Costco Shoppers Are Divided On Its Fried Pickle And Ranch Dip

When you're planning a party, the number-one goal is ensuring your guests are fully satisfied. For casual events, such as a thrilling Super Bowl party, chips and dip are the perfect things to tide your guests over until the main course is ready. Along with being easy to eat and serve, dips also come in a wide variety of flavors. That means you can easily find the perfect selection for your guests without going to too much trouble.

For wing lovers, Buffalo chicken dip offers a nice heat level tempered by plenty of delicious cheese. If you're seeking something with bold flavors, caramelized onion dip pairs perfectly with crunchy chips. Beer cheese is an ideal accompaniment for salty pretzels, as well as any frothy brews your guests might enjoy. 

In addition to concocting homemade dips, you can also swing by Costco to pick up a ready-made version. Just be aware that one particular dip has left shoppers with lots of strong opinions.

A January Instagram post from fan account Costco Buys centers on Taste of the South fried pickle and ranch dip, which features chopped dill pickles blanketed by sour cream. According to the post, a 32-ounce jar of the dip is available at Costco for $6.49, perfect for at-home snacking or entertaining guests. The dip is also sold at Sam's Club and Kroger, though it may not be available at all locations.

As for the flavor, Costco Buys proclaims that the dip is "so good." These sentiments are mirrored by Hip2Save.com, which describes the dip as being "full of flavor," while reviews state that it's the "best dip ever," and "a must-try."

However, not everyone is impressed by Costco's dill-centric dip. On the Instagram post singing its praises, one comment questions the "all-natural" aspect of the dip. The commenter sarcastically states that the "fresh" and "natural" ingredients must make up for the artificial flavoring and preservatives. And while the product is not available on the Costco website, its product listing on the Sam's Club site does include preservatives such as potassium sorbate, as well as artificial flavors and soybean oil. These ingredients might not be everyone's cup of tea.

A Costco membership has its privileges, according to shoppers who discussed their favorite finds with Insider. One fan favorite is the chain's vegetable Yakisoba, which features delectable stir-fry veggies and noodles. As for sides, many shoppers swear by Costco's salad kits, which come in multiple varieties. For pasta night, Rao's marinara sauce is beloved by none other than Ina Garten, famed celebrity homemaker and chef.

Of course, Costco is no slouch when it comes to snack time. The store's cookie bites double up on the chocolate, while also being certified organic and containing more than half fair-trade ingredients. If movie night is a constant occurrence at your home, you'll probably get lots of use from the Orville Redenbacher popcorn kernels, available in a massive eight-pound jug. 

No matter which items ultimately make their way into your pantry, Costco offers a wide selection of goodies customers simply can't get enough of.