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The 3 Best Things to Buy at Costco This May to Kick Off Summer

updated May 11, 2022
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For those of you who might be new here, I’m Kitchn’s resident Costco expert. Each month (in addition to writing and testing recipes for Kitchn!), I check in to share my pick for the single best item to stock up on at Costco. Believe me when I say that narrowing it down to just one item to buy in bulk each month is no easy feat. That’s why for the month of May … I chose three!

Here’s what I’m buying in bulk from Costco this month (and why).

Credit: Patty Catalano

1. Welch’s Organic Juice Ice Bars

Popsicle season is approaching, people! This means that over the course of the next several months, my freezer’s raison d’etre is Popsicle storage. Costco has no shortage of freezer pop options, but this big bag from Welch’s, which contains 52 ice pops (!!!), is my pick.

Boasting a trio of fab flavors that includes berry pineapple, Concord grape, and passionfruit, my kids will be happy pulling any one of them from the pack. The pops are individually packaged and sold at room temperature, so if cold storage is at a premium, you can add only what you can fit into the freezer.

Find in stores: Welch’s Organic Juice Ice Bars, $10.99 for 52 bars

Credit: Patty Catalano

2. Buddy’s Easy Peel Mandarin Oranges

I’m all about the convenience of individually wrapped snacks, but there’s no better packaging than the kind that comes directly from Mother Nature. These easy-to-peel mandarin oranges are a must have for picnics, road trips, and weekend hikes. The peel comes off super easily (no knife required) to reveal juicy, sweet, seedless segments that my kids simply devour.

Find in stores: Buddy’s Easy Peel Mandarin Oranges, $5.89 for 5 pounds

Credit: Patty Catalano

3. Martin’s Potato Rolls

You’d be surprised at how much you can improve your cookout game with just the simple sub-in of a quality bun. With their super-plush texture and slightly sweet flavor, Martin’s Potato Rolls have made it onto Kitchn’s list of essential groceries time and time again. The sandwich-sized rolls are perfect for backyard burgers or BBQ pulled pork, while the oblong rolls are ideal for hot dogs, sausages, and lobster rolls. Pro tip: Buy both.

Find in stores: Martin’s Potato Rolls Sandwich or Long Rolls, $5.59 for 16

What are you picking up from Costco this month?