6 Costco Staples I’m Stocking Up On for Soup Season

Although some people try to stave off the chilly weather for as long as possible, I love the drop in degrees. It means the next few months will be filled with big bowls of warm soup.

For me, there’s little satisfaction comparable to simmering broth, veggies, and whatever you have on hand until the flavors meld into a soothing meal. I already rely on Costco for many of my groceries, but the number of bulk pantry staples it offers makes it an ideal place to shop right now, so I can keep the soup bubbling away on my stove all winter long. These are six favorites I’m stocking (get it?) up on.

This versatile ingredient is a good source of plant-based protein, and adds an earthy flavor to soups. These organic canned beans just need a drain and rinse before being added to recipes, like this weeknight-friendly tortilla soup or as a shortcut ingredient in this Cuban black bean soup.

Maple syrup in soup? Hear me out! I’ve written about how Kirkland Signature maple syrup is a staple in my morning oatmeal, but as we get deeper into the fall and winter months it’s also become a secret ingredient in my pumpkin and acorn squash soups. Toss the squash in some syrup before roasting to add a little sweetness and extra caramelization, or add a couple of teaspoons to your broth for a subtly sweet flavor.

Nutty brown rice is great for bulking up broths, like in this quick chicken and rice soup or this earthy mushroom and rice soup. I love this brown basmati in soups and make sure to grab multiple bags of this family-owned brand and store extras in my freezer.

This tomato sauce is so full of flavor that I’ve found I don’t need to add as many seasonings to tomato-based soups, like this spicy Mediterranean sausage number. If you’re looking for a shortcut for creamy tomato bisque, you can cut this tomato sauce with some broth and heavy cream and have a soup that tastes like it was cooked all day in about 30 minutes.

This brand of quinoa from small-holder farms in the Andes Mountains has a built-in shortcut: it’s tripled-washed so you don’t have to rinse it. It’s also delicious and a great deal for the price — I’ve seen name brands of quinoa for around $6 a pound. Try it in this creamy Italian quinoa soup, or you can boil some separately and add it to this minestrone-style vegetable soup for extra protein and fiber.

Because broth is foundational to so many soups, I prioritize using organic, low-sodium, and vegan/vegetarian-friendly broths. Culinary Treasures Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth is one of the best-tasting varieties I’ve tried. It’s flavorful without being overly savory or spicy —and I appreciate that all the ingredients are easily recognizable. If you don’t think you’ll use up a whole carton before it goes bad, just freeze the rest in ice cube trays, then store in a freezer bag for future soup sessions.

What Costco groceries are you stocking up on for soup season? Sound off in the comments below.