How a $200 Costco Trip Feeds This Nutritionist and Her Family of 3 for a Month
Costco trips make my registered dietitian heart skip a beat (in a good way). While I am sometimes tempted by a two-pound container of chocolate-covered raisins or a monster-sized wheel of cheese, I typically stick to a few go-to staples that feed my family of three for quite some time. Stacked with nutritious and cost-effective options, this tried-and-true grocery list helps me create nourishing meals in a simple way.
The $200 Costco Grocery List That Feeds My Family of 3 for a Month
For very close to $200, here is what I buy at Costco to help me feed my busy and picky family of three for a month. (NOTE: Ever since the pandemic hit, I’ve been doing most of my Costco shopping via Instacart. Prices vary by zip code; they’re also often slightly more expensive than in-store prices.)
- Chloe’s Organic Pops, $11.18 for 20
- Dr. Praeger’s Organic California Veggie Burgers, $14.92 for 12
- Kirkland Signature Organic Orange Juice, $10.56 for two 59-ounce bottles
- Hippeas Organic Vegan White Cheddar Chickpea Puffs, $8.70 for 18 ounces
- Dave’s Killer Bread Organic 21 Whole Grains and Seeds, $9.94 for two loaves
- Taylor Farms Organic Mediterranean Salad Kit, $7.45 for 24.03 ounces
- POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice, $11.93 for 60 ounces
- Wonderful Salt & Pepper Pistachios, $22.38 for 3 pounds
- Kirkland Signature Cooked Rotisserie Chicken, $6.21
- Organic Bananas, $2.48 for 3 pounds
- Kirkland Signature Organic Hummus Single Serve Cups, $8.20 for twenty 2.5-ounce cups
- Kirkland Signature 2% Lowfat Milk, $3.10 for 1 gallon
- Whisps Parmesan Cheese Crisps, $12.43 for 9.5 ounces
- Kirkland Organic Signature Greek Yogurt, $7.08 for 48 ounces
- Morey’s Marinated Wild Alaskan Salmon, $22.38 for six 6-ounce filets
- Kirkland Organic Signature Quinoa, $10.69 for 4.5 pounds
- Haas Avocados, $6.83 for 6
- Kirkland Signature Cage Free Eggs, $4.96 for 24
- Kirkland Signature Organic Broccoli Florets, $9.82 for 4 pounds
- Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter, $12.42 for two 28-ounce jars
Total Spent: $203.66
How I Plan to Use Everything Throughout the Month
Breakfasts
Breakfasts in our household always start with a glass of Kirkland Signature Organic Orange Juice, which is loaded with vitamin C, folate, potassium, and a slew of other nutrients. Plus, it helps us start our day with a full serving of fruit down the hatch.
Dave’s Killer Bread is my bread of choice for a variety of reasons. Rich in whole grains, fiber, and protein, Dave’s Killer Bread Organic 21 Whole Grains and Seeds is the only bread that my daughter will actually eat. Absent of high-fructose corn syrup, artificial ingredients, artificial preservatives, and fillers or additives, this bread checks all my boxes. It’s also subtly sweet and contains tons of seeds throughout, which deliver on that “killer” taste and texture. On busy days, I like to toast Dave’s Killer Bread, top it with a schmear of Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter, and wash it down with a glass of Kirkland Signature 2% Lowfat Milk.
Kirkland Signature Cage Free Eggs are an obvious choice for breakfast time. Whether they are hard-boiled, scrambled, or poached, eggs offer up some satisfying protein in a low-cost package. You can’t beat this convenient double dozen package either. I also love to make smoothies with Kirkland Organic Signature Greek Yogurt, organic bananas, and a scoop of Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter.
Lunches
For busy days, Dr. Praeger’s Organic California Veggie Burgers are a quick plant-based protein source made with good-for-you ingredients. I like to enjoy these patties on a bed of greens or squashed in a sandwich with sliced Haas Avocados.
Taylor Farms Organic Mediterranean Salad Kit is another way to get a serving of veggies with zero effort required. Just pop open the bag, mix it up, and voila! You have a salad. Occasionally, I will top the salad with some Wonderful Salt & Pepper Pistachios for some plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats to give my meal some staying power. Other times, I will top the salad with Whisps Parmesan Cheese Crisps for an added crunch.
Kirkland Signature Organic Hummus Single Serve Cups are one of my lunchtime go-tos. I like to use them as a dip for veggies, as a protein topping for salad, or as a condiment in vegetarian sandwiches (on Dave’s Killer Bread, of course!).
Classic Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter and jelly sandwiches are always an option, too. With a side of sliced strawberries and a glass of 2% milk, what can be better?
Dinners
The pre-cooked Kirkland Signature Cooked Rotisserie Chicken is a lifesaver on busy days. It’s cheap (always $4.99 in stores!), yummy, and requires absolutely zero prep. You can do so many things with this: Serve it on top of a salad, use it in a burrito recipe, or even serve it with a side of quinoa and veggies for a balanced and high-quality meal. When I have leftovers, I turn them into a chicken salad for lunch the next day.
These Kirkland Signature Organic Broccoli Florets always have a spot in my freezer. In most cases frozen veggies are just as nutritious as fresh, so I always have these available for busy nights when I don’t feel like chopping.
The Kirkland Organic Signature Quinoa is a staple side dish in my home. This whole-grain option offers up carbohydrates along with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. I cook a large batch of quinoa on Sunday afternoons and eat it in smaller portions throughout the week.
Snagging Morey’s Marinated Wild Alaskan Salmon allows my family to enjoy fish with little effort. I simply defrost the fish and cook it when dinnertime comes. I’ll typically serve it with quinoa and broccoli for a nutritious dinner that takes less than 30 minutes to cook.
Snacks
Wonderful Salt & Pepper Pistachios are a staple in my home for many reasons. For one, pistachios are a heart-healthy snack that contain healthy fats, plant-based protein, and fiber. Plus, when crushed, they make a great coating for chicken and fish. They’re also an interesting addition to desserts. When I am trying to serve up meatless meals, I use these as a protein source.
When a snack attack strikes, I often turn to Hippeas Organic Vegan White Cheddar Chickpea Puffs. They’re made of ingredients like chickpea flour and pea hull flour, and contain a whopping 3 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein per serving.
Chloe’s Organic Pops are the most wonderful treat. Made with only fruit, water, and a touch of cane sugar, these pops satisfy any sweet tooth without any artificial sweeteners.
Whisps Parmesan Cheese Crisps are a cheese-lover’s dream come true. Made of 100 percent real cheese, these snacks are gluten-free, high-protein, and low-carb to boot.
I also stock up on POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice. It’s an excellent ingredient in marinades, frozen fruit pops, and even hummus. This 100 percent pomegranate juice is chock-full of antioxidants, and the rich color it naturally brings to dishes makes my plates look extra appealing to my very picky family.
This post originally ran on The Kitchn. See it there: How a $200 Costco Trip Feeds This Nutritionist and Her Family of 3 for a Month