Sometimes Costco totally surprises me. It has become a secret weapon in keeping our family eating healthy. I know, I had my doubts too. Everything in the store comes in jumbo sized packages and most of these jumbos are high fat, high sodium processed foods. I usually avoid the produce unless I have a very specific plan for a large quantity of something. I find the produce comes in packages just too big for me to get through before they start to wither and rot. But, if you spend just a bit of time looking you can find some great, veg-friendly foods ... here's what I often buy at Costco.
- Nuts - pecans, walnuts, almonds in 2 kg bags at a reasonable price. I keep them in the freezer to ensure that they stay fresh until I need them
- Organic soy milk - Natur-a is my favourite brand, organic and made in Canada, comes in 1 litre shelf stable boxes in cases of 8, perfect for pantry storage and the one litre size means that once opened they don't go bad waiting to be used up in the fridge. We can easily use up the contents within a few days.
- Unsweetened almond or coconut milk in shelf stable boxes - again, last a long time in my pantry
- Organic Quinoa, TruRoots brand
- Tofu, non-GMO, Canadian made from Unisoya, this one is a great value
- humus, larger tubs of my favourite brands, a good value
- Maple syrup, cheapest price I have found anywhere
During yesterday's trip I found this:
TruRoots Sprouted Bean Trio
These are beans that have been sprouted and then dried so they cook really quickly. 1 cup of beans with 3 cups of water, brought to a boil then covered and simmered on low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow them to stand for a least 10 minutes, then drain.
They turned a little greener than I had expected. I drained them well and allowed them to cool. I added a few splashes of rice wine vinegar, about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper and a seasoning mix (I think it was Mrs Dash Herb and Garlic). This is what they looked liked cooked.
TruRoots Sprouted Bean Trio - cooked
They are slightly crunchy compared to regular cooked beans. Perfect for salads. I'm adding mine to my lunch salad today. I'm excited, these will also make a quick bean-based soup.
travelswithminis says
interesting find.
thekalechronicles says
Good to know about the maple syrup: I don't shop there, but I have friends who do.
infinebalance says
🙂 I treat it like liquid gold. But the of the family just likes lots! and lots! on their pancakes....
An Unrefined Vegan says
Wow, I don't think Sam's has nearly the selection! No Costcos around here, darn it! Those beans look very cool!
Zen and Genki says
I feel ya, sister - Costco has been a lifesaver for us, and it seems as though their selection of "better" more natural stuff has been improving, steadily over the years. I even bought my Vitamix there!
infinebalance says
Ah yes! The Vitamix. I've told myself the next time it shows up in our store I'm getting one. 🙂
MaryNell says
I love Costco, I must admit, though your Costco has way cooler items than mine. No tofu and no sprouted beans here.
infinebalance says
🙁 but you know --- mine has new stuff all the time. It's finding the time to go through the store slowly enough to find them!
thingsmybellylikes says
Never seen these before (but then I don't have a Costco near me sadly). Awesome find, beans are the handiest cupboard item.
The Holy Kale (@TheHolyKale) says
TruRoots at Costco!!! OMG! I am going now.