Updated 11/22/24
A vegetable that’s notably high in protein may sound unlikely, but it exists: edamame. Costco’s frozen edamame is back on shelves after a period of scarcity. Is it worth buying? How should you cook and eat it? This article answers those questions and more.
Let’s take a close look at Costco edamame—price, preparation methods, nutrition, uses, and overall quality.
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Does Costco Sell Edamame?
Yes. Costco carries Imperial Garden Organic Edamame in a large frozen package. The product is sold in the frozen vegetables section and comes as a multi-pound bag with individual steamable pouches inside.
Each package contains multiple steamable bags that are convenient for quick snacks or adding to salads and bowls.
Shortages and price swings led to rumors of discontinuation, but those concerns were likely tied to temporary supply disruptions and higher costs driven by changes in soybean imports.
How Much Is Edamame at Costco?
A large Costco bag of organic edamame is priced around $13.99. The package includes several eight-ounce steamable pouches, which works out to a very competitive cost per ounce compared with grocery-store alternatives.
Properly stored in your freezer, the edamame should keep for months, allowing you to use it gradually without waste.
Prices can change over time, so check your local warehouse for the current tag.
How Do You Make Costco Edamame?
Edamame should be cooked before eating for the best texture. It can be eaten undercooked, but it will be firmer and less pleasant. Here are simple methods to prepare it.
How Do You Cook Costco Edamame In The Air Fryer?
Remove the desired amount of pods from the pouch, toss lightly with olive oil and a pinch of salt, and air fry at 390°F for about 7 minutes. For a crisper exterior, add another 4–5 minutes and watch closely to avoid burning.
How To Cook Costco Edamame In The Microwave
Place a steamable pouch directly in the microwave and heat for roughly 2 minutes 30 seconds. The steamable bags are designed to be used without puncturing.
How Do You Steam Costco Edamame?
Bring about one cup of water to a boil in a covered pot. Add the edamame, cover, and steam for around three minutes. Drain and season to taste.
You do not need to thaw the edamame before cooking; cook from frozen for best results.
How Do You Know When Edamame Is Cooked
Appearance alone can be misleading. To check doneness, squeeze a pod gently—if a bean pops out easily and is tender, it’s ready. If the bean resists, cook for a bit longer.
Is Costco Edamame Good? An Honest Review
Costco’s Imperial Garden edamame earns high marks for taste and convenience. The beans have a pleasant texture, the pods are not overly rubbery, and the cooking instructions produce reliable results.
Portion sizes in individual pouches are ideal for snacking, though you may need multiple pouches if using edamame as a main ingredient in a salad or dish. Shelling the beans from the pods takes time, so for recipes calling for large quantities of shelled edamame, a pre-shelled option may be more practical—though Costco currently sells them in the pod only.
After steaming, the pods can be slightly damp; a short rest on a clean towel helps remove excess moisture before serving.
Overall, the product is recommended for shoppers seeking a healthy, easy-to-prepare snack or ingredient.
How To Use It — Recipes Using Costco Edamame
Edamame is versatile. It pairs well in succotash with bacon and corn, mixes nicely into salads with white beans for added texture and protein, and works as a quick addition to sesame noodle bowls or grain bowls with chicken, fish, or shrimp.
For a simple appetizer, serve steamed pods sprinkled with coarse sea salt or try everything-bagel seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a splash of rice wine vinegar for extra flavor.
Shelled edamame can be combined with teriyaki meatballs, vegetables, and rice for an easy weeknight meal; a creamy spicy mayo vinaigrette makes a tasty finishing touch.
What Are The Nutrition Facts of Costco Edamame?
Each eight-ounce steamable pouch provides a nutrient-dense serving with a balance of protein, fiber, and micronutrients. Typical values per 8-ounce serving include:
- 140 calories
- 5 g total fat (about 0.5 g saturated fat)
- Approximately 5 mg sodium
- 11 g carbohydrates, including about 4 g fiber and 2 g sugars
- 12 g protein
Edamame is also a source of vitamins and minerals, supplying calcium, iron, and potassium in meaningful amounts.
- About 110 mg calcium
- Around 2 mg iron
- Roughly 535 mg potassium
Is Costco Edamame Good For You?
Edamame is a nutritious option: a serving delivers protein, fiber, and several minerals with relatively few calories. As with any food, individual dietary needs and concerns about soy should guide consumption. If you have specific health questions about soy in your diet, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
How Do You Eat Shelled Edamame?
If the edamame is sold shelled, you can eat it with minimal preparation—simply thaw or warm and season. If the pods are intact, do not eat the pod itself. Hold a pod at the seam and squeeze or pop the beans out with your fingers or teeth, discarding the empty shell.
How Long Does Costco Edamame Last in Freezer?
Properly stored at near 0°F, frozen edamame maintains best quality for about 8–12 months. After that period it may lose flavor or texture but remains safe to eat if there is no significant freezer burn. Trim away any affected areas before cooking if needed.
What Is The Country Of Origin Of Costco Edamame?
Costco’s Imperial Garden organic edamame is produced by a company based in the United States, with the soybeans sourced from China. Many organic edamame imports come from Asia, where edamame production is established and large-scale compared with U.S. organic supply.
Because most conventional soy production in the U.S. uses genetically modified varieties, organically certified edamame is often sourced from countries with established organic soybean production.
Does Costco Have Shelled Edamame?
Costco currently sells edamame in the pod rather than pre-shelled. If a recipe calls for a lot of shelled edamame, plan extra time for shelling or opt for a pre-shelled product from another retailer. For snacking and occasional recipe use, the pod format is convenient and economical.
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