14 Surprising Snacks I’m Grabbing from Costco for the Super Bowl

Hummus, that Middle Eastern staple, is a natural at any gathering, and I have sworn by the Costco Basha brand for years as my go-to if I am not making hummus from scratch. But this Hannah brand Hommus Trio, with three flavors in one fabulous tub, was impossible to resist. You have your classic version in the middle, flanked by stripes of red pepper and cilantro lemon versions that give you a little something extra special, in a delivery mode that is easy to serve without having to break out three different bowls. It is the Neapolitan ice cream of hummus, and I am here for it. You can serve it with the ubiquitous baby carrots or pick up a couple bags of their cocktail cucumbers for a fun twist! These baby Persian cucumbers are about the size of your finger, so you can serve them whole or halved lengthwise, and they are great dip deliverers, and an adorable way to get kids to eat vegetables.

If you are going to have hummus, or any other dip for that matter, the Stonefire mini naan breads are a fun dipper to grab. You can serve them as-is, or heat them up in the oven. You can even drizzle them with olive oil and add some za’atar, sumac, or other spices to really make them fancy. They are the perfect size scooper, and can also make a fabulous base for mini pizzas. and other canapes.

If you have found the mini naans, then you’re already thinking Indian, and a great topping is only a jar away! The two-jar pack of Mayura organic Tikka Masala sauce can be added to any meat, from ground beef for take on the sloppy joe, to shredded chicken, pulled pork, and even cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version that’s a hearty main dish with little effort. You can even do an Indian version of a Buffalo chicken dip with it. The spicy sauce is surprisingly versatile and can add some much-needed flavor to a traditional gathering.

Mexican-inspired fare is often relegated to chips, guac, and salsa during Super Bowl time, but Costco will go one further for you. Rojo’s pre-made six-layer dip in a 44-ounce container is made with black beans and cotija cheese and keeps the muss and fuss out of the way and.

More of a queso person when it comes to your dipping preferences, but have some vegans coming to play? Good Foods plant-based Queso Style Dip in a 24-ounce container is a dairy-free way to make your guests welcome, and chances are good your non-vegan pals will love it too!

Now that we have your vegan folks covered, let’s chat about your gluten-free pals. Frozen Brazi Bites are little nuggets of Brazilian pao de queijo, or cheese bread, and these parmesan and cheddar versions are delicious. They bake up straight from frozen and have terrific cheese flavor and a slightly chewy texture. I think of them as a Brazilian gougère, and the small size is super snackable. They come in a 62-piece bag and puff up charmingly when baked.

Next, hit the freezer section for Don Miguel Chicken and Cheese Mini Taco appetizers. A box of 72 serves a crowd, they are quick and easy to heat, and are a convenient snack-size that will appeal to both adults and kids.

We can’t get into a discussion of fun global Super Bowl snacks without mentioning two of my favorite party items. East West Cuisine makes pre-cooked Chinese takeout-style ribs that just need reheating for all the nostalgia of your local chop suey house appetizer.

The pork ribs are great with Bibigo’s one-bite mini wontons from the freezer section. My store was stocked with three-pound bags of the Chicken and Cilantro flavor.

If you are looking for a really interesting and different Asian-influenced snack, keep your eyes peeled for the SnakYard Crispy Crunchy and Seasoned dried Shitake Mushrooms, which are a definite break from the norm in all the good ways, and a wonderful chip alternative for your low-carb pals.

Need something sweet in this area? Look no further than a box of 18 mini mochi ice cream balls, in a combo pack with strawberry, green tea and mango flavors.

Pots & Co is a London-based company that makes adorable single-serving puddings, custards, and mousses. They come in reusable stoneware ramekins with sprinkle-on toppings and are so good I have been known to bust them out for fancy dinner parties. I found a four-pack of their Hazelnut Chocolate pots and might have let out a yelp of delight in the middle of the aisle.

I had no idea what to expect with the package of Belgian Clouds, promising an “airy sweet filling covered in Belgian Chocolate and powdered sugar,” and I still can’t really describe them except to say that they are delicious. Sort of a combination of extra-firm vanilla whipped cream fondant in the middle with a thin coating of chocolate and then a dusting of powdered sugar. I think they are worth checking out. Plus, they are individually wrapped, so you can save any that don’t get eaten.

Lastly, on the snack side, I am always a fan of an interesting mix to put out in bowls, and when I found this 30-ounce bag of uncrystalized ginger, I knew it would be the gift that keeps on giving. Thinly sliced, lightly sweetened ginger with a soft texture, it is very snackable on its own, but I took it up a notch and mixed it with Sriracha-flavored almonds and bittersweet chocolate chips for a very grown up take on a trail mix. You’ll find all sorts of extra uses for this ginger in baking and cooking as well.

Enjoy your Costco run and the big game!