Costco is the perfect spot for savvy shoppers who want affordable, high-quality canned meats that make everyday meals better. From the versatile Kirkland Signature Canned Chicken to the omega-3-rich Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon and the shelf-stable essentials like SPAM and Vienna sausages, these canned proteins offer convenience, nutrition, and flavor.
Whether you’re meal prepping or stocking up for emergencies, these nine canned meats are pantry must-haves that deliver unbeatable value and taste, making weeknight dinners and quick snacks effortless. Let’s take a look at nine canned meats that you should always buy from Costco.
1. Kirkland Signature Canned Chicken Breast
Kirkland Signature Canned Chicken Breast is the star of easy weeknight meals and is about to change the way you think about meal prep. For just $16, you get eight cans, each packed with 12.5 ounces of chicken, adding up to an impressive 392 grams of protein.
This awesome canned good is incredibly versatile, too. It’s perfect for whipping up everything from spicy buffalo chicken dip to rich, creamy pasta dishes. This canned chicken makes quick, delicious meals feel like a breeze!
Authentic flavor
Unlike some canned meats that have that weird âtuna-yâ flavor, Kirklandâs chicken tastes just like real chicken and keeps a nice, firm texture. Thankfully, there is no mushy mess here.
You can mix it with mayo, dried cranberries, and walnuts to make the famous “Costco chicken salad” copycat thatâll have everyone asking you for the recipe!
2. SPAM Classic Multi-Pack
Yep, weâre talking about that super popular pork product, SPAM! This is a product that people either love or arenât so sure about. But once you figure out how to cook with it, itâs actually a total game-changer in the kitchen.
At less than $3 per can when you buy Costcoâs 8-pack for around $23, youâre getting a super convenient, shelf-stable protein that can last forever if you store it right. Itâs perfect to have on hand for quick meals at any time.
SPAM Classic
You can forget about all the stereotypes about SPAM. Just slice it thin, fry it until itâs nice and crispy, and youâve got little flavor-packed bites that are perfect for a Hawaiian breakfast or making authentic musubi.
And hereâs something cool: Costco now sells the trendy Gochujang-flavored SPAM, which Korean food fans are snapping up by the case!
3. Kirkland Signature Wild-Caught Alaska Pink Salmon
Kirkland Signature Wild-Caught Alaska Pink Salmon is an omega-3 powerhouse thatâs surprisingly affordable, in fact, it’s actually cheaper than your daily coffee fix.
You get six cans for only $14.99, which works out to less than $3 a can. When you compare that to most grocery stores where similar canned salmon goes for $4 to $5 a can, itâs a total steal, especially since Kirklandâs quality is way better than those other, lower-grade brands.
Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon
Each 100g serving of this boneless, skinless salmon packs 650mg of omega-3s. It’s perfect for making fancy salmon burgers, protein-packed salads, or creamy pasta dishes.
Itâs also certified by responsible fisheries, so you can feel good about eating it. No wonder nutritionists quietly keep it stocked in their own kitchens as a go-to healthy protein!
4. Safe Catch Ahi Yellowfin Tuna
Safe Catch Ahi Yellowfin Tuna is next level because itâs the only tuna brand that tests every single fish for mercury, keeping levels about 22 times lower than what the FDA allows.
Youâre looking at $13.39 for a 6-pack, which breaks down to just a little over $2 a can. Itâs definitely worth the small extra cost for peace of mind, especially if youâre feeding a family or expecting a baby. Eating tuna without worrying about mercury? Yes, please!
Safe Catch Tuna
Each can is loaded with 26 grams of protein and has super low mercury levels, so you can dig into tuna melts as often as you want without any guilt.
Itâs great for meal prep, too. You can use it to make think tuna-stuffed avocados, spicy curry tacos, or a classic tuna salad sandwich thatâs actually tasty and not boring.
5. Vienna Sausages 18-Pack
Vienna Sausages come in an 18-pack and are basically the go-to emergency food that survival experts always keep stocked in their bunkers. For only $12, youâre getting a ton of ready-to-eat protein that doesnât need cooking or electricity.
Just pop the can open and eat. Whether youâre prepping for an emergency or just want a quick snack on hand, these little guys are super convenient and long-lasting.
Vienna Sausages
These tiny protein-packed cans can last way beyond their “best by” date and turn plain ramen into a filling, tasty meal thanks to their savory broth.
You can also throw them in with baked beans on a camp stove for a quick, comforting “weenie and beans” dish.
6. Season Sardine Fillets
The whole “tinned fish summer” trend is more than just a trend; itâs actually totally worth it. These wild-caught sardines come skinless and boneless, packed in pure olive oil, and you get a 4-pack for only $12.
Itâs like getting top-notch nutrition without breaking the bank, so you can enjoy all the health benefits without the fancy price tag.
Season Sardines
These little omega-3 bombs actually have more calcium than milk and can turn a simple pasta with lemon and breadcrumbs into a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish.
You can also mash them up with mustard for a tasty toast spread, or swap them in for anchovies in Caesar dressing to get a smoother, richer flavor without the fishy punch.
7. Hormel Canned Ham
This is the holiday dinner backup thatâs probably saved more family gatherings than people like to admit.
Itâs fully cooked and can be enjoyed cold or heated up, packing 14 grams of protein per serving. Plus, it has that smoky, comforting flavor that instantly brings back memories of grandmaâs kitchen.
Hormel Canned Ham
When you buy it in bulk, itâs about 25 cents an ounce, making it an affordable sandwich meat that lasts forever and doesnât even need to be refrigerated until you open it.
You can slice it thin for classic Cuban sandwiches, cube it for ham and beans, or glaze it up for a quick, fancy dinner when surprise guests show up.
8. Canned Mackerel
This superfood is seriously underrated and right there in plain sight, costing only about 13 cents an ounce.
Just 3.5 ounces of this canned good contains nearly 900 calories, making it a calorie-packed survival staple that preppers cherish like treasure.
Canned Mackerel
Packed with vitamin D, phosphorus, and potassium, this affordable powerhouse is perfect for making fish cakes and patties that taste like they belong in a restaurant.
Its rich, oily texture holds up great to bold flavors, so give it a try in spicy Asian stir-fries or Mediterranean pasta dishes.
9. Canned Corned Beef
This breakfast favorite is a total game-changer, turning leftover potatoes into the best hash ever.
Even though Kirklandâs version got discontinued, brands like Hormel have stepped in to keep that same salty, savory flavor going strong.
Canned Corned Beef
Throw it together with potatoes and onions for the classic corned beef hash, or load it into a grilled cheese sandwich thatâll totally change the game.
Since it lasts for years on the shelf, itâs the kind of protein you can grab anytime hunger hits, with no thawing or prepping needed.
The Ultimate Costco Strategy
Smart shoppers grab 2 to 3 cans of each during every Costco run, gradually building a stocked pantry that saves cash, cuts down cooking time, and reduces stress.
This way, youâre never more than a few minutes away from a protein-packed meal. Keep in mind, these prices are from 2025 and can vary depending on your location.