In the end, it came down to Kirkland bacon vs. Coleman bacon. Kirkland products are known to be above average in quality, and so many people swear by them. I am neither a Kirkland devotee, nor a name-brand-only buyer. I usually go with whatever is the best overall value. Therefore, I started this taste test with an open mind and an empty stomach.

Testing Kirkland Bacon vs. Coleman Bacon

Appearance Test

Before cooking the bacon, I took a good look at the uncooked strips of both options. Overall, the thickness of each slice was about the same, but there seemed to be a little more fat on the Kirkland strips (pictured on bottom) and a bit more meat on the Coleman strips (pictured on top).

Then it was time to get cooking. For standardization purposes, I thought it would be best to crisp the strips in an air fryer. I cooked both brands at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Flavor Test

Next came the fun part, the taste test. Before chowing down, I took note of the grease that accumulated on the tray after each was cooked in the air fryer. From the batch of Coleman bacon, I gathered 12 grams of fat. From the Kirkland, 31 grams of grease dripped off. That being said, I also noted that the Coleman brand stuck a little more to the tray.

The Coleman bacon was meatier and with a more robust overall flavor. I noted the Kirkland bacon was decidedly saltier. Upon looking closer at the packaging, this made sense since the Kirkland bacon contained 320 mg of sodium per serving and Coleman bacon came in at 280 mg of sodium per serving.

Texture Test

In terms of texture, both bacon options crisped up well and also made decent crumbles for bacon recipes. The Kirkland bacon skewed a bit more brittle in terms of texture and the Coleman was more meaty and chewy.

Packaging

The Coleman bacon packaging won me over. In fact, I was a bit frustrated when I first picked up the flimsy and slippery plastic wrapping around the four-pack of Kirkland bacon. It was difficult to hold, and the individual packages inside flopped all around. The Coleman bacon was neatly arranged in a box that was easy to pick off the shelf and toss in my cart.

Is Kirkland bacon better than Coleman?

Overall, both Costco bulk bacon options were quite impressive. Neither produced limp nor rubbery strips, they cooked up well and both were delicious on their own or in a sandwich. However, for me, the slightly more expensive Coleman bacon came out on top. This hickory smoked uncured bacon was made without nitrates or nitrites added to the heritage duroc pork. The bacon was more tender, juicy and flavorful than the Kirkland brand. The house-brand option seemed to compensate for lower-quality pork with additional fat and salt.

Coleman bacon came in a box with three 12-ounce packages. That’s 2.25 pounds of bacon for $13.69, or $6.08 per pound. The Kirkland Signature bacon is sold in a pack of four 16-ounce packages for $18.99, or $4.75 per pound. I felt that the difference in flavor, more convenient packaging and humanely raised pork all made the extra expense worth it in the long run.

The post Is Costco’s Kirkland Bacon the Same as Coleman Bacon? We Investigated appeared first on Taste of Home.

What are the new Trader Joe’s Carnival Fun Cake Fries?

These new limited-edition frozen foods are Trader Joe’s answer to childhood favorite summer foods. Meant to mimic the taste and texture of the carnival classic funnel cake, these frozen fries come in 12-ounce bags that cost $4.99 each. The Trader Joe’s freezer section is full of fun finds, and this one is no different. Picture a funnel cake that is unwound and cut into fry-shaped pieces. With a quick bake in the oven, your kitchen smells heavenly and you’re ready to enjoy funnel cake magic at home!

How to Prepare the Trader Joe’s Carnival Fun Cake Fries

These Trader Joe’s Carnival Fun Cake Fries heat up in a matter of minutes, which gives you plenty of time to whip up fun toppings to take them to the next level. From simple to a bit more complex, these toppings all nod to carnival treats of summers past. Add these to a state fair-inspired dinner or set up a dessert station for the family to add any toppings they like.

Cinnamon and Sugar

Mix equal parts ground cinnamon and granulated sugar together to make an all-purpose cinnamon sugar coating. Sprinkle the mix over the Carnival Fun Cake Fries as soon as you take them out of the oven, then transfer to a serving plate. The warm fries and warming cinnamon sugar mix almost tastes like a churro.

Powdered Sugar

There’s nothing more nostalgic than a funnel cake from a stand at the summer carnival dusted with powdered sugar. Instead of sprinkling this topping on right when the Fun Cake Fries come out of the oven, let them cool just slightly (about one minute) before sprinkling with powdered sugar. That way, the sugar won’t melt before you serve them.

Banana Split

If you’re looking to get a bit more outlandish with your Fun Cake Fries, give them a banana split makeover. Add sliced banana, whipped cream, roasted peanuts and, of course, a cherry on top. This one was my favorite combination that I tried. To make it even more like a banana split, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate Oreo

Chocolate lovers, this one will be the way to your heart. First, crush some Oreos (or Joe-Joes!) in a large resealable plastic bag. Once the Fun Cake Fries have cooled slightly, drizzle them with chocolate syrup, add whipped cream, and then sprinkle with the crushed cookies. Double chocolate and double the fun!

The post Trader Joe’s Just Released Funnel Cake Fries, and I Tried Them 4 Different Ways appeared first on Taste of Home.

Dark Chocolate Covered Powerberries

I first bought a bag of these antioxidant-filled chocolates for myself, but soon my daughter kept asking for some as well. I never would have guessed she would have liked the intense flavors of açai, blueberry, cranberry, pomegranate and dark chocolate, but we were both instantly hooked. They are $4.99 for an 8-ounce package, and it’s easy to toss three or four of the chocolate balls into a lunch bag. These super snacks have an irresistible sweet-tart flavor that can curb a chocolate craving without over-indulging.

Pink Lady Apple Chips

The cinnamon-sugar coated pink lady apple chips arrive at this list straight from my daughter. She devours the thinly sliced and delightfully crunchy chips that are made by vacuum crisping using minimal oil. The rosy-blush color and crisp bite of the pink lady apples are maintained, and they taste almost as juicy as a fresh apple. Each 2.5-ounce bag sells for $2.29, and you could probably get about three lunch-sized portions out of it. Even beyond the lunch box, these are excellent sprinkled on top of Greek yogurt for breakfast or on ice cream for dessert.

Mediterranean Hummus Snack Pack with Pita Chips

The best part about these snack packs is that they can be tossed directly into a lunch bag, and you are an instant hero. All the heavy lifting is done for you. Inside is Trader Joe’s bestselling hummus along with the perfect amount of pita chips, all in a snack tray that makes it portable and easy to enjoy. It’s $2.99 for an 8-ounce package that includes two snack packs.

Tiniest Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies are always fun, but they are even more exciting when they are teeny tiny! These itty bitty chocolate chip cookies are made for small fingers. When you want to give your kids a little treat (literally) these are the way to go. My daughter loves having just a few at the end of a meal, and I like that they are made with butter and not oils. An 8-ounce bag is $3.99, and there is enough to sprinkle into to lunch boxes day after day.

Just a Handful of Rainbow’s End Trail Mix

Also in the effortless, toss-and-go category are the pre-made pouches of Trader Joe’s iconic Rainbow’s End Trail Mix. Of course, you could divide it up yourself into individual baggies, but this is just so much easier, and I am all about it. For $5.49, you can buy a bag with 10 convenient pouches filled with a colorful combination of raisins, peanuts, almonds and multi-hued, candy-coated chocolate. With two grams of fiber and five grams of protein per bag, this snack provides the boost kids need to take on the day.

Cinnamon Schoolbook Cookies

I’m not sure who loves these alphabet cookies more, my daughter or me! She loves to spell out words before taking a bite or hunt down the elusive “Z” to write her name in edible format. I am all about a phonics lesson along with snack time. Plus, I can’t help grabbing a few of these small cinnamon cookies when I want a little treat. Each large 15-ounce tub sells for $5.99, and you’ll be able to spell a lot of words before hitting the bottom.

Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Snackers

One of the newest snacks that caught my eye in the refrigerated case are these pre-portioned snack size pouches filled with bite-sized balls of fresh mozzarella cheese. I’m a huge fan of creamy fresh mozzarella, and I never would have guessed they would find a way to make them portable! Each pouch is 70 calories and 5 grams of protein. An 8-ounce package is $3.99 and contains eight snack pouches. I had to make this suggestion a twofer because I’m also totally obsessed with the Trader Joe’s “Sprinkles” teeny tiny tomatoes. A few of those pair perfectly with these mozzarella balls and become a Caprese-inspired lunch box treat that feels as elegant as it is easy.

The post These Are the Best Trader Joe’s Snacks for Back-to-School Lunches appeared first on Taste of Home.

And Aldi takes holidays very seriously. When I bought my house in the late summer of 2021, I realized that my existing Halloween decorations were woefully inadequate. But I didn’t want to further break the bank (did I mention I had just bought a house?) by going overboard with holiday spending. So I went to Aldi and bought a very cute set of felt pumpkins for $4.99.

All that to say that there’s a special place in my heart for Aldi’s Halloween collection. Which is why I’m so excited to announce that their decorations are dropping earlier than ever this year!

When will Aldi’s Halloween collection be in stores?

This year, Aldi stores nationwide will start selling the Halloween collection on August 13. There are so many items to pick from, but I have to say that these three have caught my eye:

1. A novelty glass bud vase in the shape of a squirrel
2. A ceramic ghost holding a pink pumpkin
3. A pink skull candle

Sure, my Halloween vibes probably lean more cute than scary, but there’s nothing wrong with that! Plus, I like that Aldi always has plenty of fun fall decor that can be left up long after Halloween has come and gone.

How long will Aldi’s Halloween collection be available?

Like most Aldi Finds, I’m sure these Halloween decorations will vanish pretty quickly. If you have your heart set on buying something specific, you should plan to hit up your local Aldi on August 13 when the collection drops.

I’m not above taking some PTO when there’s an exciting Aldi drop. (If you’re my boss, that’s definitely a lie. I love work!) After all, what could be more rejuvenating than stocking my home with pumpkins, ghosts and skeletons? I feel more productive already. Thanks, Aldi!

Related:

• This $4.95 Aldi Find Is So Good, I Always Buy Two at a Time
• The Dunkin’ Fall Menu Was Leaked, And I Can’t Wait to Try This New Item
• Our Top 10 Halloween Recipes

The post Aldi’s Halloween Collection Is Dropping Earlier Than Ever—Here’s When You Can Shop It appeared first on Taste of Home.

Kirkland ice cream bars with chocolate flavored coating and roasted almonds is distributed by the Costco Wholesale corporation in Issaquah, Washington. While the Häagen-Dazs vanilla milk chocolate almond ice cream bars are distributed by Dryer’s Grand Ice Cream in Walnut Creek, California. There is some suspicion that these two products are so similar that they might be coming from the same manufacturer. However, based on the information on the box as well as through our analysis and taste test, we don’t think that is the case.

Testing Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars vs Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Milk Chocolate Almond Ice Cream Bars

Ingredients

Before even taking the first bites of ice cream, we compared the ingredients on each package. The packaging on the Häagen-Dazs bars describes the dessert as containing “Madagascar vanilla, rich milk chocolate and toasted California almonds.” The official ingredients listed for the vanilla ice cream are cream, skim milk, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla extract. The coating contains milk chocolate, almonds roasted in vegetable oil and coconut oil. We love an ingredient list without artificial flavors or fillers! Each of the Häagen-Dazs bars weighed in at 77 grams and contain 270 calories and 19 grams of fat.

The Kirkland ice cream bars were made with ice cream containing cream, milk, nonfat milk, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla extract. This is quite similar to the Häagen-Dazs bars. The chocolate coating with almonds contains sugar, coconut oil, nonfat dry milk, unsweetened chocolate, soybean oil, unsweetened chocolate processed with alkali, soy lecithin, almonds, canola oil and/or safflower oil. The label has a disclaimer that this product contains a bioengineered food ingredient. Each Kirkland bar weighed in at 78 grams and had 280 calories and 21 grams of fat.

Appearance

The Kirkland bar was wider but thinner than the Häagen-Dazs bar. Given that their size differed by a mere gram, the amount of food was virtually the same even though they were shaped differently. We also noticed that the Häagen-Dazs coating contained more nuts and the chocolate layer seemed slightly thicker.

Price

The Häagen-Dazs bars are sold in a 15-count box for $12.79. That comes out to 85 cents per bar. The Kirkland version is sold in an 18-count box for $10.99, which comes out to 61 cents per bar. Both are quite a good value for a summertime treat, so in the end, it was really going to come down to the taste test.

Taste

Overall, we found the vanilla ice cream in the Häagen-Dazs bars to be richer, creamier and with a stronger vanilla flavor. That was on par with our previous analysis of the best vanilla ice cream brands. We also thought the coating had a stronger, more authentic chocolate flavor. Finally, the fact that the almonds were roasted on the Häagen-Dazs version gave them a more robust taste.

All this being said, the Kirkland ice cream bars were still quite delicious! The ice cream was nice, just not as vanilla-forward. The primary difference was in the chocolate coating. It was a bit waxier and more artificial tasting than the name-brand bars. There were also fewer nuts. If you like more crunch, Häagen-Dazs is the way to go.

Which ice cream bar is better: Kirkland or Häagen-Dazs?

Ultimately, we preferred the Häagen-Dazs ice cream bars. The price per bar is slightly higher, but that wasn’t enough to sway the vote. The chocolate tasted more authentic, the ice cream was creamier, and the almonds were more flavorful and present.

The post Costco’s Kirkland Ice Cream Bars vs Häagen-Dazs: Which Ones Are Better? appeared first on Taste of Home.

What is Costco’s peaches and cream bar cake?

The peaches and cream bar cake is 37 ounces of dessert bliss, with fluffy whipped cream and tart peach filling sandwiched between layers of vanilla sponge cake. I loved the delicate white chocolate curls on top as an extra flourish. For $18.99, this large dessert is a bargain for serving a crowd. The size and shape is consistent with Costco’s other bar cakes, like the springtime carrot bar cake or everyone’s favorite tuxedo mousse cake, which is a staple in the bakery case.

How did the Costco peaches and cream bar cake taste?

After the first bite of the sample, I knew this cake was coming home with me. I certainly hope it becomes an annual flavor offering, because I would line up to buy it again. The texture was delightfully light and airy, as a perfect sponge cake should be. Since it’s made with whipped cream rather than heavier buttercream frosting, this also contributed to it being more delicate. Several Reddit users had the same thought as me: Rather than being too sweet, this cake leaned more tart because of the peaches.

The cake would be perfect to serve at a summer baby or bridal shower. I think it would also be a big hit at a graduation party. The flavor profile makes it a great choice to serve after a heavier meal like a summertime backyard barbecue.

How long will the peaches and cream bar cake be at Costco?

Costco loves to be secretive about the comings and goings of its products, so there’s no real way of knowing how long this cake will remain on store shelves. However, at the rate they were being snatched up, I’d say this cake is selling fast. If you’re interested in getting one for yourself, time is of the essence!

Related:

• Recipes to Make with Farm Stand Fresh Peaches
• Gorgeous Desserts You’ll Want to Eat All Summer Long
• We Ranked Every Costco Food Court Item, and the Winner Shocked Us

The post I Tried the Costco Peaches and Cream Bar Cake and Had to Buy One appeared first on Taste of Home.

1. Organize Your Fridge

Organizing doesn’t mean that you need to go out and spend a lot of money on aesthetically pleasing containers (although if you want to, go ahead!). It’s as simple as putting a basic system in place. “I find that if there’s too much in there, ingredients and leftovers get lost and sometimes wasted,” says Test Kitchen manager Catherine Ward. She has it down to a science: “Fruits, greens and veggies on the bottom shelf, meats and cheeses on one side of the middle shelf and leftovers on the other. Top shelf is yogurt, eggs, pickled items and Asian sauces and condiments. All other condiments and butter are on the door.”

You can take it one step further and make sure containers have their label facing forward. It makes it so much easier to see everything at a glance. This way you’re not digging around to make sure you grabbed the plain yogurt instead of the vanilla, for example. Plus, when everything has a designated spot, you can quickly see what you’re running low on, or what you need to use up.

2. Shop Smart

Going to the grocery store without a plan is like throwing a bunch of random clothing items in a suitcase and hoping you have some good outfits to wear on vacation. You’ll probably get by just fine, but chances are you’ll be wasting precious cargo space lugging around a bunch of clothes that you never wear. Imagine showing up for a beach vacation with a ton of sweatshirts!

It’s the same with buying food. Just 10 to 15 minutes of planning can save you energy and money while shopping. These are a few ways that our staff streamline the grocery-shopping process:

• “I meal plan on Saturdays. I look at my calendar for the upcoming week and note which days I have time to make dinner and which days need something quick. This method allows me to look forward to the days when I have time to cook, but also helps me stay realistic about busier days.” — Emily Parulski, newsletter editor
• “I utilize grocery pick-up through our local grocery store. Being able to do my grocery shopping online has been a game changer for me.” — Ellen Crowley, culinary producer
• “Unless I’m making specific dish, I mentally plan a week’s worth of dinners based on what we have. We don’t shop daily, so I have a packed pantry, lots of fresh veggies in the fridge and I’m a big fan of my freezer. I scan what we have, plan a few days of dinners at a time and defrost what we need.” — Lesley Balla, associate food editor

3. Pick a Planning Day

Meal planning is certainly not a new concept, but I think a lot of home cooks forget just how flexible you can be with it. Everyone’s schedules are so different, and sometimes Sunday is just too busy to handle all of those household chores. The most popular meal prep days for our staff are actually Monday and Saturday!

Figure out the schedule that works for you. I like to split my meal planning session and my grocery shopping into two different days, otherwise I get overwhelmed. On Friday mornings I like to save recipes and make a list for the coming week, then I grocery shop on Sunday. Since I’m usually an overambitious planner, I like the buffer day between planning and shopping so that I have a chance to be more realistic about my grocery needs.

My Google calendar isn’t just a scheduling tool; I love to use it as a grocery list, too. I block out two hours on Sunday for grocery shopping, and then I write my grocery list in the calendar event itself. If I’m out shopping and I can’t remember if I have any limes, for example, I can look at my calendar and see if I bought them the previous week.

4. Embrace Ingredient Prep

The game-changer in getting meals on the table quickly isn’t preparing seven dinners on Sunday night (although, if you have the energy and fridge space for that, I applaud you!). Instead of thinking of prep days as a chance to cook entire meals, use it as time to prep specific ingredients. This way, weeknight meals come together with a lot less chopping, peeling, marinating and mixing.

These are just some of the items that our staff regularly make ahead for quicker weeknight meals:

• Croutons
• Marinara sauce
• Ramen broth
• Salad dressing
• Pickled veggies
• Pulled pork
• Pizza dough

Aside from that, ingredient prep can be as simple as dicing or cubing vegetables for stir-frying and roasting. Or you can clean, dry and store berries and fresh herbs in the fridge so they’re ready to use. If I have a jar of pickled veggies and a creamy dressing in my fridge, I become invincible during the week!

5. Use Frozen Vegetables

Almost everyone on staff that I talked to had high praise for the utility of frozen vegetables. If you don’t currently have a bag of broccoli florets in your freezer, you’re missing out!

Frozen vegetables are the single most versatile ingredient to always have on hand. They can go from freezer to oven to table with remarkably little effort and time. You don’t have to thaw them before roasting them, and they still get nice and toasty in the oven. Plus, they’re almost always chopped, which saves on prep time, too.

Food writer Valerie Goodrich shares her secret to elevating the humble frozen vegetable: “After cooking the veggies, I dress them with a pinch of salt, squeeze of lemon and pat of butter to make them taste a bit more special with minimal effort.”

6. Empty the Dishwasher

Just like washing and prepping ingredients, sometimes the real time suck of cooking is all of the other stuff you have to do in tandem. Putting a meal on the table knowing you have to go back to a messy kitchen afterwards can drain all the fun out of dinnertime.

“Whenever I cook on weeknights, I always make sure the dishwasher is emptied before I start,” says Valerie. “That way, I can load the dishwasher as I cook, which makes my kitchen feel so much less chaotic and makes clean-up a breeze.”

7. Enhance Store-Bought Items

Thanks to Ina Garten, we all know that “store bought is fine.” And while she’s correct, there are a lot of ways that you can customize store-bought items for your own meals. It’s that sweet spot of making something unique and tasty without spending hours making it from scratch.

I love adding my own toppings to a frozen pizza. At a minimum, I’m shaking on some oregano, basil, garlic powder and onion powder. Fresh spinach and cremini mushrooms always seem to accumulate in my fridge, and using them as pizza toppings is a great way to make sure they don’t spoil. They also add depth of flavor and some extra nutrients to a simple frozen pizza.

Associate editor Alyssa Asaro loves to doctor a jarred pasta sauce to make it feel fancier. “I’ll add cheese, lemon, spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes,” she says. “And sometimes I’ll even add meat.” Her favorite starting point is this spicy vodka sauce.

8. Use C.O.R.N.

If you have a few different leftover meals in your fridge, but not enough for your entire family to eat the same thing, then it’s time to use C.O.R.N. This stands for “Clean Out Refrigerator Night” and it’s what Catherine Ward swears by. “I don’t cook dinner every night but dinner is served every night. Sometimes it’s leftovers, and on those nights, we might all be eating something different.”

Saving leftovers from spoilage while also making sure you have dinner on the table is a win-win. Sure, one half of your family might be enjoying stuffed peppers while the other is finishing up a teriyaki stir-fry, but the most important thing is that everyone is together and fed!

9. Your Freezer Is Your Friend

Once you’ve fully embraced the power of your freezer, you’ll never look back. I’ve already mentioned the utility of frozen vegetables, but there’s so much potential in your freezer. Several of our staff always make double batches of soups, lasagnas and chilis, so half can be frozen for a later date.

But aside from making freezer meals, you can also batch-cook ingredients and freeze them so they’re ready to heat and go. Senior editor Lindsay Mattison is a huge proponent of cooking and freezing proteins. “These are real wins for last-minute dishes because they thaw in about 30 minutes in cold water,” she said. “Pulled pork, meatballs, smoked brisket or braised pork belly work especially well. Pulled pork can be used for everything from sandwiches to salads, rice bowls, baked potatoes, mac and cheese, tacos and nachos.”

10. The “One Thing” Principle

Every staff member I talked to always mentioned that one thing they keep on hand so that they can throw together a quick meal. Emily keeps andouille sausage on hand so she can make a quick jambalaya with a box of Zatarain’s. Lindsay keeps bean thread noodles in her pantry for quick no-cook summer dishes. Several staffers keep a block of tofu in their freezer; it defrosts easily, and freezing tofu can actually give it a chewier, “meatier” texture.

Think about the dishes that you most love to cook, or the ones that you know you can throw together at a moment’s notice. Is there a one thing element there? Making sure you always have that in your kitchen can be the difference between a stressful and peaceful weeknight meal. My one thing is a jar of pesto!

The post 10 Secrets of People Who Always Have Dinner on the Table in 30 Minutes appeared first on Taste of Home.

As a finance writer for over 20 years, I’ve helped uncover the cheapest places to buy groceries, reveal the mysteries of dynamic pricing, and shared how to grocery shop on a budget. But few experiences are more empowering than walking out of my local supermarket knowing that dinner for my whole family cost less than 10 bucks.

This week, I challenged myself to make one of our family favorites—egg rolls in a bowl with rice—for just $10. I wanted to prove that, even with inflation, it’s possible to shop smart and put a satisfying family dinner on the table for less than the cost of a single takeout order.

This Week’s $10 Dinner: Egg Rolls in a Bowl

The veggie-packed meal I chose is based on this 25-minute egg roll in a bowl recipe from Taste of Home contributor Sue Mitchell. It’s a lighter take on classic egg rolls, which works well for our family since I’m trying to eat healthier. (My husband and kids enjoy the rice, but I skip it—stretching the meal even further.) And as a busy mom of three who works full time, I appreciate any recipe with fast preparation and cooking times.

To keep the meal budget-friendly, I simplified the ingredient list and purchased store-brand products. Instead of ground chicken, I used ground beef that was on sale. I also picked up store-brand rice, and all the produce I selected was part of the store’s weekly sales. Finally, I didn’t buy any extra ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil and minced garlic because I had those staple items at home in my refrigerator.

How We Shopped for the Meal

Here’s a look at what I picked up to feed five people for just $9.30:

• 1 pound of 73% lean ground beef ($5.79/lb.)—$5.91
• One organic green cabbage ($2.96/lb.)—$1.75 (after store discount)
• One 12-ounce bag white rice—$0.89 (after store discount)
• One small yellow onion ($0.99/lb.)—$0.75

Total: $9.30

If you’re counting, my total grocery bill for the meal was actually under $10. I was able to stay within my target budget for a few reasons. First, my state doesn’t charge sales tax on most unprepared food items. Second, I already had some basic ingredients at home like soy sauce, sesame oil and a jar of minced garlic, which helped me save even more money. These kinds of staples go a long way toward building budget-friendly meals without sacrificing flavor.

Shopping Tips That Made Our $10 Meal Work

If you want to try shopping for your own budget-friendly meal, here are a few of my favorite tips:

• Check sales first: I checked weekly circulars to find the best prices on expensive items like ground beef before heading to the store. Grocery shopping apps like Flipp make it easy to search for local grocery sales right from my smartphone.
• Opt for store brands: Every item I bought was from the store brand, and no one in my family could taste the difference.
• Use what you have: I always build meals around the ingredients in my pantry. This habit is a huge money-saver week after week.

Final Thoughts

Pulling off a $10 dinner in 2025 isn’t always easy. But with a little planning and creativity, it is possible. If you want to try making low-cost meals of your own (without skimping on flavor), try simple tricks like shopping store sales, buying store brands, and shopping your pantry first to work with ingredients you already have at home.

Egg roll in a bowl checks all of those boxes for me. It’s a budget-friendly and flavorful meal. This family-favorite recipe makes enough food to fill everyone up, and even offers seconds or leftovers for the next day.

The post $10 Dinner: How to Make ‘Egg Rolls in a Bowl’ for $9.30 appeared first on Taste of Home.

7. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s offers plenty of treats that people are obsessed with, so we had high hopes for the cookies. Priced at $4.99 per dozen, we thought the chocolate chunk cookies would make our list of TJ’s faves. However, that’s not the case. Of all the cookies, these lacked serious flavor. The first thing every tester mentioned was how bland they were compared to the other cookies. The taste of the chocolate was meh, and there also wasn’t enough of it. That said, Trader Joe’s chocolate chip cookies made up points for having a soft and chewy texture with perfectly crisp edges.

Bottom Line: Skip the chocolate chip cookies at Trader Joe’s the next time you’re shopping. Instead, save room in your shopping cart for our favorite frozen food items from Trader Joe’s.

6. Fresh Thyme

Fresh Thyme had two bakery chocolate chip cookies available. While the thin and crispy chocolate chip cookies looked very similar to Tate’s Bake Shop, we went with the more classic offering since it was most like the other cookies in the test group. At $4.99, these cookies were priced in the middle of the pack. However, their taste and texture scored the lowest of the bunch. Our batch lacked any softness or chewiness, and the edges were rather crumbly due to the overall dryness of the cookie. Finally, the chocolate, while plentiful, was dry and crumbly and didn’t offer a lot of cocoa flavor.

Bottom Line: If you really crave chocolate chip cookies, this one will do, but know that there are far better chocolate chip cookies available at other retailers. This might even be a case to skip the bakery section and opt for store-bought chocolate chip cookies instead!

5. Aldi

Aldi is a national grocery retailer with a loyal customer following who appreciates the brand’s commitment to low prices and value-driven offerings. The cookies are not baked fresh in-house, but at $3.89 per dozen, Aldi’s ‘Bake Shop’ chocolate chunk cookies were among the least expensive that we sampled. Overall, Aldi had the chewiest cookie offering and used a sweeter milk chocolate chip that our testers enjoyed. The flavor of the cookie dough had mixed reviews, though, with several testers noting a “mystery” flavor that they couldn’t quite place for better or worse.

Bottom Line: Aldi’s Bake Shop chocolate chunk cookies are not the best chocolate chip cookie we’ve ever had, but they’re not the worst either.

4. Walmart

Walmart has several chocolate chip cookie offerings in its bakery section. We tested the basic ‘Freshness Guaranteed’ chocolate chip cookies, priced at $3.47 per dozen, since they were most similar to the other brands tested. Our first impression of these cookies was that they were very sugar-forward. Both the chocolate and the dough tasted more like white sugar than cocoa or cookie. In fact, all testers noted a sugary graininess present, almost like the butter and sugar were not creamed the right way. That graininess outshone the soft, chewy texture of the cookie.

Bottom Line: If you like your chocolate chip cookies extra sweet, then head to your local Walmart for a cookie treat.

3. Kroger

The in-store bakery cookies from Kroger consistently tested near the top among our taste testers. Kroger’s cookies have a sweeter cookie base with a hint of salt that makes them well-balanced. Texturally, this brand had nice crisp edges and soft middle, but lacked any of that oh-so-desirable chewy factor that we were seeking. As for chocolate, the overall flavor of the chocolate chips was among the best we sampled. However, we wanted more of them. Most of the cookies in our package only had a few minuscule chocolate chips each, which left the chocolate chip-to-cookie ratio feeling lackluster.

Bottom Line: At $3.49 per dozen, Kroger’s in-store chocolate chip cookies are a crowd-pleaser, and they’re the most affordable choice. Here are more ways to save at Kroger.

2. Target

Tied for the top spot is Target’s ‘Favorite Day’ chocolate chip cookies. Sold in a 16-pack, which averages to a price of $5.60 per dozen, these were also some of the most expensive cookies tested. The cookies tasted super fresh even though Target doesn’t bake them onsite. Target cookies had the best texture of any cookie we bit into: soft, with a subtle chew and perfectly crisp edges. The dough was also the best of the bunch with notes of butter and vanilla.

Bottom Line: If you don’t have time to make homemade chocolate chip cookies, these might just be the next best thing. FYI: Target’s Favorite Day cookie dough ice cream is also one of our top-ranked brands.

1. Costco

Not only does Costco have one of the best grocery store cakes, but its chocolate chip cookies also consistently topped our testers’ lists. The smell of these cookies brought us back to grandma’s house with their strong vanilla aroma. The overall flavor was also very vanilla forward with notes present in both the cookie itself and the chocolate.

Speaking of chocolate, of all the cookies tested, the chocolate chips in Costco’s cookies really stood out as the best. The chips were smooth, creamy and full of rich cocoa flavor. And there were a ton of them in each cookie. At $5.89 per dozen (sold in packs of 24 cookies), they may be pricey, but we feel their quality makes it worth the price tag.

Bottom Line: If you need enough cookies to serve a crowd and don’t have time to bake your own, Costco chocolate chunk cookies are the answer. Between the cakes and cookies, I’d say that makes a Costco membership worth it!

The post The Best Grocery Store Chocolate Chip Cookies, According to a Professional Baker appeared first on Taste of Home.

Now that I’m an adult, I prefer the deeper, more complex flavor of the Extra Toasty variety. As a kid, I loved the Parmesan Garlic option. It’s a flavor that I think has either been discontinued or somehow morphed into the White Cheddar version. Cheez It, please, bring back the Parmesan Garlic!

So imagine my absolute delight when I found out that Cheez-It partnered with Palermo’s to make Cheez-It Pizza! I gasped when I found out, because it’s a combination that makes so much sense that I wondered why it didn’t already exist. Naturally, I had to try these pizzas. But considering that I hold both frozen pizza and Cheez-Its in such high esteem, I was worried that my expectations might be a bit too high.

What is Cheez-It pizza?

There are three different versions of frozen Cheez-It pizza available: Italian Four Cheese, Original Pepperoni, and Cheddar Jack Supreme. Each version has a super-thin Cheez-It cracker crust that’s topped with sauce and cheese, and the pizzas are actually square instead of round. I wonder if it’s meant to evoke the shape of a classic Cheez-It.

How do you make the Cheez-It pizza?

The first thing I thought when I unwrapped the frozen pizzas was, oh my God, I can smell Cheez-Its! It was such a pleasant little start to the taste test. I preheated my oven to 450ºF as per the instructions, and kicked things off with the Original Pepperoni flavor.

Now, something that I add to each and every frozen pizza that I make is my signature blend of “pizza spices.” This is a non-negotiable in my house, and so in order to properly assess how these stood up to other frozen pizzas, I added the spices. It’s a very non-scientific combination of dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder and onion powder. Please feel free to use it on your next frozen pizza; once you try it, you’ll never go back!

The box for the Original Pepperoni says to cook it for 8 to 10 minutes. I didn’t want to overcook it but was wary of undercooking it and ending up with a less-than-crispy thin crust, so I baked the Cheez-It pizza for nine minutes. (Remember, the Extra Toasty Cheez-Its are my fave!) I placed the pizza directly on the center rack of my oven and set the timer. After it was done cooking, I let it cool off for about five minutes before I cut it into bite-sized squares.

How does the Cheez-It pizza taste?

One word: divine. Two words: absolutely perfect. Three words: Buy it now!

I sampled all three flavors of the pizza. In my opinion, the best one was the Italian Four Cheese. You could really taste that signature Cheez-It flavor coming through. But I’m really splitting hairs here, because the Original Pepperoni and the Cheddar Jack Supreme were wonderful too. I just found that the combined flavors of the other toppings overshadowed the cheesy crust.

The crust really does taste like Cheez-Its, and its texture is perfect! I had the most success when I cooked the pizzas for the lowest amount of time. There was no problem with the crust cooking through and staying crispy. When I cooked the Original Pepperoni for a little bit longer, I think it got slightly too dried out. Again, splitting hairs, because I ate the whole thing anyway.

Where can I buy Cheez-It pizza?

These wonderful inventions should be available in your local grocery store’s freezer aisle. Palermo’s, the company that partnered with Cheez-It to make these pizzas, also makes Screamin’ Sicilian pizzas. So if you can find those, you should probably be able to find the Cheez-It pizzas, too.

I don’t know if this is a limited edition item or if they’re here to stay. They should be here forever, and they should keep making more flavors! In the meantime, go out to the store and buy them now before I snatch them all up. Time to invest in a chest freezer!

The post I Tried the Cheez-It Pizza and I Can’t Stop Thinking About It appeared first on Taste of Home.

It should come as no surprise, then, that the trend is expanding, as Walmart just announced that it will soon welcome Wienerschnitzel—the popular California-based hot dog chain—inside some of its stores.

When is Walmart opening its Wienerschnitzel locations?

According to the chain, the Wienerschnitzel stores will open inside select Walmarts nationwide beginning this fall. The stores will offer the chain’s full menu, including its iconic chili cheese dog, the French fry-topped Junkyard Dog, sides like jalapeno poppers and cheese fries, and Tastee-Freez soft serve ice cream.

How many Walmarts will have Wienerschnitzel?

The new partnership between Walmart and Wienerschnitzel will begin with six locations across six states in the western U.S. These locations include stores in Puyallup, Washington; Alamogordo, New Mexico; Tempe, Arizona; Reno, Nevada; Colorado Springs, Colorado and Bakersfield, California. If successful, it’s likely the partnership will expand to additional locations.

Known as the world’s largest hot dog chain, Wienerschnitzel currently has 340 franchise locations across 13 states, including a heavy presence in Southern California and on the West Coast.

The new locations are part of the chain’s efforts to grow this footprint via “non-traditional avenues,” the company said in an announcement. It is also exploring opening new locations inside food courts, airports, military bases, convenience stores and theme parks. While we’re personally not sure we have the stomachs to eat a chili cheese dog before hopping on a roller coaster at a theme park, we wouldn’t be at all opposed to noshing on some of that carby, cheesy goodness once safely back on the ground.

Related:

• Super Fun Hot Dog Recipes
• The Griller’s Guide to America’s Best Regional Hot Dog Styles
• The Best Hot Dogs for Summer BBQs, According to Our Pro Grillers

The post Walmart Is Opening This Iconic Fast-Food Chain in Select Stores appeared first on Taste of Home.

Now that summer is on the horizon, it’s time to fill our freezers with popsicles, ice cream and these peanut butter and chocolate-covered bites.

What are Reese’s Banana Slices?

These frozen bites are quite possibly the greatest frozen fruit dessert creation this side of the millennium. Reese’s Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Slices have been a staple in my house since they first dropped. And while Costco has discontinued some popular favorites, I’m glad it’s bringing my bananas back around. Listen, I love ice cream. But your girl is lactose intolerant, and there’s only so much I can take. So when I find myself craving something frozen and sweet, I almost always opt for chocolate frozen fruit instead. When I first came across the Reese’s Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Slices, my ultimate prayers were answered.

These heavenly little bites are pure euphoria. They consist of a thick slice of sweet banana encased in Reese’s famous peanut butter and chocolate. They’re our favorite peanut butter cups for a reason. The textures are even better frozen, and each slice serves to satisfy a sweet tooth craving like no other. Just be careful—you’ll be knocking back a whole bag before you realize it. Trust me…I know. That’s why I buy two or three at a time!

Where can I buy Reese’s Banana Slices?

You can grab a 20-ounce bag for around $12. Costco has them available on its website and at participating locations nationwide while supplies last. If you’re not a Costco member, bags have also been spotted at Target.

Related:

• We Ranked Every Costco Food Court Item, and the Winner Shocked Us
• Simple Frozen Dessert Recipes
• Trader Joe’s Just Dropped Dubai Chocolate Bars That Are Shockingly Inexpensive

The post Costco Just Brought Back This $12 Freezer Treat for the Summer appeared first on Taste of Home.

As a Chicago-based food critic, I’ve got tasty hidden gems around every unsuspecting corner. We have a dessert spot called Sugar Dose nearby that went viral on TikTok for its Dubai chocolate-themed menu. I’ve eaten there twice, and the Dubai chocolate strawberry cups are so incredible, I find myself thinking about them for weeks afterward. They’re that good.

Needless to say, the mixture of sweet, smooth chocolate and crunchy, creamy kataifi and pistachio has me thoroughly hooked. So when I heard about Dubai chocolate dropping at Trader Joe’s, I jumped in my car and floored it. Here’s what I thought.

Is the Trader Joe’s Dubai chocolate good?

Short answer? Yes! The chocolate is rich, the filling is present and textured, and I found myself devouring the bar before I even had a chance to realize it was gone. For someone who has not yet gotten the chance to try it, I highly recommend it.

As for a more in-depth answer, it’s not the best I’ve had yet. I’ve only had Dubai chocolate made with milk chocolate while the Trader Joe’s bar by Patislove is made with dark chocolate. Does it matter that much to me? Not really. I absolutely adore dark chocolate. Will it matter to others? Very likely.

The difference between the Dubai chocolate I’ve had before and this is that the bitterness of the dark chocolate seemed to overpower the sweet flavor of the pistachio. While I could see the pistachio filling, I tasted chocolate over everything else. However, the filling’s texture is phenomenal. If you’ve never had kataifi before, it reminds me of shredded wheat. It adds just the right amount of crunch to make every bite a little more interesting. It’s honestly my favorite part of the entire treat.

If you’re a seasoned Dubai chocolate taster like myself, the bar is still absolutely worth trying. I honestly bought a handful for myself, and I’ll be sharing them with my friends no doubt. But you know what’s also full of Dubai chocolate goodness and perfect for sharing with friends? These intensely delicious Dubai chocolate cheesecake bars. It’s Dubai chocolate season, and I’m so gosh darn here for it.

How long will it be at Trader Joe’s?

This limited-time item will most likely only be around while supplies last. And from the looks of it, that won’t be for much longer. The original bar is quite expensive, but this dupe is only $3.99. That’s so much cheaper than other versions I’ve seen. Some TJ’s enthusiasts have already reported their stores limiting the amount of chocolate bars people are allowed to buy at once. Mine had a limit of five per customer, but others have seen as little as two. That being said, my store was almost completely cleaned out when I got there. It hadn’t even been around for more than two days. Head to your nearest TJ’s and stock up as much as you can before they’re gone!

The post Trader Joe’s Just Dropped Dubai Chocolate Bars That Are Shockingly Inexpensive appeared first on Taste of Home.

The new release is an 8-gallon insulated tote in a peachy hue, complete with the original Trader Joe’s Pasadena location emblazoned on the front. Fans are obsessed with the affordably priced bags (only $7.99!) and scoop them up as soon as they appear in stores.

What’s so special about the Trader Joe’s cooler bags?

For starters, who doesn’t need a good way to bring home all that Trader Joe’s frozen food? TJ’s also sells mini cooler bags that make a good lunch box.

Beyond function, though, the colorful bags have become a niche status symbol. Since their releases are infrequent (and come in a limited quantity), the bags are a fun yet useful collectible item for Trader Joe’s fanatics. If you can find a bag in stores, look for them on eBay or Poshmark at a steep markup.

Do all stores have the cooler bags?

Trader Joe’s began rolling out its peach cooler bag on May 6, so while some stores may not have them in stock anymore, others could be putting out their shipment now. I recommend calling ahead to see if your location has any available.

The spring-hued bag is already seeing steep markups across various reselling platforms, so grab yours while Trader Joe’s has them in stock!

Related:

• Trader Joe’s Fans Can’t Believe How Perfect This Brand-New Find Is
• Trader Joe’s Sells Timothée Chalamet’s Go-To Snack—and We’re Obsessed
• The Best Snacks at Trader Joe’s Right Now

The post Trader Joe’s Just Stocked a Brand-New Cooler Bag, and I Know It’s Going to Sell Out Immediately appeared first on Taste of Home.

The goal of phishing emails is to lure you into clicking on a link, leading you to a site containing malware, or trick you into entering personal information. Here’s what to do if you get a Costco scam email—and how to know it’s definitely spam.

What to Do If You Get a Costco Scam Email

First, and most important: Do not click on any links in a spam email! Don’t open or download any attachments. And don’t reply to the email, either, even if you’re tempted to scold the person who sent it. Replying to phishing emails only lets the scammers know that your email is active and ensures that you stay on their mailing list.

Next, report the spam to Costco. The store keeps a list of currently known scams, and if you alert them to a new one, you can help warn other consumers.

Finally, mark the email as spam. This helps your email filter junk emails more effectively. Last but not least, delete the email so you don’t accidentally click the link later.

What do Costco email scams look like?

Like many email scams, the fake Costco emails just feel off. The email might look sloppy, with unpolished graphics or no logos. Look for typos and grammatical errors, which are red flags that the email didn’t pass through the careful editors or a marketing department. Scams often include odd salutations, such as using excessive honorifics (such as Mr. and Ms.) in subject lines.

Always read the “From:” field. Scammers often misspell company names (even by a single letter) or add extra words to the brand name. You may see that a third party sent the email, such as “Costco via BigBuckSavers.” Those are clear signs that the email isn’t authentic.

The biggest red flag of all? Any request for personal information or financial information. Scammers are out to get something from you, so their emails often ask for passwords, identifying information, credit card numbers and more.

They’ll frequently try to alarm you, implying that there’s an urgent issue with your account. Or, they’ll take the opposite approach and hold out a carrot—a free item, or a prize—if you just click on the link. That’s not a good way to save money at the store! Take your time reading emails, and you’ll sharpen your sniff test for spam.

Related:

• Is a Costco Membership Worth It?
• Costco Member Benefits You Might Not Know About (But Should)
• Every Costco Food Court Item, Ranked

The post If You Get a Costco Scam Email, You Need to Do This Immediately appeared first on Taste of Home.

7. Walmart

The original potato salad from Walmart is made with potatoes, mayonnaise, water, sugar, celery and sweet pickle relish, and without any artificial flavors or corn syrup. It retails for a budget-conscious $3.47 per pound.

While the price was right for this potato salad, the consistency was not. The potatoes were overcooked and mushy, with a dressing that was far too thin. We prefer potato salads that have nice chunks that can be picked up with a fork, but this could almost be mashed potatoes.

Bottom Line: The Walmart potato salad’s price-per-pound was attractive, but that’s about it.

6. Meijer

Meijer had plenty of potato salad options in its refrigerator case. There was a loaded smashed potato salad, red potato salad, Amish-style potato salad and a mustard potato salad. For this taste test, we sampled the store’s American potato salad made with celery, sweet pickle relish, onion and mustard. It’s sold in a 16-ounce container for $3.59.

We found this potato salad to be a bit too sour and in need of additional seasoning. However, we liked the crunch from the celery and the fact that it was made without high-fructose corn syrup.

Bottom Line: With a variety of choices all for a great price, Meijer is the way to go if you want to pick up several different options for a party.

5. Aldi

As a German grocery store chain, we had high expectations for the Aldi potato salad. The large, 32-ounce container sells for an incredible price, only $3.99, making this the best price-per-pound of any of the grocery stores we visited.

While Aldi’s potato salad stood out in terms of value, it was more middle-of-the-road in terms of flavor. The potatoes were cooked nicely, and we could taste the mustard flavor, but it was a bit on the sour side. Plus, we wanted more seasoning and color. The ingredients listed were potatoes, mayonnaise, celery, hard-boiled eggs, sugar, water, onion, sweet pickle relish, green onion and dehydrated parsley. More green onion and parsley would have helped this one.

Bottom Line: If saving money is a top priority, this incredible value from Aldi can’t be beat. Kick it up a notch by chopping fresh herbs and sprinkling them over the salad.

4. Target

The classic potato salad from Target had nice chunks of perfectly cooked potato as well as some flecks of color throughout. The consistency of the dressing was great, but there was almost too much of it. Made with potatoes, mayonnaise, celery, hard-boiled eggs, sugar, water, onion and sweet pickle relish, we appreciated that we could taste each of the individual elements here. At $3.69 for a 1-pound container, the Target potato salad was right on the money.

Bottom Line: While this wasn’t at the top of our list, the potato salad from Target is a convenient and price-conscious option for summer get-togethers.

3. Jewel/Albertson’s

The original potato salad from Jewel was one of several options from the deli case. They also sold one called Grandma’s potato salad and a buttermilk potato salad. At $4.99 per pound, this was more expensive than some of the other options, but with a higher quality, so we felt the price was fair.

The potatoes were perfectly cooked, and the salad was bright yellow. We liked the addition of celery seed to the ingredient list and felt it added flavor that was lacking in the other potato salads. The only thing that would have made this one better would have been more mix-ins.

Bottom Line: With nice chunks of potatoes and a beautiful yellow hue, the potato salad from Jewel was one of the most attractive of the bunch. It would fit perfectly with any summer potluck spread.

2. Mariano’s/Kroger

There were several potato salad options at Mariano’s. Customers can choose from German Potato salad, steakhouse potato salad, metro potato salad and, of course, the classic yellow potato salad. This is the one we sampled for $4.49 per pound. It was made with all the traditional ingredients: russet potatoes, mayonnaise, dressing, celery, bell peppers, onion, mustard, sugar, salt and white pepper.

There were lovely pieces of cooked potato, and we could taste the other elements in the salad, too. It was all coated in a creamy dressing with balanced flavor. White pepper isn’t as sharp as black pepper, and it made all the difference in this salad.

Bottom Line: Mariano’s is a top choice if you like a traditional potato salad made with russet potatoes.

1. Whole Foods

The red bliss potato salad from Whole Foods took the top slot in our potato salad taste test. Even before taking that first bite, this salad was the most appetizing. Made with unpeeled red potatoes, this potato salad had lovely flecks of color. Leaving the skin on the potatoes added a delightful texture, too.

Besides potatoes, the ingredients include mayonnaise, sour cream, celery, onion, green onion, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, brown sugar, parsley, water, cornstarch and white pepper. The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream created the perfect creamy binder for all the elements. Apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard added a lively zing, and the green onion added a burst of color.

At $5.99 a pound, this was the most expensive potato salad on the list, and it was worth every penny.

Bottom Line: If you are willing to spend an extra dollar per pound, the Whole Foods potato salad is made with fresh ingredients and tastes homemade.

Related:

• Can You Freeze Potato Salad?
• I Made Ina Garten’s Potato Salad and I Can’t Wait to Share It
• 7 Best Store-Bought Pasta Salads, Ranked

The post The Best Store-Bought Potato Salads, Ranked appeared first on Taste of Home.

Before you start whipping up a weeknight meal, check your refrigerator for Park Street Deli heat-and-serve pork carnitas, because they may contain pieces of metal.

What caused the health alert?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued this public health alert for the pork carnitas. During routine maintenance, the manufacturer found equipment damage that indicates the possibility of metal pieces contaminating the carnitas.

Pieces of metal would definitely be dangerous to ingest, so the FSIS wants to make sure that no one eats the product. Fortunately, there haven’t been any reports of illness or injury yet.

This isn’t technically a recall because the pork carnitas aren’t for sale at the grocery store anymore. But customers could easily still have them at home.

What stores sold the pork carnitas?

This is an Aldi-exclusive product, so it was only available at Aldi stores. The health alert says that the pork carnitas were shipped to Aldi stores nationwide, so it does affect all Aldi locations in the United States.

How do I know if I have the pork carnitas?

This health alert affects exactly one product. Even though they are no longer available for purchase at Aldi, the FSIS wants to make sure everyone checks their fridge and freezer for the product. In the bottom right corner of the package is a small white circle that contains the USDA establishment number, which for the affected lot of carnitas is 46049.

Pork Carnitas Seasoned & Seared Pork with Juices Slow Cooked with Citrus

• Size: 16-oz tray
• Use by dates: 06/30/2025 or 07/01/2025

What should I do next?

If you have any of the pork carnitas, don’t eat them, even if they look fine. You can throw them away, or bring them back to Aldi for a refund. If you have eaten the carnitas and feel sick, call your doctor ASAP.

The post This Popular Aldi Product Is Not Safe to Eat, According to the USDA appeared first on Taste of Home.

In my opinion, the best treat at TJ’s is a seasonal one that’s only available for an extremely limited run. Every year, fans eagerly await for it to appear on Trader Joe’s shelves. It’s like the ultimate sign that spring is officially here—and that it’s going to be delicious.

I’m talking, of course, about the Trader Joe’s Carrot Mini Sheet Cake.

What is so special about Trader Joe’s carrot cake?

OK, first of all, it’s cute. It’s a tiny little sheet cake with adorably piped cream cheese dressing. It makes for a delectable afternoon treat—in fact, some enthusiasts even carry forks in their purses so they’re always prepared to dig in.

Aside from the aesthetics, fans go nuts about it because it contains no raisins. Raisins are a divisive addition to a lot of recipes, but the raisin-haters win here. Fans also like that it contains walnut meal as opposed to large chunks of nuts that can be difficult to chew. Basically, it’s all the best carrot cake flavors without anything to stop you from enjoying it very quickly—perhaps before anyone sees that you have it and asks for a bite.

Ultimately, the best part about the cake is the cream cheese icing on top. I cannot stress how imperative good icing is to carrot cake, and this one, well, takes the cake! It’s important that you inspect each of the mini sheet cakes and get one that has the frosting piped all the way to the edge—Reddit users have noted that edges and corners on some cakes are woefully under-frosted.

How long will the carrot cakes be available?

I don’t want to be dramatic, but you should stop reading this story and drive straight to Trader Joe’s if you want one. They’re only available for a limited time, and that fact, combined with their cult status, makes them disappear from shelves quickly.

The cakes hit stores this week, and their continued availability is totally dependent on the shopping habits of your fellow Trader Joe’s enthusiasts. Pack up your TJ’s cooler bag and go!

The post This Fan-Favorite Trader Joe’s Item Is Finally Back in Stores—But Not for Long appeared first on Taste of Home.

What’s causing the matcha shortage?

Matcha’s recent surge in popularity is largely to blame—and there are many reasons for that popularity.

For one thing, the Guardian notes that Japan is experiencing record tourism in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, and many travelers are perhaps being exposed to matcha for the first time, establishing a greater appetite for the tea. Though it naturally has a bitter, grassy flavor, matcha blends well with various sweeteners such as honey, syrup and sweetened coconut milk.

More demand means more experimentation, so matcha now pops up in places it wouldn’t before: beverages, candy and restaurant menus.

And we can’t discount the fact that matcha is incredibly photogenic and social-media-friendly. It’s bright green and inviting, often paired with other colorful additions (look no further than Starbucks’ green-and-purple Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha).

Matcha doesn’t have as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, so it’s a great step-down beverage for your morning routine. Green tea, in all its forms, has long been associated with good health, too. Though the evidence for such claims appears to be limited, it’s true that matcha is rich in antioxidants.

Taken together, all these attributes mean that demand has spiked, and supply hasn’t been able to keep up.

As Forbes reported last year, matcha must be grown in very specific conditions within a limited timeframe, so it’s not as simple as ramping up production. Unexpected weather can also make a dent in the growing season, and the processing time—grinding all the tea leaves into matcha’s fine powder form—is extensive and handled largely by independent farms.

Forbes notes that farmers across Asia and the United States have started growing matcha to meet demand. Whether its quality will match that of Japan’s, where the tradition is 500 years strong, remains to be seen.

The post Matcha Lovers, Brace for Impact—There Could Be a Shortage in 2025 appeared first on Taste of Home.

Bizarre as this may sound, it’s a known phenomenon in the poultry industry.

What’s going on with Costco’s raw chicken?

The official term for chicken breast that’s threaded with stringy or shredded texture, even before it’s cooked, is “spaghetti meat.” It’s an unappealing name for an unappealing trait.

Has anyone else had issues with Organic Kirkland chicken?
byu/Silly-Share6069 inCostco

The scientific explanation for spaghetti meat is simple. It’s a muscle abnormality caused by overly fast growth in birds raised for eating, primarily broiler hens. When muscles grow too quickly, they lose integrity, leading to soft, mushy tissue that separates into noodle-like bands. Unfortunately, it’s a known side effect of commercial farming, since farms are under pressure to produce cheap, big chickens and more of them. The issue first appeared in 2015 and remains a persistent bugbear for the poultry industry and for shoppers.

Is it safe to eat?

Technically, spaghetti meat is safe to eat. It’s not as healthy as unaffected poultry, however, as it has less protein and more fat, but it’s not toxic or inedible. If you don’t want to toss it, there are ways to make it more appetizing. Our best tip is to cook and shred the chicken. Many of our favorite shredded chicken recipes are richly spiced: think chicken tacos, Thai chicken pizza and barbecue sliders.

Mixing this chicken with other textures, such as shredded cabbage, carrots and nuts in a salad, can also distract from any stringy feel.

How do you avoid ‘spaghetti meat?’

It’s tricky to catch spaghetti meat until you’re slicing into it. That said, shopping for chicken thighs, wings or legs rather than breasts will reduce your risk. You can also buy poultry from smaller farms, which don’t use the same growth methods as commercial meat producers. Farmers markets and meat CSAs are good sources of local meat.

The post Why Is Everyone Talking About Costco’s Chicken Right Now? appeared first on Taste of Home.

The Carrot Bar Cake Is Back at Costco

The dessert features three layers of decadent carrot cake topped with three layers of tangy cream cheese icing. A sprinkle of toasted walnuts decorates the top. It’s called a bar cake because the cake itself is a long, narrow rectangle. Serve it by slicing off pieces from one end. For the cleanest cut of cake, use a hot, serrated knife.

The cake has a combination of raisins, carrots and pineapple. This gives the cake density and moisture. Since the cake only has frosting between the layers and on top, it isn’t overly sweet and there is a perfect cake-to-frosting ratio. All in all, the bar cake is 2 pounds, 9 ounces of deliciousness selling for $18.99.

What People Are Saying

While this treat is something many Costco shoppers look forward to every year, there are some divisive elements with the Carrot Bar Cake. A quick scroll on TikTok and Reddit showed that people have very strong opinions on whether raisins belong in a carrot cake. Comments ranged everywhere from “Proper carrot cake does indeed have raisins” to “Raisins are rotten grapes. Keep them out of my cake.” Some folks didn’t love the fact that pineapple was also included in the cake batter.

Costco bakery items tend to be on the larger side, but even if you don’t finish all of this dessert, there are solutions. Several commenters noted they like to freeze individual servings for later when the cake has been phased out for the season. One fan said, “See, what you do is, you buy it, bring it home, slice it into individual servings that you put into Ziploc freezer bags, and you put those in the freezer. From time to time, you have a single serving of this absolutely decadent cake. Also works exceptionally well with tuxedo cake.”

If you aren’t convinced the Carrot Bar Cake is for you, maybe this comment straight from a Costco bakery employee might sway your decision. They said, “We just started it today in my Costco. It’s really good, not super sweet. You can see the carrot bits in it. Very few things I get from my bakery, but I’d buy this.”

The post The Costco Bakery Just Dropped the One Dessert I Wait All Year For appeared first on Taste of Home.

But never fear, because Costco is here—and the warehouse is now carrying Chick-fil-A sauce.

When is Chick-fil-A sauce coming to Costco?

It’s at Costco right now. Fans started posting full pallets of Chick-fil-A sauce. You could previously purchase the sauce in a 16-ounce bottle, but any sauce aficionado (hello, fellow nerds) will tell you that is simply not enough! Fortunately, Chick-fil-A is selling a special “club pack” at Costco with two 24-oz bottles of that finger-lickin’ goodness.

If you are somehow not a Costco member, that’s OK too! The 2-pack will be available at other club stores, including Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale. It seems like the one thing everyone can agree on right now is that people need this sauce.

How long will it be available?

It’s unclear if this will be a permanent Costco item or a limited edition product. I’ve been burned by Costco before (can you believe they changed the flavors in the Waterloo sparkling water multi-pack without telling me?), so I’m wary of things being discontinued.

If this is a purchase that will make you “eat more chikin,” I say buy now. You never know how long the Chick-fil-A sauce will stick around, and I would hate for you to go without!

The post Chick-fil-A Just Landed at Costco, and Everyone Is Rushing to the Warehouse appeared first on Taste of Home.

In this subreddit, the Costco self-checkout is a source of endless speculation. It stymies even the most seasoned wholesale shoppers!

What is the self-checkout rule?

Earlier this month, one user took to the Costco subreddit to ask about a recent shopping trip. The OP explains that they went to the self-checkout line with “maybe 20 items” and said the employee overseeing self-checkout personally scanned all the items instead. The Costco employee said there’s no official rule about how many items can be taken through self-checkout, but that 20 is “really too many.”

“Is this an unspoken rule?” the OP asked the subreddit.

It’s a query that has made the rounds on the subreddit for years, and the responses are equally passionate in all directions. On this month’s thread, which so far has nearly 700 upvotes and almost 300 comments, users’ responses range from “I’ve always viewed self-checkout as an express checkout lane” to “If they have a policy they should post it.”

Some shoppers report that their locations have signage indicating a 15-item limit but this seems to be at each store’s discretion. Even people who oppose an item limit admit that a practical line could be drawn somewhere around 20 items, after which the shopper slows down the self-checkout line for everyone else.

In addition to greater efficiency, imposing a limit on self-checkout can be a loss prevention tactic for many stores, as Costco employees say that the self-checkout lanes are where the majority of thefts occur. Fewer items allowed at self-checkout means fewer high-value products sneaking through unpaid.

There’s also a space issue at self-checkout. The small area for scanned purchases simply can’t accommodate upwards of 20 items. It’s not as simple as moving the items directly into shopping bags on the ground after scanning because items have to stay on the scale until after you pay.

The Costco website’s FAQ does not say that self-checkout lanes have an item limit. However, the question lumps self-checkout and express lanes together, perhaps indicating that they should be treated the same way and used for quicker trips and low-volume purchases.

To have the best Costco self-checkout experience, stick to a small number of items. Have your membership card and payment method at the ready. Don’t expect to use a hand scanner, as many locations don’t make those available to customers.

As always, be ready to present your receipt to an employee at the door before leaving. If the process stresses you out, you can always grab a $1.50 hot dog combo as a treat.

The post The Costco Self-Checkout Has Just One Unspoken Rule appeared first on Taste of Home.

What caused the recall?

The recall affects 15,874 total cases of the product. The oyster crackers were recalled over the possibility of contamination by a foreign object. Specifically, they could contain small pieces of metal in the form of stainless steel wire, which should never be ingested.

The recall was initiated as a Class III on February 21, which means “use of or exposure to is not likely to cause adverse health consequences,” per the FDA. But on March 11, the FDA updated this recall to a Class II, meaning “use of or exposure to may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

What states are affected by the recall?

The recalled oyster crackers were distributed for sale in 24 states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

What stores sold the recalled products?

The oyster crackers were sold at three retailers, all under house brand names:

• Market Pantry Soup & Oyster Crackers at Target
• Great Value Soup & Oyster Crackers at Walmart
• Giant Eagle Oyster Crackers at Giant Eagle

The recall also affects Vista Soup & Oyster Crackers, which are typically sold directly to restaurants.

How do I know if I have a recalled product?

The oyster crackers were shipped in 9- or 12-ounce boxes that contained 12 individually wrapped plastic bags.

To see if you have a recalled product, check your bag for the following information:

• Market Pantry Soup & Oyster Crackers
  • Size: 9 ounces
  • UPC: 085239114933
  • Sell By Date: 23 May 2025
• Great Value Soup & Oyster Crackers
  • Size: 9 ounces
  • UPC: 078742085494
  • Sell By Date: 23 May 2025
• Giant Eagle Oyster Crackers
  • Size: 9 ounces
  • UPC: 030034915087
  • Sell By Date: 24 May 2025
• VISTA Soup & Oyster Crackers
  • Size: 12 ounces
  • UPC: 045100008006
  • Sell By Date: 24 May 2025

What should I do next?

If you have a box of recalled oyster crackers, do not eat them, even if they do not appear to be contaminated. You can throw them out or bring them back to the store you purchased them from for a refund.

The post Cracker Recall: Oyster Crackers Sold at Walmart, Target Recalled Over Metal Contamination appeared first on Taste of Home.

What caused the recall?

The recall affects about 61,500 bottles of water. They were sold individually and in cases of 15. The water bottles were recalled over a manufacturing error that could cause them to crack. Since they’re glass, this could pose a laceration risk.

What states are affected by the recall?

The recalled Gerolsteiner water bottles were sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas from December 2024 through January 2025.

How do I know if I have a recalled product?

To see if you have a recalled product, check the bottom of the label for the lot number. Recalled products will display lot number 11/28/2024 L or 11/27/2024 L

What should I do next?

If you have a bottle of recalled Gerolsteiner water, do not consume it, even if it does not appear to be cracked or otherwise pose a risk. Carefully dispose of the product, or return it to Trader Joe’s for a full refund.

The post Water Bottle Recall: Trader Joe’s Just Recalled 61,500 Bottles of Sparkling Water appeared first on Taste of Home.

On the latest Inside Trader Joe’s podcast epsiode, the chain revealed a new Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter in collaboration with Hardywood Park Craft Brewery.

What is the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter?

Hardywood is a Virginia-based craft brewer. TJ’s has previously partnered with them on other treat-inspired releases, like its Speculoos Cookie Butter Beer and Joe-Joe’s Chocolate Vanilla Creme Stout.

On Inside Trader Joe’s, VP of marketing Tara Miller says the new porter is an “homage” to Trader Joe’s incredibly popular Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

Matt Sloan, the company’s “culture and innovation guy,” described the porter as “bold” and “intense” with an ABV of 9.2%. It has notes of chocolate, a bit of coffee and—of course—peanut butter. The beer, he added, is more of a dessert drink than something you’d enjoy with dinner.

The new beer has reportedly been a hit with those who have had a taste. And how can it not be when alcohol is one of the things you should always buy at TJ’s! During a tasting panel, “the whole group’s hands shot up in yes votes almost immediately,” Miller said on the podcast.

“It does taste as good as it sounds,” she added. We’ll ring the bell for that!

How long will it be at Trader Joe’s?

Like any other seasonal Trader Joe’s offering, it’s difficult to predict exactly how long the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter will be available in stores. If you want a taste, you should try to stop in sooner rather than later. But, given that the porter is part of the chain’s spring lineup, we hope that it will stick around for at least a couple months.

The post Trader Joe’s Fans Can’t Believe How Perfect This Brand-New Find Is appeared first on Taste of Home.

Because Costco has so many items, it can’t keep offering them all forever. Things come and go at Costco, and sometimes there’s zero warning that a product will be discontinued. Thankfully, Costco sells most of its items in enormous, are-you-running-a-daycare sizes, so you won’t run out soon.

Here’s a closer look at nine items that are no longer reliably sold at Costco.

Croissant Sandwich Platter

The best party item ever is Costco’s croissant sandwich platter. Ten Costco croissants made into turkey, ham and roast beef sandwiches, sliced into three pieces each and served with tubs of mustard and mayo.

I used to buy this for my annual Christmas cookie swap party every December, but it’s been gone for at least two years. When I asked about it, I was pointed to the pinwheel platter and a deli platter offering cold cuts and cheese, but you’d need to buy rolls or croissants separately. If the croissant sandwich platter ever returns, I swear, they will hear me cheering from my home in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood all the way over at the Issaquah headquarters.

Kirkland Chocolate Chips

Everyone needs a stash of chocolate chips in the pantry, whether for cookies, bars or snacking. Unfortunately, Reader’s Digest reports that Costco has ditched its own brand of chocolate chips due to rising cocoa prices. The warehouse only stocks Nestle chocolate morsels now.

Roast Beef Sandwich

Costco’s food court offerings change regularly—too often for some shoppers’ liking. The roast beef sandwich is now gone from the food court, but no matter; the iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo remains.

Churros

I love me some churros. The tasty, sweet sticks of twisted fried dough are a sugary delight I mostly associate with state fairs. But Costco’s food court sold them until 2024, making for a yummy after-shopping reward. It’s possible they’ll return—they have in the past. In the meantime, here’s where to find a Costco churro dupe.

Berry Smoothie

People adored Costco’s food court berry smoothie. But according to The Takeout and Reddit commenters, it’s gone and has been replaced with a strawberry-banana version.

Kirkland Country French Bread

Costco’s bakery is surprisingly good for a big-box store. One of shoppers’ favorite items was the Kirkland Signature Brand Country French Bread, but according to a Reddit user who inquired at their Costco bakery, it’s been discontinued.

‘Cooking the Costco Way’ Cookbooks

It’s only natural that Costco would compile recipes for the foods it sells. The chain used to give out free cookbooks, dubbed Cooking the Costco Way, every Black Friday. Costco doesn’t do that anymore, but you can still read recipes in the Costco Connection magazine.

Red Grapefruit Cups

I’m a huge fan of grapefruit, whether in juice, salads or just the fruit itself. Costco sells a variety of its own Kirkland Signature brand fruit cups, but the store has discontinued its red grapefruit cups, a fact that a Reddit user confirmed with Costco staff.

Store-Brand Eggs That Aren’t Cage-Free

This one is actually good news! Costco no longer offers store-brand eggs from caged chickens. As you know if you’ve read the news lately, eggs are a hot item—expensive and hard to find thanks to a devastating bird flu outbreak. Costco sells eggs in typical huge Costco quantities—five dozen—and I usually pick them up for my annual Easter egg-dyeing party. It’s good to know that if I’m able to get my eggs there this year, they likely won’t be from caged hens.

The post 9 Popular Costco Items That You Won’t Find in 2025 appeared first on Taste of Home.

8. Turkey Swiss Sandwich

I do not understand who Costco’s Turkey Swiss sandwich is for, and after tasting it for professional reasons, I understand it even less. If you’re familiar with the ciabatta rolls from Costco’s bakery (which, in my opinion, are a must-try), you know they’re best when warm. It makes the bread soft and pliable. Sadly, this does not happen at the Costco food court, where a pile of sliced turkey and cheese sits upon a throne that is cold and crumbly.

Generous dollops of sun-dried tomato spread and mustard-mayo spread keep this sandwich from being too dry, but overall, it’s unremarkable. You’d be far more satisfied grabbing anything from the prepared foods section over this.

7. Chocolate Chunk Cookie

This cookie is good but not great. It’s far too sweet to be truly enjoyable without an ice-cold glass of milk to temper the sugar. Since Costco doesn’t sell milk at its food court, your only option is to start swigging the milk in your shopping cart. I personally don’t have a problem with this, but you might. This cookie also loses major points for bumping the Costco churro from the menu, which remains the most tragic moment in Costco history.

6. Ice Cream Sundae

Costco’s soft serve ice cream is surprisingly good, and at the bargain price of $1.99 a cup, it’s an impromptu indulgence that’s pretty hard to talk yourself out of. For 50 cents more, you can upgrade to an ice cream sundae, which adds your choice of hot fudge or strawberry topping. I’m all for a fun ice cream upgrade if you need to make a special treat extra special!

Personally, I like the plain chocolate ice cream just fine and don’t think it needs anything else to be a bright spot in my day.

5. Chicken Caesar Salad

Costco’s rotisserie chicken makes a fantastic Caesar salad, and the family-sized version found in the prepared foods section is a personal favorite. In fact, I’d skip the snack bar for this item and buy yourself the big one. It lasts for a few days in the fridge, meaning you can have your urgent chicken Caesar salad needs met while also making an investment for your salad future. There is nothing wrong with this salad conceptually, but within the boundaries of a snack bar, it’s out of place.

4. Cheese Pizza

Even though I grew up in Brooklyn, a veritable pizza paradise, I believe that all pizzas are beautiful in their own way. Pizza is a spectrum, and there is as much need in this world for garbage pizza as there is for high-quality artisan pies.

Costco has created its own category of garbage pizza, and I mean that as the highest compliment. The sauce is canned, the crust is spongy and the cheese is greasy. It’s exactly the sort of thing I want to eat when I’m using pizza not for sustenance but for my mental health.

3. Pepperoni Pizza

This is everything good about Costco’s cheese pizza, plus pepperoni. Really, what else needs to be said?

2. Chicken Bake

I have a soft spot in my heart for the Chicken Bake, as it’s the only item on the Costco snack bar menu that has no true equivalent in the outside world. In most pizzerias, chicken rolls and strombolis go the classic Parmesan route with tomato sauce and cheese, or the chaotic bacon ranch route (which is better in theory than practice). But Costco’s Chicken Bake exists somehwere in the middle, combining sliced chicken and bacon with provolone, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then inexplicably introducing green onions and Caesar dressing to the equation.

Few others have attempted this combo, and fewer still have succeeded, for they lack the inherent magic that lives inside each and every Costco. It’s not the best thing on the menu, but it’s arguably the most iconic.

1. Hot Dog

Though the Chicken Bake may be a Costco exclusive, its signature offering is the $1.50 hot dog deal, and it’s impossible for me to leave the store without partaking in the most hallowed of Costco traditions.

Sure, Costco might not have raw onions at the toppings bar anymore, and asking for a cup of sauerkraut on the side is hit or miss. But even if the hot dog is eaten au naturale, it’s amazing. The size of the hot dog alone is something worth celebrating. The franks aren’t jumbo, they’re colossal, and the price makes them taste even better.

Even if you’re in the mood to eat something else, it’s worth the buck fifty for the fountain soda alone. Then, a few hours later, when you feel peckish, you’ll remember you have a Costco hot dog in your purse. The value just doesn’t stop!

The post We Ranked Every Costco Food Court Item, and the Winner Shocked Us appeared first on Taste of Home.

When I heard that Aldi plans to drop some beautiful pastel dish sets for spring, I knew I had to hop on over and nab them for my Easter table. What could be more perfect than Easter egg-inspired Aldi finds?

What’s in the ‘Easter Egg Glass’ collection?

This new collection includes two sets: one with four glass plates and one with four drinking glasses. The pieces in both sets are pale blue, pink, orange and green. When I saw them, I immediately thought of Easter eggs, and then Easter egg glass. I’m in love!

The colors are so beautiful and evoke the aesthetic of decorated Easter eggs. Since so many stores have egg purchase limits right now, I might forgo dying eggs and pick up these plates and glasses instead. Or, at minimum, I will dye some eggs to match these place settings. Imagine the possibilities!

How long will it be available? 

As with all Aldi finds, there is absolutely no guarantee on how long they will be available. (I’m not the only one with a soft spot for their cute home decor.)  Sometimes, a product will be in the finds aisle for weeks, and sometimes, products sell out in a couple of days. This Easter-inspired collection drops on Wednesday, March 19, so if you want them, I suggest heading to Aldi first thing in the morning. 

The post Aldi’s New ‘Easter Egg Glass’ Collection Will Sell Out Fast—Here’s When You Can Get It appeared first on Taste of Home.

What’s in the Costco tiramisu cheesecake?

The cheesecake begins with a classic graham cracker crust that has been given a chocolaty twist with cocoa powder. Then, there’s a thick and rich cheesecake layer that has been infused with cold brew coffee. The filling could easily have been heavy, but I swear it’s velvety and not too dense. Finally, the dessert is finished off with a mascarpone whipped topping, which is light and airy. In keeping with the tiramisu theme, the cake is also dusted with cocoa powder as a final flourish.

It’s visually stunning and even more beautiful when you cut it to see three distinct layers!

You won’t find any rum or liqueur in this cheesecake. There are also no ladyfingers, an ingredient that’s essential for tiramisu. However, you won’t miss either element. The flavor combination of coffee, mascarpone and chocolate makes every bite magical.

The $23.99 price tag makes this one of Costco’s more expensive treats, but at 4.8 pounds, this dessert is massive. The cheesecake cuts beautifully, so every slice is camera-ready for presentation. Don’t worry if you have leftovers, because the slices freeze like a dream.

What are people saying?

Even though this has only recently hit the Costco bakery, the internet is abuzz with thoughts on the dessert. Reddit users left comments like, “It’s freakin DELISH!” and “My two favorite things in one!!” Over on the @costcohotfinds Instagram, people are equally obsessed. One user said, “I already bought one and getting another one! It’s so good! Very light and not super sweet.” Many expressed the sentiment, “BRB running there now!” One comment even said, “I now need to get my Costco membership renewed just for this.”

The post Costco Just Dropped a Tiramisu-Cheesecake Mashup—and the Internet Is All Over It appeared first on Taste of Home.