DNYUZ
  • Home
  • News
    • U.S.
    • World
    • Politics
    • Opinion
    • Business
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Science
  • Entertainment
    • Culture
    • Music
    • Movie
    • Television
    • Theater
    • Gaming
    • Sports
  • Tech
    • Apps
    • Autos
    • Gear
    • Mobile
    • Startup
  • Lifestyle
    • Arts
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Travel
No Result
View All Result
DNYUZ
No Result
View All Result
Home News

I’m a mom and food writer. Here are 12 things that make my Costco executive membership worth it.

August 12, 2025
in News
494
SHARES
1.4k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Banchan Japanese barbecue sauce
I love using my Costco executive membership to buy snacks, frozen meals, and other kitchen staples for my family.

Apple Mandy

As a food writer, I love trying new recipes and putting together delicious homemade meals for my family.

However, I sometimes find it tiring to prepare fresh dishes every single day, so I started embracing frozen meals. They’re the epitome of convenience — and Costco has a great selection of them.

The wholesale retailer also has tons of convenient on-the-go snacks and easy breakfast options that the whole family can enjoy.

Beyond that, as an executive member, I earn 2% reward annually on all of my purchases — I often get almost $200 back at the end of the year.

Here are a few of my favorite things to buy at Costco.

I have a high metabolism, so these nutrient-rich granola bites keep me going.

MadeGood granola bites in box at Costco

Apple Mandy

I easily get hungry, so I bring snacks everywhere. One of my favorites is Made Good granola bites, which are poppable morsels.

I like that they’re not overly sweet, with less than 5 grams of added sugar per serving. My toddler also loves them so much that he’ll try to snatch mine whenever he sees me eating them.

Each $12 package contains 12 packs of two flavors: chocolate chip and mixed berry.

That’s It fruit bars satisfy my sweet tooth when I’m looking for a whole-food snack.

That's It mini fruit bars at Costco

Apple Mandy

I’m all for eating fresh fruits, but they’re not always the most convenient when you’re in a hurry.

That’s It mini fruit bars are individually wrapped and contain real fruit — no added sugars, purees, juices, or concentrates. They make the perfect snacks, which I can easily tuck into my pocket or my son’s lunchbox.

Each bag has 24 bars divided into three flavors — strawberry, mango, and blueberry — and costs $14.

A bag of Kirkland Signature quinoa lasts me a long time.

Kirkland Signature quinoa bag

Apple Mandy

Quinoa comes in various types and colors, but I find the Kirkland Signature organic variety to be one of the best.

When cooked, it offers a mild, slightly nutty flavor and fluffy texture that’s incredibly versatile, whether it’s paired with rice, mixed greens, soup, or on its own.

It’s also a good source of protein (about 8 grams per serving) that’s high in fiber and packed with nutrients.

To make, just boil water or broth for about 10 minutes and add quinoa. I use 2 cups of chicken broth for every 1 cup of quinoa.

Each 4 ½ pound bag costs $10.

This umami-rich sauce makes everything taste better.

Banchan Japanese barbecue sauce at Costco

Apple Mandy

Bachan’s Japanese barbecue sauce is my favorite condiment to use when I’m completely at a loss for what to cook.

I simply marinate chicken or salmon using its original flavor — a mix of soy, mirin, ginger, garlic, and green onion. It has a savory-sweet flavor profile, with a teriyaki-like consistency but lighter, and a bit of herbal character to it.

At Costco, a 34-ounce bottle costs $10.

I keep tinned fish in my pantry all year long.

Season sardine fillets at Costc

Apple Mandy

With the rising food costs, I constantly need to find ways to make family meals more budget-friendly.

One way I do so is by stocking my kitchen with tinned fish like sardines — they’re versatile with a long shelf life at a relatively low cost.

I love the brand Season, in particular, as it offers skinless and boneless sardine fillets wild caught in the Atlantic Ocean. They’re plump and meaty, and I usually add them to a quick pasta with lemon, capers, and chili flakes, or layer them into sandwiches.

Each pack contains six tins and costs $12.

I love a bowl of non-sugary cereal in the morning.

BLueberry almond crunch granola

Apple Mandy

When mornings feel rushed, my husband and I usually go for a bowl of cereal. We don’t settle for sugar-loaded ones, though — instead, we have Cascadian Farm organic blueberry almond crunch.

Sweetened with dried date powder, it contains a medley of organic blueberries, almonds, blueberry granola, and whole-grain flakes.

It’s delicious and I like that it doesn’t have added sugar — my little ones enjoy eating the cereal pieces alone with or without milk.

Each box is 2 pounds and costs $14.

Ajinomoto’s carb-rich fried rice fuels my energy after an active play with my toddler.

Yakitori chicken fried rice at Costco

Apple Mandy

One of the best ways to clean out the fridge is to turn leftover ingredients into fried rice. However, when there are time constraints or I’m craving fried rice for one, I heat up a packet of Ajinomoto’s.

Each serving is individually wrapped and can be microwaved in just three minutes. With grilled chicken, bell peppers, carrots, and edamame, this is a good option for a quick energy boost, especially after rigorous physical activity with my toddler.

Each $15 box has six packs.

Don Miguel’s egg and sausage burritos come in handy when I have busy mornings.

Don Miguel egg and sausage burritos in package

Apple Mandy

When I don’t have time to eat a full breakfast, I grab one of these breakfast burritos from Don Miguel.

Filled with cage-free scrambled eggs, pork sausage, cheese, green chiles, and potatoes, these keep me sustained in the morning.

Each pack has six burritos and costs $12

I love that Kirkland Signature tempura shrimp saves me time in the kitchen.

Kirkland Signature tempura shrimp

Apple Mandy

Kirkland Signature is one of the brands that’s nearly perfected the art of making tempura.

Inside each package, you’ll find plump, juicy shrimp enveloped in a crisp, flaky layer of slightly thick batter. It tastes delicious — like something I’d be served at a mid-range Japanese restaurant.

They’re not as oily as I expected, and they’re crunchy when baked to perfection (just 14 minutes in the oven). I like eating the shrimp with a bowl of udon noodles or steamed rice.

Each $19 box contains 30 tempura shrimp.

These French macarons are ready to steal everyone’s attention at a party.

Tiplak French macaron package

Apple Mandy

I still remember the first time I tried Tipiak’s French macarons. I instantly fell in love with the well-balanced flavors and how the filling complements the shells without overpowering them.

The combination of delicate, crispy shell and soft, chewy interior creates a delightful mouthfeel. I’m also impressed by the macaron’s glossy, smooth shells and well-defined “feet” (the ruffled edge at the base).

Each box of 36 macarons costs $12.

Kirkland Signature has a nice chunky guacamole.

Kirkland Signature organic chunky guacamole

Apple Mandy

When I want guacamole and the avocados in the supermarket are not perfectly ripe, I get premade containers of it from Kirkland Signature.

Its creamy guac has a fresh taste of lime juice, cilantro, and red onions, plus a hint of spice from jalapeños.

Plus, the single-serve cups are convenient for lunches, picnics, or road trips. Each box of 16 containers costs $14.

My kids enjoy the fresh steelhead salmon for its milder flavor with a buttery taste.

Salmon in packages at Costco

Apple Mandy

We regularly eat salmon on busy weeknights because my family loves it and it’s fairly easy to prepare.

I often buy it from Trader Joe’s, but the chain only sells smaller portions. So, I love to grab a large pack of farmed steelhead salmon at Costco whenever we go.

It has a delicate, soft texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements steamed rice, mixed greens, or roasted potatoes. You’ll find them a bit fatty compared to wild salmon.

Packages tend to be about 3 pounds, priced at $11 a pound.

The post I’m a mom and food writer. Here are 12 things that make my Costco executive membership worth it. appeared first on Business Insider.

Share198Tweet124Share
Mom who begged for help finding missing 10-year-old son charged after his body is found in shallow grave
Crime

Mom who begged for help finding missing 10-year-old son charged after his body is found in shallow grave

by New York Post
August 13, 2025

A mother who publicly begged for help when her 10-year-old son went missing has been charged after his body was ...

Read more
News

Map Shows States With Best—and Worst—Community Colleges

August 13, 2025
News

I’ve planned more than 100 trips with my family. As the designated travel planner, I sometimes find it challenging to enjoy vacation.

August 13, 2025
News

The Couple That Survived Four Months Floating in the Ocean Together

August 13, 2025
News

Cholera outbreak devastates Sudan refugee camps

August 13, 2025
Homeowners turn to cash-out refinancing to take advantage of big gains in home equity

Homeowners turn to cash-out refinancing to take advantage of big gains in home equity

August 13, 2025
Edmunds SUV test: The new Nissan Armada takes a run at the Chevrolet Tahoe

Edmunds SUV test: The new Nissan Armada takes a run at the Chevrolet Tahoe

August 13, 2025
I had a double mastectomy at 26. I struggled with my new body and people’s insensitive ‘boob job’ jokes.

I had a double mastectomy at 26. I struggled with my new body and people’s insensitive ‘boob job’ jokes.

August 13, 2025

Copyright © 2025.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • U.S.
    • World
    • Politics
    • Opinion
    • Business
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Science
  • Entertainment
    • Culture
    • Gaming
    • Music
    • Movie
    • Sports
    • Television
    • Theater
  • Tech
    • Apps
    • Autos
    • Gear
    • Mobile
    • Startup
  • Lifestyle
    • Arts
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Travel

Copyright © 2025.