Adventures in Food
Thank You Costco Taster People–Flax Topped Yogurt
Photo credit: noramunro
Thanks to the folks in hairnets my kids have tried all sorts of new-to-them foods while walking the aisles at Costco. Lobster bisque, buffalo sausage, chocolate truffles (well, they really didn’t need much encouragement to try chocolate, but my thanks all the same).
A few weeks back we happened on a sample of yogurt topped with ground flax seed next to the cereal aisle. Already a flax fan—the nutty flavor packs a healthy double punch of fiber and omega-3 fats—I mix it into cookies, bread, waffles, pretty much any baked good. I’d never thought of offering it straight to my kiddos. They loved it.
Now, I put a tupperware container of flax in the fridge right next to the 32-ounce tub of yogurt (Mountain High strawberry is my favorite; I’ll choose it over ice cream any day). My middle child dishes out a few scoops of yogurt then tops it with flax as a snack just about every day after school.
Have the samples at Costco driven your kids to try something new…and like it?
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about 3 years ago
I usually read on email feed, so this is the first I’ve noticed the squid of the fork. Looooove it.
Anyway, I don’t shop at Costco and they rarely have free samples at my grocery store, but I do add flax to pretty much everything. It’s the easiest way to stay regular.
about 3 years ago
Thanks for the kudos on the logo–it’s new!
Costco is the sample mecca. While I don’t always buy the products that they’re sampling, it often gives me ideas for something similar I can do at home–like flax on my yogurt.
about 3 years ago
I didn’t realize that the logo is new, either. I love it!
Whenever I think about kids trying something new, I picture my 3-year-old niece making a face and saying, “oh, that’s nasty.” Generally, though, they are pretty adventurous eaters, so the yogurt + flax might be something they would like. I’ve eaten it for years and never thought about offering it to kids. Thanks for the great suggestion.
about 3 years ago
I love flax and sometimes put the oil in my kids’ food. You are going to think I’m crazy but I’ve NEVER been to Costco so I can’t answer your question!
about 3 years ago
I’ll chime in with my thumbs up on your new logo, too.
My husband and sons LOVE to eat their way through Costco. Me, the more picky healthy eater, usually ends up with nothing to eat, on the other hand…
But I already top my yogurt with ground flax and agree that it does give a great flavor to it!
about 3 years ago
Thanks on the thumbs up for the logo–Mr. Squid designed it.
I find that Costco is offering more and more organic and locally produced products–I’ve been pleasantly surprised. For instance, our Coscto had organic ice cream from a local vendor–no artificial ingredients (and they encouraged my kids to try several different flavors). I’m not trying to say Costco always has the best offerings, but it’s been an adventure for our crew (international cheese tastings was a hit with my oldest; I couldn’t take the aged bleu cheese, she downed it).
about 3 years ago
I know what you mean – my kids will jump at anything in those little paper cups! We don’t do Costco, mainly because there’s not one real close, but Trader Joe’s does the same thing and my kids have tried all sorts of meats, sauces, and other concoctions they’d sneer at if I served them! I’ve even gotten recipe ideas from the combos they demonstrate.
about 3 years ago
I know people who spend their dinner hour at Costco sampling (eating) dishes (dinner)! But I love this flax on yogurt thing. I never thought of it! I do like the toasted flax seeds (or is it dry roasted?) on cereal. I bet adding a little fruit to the mix will be good as well.
Meredith
about 3 years ago
Ah, we’re Trader Joe’s fans too. We don’t have one nearby, but we will soon! TJ’s raspberry jam is the absolute best.
about 3 years ago
I’ve always used ground flax, but I like the idea of toasted.
about 3 years ago
I don’t shop at Costco either (too far, and not enough room for the things they have – though perhaps when I have another freezer someday?) but, flax is nice. Can you tell me how you prepare it? I usually try to grind it right before eating (as they say that’s best) but I don’t have a dedicated grinder for it right now.
about 3 years ago
I buy mine already ground. I like Bob’s Red Mill.
about 3 years ago
Yes, my husband loves the tasting options at Costco. I get my flax with oatmeal. I like my yogurt smooth.
And, regarding organic at Costco, keep asking for it!!!! I have been doing so for years, and even send emails to the woman who reviews products for their magazine. She pays attention to what customers want. If enough people cry out for organic, Costco will listen.
about 3 years ago
Good for you Alexandra. At least in our area, there are many, many organic offerings at Costco and other products like natural sweeteners (agave), almond butter, and more. I’m a fan of the Lara bar multipacks.
about 3 years ago
OK, OK, I’m convinced. I need to try flax. It’s on my to-do list.
about 3 years ago
I think it has a real nutty flavor (and I love nuts)–added bonus, BIG health boost. You should give it a try.