17 Best Costco Back-to-School Snacks & Groceries to Keep Kids Fueled All Day

August 12, 2025

Whether your kids are heading back to the classroom or you just need quick, grab-and-go snacks for busy days, Costco’s back-to-school lineup is here to save the day. From protein-packed bites to sweet treats and wholesome favorites, these bulk deals make it easy to stock up without breaking the bank. Here are 17 must-have snacks and groceries you’ll want in your pantry before the school year kicks into full gear.

1. Pirate’s Booty $11.99/40 ct

Light, airy puffed rice and corn snacks with a cheesy flavor kids love, in perfect single-serve bags.

Review

These crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth puffs are a lunchbox classic—fun, mess-free, and just salty enough to satisfy snack cravings.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 70
  • Fat 3.5 g
  • Carbs 9 g
  • Sodium 95 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0 g
  • Sugar 0 g
  • Protein 1 g

Ingredients

Cornmeal, rice flour, sunflower oil, cheddar cheese (milk, cultures, salt, enzymes), whey, buttermilk, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy straight from the bag—no prep needed.

2. Welch’s Fruit Snacks $11.99/90 ct

Soft, chewy, and made with real fruit puree, these snacks are naturally sweet and perfectly portioned.

Review

Beloved by both kids and adults, these fruity bites deliver a burst of flavor and a soft, satisfying chew.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 80
  • Fat 0 g
  • Carbs 19 g
  • Sodium 10 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0 g
  • Sugar 11 g
  • Protein 1 g

Ingredients

Fruit puree (grape, peach, orange, strawberry, raspberry), corn syrup, sugar, modified corn starch, gelatin, citric acid, natural and artificial flavors.

Preparation Instructions

Open and enjoy; great for lunchboxes or quick energy on-the-go.

3. Gatorade $23.49/24 ct

Electrolyte-packed sports drink designed to hydrate and refuel after physical activity.

Review

Kids love the flavors, and parents love that it helps replenish electrolytes after sports or hot days.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 80
  • Fat 0 g
  • Carbs 21 g
  • Sodium 160 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0 g
  • Sugar 21 g
  • Protein 0 g

Ingredients

Water, sugar, dextrose, citric acid, natural flavor, salt, sodium citrate, monopotassium phosphate, food coloring.

Preparation Instructions

Best served chilled—shake well before drinking.

4. Nature’s Garden Yoggies $14.49/18 oz

Yogurt-covered fruit and nut snack clusters for a creamy, crunchy, and naturally sweet treat.

Review

A balance of protein, sweetness, and crunch makes these great for both mid-morning snacks and lunchbox add-ons.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 140
  • Fat 7 g
  • Carbs 17 g
  • Sodium 20 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 1 g
  • Sugar 12 g
  • Protein 3 g

Ingredients

Yogurt coating (sugar, palm kernel oil, whey powder, yogurt powder), dried fruit, nuts.

Preparation Instructions

Eat straight from the bag or portion into snack containers.

5. Pepperidge Farm Cheddar Goldfish $11.79/0.9 oz

Crispy baked snack crackers shaped like little fish and flavored with real cheddar cheese.

Review

A nostalgic favorite that’s crunchy, cheesy, and perfect for little hands.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 120
  • Fat 5 g
  • Carbs 18 g
  • Sodium 230 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 1 g
  • Sugar 0 g
  • Protein 3 g

Ingredients

Enriched wheat flour, cheddar cheese, vegetable oils, salt, yeast, baking soda.

Preparation Instructions

Serve as is or pair with cheese cubes or fruit for a balanced snack.

6. Archer 100% Grass-Fed Mini Beef Sticks $14.99/28 ct

Savory, protein-rich beef sticks made from 100% grass-fed beef with no added nitrates.

Review

A satisfying and portable source of protein that keeps hunger at bay between meals.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 90
  • Fat 7 g
  • Carbs 1 g
  • Sodium 300 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0 g
  • Sugar 0 g
  • Protein 6 g

Ingredients

Beef, water, sea salt, spices, celery juice powder.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy straight from the package—no refrigeration required before opening.

7. Skinny Pop Original Popcorn $12.99/28 ct

Air-popped popcorn with a light touch of oil and salt—simple, tasty, and whole grain.

Review

Light, airy, and satisfyingly salty without being greasy—perfect for healthy snacking.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 100
  • Fat 6 g
  • Carbs 9 g
  • Sodium 75 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 2 g
  • Sugar 0 g
  • Protein 1 g

Ingredients

Popcorn, sunflower oil, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Eat straight from the bag or sprinkle with seasoning for extra flavor.

8. Nutella & GO! with Breadsticks $14.99/1.8 oz

Hazelnut cocoa spread paired with crunchy breadsticks for dipping.

Review

A sweet, indulgent treat that’s great for occasional lunchbox surprises.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 270
  • Fat 13 g
  • Carbs 34 g
  • Sodium 115 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 2 g
  • Sugar 23 g
  • Protein 4 g

Ingredients

Sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, skim milk, breadsticks (wheat flour, yeast, salt).

Preparation Instructions

Open, dip, and enjoy.

9. Clif Kid Organic ZBar Variety Pack $18.99/1.27 oz

Soft-baked snack bars made with organic oats and available in kid-friendly flavors.

Review

Nutritious enough for parents to approve, tasty enough for kids to request daily.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 140
  • Fat 4 g
  • Carbs 24 g
  • Sodium 85 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 2 g
  • Sugar 10 g
  • Protein 3 g

Ingredients

Organic oats, brown rice syrup, cane sugar, organic chocolate chips, cocoa, natural flavors.

Preparation Instructions

Unwrap and enjoy as a quick breakfast or snack.

10. Made Good Organic Granola Bites $13.99/0.85 oz

Bite-sized granola clusters made with whole grains and hidden veggies.

Review

A fun, chewy snack with a subtle sweetness and nutritional boost from vegetable extracts.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 110
  • Fat 3 g
  • Carbs 19 g
  • Sodium 30 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 2 g
  • Sugar 7 g
  • Protein 2 g

Ingredients

Whole grain oats, brown rice syrup, cane sugar, sunflower oil, vegetable powders.

Preparation Instructions

Eat straight from the bag or sprinkle over yogurt.

11. Fruit by the Foot $13.79/0.75 oz

Fun, chewy fruit-flavored rolls individually wrapped for easy lunchbox packing.

Review

Colorful and playful, these treats are a nostalgic hit for kids and adults alike.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 80
  • Fat 1 g
  • Carbs 20 g
  • Sodium 45 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0 g
  • Sugar 10 g
  • Protein 0 g

Ingredients

Sugar, maltodextrin, corn syrup, pear puree, palm oil, citric acid, natural flavors.

Preparation Instructions

Unroll and enjoy.

12. That’s It Mini Fruit Bars $11.69/28 ct

Simple fruit bars made with just two ingredients fruit and fruit—no added sugar.

Review

Clean, chewy, and naturally sweet—perfect for parents seeking wholesome snack options.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 60
  • Fat 0 g
  • Carbs 16 g
  • Sodium 0 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 3 g
  • Sugar 11 g
  • Protein 0 g

Ingredients

Apples, other fruit depending on flavor (e.g., strawberries, blueberries).

Preparation Instructions

Eat directly from the wrapper—no refrigeration needed.

13. Frito-Lay Classic Mix $22.99/1 oz

Variety pack of classic salty snacks like Lay’s, Doritos, and Cheetos.

Review

A hit with kids who love variety and parents who appreciate easy lunchbox fillers.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 150
  • Fat 9 g
  • Carbs 15 g
  • Sodium 170 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 1 g
  • Sugar 1 g
  • Protein 2 g

Ingredients

Varies by snack (potatoes, corn, oil, cheese powder, seasonings).

Preparation Instructions

Open and enjoy; great for lunches, picnics, or snacks on the go.

14. Drizzilicious Mini Rice Cakes $11.49/0.74 oz

Crunchy mini rice cakes drizzled with sweet icing for a light, flavorful treat.

Review

Crunchy, sweet, and just the right size to satisfy without overindulging.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 90
  • Fat 2.5 g
  • Carbs 17 g
  • Sodium 40 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 1 g
  • Sugar 6 g
  • Protein 1 g

Ingredients

Whole grain brown rice, sugar, yogurt coating, cane syrup, natural flavors.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy as is or add to trail mix for a sweet crunch.

15. Bobo’s PB&J Oat Snacks $13.49/20 ct

Soft-baked oat bars filled with peanut butter and jelly for a wholesome, portable snack.

Review

Hearty and filling—like a PB&J sandwich reimagined into a convenient bar.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 340
  • Fat 15 g
  • Carbs 45 g
  • Sodium 170 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 4 g
  • Sugar 20 g
  • Protein 8 g

Ingredients

Whole grain oats, peanut butter, jelly (fruit puree, sugar, pectin), oil, brown sugar.

Preparation Instructions

Unwrap and enjoy for breakfast or a snack.

16. Kirkland Signature Trail Mix Snack Packs $17.99/2 oz

Portable packs of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate candies for an energy boost.

Review

Balanced with sweet and salty elements—ideal for on-the-go snacking.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 300
  • Fat 18 g
  • Carbs 30 g
  • Sodium 40 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 3 g
  • Sugar 18 g
  • Protein 9 g

Ingredients

Peanuts, almonds, cashews, raisins, M&Ms, sunflower seeds.

Preparation Instructions

Eat straight from the bag or sprinkle over yogurt.

17. Del Real Foods Carnitas $20.99/40 oz

Slow-cooked, seasoned pork, shredded and ready to heat for quick meals.

Review

Juicy, flavorful, and versatile—perfect for tacos, quesadillas, or rice bowls.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories 200
  • Fat 14 g
  • Carbs 0 g
  • Sodium 400 mg
  • Dietary Fiber 0 g
  • Sugar 0 g
  • Protein 18 g

Ingredients

Pork, water, salt, garlic, spices.

Preparation Instructions

Heat in skillet for 5–7 min or microwave until warm.

Final Thoughts

Costco has truly nailed the back-to-school season with a snack lineup that balances taste, nutrition, and value. This list covers everything from grab-and-go treats to protein-rich options that keep kids energized all day long. Whether you’re packing a lunchbox, fueling up for sports practice, or stocking the pantry for after-school cravings, these bulk deals ensure you’re always prepared.

The best part? Buying in bulk means fewer last-minute store runs and more savings in the long run—two things every busy parent can appreciate. So grab your list, head to Costco, and fill your cart with these student-approved, parent-approved favorites before they sell out.

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