Discovering a variety of choices can make grocery shopping fun. I’m always on the lookout for healthier options, and I like that our local Costco in Kahului, Maui has an ever-increasing array of organic foods. Different items are popping up all the time. Some come and go, while others stay in stock regularly. Here are thirty of my recent finds…
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Organic by Nature Organic Premium Sweet Baby Peas: Frozen peas in a giant bag…these are a great go-to veggie. Heat/defrost and add to pasta, curry, or just eat a bowlful with butter.
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Organic by Nature Organic California Broccoli Florets: Four perfect serving-size bags of frozen broccoli. Another easy veggie to have on hand.
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Good Grains Organic Frozen Quinoa & Kale Blend with Citrus & Black Pepper Seasoning: This is an interesting mix. Add some butter and parmesan to kick up the flavor, or try some olive oil and nutritional yeast to keep it vegan.
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Seeds of Change Certified Organic Quinoa & Brown Rice with Garlic: One of my favorites. Cooked heat and serve bags that make an excellent side dish. I like it with fish, but it’s also shovel-it-down good on its own.
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Minsley 100% Organic Cooked Brown Rice: These are convenient heat and serve microwaveable bowls. You could also skip the micro and drop the rice right into your stir-fry.
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Minsley Cooked Organic Quinoa: More ready to eat bowls…these don’t even need heating. I like to flavor with soy sauce or liquid aminos and serve with fried eggs on top.
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Kirkland Signature Large Grade A Organic Eggs: If you don’t have your own chickens or an in at the farmers market, Costco is the place to go. Lowest price I’ve found on island for organic at around $8 for two dozen.
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Spice World Organic Garlic: Ready to use garlic minced in a jar. This has a different flavor from fresh garlic, but it works well in cooking as a simple way to spice up a meal.
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Kirkland Signature Organic Creamy Peanut Butter: Best price and taste I’ve found for organic peanut butter, perfect for smoothies or paired with apple slices. If only they’d offer a crunchy version too.
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Daisy Girl Organics Fuji Apples: Sweet and crisp Washington State apples. These last a surprisingly long time in the fridge, and they’re a bargain at around $13 for 5.5 pounds (that’s under $2.50 a pound).
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Taylor Farms Organic Superfood Power Greens: A ready to eat pre-washed combo of chard, kale and spinach. This mix makes for great salads and stir-fry, or a green boost in a smoothie.
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Larabar The Original Fruit & Nut Bar: These really are just made with fruit and nuts…a tasty on-the-go power snack. Two flavors in the 18 bar box, Cashew Cookie and Apple Pie.
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Organic by Mariani California Deglet Noor Pitted Dates: Dates are a natural way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Add them to homemade desserts, cereal…or eat a few right out of the bag.
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Organic Made in Nature Golden Delicious Calimyrna Figs: Another excellent sweet snack. Nothing in here but dried figs, and they are yummy. I’ve chopped these up and used them in recipes too.
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Kirkland Signature 100% Pure Grade A Dark Amber Organic Maple Syrup: When you just need a great big bottle of maple. It’s so good, you’ll want to make a mountain of french toast every time you look at that jug.
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Amy’s Organic Chili: For a quick easy meal, this is a fine meatless chili. Medium heat, vegan, and packed in non-BPA lining cans.
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S&W Premium Organic Black Beans: These cooked beans do nicely in a salad or refried with some spices. Also in non-BPA can lining…stock up for the zombie apocalypse.
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Coco Libre Pure Organic Coconut Water: We can’t always make it to the farmers market for fresh coconut. Another useful smoothie ingredient to have on hand, these store conveniently in the cabinet.
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Naturipe Organic Blueberries: California grown big sweet berries. Organic does vary in price, so look for the good deals and pick a ripe bounty from the packs.
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Kirkland Signature Organic Blueberries: These frozen gems are much more economical than the produce section variety. Defrost in the fridge and throw some in your cereal, or blend them in a beverage.
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Bare Fuji Red Crunchy Apple Chips: Wow, there is nothing in here but 100% organic apples baked into crispy chip form. “30 Apples in Every Bag”…watch out, it’s hard to stop eating ’em.
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Wild Friends Organic Honey Sunflower Butter: This tastes exactly like it sounds. If you enjoy sunflowers and honey, this combo is a fun alternative spread. Try dipping some apple chips in there.
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Don Lee Farms Organic Superfoods Veggie Patty: A hearty burger that fries up nicely. It’s not always easy to find a satisfying meatless substitute, so these flavorful patties are a welcome addition to the Costco freezer section.
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Good Earth Organic Sweet & Spicy Caffeine Free Herbal Tea: A strong spiced beverage with a distinct taste of cinnamon, ginger and orange. It’s naturally sweet and zesty, perfect hot or iced.
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Amy’s Light in Sodium Organic Soups: Another quick meal in a can. Two flavors in the box, lentil and lentil vegetable. Both are good, even better mixed with some pasta or quinoa.
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Pita Pal Organic Balela: “A Savory Mediterranean salad of chickpeas, black beans, spices and herbs.” This is a healthy mix with a bold tangy taste.
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Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Blue Agave: “100% Pure Agave Nectar from the Weber Azul.” A natural sweetener that dissolves easily and works well in a number of recipes.
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Amy’s Organic Burrito Cheddar Cheese: Frozen burritos are a fast fix when you’re feeling hangry. Simple and satisfying, this Costco box is a great bargain at under $1.50 per burrito.
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Hi I’m Skinny Sticks: Real Sweet Potato: Hi, I’m gonna eat the whole bag. These are like sweet potato fries in veggie stick form, and they are face-stuffing goodness.
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Kirkland Signature Organic Coconut Oil: Costco sells a two-jar pack of this versatile oil at a bargain price. I stir-fry with it, put it in baked goods, and mix it with cacao and agave for a ridiculous choco frosting. I also use it to moisturize my face.
I’m scanning the kitchen now and I have to say…this list could go way past thirty. Make room in the cupboards, it’s time to head over to Costco and see what natural foods I’ll be stocking up on next.
To learn more about organic and non-GMO food labeling, check out the USDA National Organic Program and the Non-GMO Project.