Planning school lunches that excite your kids doesn’t have to break the bank! Explore Costco groceries for kids that deliver delicious meals at incredible prices.
If you’ve ever faced the morning scramble trying to pack a fresh school lunch idea, you’re definitely not alone. Juggling costs, nutrition, and kid-approved flavors can feel overwhelming!
Costco is a lifesaver for busy parents:
- Big savings: Each bulk item yields multiple meals, significantly lowering the cost per lunch.
- Minimal effort: Many meals can be prepped in under 10 minutes using your leftovers.
- Kid-friendly variety: From wraps to sliders, these options cater to diverse tastes, ensuring that lunch is something they look forward to.
Mix and match your favorites to create a diverse lunch rotation with the following 15 must-have Costco items
1. Chicken & Apple Sausage
Approx. Price: $14.99 for ~3 lbs.
Approx. Lunches: ~6 (using ~2 sausages per lunch)
Cost per Lunch: ~$2.50 or less
Why It’s Great: A sweet-and-savory favorite among kids.
Meal Idea 1: Chicken Sausage Fried Rice
How To: Slice and stir-fry with leftover rice and veggies.
Meal Idea 2: Sausage & Veggie Quesadillas
How To: Sauté with peppers and onions, layer in tortillas with cheese.
2. Beef & Lamb Gyro Slices
Approx. Price: $12–$14 for ~2 lbs
Approx. Lunches: ~6
Cost per Lunch: ~$2.00–$2.30
Why It’s Great: Quick, tasteful, and easy to prepare.
Meal Idea 1: Gyro Wrap
How To: Warm slices, tuck in pita with lettuce and tzatziki.
Meal Idea 2: Gyro Salad
How To: Pack gyro meat separately with greens and dressing.
3. Frozen Italian-Style Meatballs
Approx. Price: $18–$20 for 6 lbs
Approx. Lunches: 14–16
Cost per Lunch: $1.25–$1.50
Why It’s Great: Super versatile and great for various dishes.
Meal Idea 1: Meatball Sub Sliders
How To: Heat and layer in Hawaiian Rolls with marinara.
Meal Idea 2: Pasta & Meatballs
How To: Mix warmed meatballs with leftover pasta and sauce.
4. Whole Milk Yogurt
Approx. Price: $6–$8
Approx. Lunches: ~8–10
Cost per Lunch: $0.75–$1.00
Why It’s Great: Creamy base for breakfast or lunch.
Meal Idea 1: Parfait
How To: Layer yogurt with berries and granola.
Meal Idea 2: Yogurt Dip & Fruit
How To: Mix with jam or honey, served with apple slices.
5. Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast
Approx. Price: $10–$12
Approx. Lunches: ~8
Cost per Lunch: $1.25–$1.50
Why It’s Great: Lean protein for healthy lunches.
Meal Idea 1: Turkey & Hummus Pinwheels
How To: Spread hummus on tortillas, layer turkey, roll tight.
Meal Idea 2: Turkey & Cheese Sliders
How To: Layer turkey and cheese in Hawaiian Rolls.
6. Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks
Approx. Price: $18–$20 for 4 lbs
Approx. Lunches: 10–12
Cost per Lunch: $1.50–$2.00
Why It’s Great: Kids adore these nuggets!
Meal Idea 1: Chicken Nuggets & Fruit
How To: Pair with ketchup and fruit.
Meal Idea 2: Chicken Caesar Wrap
How To: Chop and mix with lettuce and Caesar dressing.
7. Rotisserie Chicken
Approx. Price: $4.99 each
Approx. Lunches: 4–5
Cost per Lunch: $1.00–$1.25
Why It’s Great: Flavorful and multifunctional.
Meal Idea 1: Mini Pot Pies
How To: Mix with veggies and top with biscuit dough.
Meal Idea 2: Chicken Salad Pita Pockets
How To: Mix with mayo, line pitas.
8. Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
Approx. Price: $11–$12 for a pack
Approx. Lunches: 5–6
Cost per Lunch: ~$2.00–$2.50
Why It’s Great: Pre-seasoned for quick assembly.
Meal Idea 1: Mediterranean Bento Box
How To: Pack with cucumber slices and hummus.
Meal Idea 2: Chicken & Veggie Wrap
How To: Chop and roll in a tortilla with ranch.
9. Spirella Minis (Artisanal Meat & Cheese Rolls)
Approx. Price: $13–$15
Approx. Lunches: 5–6
Cost per Lunch: $2.50–$3.00
Why It’s Great: A fun snack option for kids.
Meal Idea 1: Instant Lunchable Upgrade
How To: Pair with crackers and fruit.
Meal Idea 2: Antipasto Salad Topper
How To: Toss with greens and dressing.
10. Mozzarella Snacking Cheese
Approx. Price: $9–$11 for 24–36 mini packs
Approx. Lunches: 12
Cost per Lunch: ~$0.75–$1.00
Why It’s Great: Quick snack that kids love.
Meal Idea 1: Snack Attack Bento
How To: Pair with crackers and veggies.
Meal Idea 2: Caprese-Style Skewers
How To: Assemble on toothpicks with tomatoes.
11. Five Cheese Tortellini
Approx. Price: $9–$11 for a 2-pack
Approx. Lunches: 6–8
Cost per Lunch: $1.25–$1.50
Why It’s Great: Kids love cheesy options!
Meal Idea 1: Tortellini Skewers
How To: Thread with cherry tomatoes.
Meal Idea 2: Tortellini Pasta Salad
How To: Toss with salami and veggies.
12. Tasty Bite Madras Lentils
Approx. Price: $10–$12 for a pack
Approx. Lunches: 4–6
Cost per Lunch: $2.00 or less
Why It’s Great: Vegetarian option packed with protein.
Meal Idea 1: Lentil Rice Bowl
How To: Serve over rice, top with cheese.
Meal Idea 2: Lentil Nachos
How To: Layer on tortilla chips with cheese.
13. Hawaiian Rolls
Approx. Price: $6–$7 for a pack
Approx. Lunches: 8–10
Cost per Lunch: $0.75–$1.00
Why It’s Great: Perfect for sweet sandwiches.
Meal Idea 1: BBQ Chicken Sliders
How To: Stuff with shredded chicken and sauce.
Meal Idea 2: Breakfast Sliders
How To: Layer eggs and sausage.
14. Wrap-Size Tortillas
Approx. Price: $5–$7
Approx. Lunches: 10–15
Cost per Lunch: $0.50 or less
Why It’s Great: Versatile for multiple meals.
Meal Idea 1: Breakfast Burrito
How To: April and fill with eggs and veggies.
Meal Idea 2: Tortilla “Pizzas”
How To: Spread marinara, top, and bake.
15. Bite-Sized Mini Pancakes
Approx. Price: $7–$8 for a large bag
Approx. Lunches: 8–10
Cost per Lunch: $1.00 or less
Why It’s Great: A sweet twist for lunch!
Meal Idea 1: Breakfast for Lunch
How To: Pair warm pancakes with syrup and fruit.
Meal Idea 2: Mini Pancake Fruit Kebabs
How To: Thread pancakes with fruit on skewers.
Utilizing these Costco bulk items for families and creative meal ideas makes packing lunches easier, quicker, and more affordable, so you save both time and money. Which idea are you most excited to try? Feel free to share your Costco lunch hacks in the comments; I’d love to hear your thoughts on these concepts and more!