Back-To-School Snacks at Costco

I love summer so much. The warm weather, the sun, the longer days, the improved moods of most people I know (and me!). I always feel the best in June because it means there is a lot of summer left and it feels like so much time to enjoy. July is also great because it is hot (I love 80-90 degrees). Once August arrives I get a little sad. There is still a month of summer left to enjoy but the nights get a little cooler and the shorter days become more noticeable as the sunset time is earlier at a faster rate. In addition, those around me (I refuse to do this) often talk about the summer “being over” (I typically then request that they don’t not rush summer).

As an adult, my schedule does not change much with the seasons. However, obviously, for kids, August is a time of getting ready for the new school year. One way to get ready is to find foods to make the busy days less hectic.

Here is a list of seven suggestions of foods to buy for the school year. I have mentioned some in other August posts (Costco Deals for August); (More Costco Deals for August)), so I will link to those rather than discuss them again. Some items are on sale this month so I will note when that is the case.

Seven Foods to Buy to Prepare for the New School Year

1. Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds Cereal ($2.30 off through 8/25)

This cereal is suggested to reduce morning stress while making breakfast. It is sold in a box with two 25-ounce bags of cereal.

I no longer eat very sweet cereals (although not as sweet as frosted cereals, HB of O is still quite sweet). However, the original version used to be one of my favorite cereals. It was a treat because it was more expensive than other options and I was so excited when it was in the house. Now most cereal is expensive as the prices for small boxes go up. I looked up the usual size box for this cereal and saw it is between $3-4 for 12 ounces so this is definitely a good deal at Costco. I remember this cereal getting soggy faster than most. Although I actually prefer soggy cereal (weird, I know…I used to pour the milk and then get ready) and therefore trying to get a few scoops of crunchy because it was good too.

2. Snyder’s of Hanover Mini Pretzels

A recommended snack item is these individual bags of pretzels. They are sold in a box of 60 0.9-ounce bags.

I used to have the same type of lunch every day except for the few days I bought school lunch (funny how those rubbery pizza squares or soggy noodles were considered special) consisted of sandwich, fruit, juice box, chips, and a cookie. (This was before it was popular to bring leftovers for lunch). I used to like the chips but these pretzels are a healthier option. They seem like a really small package (I’m thinking airplane “snack”) but may be a good size if paired with peanut (Product Review:Kirkland organic creamy peanut butter) or almond (Product Review: Kirkland almond butter) butter.

3. Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars Variety Pack ($4 off through 8/25)

Discussed in another post (Costco Deals for August).

4. Ritz Cracker Sandwiches ($2.50 off through 9/1)

Another snack recommendation is sandwich crackers. Members have the option of buying these cracker sandwiches in peanut butter or cheese. They are sold in boxes of 40 individually packaged sleeves of sandwiches.

Ritz crackers are classic. With the focus on whole grains, they are definitely not the healthiest cracker option but they have such a comforting taste. I liked the peanut butter sandwiches (especially those mini ones) with that little round sheet of sweet peanut butter (I used to pull it out and eat the slice on its own) It is kind of reassuring to know that these sandwiches are still an option for kids, despite the newer organic fancier options. I associate them with nice childhood experiences of car trips, before or after swimming lessons, after camp, and at school.

5. Kirkland Signature Soft & Chewy Granola Bars

These chocolate chip granola bars are sold in boxes of 64 bars. 

Generally being prepared with snacks on all occasions (thank you parents for this lesson), I don’t often buy individual snacks in convenience stores. When I have seen the individual bars, I am always surprised by how expensive they are. Growing up, I used to eat granola bars and remember them in small boxes, containing only five or six bars. It is definitely more cost effective and efficient to have the larger boxes. These are also good to have around because they are relatively filling and very easy to take places (although the chocolate may melt a little in heat).

6. Welch’s Fruit Snacks ($3.80 off through 8/25)

Discussed in another post (More Costco Deals for August).

7. Capri Sun Variety Pack ($4.20 off through 8/25)

Discussed in another post (Costco Deals for August).

Will you be buying any of these “back to school” items? Any others you’d recommend?