work out a lot cheaper.
Châteaux Pontet-Canet, Pauillac: This is one of my favourite reds, and you can buy a whole case of this at Costco. It pairs particularly well with lamb or cheese.
Moju Shots: I’m more conscious of my health these days, so Moju’s ginger and turmeric shots are handy to have in the fridge and drink on the go.
Follow Graham on Instagram at @GHornigold and visit Longboys.co.uk
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