Costco food finds (2,202 views)
cafelatte
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Post by cafelatte on Nov 2, 2016 11:15:04 GMT -5
What have you found at Costco recently. Since this is the food section, let's limit it to food on this thread.
I like this time of year for seasonal items such as Panettone and Baklava for about $7 each. I hid them so that DH won't find them, since they would be gone before I wanted to serve them. However, I hope I don't forget about them either.
I noticed that they had 25 lb bag of King Arthur AP flour for under $13. A great deal, but too big a bag to use and I don't have anyone close by that I could share it with. It's the first time I saw KA there as they always had other brands.
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emptynestmom
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Post by emptynestmom on Nov 2, 2016 11:44:19 GMT -5
A very timely thread!! Just had a Costco open within 3 miles from here! I won't be visiting for couple of weeks...however you can never go wrong with roasted chicken or the quinoa salad prepared like tabouli...
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cafelatte
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Post by cafelatte on Nov 2, 2016 12:00:51 GMT -5
Yes! Both are very good and you can't beat the price.
Has anyone tried the chocolate chips or cocoa powder - I think the brand is Rodelle? Prices are great as well.
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Post by mcgee on Nov 2, 2016 12:55:22 GMT -5
A very timely thread!! Just had a Costco open within 3 miles from here! I won't be visiting for couple of weeks...however you can never go wrong with roasted chicken or the quinoa salad prepared like tabouli... I've never had the roasted chicken but my SIL says it's the best she's ever had. We have been on-again, off-again members. Since it's just the two of us we don't buy in such large quantities but DH recently bought some eyeglasses there and they were a ton less expensive than with our VSP plan so we're going to join for another year. We saved a good $200!
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RQuam
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Post by RQuam on Nov 2, 2016 21:13:20 GMT -5
Has anyone tried the chocolate chips. The Costco Kirkland brand of chocolate chips is way better than the Nestles milk chocolate chips. The Kirkland brand isn't milk chocolate. Higher percentage of cocoa. Richard
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amarante
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Post by amarante on Nov 2, 2016 23:41:13 GMT -5
I like the Dilce Vita biscotti. Not a seasonal item and two are the perfect nosh.
Their hummus is good as well as the obvious meat and fish.
Their large bags of pot stickers are delicious. As good as dim sum from the neighborhood restaurant and I suspect they are the same brand. :-)
I like their seafood salad. Good in crackers but I like as a sandwich like tuna in toast.
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cafelatte
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Post by cafelatte on Nov 3, 2016 7:14:39 GMT -5
Has anyone tried the chocolate chips. The Costco Kirkland brand of chocolate chips is way better than the Nestles milk chocolate chips. The Kirkland brand isn't milk chocolate. Higher percentage of cocoa. Richard Thanks Richard. I didn't think these were the Kirkland brand, but I might be confused since I was at both Costco and Sam's on the same day and I didn't look too closely. I usually buy Ghirardelli as I can usually find them on sale for $3 a bag. I will have to look for the pot stickers, amarante.
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Post by mrswaz on Nov 3, 2016 9:13:52 GMT -5
I actually don't care as much for the Costco rotisserie chickens. Maybe our store just doesn't do them right, but I keep buying them and they are not juicy and wonderful. They're good for when I want to use the chicken for something other than eating as is- like in a soup or potpie, but as a roasted chicken not so much. Doesn't keep me from continuing to try them, but I'm close to giving up. In their prepared foods I love their Caesar salads- the lemon wedges squirted over the whole salad really makes the salad. Such a simple addition, but so good. The flatbread pizzas are always really good, but the kids prefer their regular pizzas. We also really like the sweet kale salad in the produce department. It has kale, shredded brussels sprouts, craisins and pumpkin seeds in a sweet dressing. My kids HATE brussels sprouts, but they will gobble up this salad. Their fish is always fresh- we've really been enjoying the steelhead trout and salmon lately. Oh! And the frozen salmon burgers! Those are fantastic. Seared in a cast iron pan and topped with a little aioli or tartar sauce, they are now a staple. The different brands of hummus have all been good, and DS likes the packaged naan to spread the hummus on for a pre-dance snack. We recently tried the Orange Chicken from the freezer case. The kids said it was as good as Panda Express and wished I didn't add vegetables to it. I almost bought the Pot Stickers to go with- I'll do that next time. The staples that I buy there regularly are four packs of butter, sharp cheddar cheese blocks, Parmesano-Reggiano shreds, feta crumbles, cashew butter, and dried fruit. DH really likes their onion bagels, but I dislike the caraway seeds on them. He has a hard time eating twelve bagels by himself though. DS would eat a whole loaf of their roasted garlic asiago bread if I let him.
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Post by wallycat on Nov 3, 2016 10:50:35 GMT -5
I buy their 3-pack ground beef. Supposed to be grass fed if you believe their article in their magazine. Always walk through the wine section as they often have money off on different brands, plus with 4% back on the visa card...a deal. Just went to costco yesterday (Silverdale store has more cheese options than Sequim) and picked up a gouda with truffles and they have the Stilton wedge back in. We also buy the vac-sealed sourdough bread that you bake at home (15 minutes) and DH loves it. It is white bread but DH is not fussy. A really good, authentic sourdough with only 4 ingredients.
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Post by karenw on Nov 3, 2016 18:51:13 GMT -5
I like their hummus and refrigerated pesto. I buy the rotisserie chicken breast in a vacuum bag in the refrigerator area, then divide it up and freeze to use in soups and casseroles. Their cheeses are good and reasonably priced esp. the Parm. Reggiano. I also buy milk their regularly. Great price and expiration dates. I don't buy meat but have has their fish and chicken and it has always been reliable. I actually did not like their chocolate chips. They were too rich for me. Our Costco has stopped carrying the Kirkland brand chips now. They only have Nestles which I prefer and they are cheaper than the Kirkland were too. I buy lots of produce there...lettuce, apples, pineapples, fresh berries, tomatoes, cukes, onions, garlic, broccoli, etc.... Other things....frozen fruit, nuts, olive oil, vinegar, peppercorns, marinated artichoke hearts, tortellini/ravioli (fresh and frozen), potstickers (frozen), pizza (frozen) and the list goes on.... As you can see, our family are frequent flyers at Costco!
Karen
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Post by wallycat on Nov 3, 2016 19:05:48 GMT -5
karen, thanks for reminding me of some other stuff we get. I guess when it is habit, I don't think about it. Love the nuts, EVOO, peppercorns, lettuce and jarred marinated artichoke hearts too! DH also loves the PB filled pretzels, the cliff bar packs and he loves the prunes (good bone health!). I buy the canned tomatoes (most of their stuff is showing up organic), canned 'shrooms, and if I don't make beans from dry, the hummus and the canned black beans are great.
I have purchased the cauliflower florets and they are hit or miss on how fresh they look (I returned a bag that had too many little black spots twice). Avocados in season are a great deal. DH used to buy the organic apples till we planted a small apple tree. Organic spinach is a great deal too. I buy the land-o-lakes whipped cream in a can for the cats. I also used to buy frozen pre-cooked hamburger patties...but they are not grass fed and am weaning us off of them. They are so easy and nice to have around. I also tried their frozen shredded pork tacos. I'm on a "humane animal" kick and I don't know if this pork is raised "kindly" so I won't re-buy, but it was really yummy. The lox (Atlantic "nova" and the sockeye) are to die. The jarred oysters are incredible. The prosciutto they have is really good too. If you don't mind salted butter, the Kerrygold butter is great. I don't like that they only sell salted so am passing on it a lot of times. Heavy cream...most places have stabilizers in theirs, but at least it is higher fat content. When I splurge, the scallops are SOOO good!
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Post by PattiA on Nov 4, 2016 9:36:32 GMT -5
I buy the land-o-lakes whipped cream in a can for the cats. I thought I had a spoiled cat! ;-)
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cafelatte
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Post by cafelatte on Dec 6, 2016 13:16:12 GMT -5
DH and I were near Costco on the weekend and decided to drop in (I hate going with him). We picked up a rotisserie chicken since it was later in the day and beats cooking or eating out. I don't buy one often, but this one was delicious! Much better than I remember in the past. We didn't tour the whole store like I normally do myself. I saw they had a huge jar of Biscoff Cookie Butter. I'm not sure how big it was exactly, but it was huge. I dare not buy it, and am fine with the small jar, or TJ's version, from time to time. I picked up another Panettone since the shelf life is great and DH loves them. I know in the past they've had Strawberry Hill Povitica, but I haven't seen them yet. DS2 loved the last one I bought last year, so I'd like to get one again for when he's home over the holidays. I know I can order them as well, but for one, not really worth it. I usually buy brown sugar and powdered sugar this time of year too. The bags last the whole year and then some, depending on how much baking I do. I plan on going on Friday again. If I see anything new, I'll report back.
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bawstinn
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Post by bawstinn on Dec 6, 2016 18:46:40 GMT -5
I buy the rotisserie chicken breast in a vacuum bag in the refrigerator area, then divide it up and freeze to use in soups and casseroles. Karen I've always looked at this and wondered how it was. I have purchased the Kirkland cooked chicken strips for casseroles and quesadillas, but was wondering if that was better. I do like the rotisserie chickens and often make stock from the carcass, although I think their organic chicken stock is very good. The selection of cheeses is very good, especially around the holidays. In the early summer they have wild salmon. I also buy the pecans this time of year. I buy the chicken meatballs they usually have (AmyLu?) and separate them so I have a fast lunch to grab for work if we don't have leftovers.
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Post by karenw on Dec 6, 2016 19:06:04 GMT -5
Bawstinn, I do buy the rotisserie chickens from time to time and they are also great for making a quick stock, but often times I just need breast meat and not the stock/dark meat so the vacuum packed rotisserie breast meat is convenient. I have bought their refrigerated chicken strips and while they are useful for some things (salads), I like the flavor of the rotisserie breast meat better and I think it is more suitable in soups and casseroles. My family generally prefers white meat over dark in most things which is the other reason I keep it in my freezer. Just got to get past the "yuck" factor of opening up a vacuum package of chicken meat, but I could think of a lot yuckier things!!!
Karen
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charley
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Post by charley on Dec 19, 2016 19:53:41 GMT -5
Couple weeks ago we tried a small (3 pounds) applewood smoked ham. I think it was Kirkland brand. Going tomorrow and hopefully they'll still have them. Want one for New Year's. Dh's brother told him about the creme brulee. OMG! It's really good. costcocouple.com/rians-creme-brulee/
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cafelatte
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Post by cafelatte on Feb 17, 2017 10:12:12 GMT -5
BUMP - anything new where you live?
I was there recently and picked up some goat cheese - you get 2 "logs" for about $7 or $8. Best deal around. I also bought some Kirkland Greek Yogurt. I ususally get plain Fage, but I decided to get some and it's quite good. The flavors are Blueberry, Strawberry and Cherry. I normally find an aftertaste with some Greek Yogurts, but not this one.
I noticed they had organic PB powder, for anyone that uses it. I don't recall seeing it before, but I don't look in that area all that often since Costco here doesn't carry Skippy PB. Not sure if it's regional.
Then new coupon book is here, so I will have to go check some things out again.
Charley, I don't think I have ever seen the Creme Brulee.
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Post by mrswaz on Feb 17, 2017 17:35:40 GMT -5
BUMP - anything new where you live? I was there recently and picked up some goat cheese - you get 2 "logs" for about $7 or $8. Best deal around. I also bought some Kirkland Greek Yogurt. I ususally get plain Fage, but I decided to get some and it's quite good. The flavors are Blueberry, Strawberry and Cherry. I normally find an aftertaste with some Greek Yogurts, but not this one. I noticed they had organic PB powder, for anyone that uses it. I don't recall seeing it before, but I don't look in that area all that often since Costco here doesn't carry Skippy PB. Not sure if it's regional. Then new coupon book is here, so I will have to go check some things out again. Charley, I don't think I have ever seen the Creme Brulee. Funny you mention the Greek yogurts. I finally decided to try the giant tub of plain Kirkland Greek yogurt and thought it was great! I went back for a second one and they were out. (My biggest beef with Costco!) I noticed it was back in this week, but didn't need to buy it. We tried the Korean dumplings this week- Bibigo brand? They were not bad for store bought dumplings. I wasn't crazy about cooking them in a microwave, which the package insists is the only way to cook them. But it was pretty impressive that they were ready after just three minutes. Once they were dipped in the sauce they were pretty good, and I think I would buy them again.
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Post by karenw on Feb 17, 2017 19:29:39 GMT -5
Cafelatte-I am guessing many of the products that Costco carries is a regional thing. Mine carries Skippy peanut butter but not Jif. I have seen the PB powder here, too. I am not a big fan of powdered PB but I bought it for my oldest son at college. He likes it. I have stirred a tablespoon or so into my oats in the morning once in awhile and it is not bad there.
New things by us (and one new old thing!)-new old thing is Hebrew National salami bullet. Our store carried this for years and then suddenly stopped for the last year. It was back the other day. My kids and DH love salami, matzoh, and eggs so that goes back on the weekend brunch rotation.
New was a big jar of Kimchi. I did not buy it the other day, but I may go back next week if I can muster up the courage to try a jar that big. Both DH and I love kimchi but this was a big jar since a little goes a long way with this stuff. And if it a variety that is too spicy, it won't go over well here. Looked awfully red . . . may mean spicy??? We shall see.....
Karen
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charley
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Post by charley on Feb 18, 2017 18:07:06 GMT -5
Charley, I don't think I have ever seen the Creme Brulee. I haven't seen it the past few times I've been there. Might be seasonal.
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gilgamesh37
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Post by gilgamesh37 on Feb 20, 2017 14:41:42 GMT -5
I'm a little late to the party. I have to do a Costco run later this week--my best friend takes a probiotic and if he buys it where he lives, the cost is almost double what I can get it for on sale at Costco, which makes it well worth the $5 to mail it to him.
We love their nuts, olive oil, the cranberry almond Thin Delights crackers, castel vetrano olives, butter, jarred pesto and frozen raviolis. I love cruising the wine aisle to see if anything is on good sale. The Kirkland vodka is also excellent. We tried some frozen little chicken bao buns/potsticker type things last time, they come in little trays of 6 with a dipping sauce (can't think of the brand, it's a pale green box) and those were excellent, I want to restock them for sure. Forgot to say they also had gorgeous chanterelle mushrooms there around Thanksgiving.
I concur on the frustration of finding something you like at Costco only to have it disappear. My castel vetrano olives disappeared for a while (and when they reappeared, I bought FIVE huge jars, anyone looking in my pantry would probably think I have a martini problem). They also had seaweed salad for a while which I loved, but it's been missing for over a year now. I keep looking hopefully in the refrigerated case every time I go, though.
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Post by soupandstew on Feb 20, 2017 23:48:32 GMT -5
Yes, Costco is hit or miss for me as well. Because it's not a reliable source for prior treasures, I hit it up about every two months when I need to restock Allegra and Dh's hearing aid batteries. While there I cruise the aisles and grab what treasures I see.
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Post by mrswaz on Feb 28, 2017 14:41:41 GMT -5
We've become big fans of their five-cheese tortelloni. One half of the two pack is just enough for a meal for my family. It cooks up quickly and intact, unlike a lot of frozen tortellini we've had that turn to mush. I've been serving very simply in a garlic-cream sauce, and it makes us all eat in silence every time. So good.
Similarly, our Costco started carrying DeCecco Egg Fettuccine. They come in a three pack of trays which each have four "nests" of fettuccine in them. They make the BEST soup noodles! They stay intact being cooked in chicken broth and they also don't suck up ALL the broth either. Last night we had another tray cooked up and tossed with alfredo sauce, broccoli and bacon, and again the noodles held their own. One tray says it serves "about 4" but we definitely got about seven servings out of one tray- and that's with a hungry teenage boy in the house.
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gilgamesh37
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Post by gilgamesh37 on Mar 3, 2017 14:41:32 GMT -5
Similarly, our Costco started carrying DeCecco Egg Fettuccine. They come in a three pack of trays which each have four "nests" of fettuccine in them. They make the BEST soup noodles! They stay intact being cooked in chicken broth and they also don't suck up ALL the broth either. Last night we had another tray cooked up and tossed with alfredo sauce, broccoli and bacon, and again the noodles held their own. One tray says it serves "about 4" but we definitely got about seven servings out of one tray- and that's with a hungry teenage boy in the house.
So funny you should mention this. DH just did a Costco run this week and this caught his eye as well, he brought a box home to try. We had some last night and really enjoyed it, got 4 large portions out of one box.
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Post by mrswaz on Mar 3, 2017 21:27:58 GMT -5
Similarly, our Costco started carrying DeCecco Egg Fettuccine. They come in a three pack of trays which each have four "nests" of fettuccine in them. They make the BEST soup noodles! They stay intact being cooked in chicken broth and they also don't suck up ALL the broth either. Last night we had another tray cooked up and tossed with alfredo sauce, broccoli and bacon, and again the noodles held their own. One tray says it serves "about 4" but we definitely got about seven servings out of one tray- and that's with a hungry teenage boy in the house.
So funny you should mention this. DH just did a Costco run this week and this caught his eye as well, he brought a box home to try. We had some last night and really enjoyed it, got 4 large portions out of one box.
I would not complain if they made this a regular thing at Costco. Though, my favorite grocery store carries DeCecco pasta, and I've never stopped to look at it, so the pricing may be better there now that I know how delicious it is. It's as good as homemade pasta.
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traildoggie
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Post by traildoggie on Mar 5, 2017 13:29:06 GMT -5
I have a costco very close by. I usually shop there first. what they don't have, I get at the smaller grocery store.
this I always get there... Adams chunky peanut butter, quaker oatmeal, walnuts, sliced almonds, pine nuts, milk, almond milk, eggs apples, mangos, avocados, French green beans, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, campari tomatoes, red bell peppers,mushrooms, broccoli, salad mixes... lettuce, spinach, kale, raspberries, blueberries. hummus. pesto sauce. canned black beans canned tomatoes. barbecued chicken. tilapia. tofu when they have it. I loved the refrigerated Indian simmer sauces but alas DH did not. salmon burgers. chicken breasts, ground turkey. Dave's bread. olive oil, avocado oil. Kirkland butter. nonfat yogurt. frozen ravioli. garden burgers, black bean burgers. dried blueberries and cherries. raisins. cheese of all kinds. Kind bars. marcona almonds, cashews. Parchment paper in a 2 pack might only be around during the holidays but a great buy. I recently tried a bag of refrigerated chicken breast meat from left over chickens. a total miss for me. I thought it was horrid. I know someone earlier in this thread liked it, so maybe there's some variation between packages or stores. ETA I buy a bag of limes there every year. juice and freeze them into ice cube trays. so nice to have a good supply of lime juice in 2 TB cubes. they slice in half easily since they never freeze as hard as water does.
Package sizes are big. I learned to adjust cooking to allow for it. even with 2 of us I ( almost always) use things up. we eat a lot of fruit and vegies. I freeze things like bread and nuts, shrink wrap cheese. If I buy a bag of broccoli florets, I plan several broccoli focused dinners. check outdates judiciously. things get shuffled around a lot by customers. check package content carefully. the bulk packaging can make one bad tomato ruin the whole box. also check country of origin if you can on produce, fish if important to you. I've taken food items back when quality was poor. I bought a flat of peaches last fall that looked lovely. every one was inedible. took the box itself back. they have a great return policy.
I think it's important to exercise restraint. the giant jar of chocolate coated nut clusters might be a "good buy" but if it tempts you to eat the whole thing, it's not a good idea. I mostly steer clear of candy , cookies, baked goods, snack foods unless I want something for a party. I don't buy food at the restaurant in the front , and don't eat the samples unless it is something I intend totry before I buy. "supersize" is fine as long as it doesn't include my behind.
I
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emptynestmom
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Post by emptynestmom on Jul 12, 2017 10:37:11 GMT -5
Last night at Costco I bought some sorbet (can't remember the name) which is packed in portions within a box and each portion is packed in a shell...last night I had pomegranate lemon (pomegranate sorbet packaged in 1/2 lemon peel)...tonight I plan on having another lemon one, lemon sorbet in a lemon peel...then they also have coconut and coconut mango...not exactly sure how the last two are packed but it will be interesting finding out...
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gobluem82
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Post by gobluem82 on Jul 12, 2017 16:55:04 GMT -5
I don't have a Costco membership, but one of the staff at the library where I volunteer brought in a bag of mini cucumbers. They are so great for snacking, especially when you're too lazy to cut up veggies for a healthy snack (not that I would ever be that way ).
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Post by karenw on Jul 12, 2017 18:51:15 GMT -5
New stuff from Costco for me that I tried/liked: Kimchi and The Good Bean Roasted Chickpeas (good on salad), Nature Valley Almond Butter Granola Cups (like these a lot which was a shocker for me. I bought them for my kids as I hate almond butter, but strangely I liked these. Maybe my almond butter aversion is subsiding or ?). Karen
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gabbyh
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Post by gabbyh on Aug 8, 2017 6:47:43 GMT -5
Besides much of what everyone else has said, these are a few on my new finds: Muffalato olive spread, Taco Seasoning (large bottle), Spindrift sparkling water, Paisley Farm 5 bean salad, Fresh Gourmet crispy jalapenos, Canned chicken (water packed), Don Lee chicken patties, and when I want a switch from Boar's Head deli turkey...Hillshire Farms Naturals 99% turkey breast...I'll be watching for more finds ~Gail
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