The 10 Best Costco Deals I’m Stocking up on in September

Someone ran into me with their Costco truck... I mean, cart. I'm a small-scale human, so I almost ended up on the floor. But when I turned my head to throw daggers at the perpetrator, my heart softened. She was a mom with a newborn strapped to her front and a gaggle of kids, and I saw the blurry fatigue in her eyes that I carried with me for years.

Like this mom, I was also at Costco back-to-school shopping, and my cart was piled high with school snacks, extra coffee, and many loaves of sandwich bread. It will be a busier month, and I wish Costco had deals for a mother's helper to help us through it. Alas, until that becomes a reality, here are the sale items I'm stocking up on.

Savings are available from August 28 to September 22, and prices may vary by location.

1. Ninja Dual Zone Air Fryer ($30 Off)

I've only recently become an air fryer apostle. Packing school lunches in the morning, making weeknight dinners, and even reheating leftovers is easier with an air fryer. Costco has a great deal for a dual-zone air fryer for bigger families or if you want to cook different dishes simultaneously.

2. Nature Valley Sweet and Salty Peanut Bars ($5 Off)

I've done the math multiple times. It's a much better deal (more than 50 percent cheaper) to buy these granola bars in bulk at Costco than at any other grocery store, especially when they're $5 off per box. When the weather cools down (otherwise, they'll melt in the heat), I keep the box in the car for easy snacks on the way to afterschool sports.

My sister-in-law recently introduced me to this life-changing car trash can—for the snack wrappers my kids tuck in the car door compartment or drop on the car floor. My car is so much cleaner now!

3. MadeGood Organic Granola Minis ($4 Off)

My kids don't have food allergies, but I still buy these gluten-free and nut-free granola bites for when friends come over to play or when it's our turn to bring snacks to school. They're made in dedicated facilities free of the nine common food allergies: dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, egg, sesame, wheat and gluten, fish, and shellfish.

4. Golden Island Korean Barbecue Pork Jerky ($3.30 Off)

My kids love this sweet and salty (but not too salty) jerky, so I pack one or two pieces into their lunchboxes. It's a lot more affordable than individually packed jerky sticks, and I prefer this over other brands for its short ingredients list that doesn't include additives and preservatives.

5. Starbucks French Roast Whole Bean Coffee ($6 Off)

Did you know that Costco has commercial-size coffee bean grinders? They're typically located near the food court or exit. It's a great option for busy parents who don't want to grind beans at home.

6. Kodiak Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix ($4 Off)

My tween son recently announced he'd like to eat more protein—something his baseball and soccer teammates have been chatting about. As my kids explore making personal food choices, I will learn to create boundaries and provide options.

Contributor Molly Adams, who also has three kids, recommends Kodiak waffles for their high protein content. I grabbed the Kodiak dry mix and made waffles for breakfast. My son loves it and is happy to hear it has 15 grams of protein per serving. Next, I'm teaching him how to make it.

7. PRIME Hydration Drink ($6 Off)

Over the past couple of years, I've noticed that many parents with kids in sports have replaced Gatorade with PRIME. It's more common to see empty PRIME bottles in garbage bins around soccer fields and sports courts, and for good reason—it has a lot less sugar and doesn't use artificial food colors. However, it is more expensive, so I'm stocking up while it's $6 off per pack.

8. Mini Babybel Cheese ($4.30 Off)

You can find the best deal for these easy-peel iconic snacks at Costco. Will your kids eat all 36 cheeses? Mine don't! For any that are nearing expiration, I peel and wrap with ground beef to make cheese-filled burger patties, or I grate them on top of scrambled eggs.

9. Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips ($4.50 Off)

Frozen chicken strips are a must-have for busy weeknights. Stock up while they're on sale, and you'll be glad to have them on days when everything feels insurmountable. Cook them in the air fryer—it'll take less time since you don't have to preheat. I do 375°F for 15 minutes.

10. Good Foods Organic Chunky Guacamole ($4 Off)

Here's a go-to breakfast I can whip up in under five minutes, and my kids love it. Toast sliced bread, smear with this prepared guacamole, and top with a fried egg. It's so delicious and filling.