6 Best Back-to-School Lunch Items To Save on at Costco in 2025
Written by
Jamela Adam
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Costco is already known for bulk savings, but heading into the back-to-school season, it can be an even better place to stock up on kid-friendly lunch items on a budget.
So if you’re packing lunches for picky eaters or trying to avoid spending money at the school cafeteria, you’ll definitely want to check out these six Costco finds.
Also see six meals at Costco that aren’t worth the money.
Kirkland Signature Organic Applesauce Pouches
- Price: $12.99
These squeezable applesauce pouches are a lunchbox staple for a reason. They are super easy to eat on the go and don’t require refrigeration. Costco’s 24-pack comes out to just $0.54 per pouch, which is a pretty solid deal compared with many grocery store prices.
These have received great reviews on Costco’s website as well. “My daughter prefers these over all other brands … I’ve gotten them four times, each time they are gone within two weeks!” one shopper said.
Horizon Organic Milk Boxes
- Price: $21.99
If your kid needs a drink to go with their sandwich, consider getting them an 18-pack of these shelf-stable organic milk boxes. Each one contains 8 ounces of Grade A organic milk and doesn’t require refrigeration until it’s opened. It also comes with 8 grams of protein. At about $1.22 per box, you’re saving a lot more compared with buying singles at your local grocery store.
“This pack of 18 is perfect for my child who goes through about four of these cartons of milk a day minimum. They are conveniently packaged individually and attached are the convertible straw. You can also pull the tab if you forgo the straw,” one customer said on Costco’s website.
Kirkland Signature Cheese, Fruit and Nut Snack Packs
- Price: $12.19
These grab-and-go snack packs are basically a mini protein plate. There are 16 packs in total. Eight of them contain white cheddar cheese, almonds and dried cranberries, and the other eight contain sharp cheddar cheese, cashews and dried cranberries. They’re a good alternative to traditional lunch meats and chips and work well for picky eaters.
Nature Valley Sweet and Salty Peanut Granola Bars
- Price: $18.99
These Nature Valley granola bars are dipped in peanut and almond butter coating and are reliably kid-approved. Costco’s 48-bar box works out to just $0.40 per bar, which beats single packs at many regular stores. And it’s free from excessive sugar and artificial flavors.
And this item has good reviews. “Our kid eats one every morning for breakfast and hasn’t gotten sick of them. I know he’s getting adequate protein and carbs without a ton of sugar. Better sustainable energy wise than a bowl of cereal,” a customer said under this product’s review section.
MadeGood Organic Granola Minis
- Price: $14.49
These granola minis are free from the many common allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts and gluten. Each pouch contains a handful of bite-size granola clusters made with oats and organic ingredients. You’ll also get a full serving of vitamins A, C, D, E and B6 per pack. For $14.49, you get a total 24 packs, with half being chocolate chip flavored and the other being mixed berry.
Nature’s Garden Organic Dried Apricots
- Price: $11.49
If your kid loves fruit but doesn’t always get around to eating fresh produce before it goes bad, consider getting these dried apricot slices. These Nature’s Garden apricot slices are chewy and naturally sweet. They’re also high in fiber, vitamins A and D, and potassium, so your kids will get the nutrients they need.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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