Finding snacks your kids will actually eat can feel like a full-time job. You want something affordable, not loaded with junk, and easy enough to throw in a lunchbox or grab for the car.
Costco’s snack section covers all of that if you know where to look. There are a handful of options under $5 that kids actually reach for—and you’ll probably end up eating them too.
Kirkland Signature fruit snacks
These are always a win. Costco’s fruit snacks are made with real fruit juice, not the weird waxy kind that gets stuck in your teeth.
They come in big packs that make them easy to grab for school lunches, car rides, or after-school snacks. You’ll pay less than you would for name-brand versions, and kids don’t notice the difference—except they might actually finish the bag this time.
Annie’s organic cheddar bunnies
If you’ve got Goldfish lovers in your house, these are an easy swap. Annie’s cheddar bunnies taste fresh, have fewer additives, and cost under $5 a box at Costco when you buy them in bulk.
They’re shaped like tiny bunnies, which somehow makes them more fun to eat, and they don’t leave your fingers covered in orange dust. You can portion them into snack bags for the week or keep the box in the pantry for those “I need something now” moments.
GoGo squeeZ applesauce pouches
These little pouches save you from sticky spoons and half-eaten cups. Costco sells big boxes for cheap, and each pouch comes out to under $1.
They’re great for toddlers but still a hit with older kids too. The fruit flavors actually taste like fruit, not syrup, and they don’t require refrigeration, which makes them perfect for throwing in a backpack or diaper bag.
Kirkland organic applesauce cups
If you prefer traditional cups over pouches, Costco’s organic applesauce cups are under $5 for a large pack. The flavor is clean and light, and they don’t have that fake sweetness a lot of other brands do.
They’re great for after-school snacks or to balance out a quick breakfast. You’ll get more servings for your money, and the quality is surprisingly good for the price.
Pirate’s Booty aged white cheddar puffs
If you need a crunchy snack that doesn’t feel like junk food, Pirate’s Booty is the way to go. Costco usually has big bags for under $5, and they last a while if you portion them out.
They’re baked, not fried, and kids love the mild cheddar flavor. They’re easy to pack and don’t leave your hands greasy—which means fewer napkins and less cleanup.
Nature’s Bakery fig bars
These are one of those snacks that manage to please everyone. Costco’s big box has plenty of individually wrapped bars that come out to less than a dollar each.
They taste like soft granola bars with a fruit center—kind of like a grown-up Fig Newton but without all the added sugar. They’re great for on-the-go breakfasts, especially on mornings when you’re running behind.
Welch’s fruit ‘n yogurt snacks
These are one of the most popular kids’ snacks at Costco for a reason. They’re soft, sweet, and actually contain real fruit coated in creamy yogurt.
Each pack costs under $1, and they’re perfect for tossing in lunchboxes. They taste like candy, but they’re a little better for you—and that’s about as close to a parenting win as it gets.
Kirkland granola bars
You can’t go wrong with granola bars. Costco’s Kirkland brand comes in big boxes that average less than 25 cents a bar.
They’re soft, chewy, and filled with oats and chocolate chips—enough to satisfy picky eaters without all the artificial ingredients. Keep a few in the car, a few in backpacks, and you’ll never be without a quick snack again.
Apples or bananas by the bunch
Costco’s produce prices can’t be beat, and you can easily grab a bag of apples or a big bunch of bananas for under $5. It’s the easiest way to balance out the snack drawer with something fresh.
They’re quick to grab, last all week, and cost less per serving than anything processed. Plus, most kids actually eat them when they’re right in front of them.
Costco’s under-$5 snacks prove that feeding kids doesn’t have to break the bank. Stock up on the right ones, and you’ll have a pantry full of things they actually eat—without feeling like you’re wasting money.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
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