Whether it’s freezer-friendly shellfish or items for your pantry shelf, these discoveries will have you reaching for those big bulk buys.
Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S.
Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S.
I wasn’t really into buying in bulk. My limited storage space in the kitchen and pantry, along with cooking for just two people, made purchasing from a wholesale store feel pointless.
After hitting my 30s, having two children changed things up. That’s when Sam’s Club extended me a deal too sweet to pass up—a discounted membership fee. Since then, I haven’t once regretted making this choice. Their private label, Member’s Mark, became a regular feature in our household due to its quality. Beyond offering fantastic holiday-themed items, Sam’s Club stands out with their fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious treats, and unbeatable pricing.
It's uncommon for me to leave empty-handed with a full shopping cart; trust me, this collection could be far more extensive. However, here are 11 of my top picks—the items I always end up purchasing.
Related: Sam's Club’s Latest Benefits Are Making Us Look Twice at Costco
1. Asparagus and Brussels Sprouts
Although they might be found in most shops throughout the year, fresh asparagus and Brussels sprouts They often tend to be somewhat disappointing when not in season. However, I presume that Sam’s Club must have special access to an elusive vegetable oasis, as their produce manages to taste like it was freshly picked regardless of the time of year. Each bag offers ample portions sufficient to cater to many guests, but you might also find yourself tempted to keep them all to enjoy alone.
2. Seafood
The freezer aisle at Sam's usually exceeds expectations, particularly with regard to seafood options. A prime example is their 2-pound bag of Members Market Wild-Caught Snow Crab Legs and Claws can be a hit during the holiday season or at a summer barbecue, and Member's Mark Premium Wild-Caught Japanese Hokkaido Sea Scallops They're really great; it feels as though I'm sneaking out with a bargain at under $30 for a 1.5-pound package.
Actually, regarding frozen, wild-caught seafood, I would struggle to find a more extensive range elsewhere. There’s consistently a pack of Sam’s wild-caught options available. mahi mahi , flounder or sockeye salmon In my freezer for convenient and healthy dinners during busy weekdays.
3. Frozen Burgers
When it comes to simple meals: think about those evenings when all you want is a burger, yet drive-thru It appears unattractive, and you surely lack the time or energy to prepare it yourself? Sam’s Club has got you covered.
Their frozen ⅓-pound Members Market Ground Sirloin Beef Patties They have precisely the perfect amount of moisture without feeling oily. The flavor is just like a burger. should They can be cooked quickly. I place them directly on the grill while still frozen, using medium heat. In about 10 minutes, I'm enjoying a classic brioche bun burger.
4. Vanilla Extract
To be frank, until you step up to the really expensive options, I find that most vanilla extracts are essentially the same. However, when it comes to Sam’s version—I Magnolia-Star Pure Vanilla Extract —it surpasses competitors in terms of size (and, indeed, cost). Unlike the tiny bottles you'd typically see elsewhere, this one isn’t small. You get an 8-ounce container of quality product, priced at slightly more than $1 per ounce.
That's wonderful if you, just like me, never have enough of this. vanilla I typically increase the quantity twofold whenever it’s specified in baking recipes, and even when it isn’t mentioned, I throw some in regardless. It wouldn’t be unusual for me to pour a little into my coffee or smoothies, and occasionally, I incorporate it into marinades or sauces to introduce a layer of sweetness to dishes with a more savory profile. To put it simply, I consume quite a lot of this ingredient. lot Of vanilla, and purchasing the large container ensures I never run out.
5. Chicken Broth
There are not many ingredients with as wide-ranging uses (at least in my kitchen) as chicken broth. It’s essential for dishes such as soups And for stews, but I also employ it to deglaze the pan when I'm sautéing vegetables , to add some flavor or moisture when I'm roasting meats, and occasionally as a substitute for water when cooking rice or pasta.
I'd love to say that I always keep a pot of homemade chicken broth gently bubbling on the stove, but as a busy mother, that's simply not feasible. However, Sam's Member's Mark Chicken Broth Is exceptionally rich and full-bodied due to being crafted with free-range chicken. It's truly excellent even when sipped alone, which I often do when fighting off a cold or braving chilly weather. Plus, it includes a 6-pack, ensuring you always keep some on hand, if you know what I mean.
6. Croissants
The bakery at Sam’s Club produces croissants just as they ought to be: delicate, buttery, soft pillows of delightful goodness. Instead of the elongated, crescent-shaped tradition, these have their tips folded inward to create a rounder, bun-like appearance. Ideal for crafting breakfast sandwiches (or stuff them with Sam’s chicken salad for an extra treat). awesome lunch They arrive fresh out of the oven in packs of twelve, but if you have many people to nourish or ample freezer space for stocking up on large quantities, you can purchase them. a case of 84 , frozen and prepared for defrosting and baking.
7. Coconut Crispy Rollers
At the heart of the store, the snack aisles always boast an impressive array of both familiar favorites and items I've never encountered before. Occasionally, I'll impulsively decide to try something new, leading me to discover products like these. Ava Organics Coconut Crunchy Rollers These could possibly be—the dare I suggest?—the ideal treat. They're crispy and mildly sweet, not too much so, complemented by a subtle hint of saltiness and umami from the sesame seeds.
They contain just six ingredients, all of which are organic, making me feel slightly better about devouring half the bag at once. It’s fortunate they come in bulk sizes like those from Sam’s Club!
8. Taco Kit
Frequently, the last activity I feel like doing following a massive grocery shopping excursion is preparing dinner. Here comes the solution: Member's Mark Chicken Taco Kit , a convenient delight that satisfies our entire household and even provides extra portions. It consistently hits the spot each time we have it.
The package includes plenty of seasoned, cooked, and coarsely shredded chicken, along with some cheese, a fresh and crisp slaw, and tortillas. It also features two sauces: a cilantro-lime crema and a classic salsa --savor homemade, with lime wedges provided as well.
9. Rotisserie Chicken
Here we have a chicken that has gained quite a following. At Sam's Club, their rotisserie chickens are prepared fresh within the store using large, spinning rotisserie ovens. Due to high demand, customers frequently find themselves waiting in line just to get one of these birds as soon as they're ready. In my opinion, nothing compares to an excellent rotisserie chicken, and Sam's does it exceptionally well. The skin is both crisp and tacky. , and the meat is melt-in-your-mouth moist, and the whole thing is less than $5.
I consistently bring back two containers: one that my spouse and I will eat directly from the moment we step through the door, often leaning across our kitchen counter (what’s wrong with keeping romance alive?); another which I meticulously finish over several days to add into various dishes like soups, wraps, and chicken salads whenever extra protein is needed.
Related: 3-Component Luscious RotisserieChicken Salad
10. Storage Bins
Clearly, this isn't something you'd eat, but it's certainly close to being food-related. It falls squarely in that gray area next to the culinary world. pantry is organized with these Member's Mark 8-Piece Fliplock Pantry Organization System Containers are incredibly handy; I always find myself wanting more of them, as I've returned several times for additional sets. The secure seals ensure that my cereals, flours, and treats stay crisp and fresh. Their rectangular shape aids in maintaining organization within my limited pantry area. Being see-through allows me to instantly recognize the contents without needing labels, plus I can quickly spot when staple items are getting depleted.
The smaller containers—I utilize these for items such as nuts, seeds, and chocolate chips—are perfect for stacking atop each other. In my pantry, larger ones store ingredients like flour, rice, and pasta. Additionally, I keep several differently sized empty containers handy, making it simple to maintain organization whenever I purchase a new item.
11. Leggings
We're definitely veering off our grocery list here, but I would be completely negligent not to bring up the leggings. They are officially known as the Member's Mark Daily High-Rise Anklet leggings These compare favorably even with much pricier alternatives. They possess an ideal balance of softness and elasticity yet remain secure throughout your workout routine. They serve as a reliable cornerstone for your clothing collection, despite costing barely over $9.
Related: 7 Gym Essentials You Can Skip When Traveling (And What to Bring Instead)
Read the initial article on Eating Well .
Post a Comment