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A recent trip to the Emilia Romagna region of North-Central Italy found me savoring many of its delights. Known as “Food Valley,” the region is renowned for Italian classics like Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella Bologna, Lambrusco wine, and more.
As part of the guided food tour, our group visited Appennino Food Group truffle company, witnessed a truffle hunt, and dined at Trattoria da Amerigo, a Michelin-star restaurant where we devoured numerous dishes laced with truffles. We toured the Mutti tomato factory, learned about the cheese-making process at two dairy farms, walked the open-air and indoor markets in Bologna, visited a vineyard, and learned about the balsamic process while savoring a meal with plenty of balsamic and Lambrusco. We even toured the Barilla pasta museum, a familiar pasta brand that I learned is made in the U.S. as well. On my first night, I stayed at a countryside hotel along the Po River built in 1320. Its cellar is filled with aging meats that are reserved for certain royalty, or sold and served at the restaurant where I later sampled a tasting menu of these musky and tender meats.
This immersion into Italian cuisine left me drunk with the flavors (and the pungent smell of the aging Culatello hung with me for a while), and I wondered how I would ever get to experience it again once home in Kansas. I remembered purchasing some tiramisu at Costco before my trip, so I decided to hunt for the best Italian items the warehouse has to offer. While nothing can compare with tasting the flavors in Italy, surrounded by the countryside, markets, and its hospitable people, I did find several substitutes to satisfy my newfound taste until I can return again.
1. Loacker Tortina Mini Wafers, $13.99 for 15.87 ounces
In Italy, sweets are subtle and well-balanced. Loacker’s Tortina Minis fit the bill. These wafer cookies, filled with chocolate and hazelnut cream, taste far closer to what you’ll find in Italian supermarkets than oversized American cookies. They’re individually wrapped, delicate, and perfect with coffee, which is exactly how Italians enjoy dessert.
2. Kirkland Signature Pecorino Romano, $11.69 per pound
Pecorino Romano is a hard cheese. It’s sharp, salty, and often grated over pasta, shaved onto vegetables, or stirred into soups for depth. Kirkland’s Pecorino Romano delivers that assertive flavor without cutting corners.
3. Ottavio Early Harvest Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, $10.99 for 1 liter
In Italy, olive oil is used generously, but thoughtfully. Ottavio’s olive oil at Costco offers a good option for cooking, roasting vegetables, or finishing simple dishes. It delivers fragrant, peppery notes but isn’t so bold it overwhelms simple recipes. The price point makes it ideal for everyday use, while still being better quality than a budget brand of olive oil.
4. Nonna Pia’s Balsamic Glaze, $7.49 for 12.85 ounces
True balsamic in Italy is viscous and layered in flavor, aged to be drizzled over sweet dishes like fruit or ice cream, savory dishes, and salads of any kind. Nonna Pia’s balsamic vinegar at Costco is the closest thing I’ve found to the thick flavorful style I tasted abroad. It clings beautifully to roasted vegetables, finishes salads, and adds depth to fruit or cheese.
5. Ermes Fontana Whole Boneless Leg Prosciutto Crudo, $149.99 for 13 pounds
Some of the most memorable prosciutto is found hanging in Italy’s stone cellars across, at meat sellers in the markets, and on nearly every restaurant menu. That was my introduction to Culatello, the prized cured meat of Northern Italy, and it set the bar high. Back home, Costco’s Ermes Fontana Whole Boneless Leg Prosciutto Crudo is the closest I could find. It has that same pure saltiness, soft texture, and gentle sweetness that defines well-made Italian cured pork.
What’s your favorite Costco Italian grocery? Tell us about it in the comments.
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