Stock up on these bulk products to shave time off your lunch-packing routine
Heading back to school is an exciting time for parents but the novelty of packing school lunches wears off pretty quickly. Between navigating picky palettes and keeping the pantry stocked for kids who love an after-school snack sesh, a Costco strategy is in order. The next time you hit up the warehouse, take our list of the best Costco products for school lunches to make packing mid-day meals easier than ever.
Soft & Chewy Granola Bars
Tossing in a granola bar is pretty much a must when it comes to rounding out a school lunch. This bulk option from Costco is free of artificial flavors or colors and is great for either a snack at recess or a dessert thanks to the real chocolate chips.
Pack some extra protein with these smart snacks that come with ample hummus and pretzels. If your kiddos can’t eat the entire thing, it’s easy to split up a pack by scooping out half the hummus to save for the next day. You can also mix it up by sending it with pita chips or baby carrots to keep your lunches fresh and exciting.
Price: $8.99 for 6
Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars
When it comes to the best Costco groceries for easy school lunches, you don’t want to miss these Pure Organic bars on your next trip. Amazingly priced in bulk, these delicious snacks pack tons of real fruit and are easy to eat without getting your hands all sticky.
Variety is the spice of life when you’re packing lunches all week. That’s why this box packed with bars, dried fruit, trail mix, and nuts will keep your kids on their toes. Just be sure your school is safe with the nut options!
There are granola bars and there are ZBars—and kids know the difference. These organic snacks come in three flavors that are half the price of buying them at the grocery store or even Target, which makes them a must on your next Costco run.
Busseto California Snackin’ Bite Size Salami & Provolone Cheese
These California Snackin’ packs work just as great for a main dish as they do a snack for school lunches. They come packed with pre-sliced cheese and salami and pair great with a veggie and some dip. Lunch is served!
Price: $11.99 for 8
Taylor Farms Carrot Chips, Broccoli & Celery Snack Pack
Parents don’t love chopping veggies, especially if their kids don’t end up eating them! That’s why these snack packs, that come with a big side of Ranch dressing, are a sure thing! They include carrot chips, broccoli, and celery and can easily be split into smaller portions to last even longer.
Price: $9.98 for 6
Pacific Gold Original Beef Jerky Snack Packs
Meat eaters will love these pre-portioned packs of beef jerky. Each pack is gluten-free and smoked with real wood. They are great for young athletes who need a little extra protein and work wonders for kids who love a lunch with lots of sides instead of a large main dish.
Admittedly, these are a treat that may not make it into your cart every Costco run. They made our list because they come in at $1 a piece (which is much cheaper than a grocery store) and are just a nice way to add something fun to surprise your hard-working kids!
Kids tired of boring banana chips? Try these Kiwi chips! They are gluten- and nut-free and pack a fun sour punch that will mix up lunchtime in a big way.
Price: $9.99 for 5.29 ounces/Equal to 12 Kiwi per bag
Balanced Breaks
Are these glorified versions of Lunchables that adults love? Yes. Are they perfect for packing for any kids, but especially your older ones? Also yes. The pack of 12 comes in at less than $1 each thanks to the bulk pricing and is great for taking the work out of slicing and dicing.
Price: $10.99 for 12
Kirkland Lunch Meat Variety Pack
Deli meat is one of the grocery items that has skyrocketed in price these days, and that’s why this three-pack will save parents money and time from having to make multiple trips. Deli meat freezes beautifully and works great for sandwiches, pitas, and rollups.
Price: $14.49 for 3 varieties
Bel Gioioso Fresh Mozzarella Snacking Cheese
Tired of string cheese? These delicious mozzarella snackers are individually packaged (and easy to open) and make a great serving of dairy for lunch.
Price: $9.99 for 24
Fresh Additions Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Bites
Costco school lunch ideas have never made more sense than these fully-cooked chicken bites. They are great for tossing on a salad, adding to precooked pasta, or just serving alone. They also work perfectly for parent lunches and last-minute dinners!
Great for kids who love charcuterie boards, this pack of meat and cheese rolls comes with two types of meat and creamy mozzarella. Toss a few into your kid’s lunches alongside some crackers, veggies, and fruit and you have a well-rounded meal that does not involve hours spent rolling prosciutto.
Price: $15.79 for 30
Three Bridges Cheese Bacon Egg Bites
Forget brinner, these egg bites work great for packed brunches! Fully cooked, these can be heated up in the morning and then stored in a thermos or foil to keep warm for lunch. Pack a little salsa on the side and your kids have a great meal!
Price: $11.99 for 4
Big Roll Wrapped Grilled Seaweed Roll Snacks
For the kids who just can’t get enough seaweed snacks, we introduce you to grilled seaweed rolls! This huge box comes with 54 of them and three flavors that include BBQ sauce and spicy in addition to classic. These are perfect for mixing up lunchtime as you know it.
Price: $12.99 for 54
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.
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