Welcome toThrifty, aweekly column where nutrition editor and registered dietitian, Jessica Ball, keeps it real on how to grocery shop on a budget, make healthy meals for one or two and make earth-friendly choices without overhauling your entire life.I’m adietitian on a budget, and the choices I make grocery shopping reflect that. I only shop for myself and my partner, so Costco sizes don’t always make sense for us. But there are still a few itemsI choose to buy at Costcobecause of their impressive quality and competitive prices (looking at you,meat counter). When I make my quarterly visits, one budget-friendly ingredient is always on my list: the Kirkland Signature Parmigiano-Reggiano wedge.Adobe Stock / mandritoiuI am a cheese lover—it might just be my favorite food. But high-quality cheese comes at a high price point. This 2-pound wedge at Costco is my workaround. Genuine Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano is often over $20 per pound, so $23 for 2 pounds of the real stuff from Costco is a great deal. Since it’s a hard cheese, it lasts in the fridge for up to 6 weeks whenstored properly(think: airtight plastic or reusable bag). If you are really worried about getting through the larger size wedge,you can freeze itfor up to 6 months.The Surprising Reason Why Some Types of Parmesan Cheese Aren’t VegetarianChoosing a large wedge like this keeps me from buying the preshredded or grated stuff. I am definitely not shaming anyone for deciding to buy shredded cheese, but there are a few reasons I avoid it. First, many shredded cheeses are coated with starch or anticaking agents to keep them from sticking together in the container. While these starches and anticaking agents are safe to eat, they can mess with how your cheese melts. I also like to use Parmesan in other shapes than just shredded. I use a veggie peeler to top pasta orrisottowith shavings. Slices or broken-off hunks are great forcharcuterie boards(or simple snacking). Cubes are perfect for chopped salad or antipasto salad. Drop the rind into soup or while cooking dried beans to impart a nice, umami-rich flavor into the broth (or in recipes like ourone-pot lentil & vegetable soup with Parmesan). To beThrifty, we love finding a use for things that would otherwise be wasted.Next time you head to Costco, consider adding the Kirkland Signature Parmigiano-Reggiano wedge to your list. It will save you some money while giving a serious flavor boost to your meals. For more, check out my12 Best Mediterranean Diet Foods on a Budget.Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Welcome toThrifty, aweekly column where nutrition editor and registered dietitian, Jessica Ball, keeps it real on how to grocery shop on a budget, make healthy meals for one or two and make earth-friendly choices without overhauling your entire life.I’m adietitian on a budget, and the choices I make grocery shopping reflect that. I only shop for myself and my partner, so Costco sizes don’t always make sense for us. But there are still a few itemsI choose to buy at Costcobecause of their impressive quality and competitive prices (looking at you,meat counter). When I make my quarterly visits, one budget-friendly ingredient is always on my list: the Kirkland Signature Parmigiano-Reggiano wedge.Adobe Stock / mandritoiuI am a cheese lover—it might just be my favorite food. But high-quality cheese comes at a high price point. This 2-pound wedge at Costco is my workaround. Genuine Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano is often over $20 per pound, so $23 for 2 pounds of the real stuff from Costco is a great deal. Since it’s a hard cheese, it lasts in the fridge for up to 6 weeks whenstored properly(think: airtight plastic or reusable bag). If you are really worried about getting through the larger size wedge,you can freeze itfor up to 6 months.The Surprising Reason Why Some Types of Parmesan Cheese Aren’t VegetarianChoosing a large wedge like this keeps me from buying the preshredded or grated stuff. I am definitely not shaming anyone for deciding to buy shredded cheese, but there are a few reasons I avoid it. First, many shredded cheeses are coated with starch or anticaking agents to keep them from sticking together in the container. While these starches and anticaking agents are safe to eat, they can mess with how your cheese melts. I also like to use Parmesan in other shapes than just shredded. I use a veggie peeler to top pasta orrisottowith shavings. Slices or broken-off hunks are great forcharcuterie boards(or simple snacking). Cubes are perfect for chopped salad or antipasto salad. Drop the rind into soup or while cooking dried beans to impart a nice, umami-rich flavor into the broth (or in recipes like ourone-pot lentil & vegetable soup with Parmesan). To beThrifty, we love finding a use for things that would otherwise be wasted.Next time you head to Costco, consider adding the Kirkland Signature Parmigiano-Reggiano wedge to your list. It will save you some money while giving a serious flavor boost to your meals. For more, check out my12 Best Mediterranean Diet Foods on a Budget.
Welcome toThrifty, aweekly column where nutrition editor and registered dietitian, Jessica Ball, keeps it real on how to grocery shop on a budget, make healthy meals for one or two and make earth-friendly choices without overhauling your entire life.
I’m adietitian on a budget, and the choices I make grocery shopping reflect that. I only shop for myself and my partner, so Costco sizes don’t always make sense for us. But there are still a few itemsI choose to buy at Costcobecause of their impressive quality and competitive prices (looking at you,meat counter). When I make my quarterly visits, one budget-friendly ingredient is always on my list: the Kirkland Signature Parmigiano-Reggiano wedge.
Adobe Stock / mandritoiu
I am a cheese lover—it might just be my favorite food. But high-quality cheese comes at a high price point. This 2-pound wedge at Costco is my workaround. Genuine Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano is often over $20 per pound, so $23 for 2 pounds of the real stuff from Costco is a great deal. Since it’s a hard cheese, it lasts in the fridge for up to 6 weeks whenstored properly(think: airtight plastic or reusable bag). If you are really worried about getting through the larger size wedge,you can freeze itfor up to 6 months.
The Surprising Reason Why Some Types of Parmesan Cheese Aren’t Vegetarian
Choosing a large wedge like this keeps me from buying the preshredded or grated stuff. I am definitely not shaming anyone for deciding to buy shredded cheese, but there are a few reasons I avoid it. First, many shredded cheeses are coated with starch or anticaking agents to keep them from sticking together in the container. While these starches and anticaking agents are safe to eat, they can mess with how your cheese melts. I also like to use Parmesan in other shapes than just shredded. I use a veggie peeler to top pasta orrisottowith shavings. Slices or broken-off hunks are great forcharcuterie boards(or simple snacking). Cubes are perfect for chopped salad or antipasto salad. Drop the rind into soup or while cooking dried beans to impart a nice, umami-rich flavor into the broth (or in recipes like ourone-pot lentil & vegetable soup with Parmesan). To beThrifty, we love finding a use for things that would otherwise be wasted.
Next time you head to Costco, consider adding the Kirkland Signature Parmigiano-Reggiano wedge to your list. It will save you some money while giving a serious flavor boost to your meals. For more, check out my12 Best Mediterranean Diet Foods on a Budget.
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