After trying them, I can confidently say the Del Real Foods Birria Pupusas from Costco are absolutely worth buying, offering an authentic, savory flavor that makes them one of the best heat-and-eat meals I’ve found. For anyone looking for a quick and genuinely delicious dinner, these pupusas are a standout product that delivers incredible taste and convenience.
First Impressions: What’s In The Box?
Walking through the refrigerated deli section at Costco, this box caught my eye immediately. Inside, you’ll find 10 individually plastic-wrapped pupusas, each stuffed with slow-simmered birria beef and mozzarella cheese. I love that they’re individually wrapped; it’s perfect for a quick lunch for one without worrying about the rest drying out.
Here are the key details from the box:
- Product: Del Real Foods Birria & Cheese Pupusas
- Contents: 10 individually wrapped pupusas
- Key Claims: Gluten-Free, 11g of protein per serving
- Storage: Keep Refrigerated
What’s in the Del Real Foods Birria Pupusas?
The primary ingredients in the pupusas are whole cooked corn, water, beef, mozzarella cheese, and tomatoes. I was happy to see a straightforward list for both the masa dough and the birria-style filling, with no strange or unexpected additives.
The full ingredients list from the package is:
- Masa: Whole cooked corn, water, canola oil, potato (potato flakes, dehydrated), cultured dextrose, salt, trace of lime.
- Filling: Beef, mozzarella cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), crushed tomatoes in puree (tomatoes, tomato puree, salt), water, seasoning, paprika, chili pepper, red pepper, dehydrated garlic, salt, spices, apple cider vinegar, modified corn starch, salt, onion.
- Allergen Information: Contains Milk.
How Much Are the Pupusas at Costco?
The Del Real Foods Birria & Cheese Pupusas cost $14.99 at Costco. The item number is 1671061.
This price gets you a 51-ounce package containing 10 pupusas. That breaks down to a cost of about $1.50 per pupusa. For a meal this hearty and satisfying, I think that’s fantastic value.
Costco Pupusas Cooking Instructions (Stovetop, Air Fryer & Microwave)
The best way to cook Costco pupusas is on the stovetop for a crispy finish, but you can also use an air fryer for convenience or a microwave for maximum speed. We tested all three methods, and trust me, taking a few extra minutes for the stovetop method is worth its weight in gold.
Our Recommended Method: Stovetop / Pan-Fry
This gives you that perfect, authentic “street food” texture.
- Add a little oil to a non-stick skillet or pan and heat it over medium.
- Unwrap your pupusa and place it in the hot pan.
- Let it cook for 3-4 minutes per side until it’s a beautiful golden brown.
- Flip it carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for a crispy outside and perfectly melted cheese on the inside.
Costco Pupusas Air Fryer Instructions
This is a great hands-off method that still gets you a nice crisp.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place one or two pupusas in the basket, making sure they have some space.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until hot and crispy.
Microwave Instructions (Official Method)
In a pinch, this is the fastest way, but you’ll miss out on all that wonderful texture. The pupusa will be soft, not crispy.
- Unwrap a pupusa and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s heated through.
So, How Do They Actually Taste?
Oh, these are good. The Costco Birria Pupusas have a deeply savory and authentic flavor. The birria filling is the absolute star it’s incredibly tender, shredded beef simmered in a rich, earthy broth with notes of chili and cumin. It’s flavorful without being overly spicy. This is all packed inside a soft corn masa exterior with a very generous amount of gooey, melty mozzarella.
The masa (the corn dough) has a soft, comforting texture and a pleasant corn taste that’s the perfect vessel for the rich filling. When you pan-fry it, the outside gets this amazing light crispiness that gives way to the gooey, cheesy beef inside. The cheese pull is seriously impressive! These don’t taste like a shortcut; they taste like the real deal.
Costco Pupusas Calories and Nutrition Facts
One Costco Birria Pupusa contains 230 calories, 9g of fat, 750mg of sodium, and 11g of protein. Let’s be real, these are more of a weekend treat than a daily health food, mainly because the sodium is quite high.
Here is the full nutritional breakdown for one pupusa (145g serving):
- Calories: 230
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 11g
- Calcium: 340mg
That sodium level 32% of your daily intake in one pupusa is something to keep in mind. On the plus side, getting 25% of your daily calcium is a nice little bonus!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are the Costco Pupusas Frozen?
No, the Del Real Foods pupusas at Costco are not frozen. You can find them fresh in the refrigerated deli section of the store. This is great because it means they cook much faster than a frozen product would.
What do you serve with pupusas?
Traditionally, pupusas are served with curtido (a tangy cabbage slaw) and a simple tomato salsa. If you want to keep things simple, they’re fantastic with a dollop of sour cream, your favorite salsa, or some fresh guacamole.
Are These Pupusas Worth Buying?
Yes, absolutely. The Del Real Foods Birria Pupusas are a top-tier refrigerated product at Costco. They deliver big on flavor, convenience, and value. As long as you take the extra few minutes to pan-fry them, you’re in for a truly satisfying and delicious meal.
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | 9/10 | Authentic, savory birria flavor with a fantastic cheese pull. |
| Value | 9/10 | At $1.50 each, this is an amazing deal for the quality. |
| Convenience | 10/10 | A truly delicious meal ready in under 10 minutes. |
| Nutrition | 4/10 | High in sodium, so best enjoyed as a treat. |
| Overall | 8.5/10 | A must-buy for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. |
You should definitely buy the Costco Birria Pupusas if you’re looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal with authentic Latin American flavor. They offer fantastic value and are incredibly filling, making them perfect for anyone who needs a convenient yet satisfying dinner option.
On the other hand, you should probably pass on these pupusas if you are on a strict low-sodium or low-calorie diet. Because they are high in both, and feature a distinct corn masa texture, they won’t be a good fit for those with specific dietary restrictions or who dislike the taste of masa.