Feeding Your Tribe: Our top 6 Costco items (every single time!)

Costco has really been stepping up its game when it comes to healthy alternatives for families. We love the variety in gluten-free, dairy-free options, especially when raising a toddler with a gluten intolerance. When the price is right, the ingredients are right, and the quantity is right… you can’t pass it up!

We like Costco for many items; however the items below are ones that we purchase just about every trip:

Organic, Grass-Fed Beef

Beef is a staple in our household. From grilling burgers to making tacos, we have beef quite often. But when choosing beef, quality really does matter. In order to decrease further introduction to antibiotics and synthetic hormones from our foods, organic and grass-fed is where to look for your meat options. This can be expensive, but doesn’t have to be when you shop at Costco! Since we have found this to be the most cost-effective options, we stock up and store it in our freezer.

For more information on the benefits of grass-fed beef versus others, check out: https://draxe.com/nutrition/article/grass-fed-beef-nutrition/

Organic Chicken Thighs

Just like beef, it is also important to reduce toxic load from your chicken. Shopping organic is important in regards to avoiding the consumption of added growth hormones, antibiotics, steroids, etc. These can be harmful for our overall health, and your child’s growth and development over time. Chicken is extremely versatile for our family meals. One of our go-to meals is grilled chicken thighs with instant pot coconut rice and peppers! Of course you can’t go wrong with chicken soups or chicken fajitas.

For more information, visit: https://wellnessmama.com/1015/healthy-protein-sources/

Organic Raspberries + Blackberries

Berries are our family’s favorite type of fruit. There are so many benefits of consuming blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. They are lower in sugar and high in fiber, loaded with antioxidants, help decrease inflammation, lower cholesterol, and so much more. Organic is of course our preferred route due to avoiding pesticides and other harmful agents.

Kirkland Organic Eggs

Eggs are another staple item. We go through eggs fast in our house, so this 24-count of organic eggs is a no-brainer. Just as we emphasized above, eggs that are labeled organic come from chickens who eat feed that is free of animal by-products, fertilizers/pesticides, and aren’t genetically modified (contain GMOs). Buying pasture-raised eggs at your local farmer’s markets is your best choice when it comes to eggs; however Costco’s organic eggs are also a great choice for a really great price.

Kirkland Organic Non-Dairy Almond Milk (unsweetened)

We are aware that there are healthier options for almond milk out there. However, since we go through almond milk FAST Costco’s 6-pack of almond milk is our go-to. Once again, organic has our heart and we use this for everything in place of cow’s milk. There are many reasons why people choose non-dairy substitutes over cow’s milk; however it is also important to note that not all non-dairy milk is created equally either. Make sure to check sugar content, whether it is made from organic ingredients vs non-organic, and what other filler ingredients are included. Dr. Jennifer Barham-Floreani breaks down the pros and cons of cow’s milk beautifully in her book Well-Adjusted Babies, Chapter 23.

For a quick read, visit: https://welladjusted.co/wellness/milk-is-it-a-health-food-or-not/

Snacks: Simple Mills crackers, RXbars, Paleo Bites

Our toddler is a major snack-monster. The kid could eat snacks at all times of the day, so it is important for us to make sure his snacks are made with ingredients that will continue to support his growing mind and body. Simple Mills crackers, RXbars, and Paleo Bites are just a few of our favorites!

Spindrift

Spindrift is the perfect addition to our cart when we know friends and family are coming over. It is the perfect pop/soda replacement without all the added garbage. We always have at least a few cans in our refrigerator at home for a refreshing pick-me-up. Costco sells a variety pack which is an easy choice!

Other items we enjoy include:

Kirkland’s Almond Flour
Spice Island’s Premium Taco Seasoning
Kirkland’s Organic Chicken Stock
Kirkland’s Organic Coconut Oil
Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Salad Kit
Birch Bender’s Paleo Pancake Mix
Almond Butters
Organic Produce Items
+ MORE!