Image Credit: Alastair Wallace

10 Costco Snacks I’m Buying for School Lunches

by PATTY CATALANO

I challenged myself to find budget-friendly school snacks on a recent visit to Costco. Here are 10 snacks from Costco that won’t break the bank.

Image Credit: Patty Catalano

Image Credit: Patty Catalano

Costco Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies, $9.99 

Make the transition back to the school easier with a sweet treat. These mini cookies are the perfect size for lunch-box desserts. 

Stonyfield Organic Strawberry Probiotic Smoothie, $9.89 

These yogurt smoothies have you covered with 6 grams of protein per bottle. 

Image Credit: Patty Catalano

Image Credit: Patty Catalano

Galbani Organic String Cheese, $8.99

Tip: Make opening the package easier for little kids by peeling back the plastic slightly before packing it in the lunch box.

Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats, $8.99 

Who says cereal is just for breakfast? Frosted Mini Wheats are crunchy, slightly sweet, and a good alternative to standard snacks. 

Image Credit: Patty Catalano

Image Credit: Patty Catalano

Calbee Harvest Snaps Baked Green Pea Snacks, $7.89

While you won’t fool a kid into thinking they’re a potato chip, they are crispy, slightly salty, and fun to eat.

Boom Chicka Pop Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn, $5.99

This snack is perfect for the kid who can’t decide between salty and sweet. 

Image Credit: Patty Catalano

Image Credit: Patty Catalano

Chifles Plantain Chips, $6.99 

These plantain chips are crisp and salty. They're worth the extra effort to split the big bag into individual servings to save some cash.

Dole Mandarin Oranges in 100% Juice, $9.39

The oranges are sweet and ready-to-go, so they’re perfect to keep on hand for weeks when I miss my weekly produce run.

Image Credit: Patty Catalano

Image Credit: Patty Catalano

Mariani Organic California Pitted Dates, $8.89

Cut a small slit in the center and stuff with chocolate chips, or use them to make date bars or easy date caramels.

Heavenly Hunks Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Gluten-Free Cookies, $9.99 

Part granola bar and part cookie, these hunks are perfect lunch-box fare. 

Image Credit: Patty Catalano

For more grocery tips, visit thekitchn.com