Beach Trip? Let Costco Supply the Food!

I love summer. One of my favorite activities is going to the beach. In addition to the typical beach needs (e.g., towels; books; chairs), it is important to bring enough food (by the way, a lot of food seems to taste better at the beach…) In my post about the benefits of a nearby Costco when on a beach vacation, I commented that it is a good place to supply food for the beach (Benefits of a nearby Costco on a beach vacation: Part 1 of 2). I also wrote a post about why it would be helpful to have Costco open a snack bar at the beach (Summer Beach Snackbar by Costco). I came across a list of recommendations of Costco foods for the beach and then added my own.  I disagree with some of the suggestions but obviously people have different preferences. I divided them into categories for ease of reading (and planning…?)

My favorite beach foods are peanut butter sandwiches and chunks of watermelon. Costco has the watermelon covered (Product Review: Watermelons). However, despite the delicious taste, the peanut butter is too messy for a sandwich eaten anywhere but home (Product Review:Kirkland organic creamy peanut butter).

Beach Foods to Buy at Costco

Mains1. Kirkland Signature Caesar Salad Kit

The article suggests this salad as a cold and relatively healthy lunch option. The salad comes with all of the ingredients (romaine lettuce; Caesar dressing, croutons, shredded Parmesan; lemon wedges) and just needs to be tossed together. Containers vary in size and the item is sold by weight. 

I don’t tend to think of salad as a “beach food” due to number of ingredients. These salad kits are easy to pack and make but it seems easier to mix the salad prior to leaving the house but perhaps the dressing would make it too soggy?

2. Comfort Cuisine Cape Cod Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is sold in 40-ounce tubs. It contains a variety of ingredients (chicken breast; cranberries; pecans; poppy seeds; honey) and can serve as a sandwich filling or a dip.

It seems odd to bring the tub in the cooler rather than preparing sandwiches ahead of time. Making them at home is easier and avoids having to bring home the leftovers in the tub after it has been left in the heat (even in the cooler) all day.

3. Meat and Cheese Trays

The article suggests buying a selection of meat and cheese trays so that people can choose what they want. 

Again, it seems easier to prepare sandwiches ahead of time rather than deal with opening and rewrapping packages at the beach. 

4. Kirkland Signature Roasted Chicken and Swiss Roller Tray

For those who prefer to bring prepared sandwiches to the beach, these rolls are suggested. The ingredients (sliced deli chicken; Swiss cheese; cranberry cream cheese; lettuce; tomato) are made in wraps and sold in packages of 12. 

Much better…obviously not for me but so much easier for the beach. 

5. Kirkland Signature Chicken Sandwich

An alternative to the wraps are these pre-made sandwiches consisting of a substantial amount of ingredients (sliced chicken; cheddar and provolone cheese; lettuce; tomatoes; Dijon mayonnaise) on flatbread. 

Again, easier than making the sandwiches at the beach. The sandwich sounds messy but I guess it isn’t a problem if eaten outside. 

Substantial Snacks

6. Vegetable Tray

In addition to the main items, it is good to bring an assortment of snacks to the beach. One convenient and healthy snacks is this four pound vegetable tray. The vegetables (broccoli; celery; snap peas; mini peppers; carrots; cauliflower) come with a Ranch dip.

7. Fruit or Fruit Salad

One of the best foods for the beach is fresh fruit. It is refreshing, hydrating, and just seems “”beachy.” Costco sells a wide range of fruits (e.g., watermelon; kiwis; grapes) that can be eaten on their own or in a salad. 

8. Yogurt Cups

For those wanting a convenient, healthy, and light but substantial snack, Costco sells a variety of yogurt cups (e.g., Chobani; Oikos; Noosa). 

9. Kirkland Signature Organic Hummus Cups

Although not for me because I am weird and don’t like the containers but a convenient item to bring to the beach to provide a substantial snack to eat with a variety of other common beach foods ,(e.g., bread; crackers; vegetables)Packages contain 20 2.5-ounce individual containers. 

10. Kirkland Signature Organic Chunky Guacamole Cups 

Similar to the hummus, this guacamole is a convenient dip. It is sold in boxes containing 16 2.5-ounce cups. 

Packaged Snacks

11. Amara Yogurt Smoothie Melts

Costco sells a significant amount of packaged snacks. One suggestion to take to the beach are these melts that come in three flavors (mixed berries; raspberry and carrot; mango and carrot). 

These sound good and I’m interested in trying them. However, I am not sure why they are on this list as there is nothing specifically “beachy” about them.

12. Kirkland Signature Trail Mix Snack Packs

Another recommended snack is trail mix. Costco sells packages of this mix that contains variety of ingredients (peanuts; cashews; almonds; raisins; M&Ms; peanut M&Ms)in boxes of 28 2-ounce individual bags. The mix provides a tasty and filling snack.

I have mentioned before that I prefer to make my own trail mix so that I can control the ingredients and ratios. Despite my love of chocolate, I would avoid adding it to mixes to take to the beach. Although it can be kept cold, I’d rather avoid having to worry about the chocolate melting.

13. That’s it Mini Fruit Bars

For those seeking a fruit-based snack without dealing with fresh produce, these bars are a convenient option. Boxes contain 24 bars in three flavors (strawberry; mango; blueberry). 

I have never tried these bars but want to. I prefer fresh fruit (in general and at the beach) but these are certainly easy to pack.

14. Dried Fruit

Another snack for those who want fruit without a hassle is dried fruit. Costco sells many types of dried fruit (e.g., mangoes; apricots; prunes). 

I try to avoid dried fruit in the summer because there are so many delicious fresh options available. If I were to bring it to the beach, I would pack smaller servings because the Costco packages are so large that they would not get finished and I would prefer not have sand get in the food. 

15. Siete Grain Free Variety Tortilla Chips

The article mentions the ubiquity of chips among beach snacks. These chips are sold in boxes of 14 individual bags in three varieties (sea salt; lime; nacho) and can be eaten plain or with dips. 

I don’t eat many chips but they are a classic beach snack. 

16. Calbee Harvest Snaps Green Pea Snacks

An alternative to chips are these pea snacks. Bags are 20 ounces and provide a healthy way to fulfill cravings for crunchy, salty snacks. 

I have never tried these but know people who enjoy them very much. 

17. Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Pretzels

A more substantial packaged snack are these pretzel nuggets. Containers are 55 ounces and resealable. 

I don’t really like peanut butter pretzels but they do seem like a great beach treat. They are easy to pack, and more filling than many other snack options.

18. Once Upon a Farm Organic Immunity Blends 

A suggested snack for children are these pouches in two flavors (apple, cherry, and elderberry; mango, banana, and spirulina). Packages contain 12 pouches.

The packaging bothers me but they are definitely a good idea for kids. 

19. Kirkland Signature Cashew Clusters

I think that these cashew clusters a would make a good beach snack. They are crunchy and sweet, while still being relatively healthy (Product Review: Kirkland Cashew Clusters). They don’t melt and come in easy-to-eat square clusters. They are slightly sticky, leaving some residue on the hands but the ocean can solve that problem. Bags are two pounds. 

Desserts

20. Chuao Chocolatier Mini Chocolate Bars

For those looking for a sweet snack at the beach, the article recommends these chocolate bars. Packages contain 24 bars in an assortment of unique flavors (e.g., honeycomb; firecracker; potato chip).

Chocolate can be kept in the cooler to prevent it from melting. However, I’d rather just skip the chocolate at the beach and eat other snacks. 

21. E&C’s Heavenly Hunks Organic Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cookies

The article acknowledges the difficulty in keeping many desserts from spoiling in the heat. It suggests these cookies due to their sturdiness, comparing them to energy bites. However, they are supposed to be refrigerated after opening. Bags are 22 ounces. 

These cookies may be delicious (I have never had them) but, given the need for refrigeration, I don’t know why they would be suggested over the many other cookies sold at Costco. It seems to make more sense to bring the Tate’s cookies (Product Review: Tate’s Bake Shop Chocolate Chip Cookies). They are very good and, although they contain chocolate candy can melt, they are packaged in relatively small bags (seven per bag) so even if they melt a lot, a few people could probably polish them off. It would be a delicious, melty snack, without ruining aot of cookies. 

22. Kirkland Signature Jelly Beans

For people who want a non-chocolate treat for the beach, these Jelly Beans are a fun option. They are very sweet, so a few are satisfying. In addition, they become soft in heat but do not melt. Finally, the large amount of flavors included in the jar can provide entertainment for kids (best combination? worst combination?) Jars are 64 ounces. Therefore, is suggest bringing a bag of them so that the jar does not get too sandy. 

Beverages

23.Sparking Water

Hydration is key on hot days so it is important to bring plenty of drinks to the beach. Water is ideal, whether still or fizzy. Although I did not mention it as a “strong” section (“Strong” and “weak” sections of Costco)F, Costco sells a surprisingly large assortment of sparkling water (e.g., LaCroix; Kirkland Signature; Waterloo). Any would be good for the beach. 

24.Gatorade

For those looking to hydrate with a more flavorful beverage, Costco offers a variety of Gatorade options. 

What do you think of these beach suggestions? What would you add to the list?