I Never Leave Costco Without This One Kitchen Staple

Costco, the place where dreams come true. Wait, that’s Disney. Well, housing everything from baked goods to produce to pantry staples to providing car service and travel options, it sometimes feels like it can be an adult playground. 

No matter what I’m going to Costco for, every time I visit I have to pick up this one item: Kirkland’s Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water. 

But, Victoria, why should we care? It’s just tuna. Well, I’m so glad you asked! TLDR: Your wallet (and your tastebuds) will appreciate you.

Kirkland’s Tuna Is Cheaper Than the Competitors

Shopping for a household of one, I am cognizant of how to get the most bang for my buck. So when it comes to saving, particularly as it relates to my food budget, I get as savvy as I can. 

Here’s the math:

Costco

1 (8-count) value pack of Kirkland’s Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water = $19.99

$19.99 ➗ 8 cans = $2.49/can

$2.49/can ➗7 ounces/can = $.35/ounce of tuna

Other competitors

1 (5-ounce) can = $1.99

$1.99 ➗5 ounces = $.40/ounce of tuna

In the long run, you’re saving money by procuring Costco’s tuna (roughly $3.18 for every 8 cans you buy) AND ensuring that your pantry is stocked in case you’re ever too busy and need a quick snack/meal option. Over time, this can cover another cup of coffee or your Netflix subscription.

Which brings me to the next reason I love having Costco’s Kirkland tuna on hand: speedy, flavorful, protein-packed meals in a moment’s notice. (According to Costco’s site, each can of tuna packs a whopping 47 grams of protein.)

How to Stock a Pantry With Everything You Need

Dishes That I Regularly Make With Costco’s Canned Tuna

Not only is it budget conscious of you to go for the Costco value pack of canned tuna, but the quality of the canned tuna that Kirkland’s provides is just chef’s kiss. 

Need inspiration for dishes you can make at home? Here are three go-to recipes I typically make when I’m stretching my food spending, or, more likely, in need of a quick, flavorful meal between meetings.

The Tuna Sandwich

I cannot stress how much I love a good tuna sandwich. It’s easy to throw together, done in less than 5 minutes, and very filling. Plus, I grew up with my dad making them, so it’s a bit nostalgic. 

My recipe: I transfer the tuna to a small-sized mixing bowl and flake it with a fork. Then I add mayo (I’m a Hellman’s girlie, just like Julia Child), chopped onion, salt, and pepper. If I’m feeling frisky, sometimes I add small-diced celery. I toast my bread, usually a thick white, and pair it with a glass of iced cold milk. Yes, milk. My dad got me hooked on this when I was little, so now there’s nothing quite as enjoyable as a freshly made tuna sandwich with a refreshing glass of whole milk. The hot and cold temperature just does it for me.

The Tuna Melt

If I want something a little different than a tuna sandwich, I venture into the territory of the tuna melt (aka The Happy Waitress if you’re at a diner in Jersey).

My recipe: Start by preheating your oven to 350 F. Make the tuna salad recipe from the tuna sandwich recipe above. Put two pieces of bread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top with the tuna salad, mild banana peppers, hot sauce of your choosing (j’adore Tapatío or Frank’s Red Hot), and then a slice of good ‘ol American or cheddar cheese. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese melts, and then dig into your open-faced sando.

For some low-brow, high-brow moments, pair your epic tuna melt with a bottle of bubbly. An inexpensive prosecco does just the trick. I did this for friends who came down to visit a while back and they raved about it for months.

The Tuna Noodle Casserole

When I want something a bit heartier for the colder months, I like to make a tuna noodle casserole. The toothy egg noodles, the creamy mushroom soup, and the protein-packed tuna leave me satiated and ready to curl up in hibernation mode.

Overall, canned tuna is inexpensive and versatile, able to adapt to whatever you might have on hand. It’s what I like to call the true hero of the pantry. What say you?