Top 10 Costco Summer Essentials: Grilling, Refreshments, and More

Costco Summer Shopping Guide: 10 Must-Have Items

Summer is here, and Costco has everything you need to make the most of the season. From grilling essentials to refreshing drinks, we've compiled a list of the top 10 items you should pick up on your next Costco run. Let's dive into our summer shopping adventure!

1. Grass-Fed Beef Patties: The Ultimate Grilling Choice

When it comes to burger patties, Costco offers two options: regular ground sirloin beef patties and 100% grass-fed grass-finished burger patties. While the regular patties are priced at $4.83 per pound, the grass-fed option is slightly cheaper at $4.79 per pound. Here's why the grass-fed option is superior:

• Pasture-raised, not factory-farmed
• Non-GMO feed
• 80/20 beef to fat ratio, perfect for flavor and juiciness
• Pre-formed and frozen for convenience

For the best results, try grilling these patties with a touch of melted Kerrygold butter. The grass-fed beef may dry out slightly more than conventional beef, so the added fat helps maintain moisture and enhances flavor.

2. Bobby-Approved Dips: Healthy and Delicious Options

Finding a healthy dip can be challenging, especially when many options contain inflammatory seed oils. After careful inspection, we've identified three Bobby-approved dips at Costco:

1. Avocado Mash: Made with real lemon juice, this pre-made guacamole is the closest to homemade and offers great value.

2. TexMex Trio: Surprisingly clean ingredients, including non-GMO corn. This option is currently on closeout sale, making it an excellent deal.

3. Organic Salsa: Made with organic tomatoes (important as tomatoes are on the "dirty dozen" list) and sweetened with a small amount of agave syrup.

When shopping for dips, always check the ingredients list and avoid options that rely heavily on cheap seed oils, which can contribute to inflammation.

3. Carbon Steel Skillet: The Perfect Grill Companion

For $20, Costco offers a removable handle skillet that's ideal for summer grilling. Here's why it's a great choice:

• Made of carbon steel, which is naturally non-stick and superior to cast iron for heat distribution
• Safe to use on the grill, even if scratched with tongs
• Removable handle allows for high-heat cooking
• Versatile for cooking shrimp, vegetables, fajita toppings, and more

This skillet is an unbeatable value for its quality and versatility.

4. Armor Colostrum: Boost Your Immune System

While not a traditional summer item, Armor Colostrum is a great supplement to support your immune system year-round. Key benefits include:

• Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle
• Contains hundreds of living bioactives
• Processed using cold chain technology to preserve nutrients
• Supports immune, respiratory, and gut health

For best results, take 2-3 scoops daily, avoiding hot liquids to preserve the bioactives.

5. Refrigerated Coconut Water: Natural Hydration

Costco offers two options for refrigerated coconut water: Harmless Harvest and the Kirkland brand. Here's why coconut water is an excellent summer beverage:

• Natural hydration with high potassium content (858mg per 14oz bottle)
• Not pasteurized with heat, preserving more nutrients
• Delicious, refreshing taste

While the Kirkland brand is slightly cheaper, the Harmless Harvest option offers a superior taste with a sweeter, more floral flavor profile. Both options are better than shelf-stable alternatives that use high-temperature pasteurization.

6. Organic Fudge Bars: A Healthier Frozen Treat

For a Bobby-approved frozen dessert, try the organic fudge bars at Costco. These bars stand out for several reasons:

• Made with organic, non-GMO skim milk
• Contains real vanilla bean extract
• No artificial or natural flavors
• Only 8g of added cane sugar per bar

Compared to other ice cream bars in the freezer section, these fudge bars offer a healthier option with half the sugar content.

7. Frigidaire Gallery Ice Maker: Summer Party Essential

For those who love entertaining or making summer drinks, the Frigidaire Gallery Ice Maker is a game-changer. Available at Costco for $199 (compared to $250 online), this ice maker offers:

• 44 lbs ice-making capacity
• Built-in storage to keep ice cold
• Convenient countertop design

This ice maker is perfect for summer parties, mocktails, and keeping your drinks cool all season long.

8. Organic Wines: Affordable and Bobby-Approved

Costco is known for its extensive wine selection, and they offer some great organic options for summer gatherings:

• Organic Rosé: Perfect for hot summer days, priced around $14
• Italian Montepulciano d'Abruzzo: An organic red wine, also priced competitively

While organic wines are a step up from conventional options, those interested in even cleaner wines might consider natural wine clubs for options that go beyond organic certification.

9. Grass-Fed Beef Sausages: Grill-Ready Protein

Costco offers two excellent options for grass-fed beef sausages:

1. Beef Kielbasa: 100% grass-fed beef with minimal ingredients
2. Polish Sausage: Also made with 100% grass-fed beef

Both options are perfect for grilling and offer a healthier alternative to conventional sausages. For those who don't eat red meat, Costco also offers pre-cooked chicken burgers that are Bobby-approved and grill-friendly.

10. Organic Summer Fruits: Seasonal Delights

Costco's produce section offers great deals on organic summer fruits:

• Organic strawberries: $4 per pound
• Organic blueberries: $7 per pound

These prices are competitive, especially for organic produce. For a unique treat, look for organic candy grapes, which are intensely sweet and perfect for freezing or making into a sorbet.

Bonus Item: Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray

While not part of the top 10, the Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray deserves a mention. This spray is an excellent alternative to conventional cooking sprays because:

• It contains only pure avocado oil, no propellants or anti-foaming agents
• Avocado oil is anti-inflammatory and great for cooking
• The price at Costco is significantly lower than at most grocery stores

Remember, despite the label claiming it's fat-free, it is pure fat - the serving size is just small enough to round down to zero calories.

Conclusion

Costco offers a wide range of summer essentials that cater to health-conscious shoppers. From grass-fed meats to organic produce and healthier versions of summer treats, you can find everything you need for a fantastic summer of grilling, entertaining, and enjoying the season. Remember to always check ingredients and compare prices to ensure you're getting the best value for your money. Happy summer shopping!

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