Hello all. Sonja here from Practical Stewardship.
First I wanted to share a few items that I can’t do without as a frugal, health-oriented mama.
Almost EVERY TIME I go to Costco, I buy these things:
Dave’s Killer Sprouted Bread: I believe it was this summer that Costco changed their brand of sprouted organic bread to Dave’s Killer Sprouted Bread. The other sprouted bread they sold previously was fine – a bit dry, but I would take it. I see (and taste) why Costco changed their sprouted bread supplier. THIS Dave’s Killer is a winner. At $6.99 for 2 loaves, we are in!
Brussels Sprouts: A year ago was the first time we tried these balls of cruciferous delights. Now my daughter makes sure I grab a bag each time. How can I refuse? I’ve made my girls believers. And my husband. Still working on the son:). And they just dropped the price to $3.99/2 lb. bag. And with the cast-iron skillet, there’s flavor in the brown, people…
Cranberry and Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Boxed Spinach or some kind of greens to throw in smoothies (here are 52 different smoothies): Can’t live without this. It’s organic to boot. I also love throwing together this Spinach Mandarin Salad in less than 5 minutes with this spinach!
Organic Bananas: At $1.99/3 lb. bag of bananas, these are cheaper than conventionally grown bananas at most stores. Seriously. I usually grab two bags a trip.
Organic Cage-Free Eggs: Honestly I don’t really trust labels. I don’t know how much cage-free means roaming the hillsides to a chick’s leisure. But I think we vote with our dollars, and I am trying to vote more responsibly.
Pizza Starter Kit: This is my go-to on Friday nights since the school year started. I almost always use store-bought spaghetti sauce to make homemade pizzas anyway. I have used tortillas as a base, too. But honestly, it’s great to build-your-own pizzas and customize. I use ham or pepperoni. I always sautĂ© onions in the cast-iron skillet. We might add some bell peppers, or olives. And topped with cheese. Yum! I’ve also made pesto as an alternate sauce. Love pesto!  Serve it with a salad, and I can get this pizza to stretch. 4 crusts and sauce pouches for $9.99. And I stocked up on them when they were $7.99/package. Score! It probably won’t happen again for months.
Spiral-Sliced Ham: Now at $1.99/lb. I am buying this about once a month. I figure it’s cheaper than getting lunch meat at $3-5/lb. And then I get the bone to cook one of the family’s favorite soups, Ham Soup. We crock-pot the ham the first night (which, by the way, is the EASIEST ways to cook ham-EVER). Then I keep the crock on with the bone and broth. I’ll throw the ham in sandwiches, pitas, scrambled eggs, English muffins, the pizza as mentioned above, Homemade Hot Pockets, and more. Ham is so versatile. Not organic, but I’m doing the best I can with what I have.
Nutiva Organic Coconut Sugar: I have to throw this one in cuz it’s new. Now I don’t buy sugar every time I go to Costco (or my kids…and myself would be dancing on the ceiling), but I was so excited to discover that Costco started carrying Nutiva Coconut Sugar a few months back. I’ve been buying Trader Joe’s Organic Coconut Sugar the last couple of years for $3.99 for a one pound bag. Now I can get 4 lbs. of Nutiva Organic Coconut Sugar for $10.89 making it $2.72/lb.
And secondly, for those of you who want to see the updated Costco Grocery Price List, go HERE. I have listed 150 common grocery items that Costco carries. I’ve broken down prices by pound and even ounces in a lot of cases so you can be good stewards of what God has given you and go comparison-shop your hearts out.
What are your favorite frugal go-to groceries to buy at Costco?
We are new Costco shoppers. This list is helpful. Thank you!
There are quite a few things that I will only buy from Costco, first bacon crumbles, at $11 for a big bag, you can take out just a little when that’s all you need, and it keeps in the frig for months.
Second, real maple syrup, it’s a fraction of the price, Third, red seedless grapes, they are organic, and cost only $7.99 for a hugh container. I have a toddler at home, we eat tons of grapes. I was recently at a Safeway and my daughter was crying for them so I grabbed a bag, it was over $6 for a little bag!! There are a lot more, but those are my favorites buys…
Thank you for this list!
We used to shop at Costco, but stopped supporting them several years ago when the news came out that they continue to buy chicken and eggs raised at unethical and inhumane farms. Their reason? Profit, which stems from greed.
Here’s the latest from the HSUS:
http://blog.humanesociety.org/wayne/2015/11/panera-inspires-while-costco-lags.html?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=humanenation
They have certified humane eggs.