Things to Know Before Buying Costco Platters (Full Guide)

You are planning a party and want to serve food that will please a crowd but not break the bank. A party platter may be the perfect solution. That’s why I decided to take a look at 20 things you should know before buying Costco platters.

So, before you decide to “go big or go home” with your catering, find out the tips and tricks before placing your order. Let’s get started with…

1 Pick your platter variety wisely

There are six different types of Costco trays to choose from, and each has its own unique selection of food. From the appetizer platter with sushi, hummus, and chicken skewers, to the meat and cheese option with an assortment of meats, cheeses, and crackers, there is one to please every palate.

2 Costco platters are designed to feed a crowd

Each plate is designed to feed between 20 and 25 people, so if you have a larger party, you may want to consider ordering more than one.

3 Costco platters are Cheap!

Depending on the type you choose, they range in price from $12 to $39.99. That means you can get a delicious spread for your party without spending a fortune. In fact, you are unlikely to be able to build a comparable spread yourself for less money.

4 Ordering the Platters is Simple

You can order your platters in the store or by calling your local Costco store. If calling, you will have to go through the relevant menu options until you get to the correct department. There are order forms available in the store; if you cannot find them, just ask a member of staff or look for the “Order Party Platters Here” sign. You can usually find it in the meat or deli department.

5 There is No Online Ordering

Unfortunately, you cannot order them online. You will have to either call your local store or order them in person.

6 Give Yourself Some Time

Because the Costco platters are made fresh, you will want to give the store at least 24 hours’ notice before you need them. That way, they will have time to prepare your order, and you will not be disappointed.

7 The Best Value Platters

The standout dishes are the ones that offer the best value for money if you are looking to feed a large crowd on a budget. The meat and cheese platter is immense value at $26.99. 

It includes three pounds of meat (1 pound each of chicken, turkey, and roast beef), two pounds of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack), and a variety of crackers. Normally, meat is around $11 per pound, and cheese will cost at least $4, so this really is a very bank account friendly option.

The popular Roasted Chicken & Swiss Rollers are also a great option for events where you need to feed a lot of people. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also very affordable. 

The rolled-up sandwiches are cut into pinwheels and served on the tray, making them easy to eat in just a few bites. The combination of chicken, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and cranberry cream cheese makes for a flavor that everyone will enjoy. And at $29.99 for a platter that serves 20 to 24 people, it’s a great option for any event.

8 You Can Find Many Individual Items in the Deli

If you have your heart set on a particular item from a dish but do not want to order the whole thing, you can often find many of the individual items in the deli section. For example, if you love the sushi on the appetizer platter, you can often find it in the deli section sold by the piece. This is great news if you just want some pieces for yourself or a small gathering.

9 Nutritional Info

If you are concerned about the nutritional value of Costco party platters, you will be happy to know that they do provide some nutritional information. For example, the appetizer option has 320 calories per serving with 16 grams of fat. The meat and cheese have a total of 1080 calories, with 54 grams of fat per serving.

10 Allergies

Additionally, if you or someone in your party has allergies, be sure to check the allergen information before ordering. The appetizer platter, for example, contains shrimp, crab, and soy which could pose a problem for someone with a seafood allergy.

11 Where to Find the Platters

The trays are located in the deli section of your local store. However, you do need to order them in advance as they are not always available on the spot.

12 Are they Environmentally Friendly?

The Costco platters are not very environmentally friendly. The majority of the packaging is plastic and Styrofoam, which is not easily recyclable. Additionally, you are not allowed to bring your own containers for Costco to fill, so you will have to use theirs.

13 Vegans and Vegetarians are Catered For

There are some vegetarian and vegan options available. The appetizer platter, for example, includes a veggie sushi roll.

14 You Cannot Customize Your Order

If you have specific dietary requirements or you just want to mix things up, you may be disappointed to learn that you cannot customize your order. You will have to choose from the set options that Costco offers. This means that you may not get exactly what you wanted, but you will still be able to find something that everyone will enjoy.

15 The Platters are a Great Way to Sample New Foods

If you are someone who likes to try new things, these are a fantastic way to do that. They offer a variety of foods that you may not have tried before, and they are a cost-effective way to do it.

16 Is it Cheaper to Buy Individually?

In some cases, it may be cheaper to buy the individual items that you want rather than ordering a whole tray. 

For example, the Croissant Sandwich Platter might seem like a good deal at first glance, but it is not as good of a value as the Roasted Chicken and Swiss Rollers. For the same price, you will get only 12 sandwiches cut in half. Plus, in order to keep them intact, condiments are served on the side, meaning that guests will have to self-assemble them, which can be a bit of a hassle.

If you are looking to save money on your seafood platter purchase, it is worth avoiding the Cocktail Shrimp Platter from your favorite grocery store. This set typically costs around $40 and only provides 3.5 pounds of shrimp, which is 20-24 servings. However, a bag of frozen shrimp from Costco only costs $8.50 per pound!

In other words, for only $6 more, you could get an entire extra pound of shrimp if you are up to do a little prep work! Given that cooking shrimp is relatively easy and does not take too much time, this is definitely a worthwhile option for anyone looking to save some money.

17 They’re Perfect for a Fussy Group

Costco platters are designed to feed a crowd. They are a great option if you have a group of people with different dietary requirements or if you just want to make sure that everyone has something that they will enjoy.

18 It is Made Fresh!

All of the food on the trays is made fresh. This means that you can expect high quality ingredients and great taste. It also means your platter will last for a longer amount of time but be sure to eat it within a day or two of receiving it.

19 Fruit and Vegetable Platters are Available

In addition to the mentioned options, the store also offers fruit and vegetable trays. These are a great option if you are looking for a healthier option or if you have vegetarians in your group. You do not need to order these in advance, but they are subject to availability.

20 Pair Your Platter with Cake!

Costco sells a variety of cakes that can be ordered in advance. These are perfect for pairing with your platter, and they can help to make your event even more special. Be sure to order your cake at least a week in advance to ensure that it will be ready when you need it.

How to Build Your Own Platter

If you have weighed up the pros and cons and decided that you would like to build your own, here are some tips to help you do it:

Choose a variety of foods that will please everyone

This may seem obvious, but it is worth mentioning. Be sure to include a variety of colors, textures, and flavors to please everyone.

Consider the size of your group

You will want to make sure that you have enough food to feed everyone, but you do not want to be left with a lot of leftovers.

Choose foods that will hold up well

If you are planning to serve yours at an outdoor event, you will want to choose foods that will not wilt in the heat or be affected by the weather.

Arrange your food attractively

 This may seem like a small detail, but it can really make a difference. Be sure to take the time to arrange your food in an appealing way.

Use high quality ingredients

You will want to use the best ingredients that you can afford in order to make sure that everyone enjoys the food.

Ask for help

If you are not sure how to put together a platter, do not be afraid to ask for help. Your friends, family, or the internet are full of wisdom to help you make the perfect platter for your next event!

Building your own platter can be a great way to make sure that everyone enjoys the food. Although it may be more expensive than ordering one from the grocery store, you will be able to customize it to your group’s taste and dietary needs. Plus, it will be a fun activity to do with your friends or family.

Interested in learning more about Costco?

Let’s get started with Does Costco Take VSP and EyeMed, Does Costco Install Car Batteries, Does Costco Sell plan B, Does Costco Take Passport Photos, or all about the Costco Executive Membership Hours. Or, if you use the store for fuel, find out Is Costco Gas Good, and before you leave, maybe check up on What Times Does Costco Gas Open Close.

If you need to return something to the store, you’ll need to know the Costco Return Policy Without Receipt or maybe the Costco Mattress Return Policy.

Or, if you’re thinking of a career at the store, it’s well worth checking out our in-depth guide to the Costco Application and the most frequently asked Costco Interview Questions, or if you happen to be still studying, How Old Do You Have To Be To Work At Costco, or if you have a criminal record, then find out Does Costco Hire Felons before applying in 2023.

Things to Know Before Buying Costco Platters – Final Thoughts

Now that you know all about buying Costco platters, you can decide if they are the right option for your next event. Keep in mind the size of your group, the type of event you are having, and your budget when making your decision. If you do decide to order one, be sure to do it in advance so that you can get exactly what you want. And do not forget to pair yours with a delicious cake from Costco!

Happy shopping at Costco, and enjoy the party!