The $7 Costco Staple I Stock in My Fridge in January (I Eat It for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

It’s easy to get caught up in the “new year, new you” energy of January, but it’s worth remembering that you don’t have to make major changes to make this year a great one. When I’m refreshing the refrigerator after a month of holiday festivities, I return to a familiar spot: Costco. That’s where I know I can stock up on tried and true cooking favorites. 

With a reliable set of staple ingredients on hand, I’ve set myself up to succeed at cooking dinner at home more often or trying that new recipe I’ve been seeing everywhere. One item I always make sure to add to my cart is Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt. It is rich, tangy, and incredibly versatile.

Costco members are known to be loyal to the warehouse’s private-label brand, Kirkland Signature. Its organic Greek yogurt has become a regular addition to my Costco grocery hauls. Greek yogurt is thicker than conventional yogurt and has a savory, tangy flavor. 

The serving size is a generous 2/3 cup, which delivers 18 grams of protein (or 36% of the daily value). This yogurt is certified organic and has live and active cultures that are beneficial for gut health. 

Plus, it’s a great deal. Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt is $6.99 for 48 ounces (or about 15 cents per ounce). The price for organic nonfat Greek yogurt at my grocery store is almost twice as expensive: $6.63 for 24 ounces (or 28 cents per ounce).

The list of ways I use Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt keeps growing. The obvious first choice is in a bowl for breakfast. This yogurt is unflavored and unsweetened, so I can add as much (or as little) flavoring as I like. 

I usually start with a drizzle of maple syrup and add fruit and crunchy nuts. It also adds a creamy texture, tart flavor, and satiating protein to smoothies that I make in the morning or at midday.  

This nonfat yogurt might not be the best choice for recipes that rely on yogurt’s fat content for texture and tenderness, but there are plenty of others that it makes even more delicious. Its thick and tangy texture is an ideal substitute for sour cream as a topping for baked potatoes and beef chili, or as an ingredient in party dips. Greek yogurt is an excellent marinade and can be turned into a buttermilk substitute by thinning it with a bit of milk. 

You can even transform yogurt into a creamy salad dressing with a few herbs and spices. There are so many uses for Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt, you might want to buy two containers next time.

Find it in stores: Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt, $6.99 for 48 ounces

What Costco staple are you stocking up on to start the new year? Tell us about it in the comments below.

This post originally appeared on The Kitchn. See it there: The $7 Costco Staple I'll Stock in My Fridge Forever (I Eat It for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)