Q: Where could one go to pick up a power juicer, 10lb bag of Organic Carrots, Mary’s Gone Crackers, Zico Coconut Water, a Vitamix and Almond Butter? A: Costco.

People ask where I food shop here in Houston and my answer is this:  1) Whole Foods (it’s right across the street from where I live…#Nice), local farmers market and Costco. Costco is the one that surprises people the most. On a recent trip, I combed through all aisles to really see what they have to offer on the organic and vegan front.  As we know, buying in bulk can be great, but only if you use alot of what you are purchasing and not everything is a “deal” …. but the bulk part keeps you from making multiple trips.  Brands vary regionally.  The store in my former stomping ground of Manhattan carries Almond Breeze Almond Milk, alas…my current store here in Houston does not.  No worries, I make my own now anyway! While not a complete list, I have highlighted some of the organic brands they carry and included some links to some of the brands below.  Costco is amazing for produce–fruits, veggies, greens—also spices, beans, rice, and let’s not forget the fantastic organic frozen fruits for smoothies!  Deal of a lifetime:  10.7 oz of Saigon Cinnamon $2.65.  Right-O, Costco. xo

PRODUCE

• Earthbound Organic Spinach  1lb/$4.99
• Avocados 5lbs/$5.99
• Wholesome Gardens Organic Butternut Squash
• Organic Sliced Apples  8/ 6oz bags – 6.99
• Organic Cello Carrots (10lb bag)–$5 if you are into juicing–this is heaven!
• Organic Spring Mix 3.99
• Organic Caesar Salad Mix  1lb  3.99
• Bananas, Pears, Apples (5 kinds, including Organic Pink Lady), Mangos, Kiwis, Strawberries, Grapes, Raspberries
• Medjool Dates 2lbs/7.99

APPLIANCES

• FoodSaver 3800 series  $150 (with 1 11-inch roll and 12 qt bags)
• Hamilton Beach 6 qt slow cooker $40
• Cuisinart Mini Chopper $19
• Cuisinart Blender/FoodProcessor $68.99
• Oster Beehive Blender $29
• Magic Bullet $45
• Jack Lalanne Power Juicer $90
• Vitamix $374  (this is with the shorter container).  Costco is also host to the Vitamix roadshows…a great place to pick up one of these blenders discounted.

FROZEN FRUITS/VEGETABLES — SMOOTHIE HEAVEN!

• Wawona Organic Peaches 4lbs/$6.99  **Awesome score-Peaches are HIGH on the Dirty Dozen list!!**
• Townsend Organic Raspberries 3lbs/$9.99
• Organic Wild Blueberries 4lbs/$13.59
• Watts Brothers Organic Yellow Corn 5lbs/ $5.99
• Watts Brothers ORganic Mixed Vegetables 5lbs/$6.39
• Pure Nature Organic Broccoli 4lbs/$5.89

NON-VEGAN, but ORGANIC

• Kirkland Organic Chicken Stock 6/32oz $10.59
• Pacific Natural Foods Organic Free Range Chicken Broth 6/32oz $10.59
• Kirkland Organic Whole Milk 3/64oz $10.99
• Kirkland Organic Brown Eggs 24 ct Grade AA $6.39
• Kirkland Organic Butter 2/1 lb $7.49
• Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef  4.49/lb
• Coleman Organic Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast 5.99/lb
• Coleman Whole Bag Fryers 2.29/lb
• Organic Turkey Meat 3.99/lb
• Fresh Farmed Catfish, Tilapia, Salmon, Whole Trout, Snapper