Updated January 14, 2024: The changes were excellent! Jump to our full review.
Some items at the warehouse get overlooked every trip, and for a long time Costco pulled pork was one of them for me. I’d reach past it in the refrigerated section while grabbing other staples and wonder: is it worth trying?
Pre-cooked convenience makes pulled pork an attractive weeknight option, but when I tried Costco’s version in 2022 I was disappointed — it tasted off and felt greasy. The product disappeared for a while in 2023 and later returned with new packaging and a revised recipe. I picked up a package recently to see whether the taste had improved. Below is a complete, honest review of Costco pulled pork for 2024.
Table of Contents
Does Costco Sell Pulled Pork?
Yes. Costco sells Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork in the refrigerated section. Each vacuum-sealed package contains roughly two pounds of fully cooked meat. Previously, another brand (Wolf Family BBQ) appeared in warehouses, but it hasn’t been seen since 2022.
If you prefer making pulled pork from scratch, Costco also sells pork shoulder, a fatty cut ideal for slow cooking and smoking. Large pork shoulders at the warehouse can weigh around 16 pounds, which yields many pounds of pulled pork and can feed a crowd. Home recipes and slow-cooker methods are easy and produce excellent results when you have time.
I haven’t noticed canned pulled pork in Costco’s inventory recently.
Costco Pulled Pork Price
In 2024, Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork is priced at $14.99 for a two-pound package.
How To Cook Costco Pulled Pork
The product is fully cooked. The package recommends reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop. Because fat can collect in the sealed bag, follow the instructions so the fat melts and the meat heats evenly.
Microwave
Remove the cardboard sleeve, puncture the bag four times, place the bag in the provided black tray, and microwave for seven minutes. Let it rest for two minutes, then stir before serving.
Stovetop
Place the sealed bag in boiling water for 12–15 minutes, then open, shred, and serve. This method works well for camping when you want a simple heated meal.
Crockpot
Though not listed on the package, you can reheat pulled pork in a crockpot. Put the meat and its juices into the slow cooker and use the warm setting for 2–4 hours. The liquid from the package helps prevent burning; if needed, add a splash of broth or water.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The USDA recommends consuming cooked pork within 3–4 days when refrigerated at or below 40°F. Discard any food that looks, smells, or tastes off.
Freezing
Yes — the vacuum-sealed package freezes well. You can freeze it before or after reheating. Properly stored cooked pulled pork will keep 3–4 months in the freezer. Flatten portions in freezer bags to save space and speed thawing, and label containers with the date.
To thaw, move the package to the refrigerator 24 hours before reheating. You can reheat from frozen using the stovetop method, but allow extra time — at least double the usual heating time.
Costco Pulled Pork Nutrition Information
Per three-ounce serving:
- 160 calories
- 11 g fat
- 60 mg cholesterol
- 780 mg sodium
- 16 g protein
- About 6% DV of iron and potassium
Compared with the 2022 version, most values are similar, but sodium increased substantially (from about 490 mg to roughly 780 mg per serving). If you follow a low-sodium diet, this product is not a good fit.
Ingredients
Pork, water, vinegar, salt, natural flavoring. Rubbed with sea salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper, and garlic powder. The current formula is nitrate-free; the older version included nitrates.
Costco Pulled Pork Review
The recent changes improved the product dramatically. While it won’t replace a slow-smoked, homemade pulled pork, the current Kirkland Signature version is a solid, convenient option for busy weeknights or camping trips.
Key improvements include removing nitrates and adding a spice rub and vinegar, which deliver a more natural, balanced flavor. The aroma when opening the package has a subtle woodsy, hickory note. The meat arrives clumped from vacuum sealing and needs a good shred, but that’s easy to fix. Compared with the older version, the texture is less greasy and the fat level feels right.
My family’s opinion shifted from dislike to approval — the kids gave it two thumbs up and enjoyed it with or without barbecue sauce. It’s quick to prepare, ready in about 20–25 minutes using the recommended methods, and versatile in recipes. Overall, the recipe changes made a noticeable positive difference, and I’d recommend giving it a try if you want a convenient, ready-to-serve pulled pork.
How Do You Use Costco Pulled Pork?
Costco pulled pork is a versatile base for many meals. Here are practical ways to use it:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Mix heated pork with your favorite BBQ sauce and pile it onto sandwich buns. About ½ cup of sauce is a good starting point for a two-pound package; adjust to taste. Top with coleslaw or quick-pickled red onions for extra brightness.
Carnitas-Style Tacos
After reheating, season with lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and onion powder to create carnitas-style pork. Serve on warmed corn tortillas with chopped onion, cilantro, cotija, and salsa.
BBQ Pizza
Use pulled pork as a topping for BBQ pizza with sauce, red onion, and mozzarella or smoked cheese.
Quesadillas
Combine pulled pork with cheese in a tortilla for quick quesadillas; choose a taco cheese blend or Mexican-style cheeses for authentic flavor.
Salads and Bowls
Use pulled pork as a protein topping on green salads or grain bowls with roasted vegetables, beans, cheese, and your dressing of choice.
Burritos and Breakfast
Wrap warmed pulled pork with rice, corn, lettuce, and cheese for a portable meal. For breakfast, add scrambled eggs and cheese to a tortilla with pulled pork.
Nachos
Layer shredded pork over tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese, and broil until melted. Add salsa, sour cream, and jalapeños.
Breakfast Hash
Sauté pulled pork with peppers and onions until crispy, then top with a poached or fried egg for a hearty low-carb breakfast or brunch option.
What Should I Serve With Pulled Pork?
Good side dishes for pulled pork include:
- French fries
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Rice or quinoa
- Cauliflower mash or roasted cauliflower
What Goes With Pulled Pork Sandwiches?
Try these sides with pulled pork sandwiches:
- French fries or tater tots
- Green salad
- Roasted broccoli or broccoli salad
- Coleslaw
- Carrot sticks
Costco Pulled Pork FAQs
How Many Pounds Per Person?
Plan about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of pulled pork per person, depending on how it’s served (sandwiches vs. a salad). A two-pound Kirkland package serves roughly 4–6 people.
How Many People Will 3 Pounds Feed?
Three pounds should serve 6–9 people, based on the 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person guideline.
How Many Sandwiches From One Pound?
One pound contains 16 ounces; with approximately 4–5 ounces per sandwich, you can make about four sandwiches.
Is It Pre-Cooked?
Yes — Kirkland Signature pulled pork is fully cooked and only requires reheating.
Did Costco Stop Selling Pulled Pork?
Costco briefly removed pulled pork from shelves in late 2023 but returned it with updated packaging and a revised recipe. The new Kirkland product is nitrate-free and includes a spice rub and vinegar, though sodium is higher than before. These changes improved taste and reduced greasiness compared with earlier iterations.
Warehouse inventory varies by location and over time. If you don’t find it at one store, another nearby may have stock. If pulled pork isn’t available, buying a pork shoulder to slow-cook or smoke is an alternative.
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