There’s just something magical about roaming the aisles of Costco with your jumbo-sized shopping cart. Whether you’re looking for coffee, sweatpants, or printer ink, you’ll likely find it among the aisles and aisles of Costco products. One thing people love about this store is that they can buy quality items in bulk at fair prices, especially Kirkland Signature brand items.
Costco is a wonderland of snacks and tasty foods, and on a good day, you may be lucky enough to snag a few free samples. But with so much on offer, narrowing down your shopping list can be a challenge. If you’re looking for healthy meal and snack ideas, we’ve got you covered. We’ll outline some of the best things at Costco, according to our dietitians.
Why Should You Make a Shopping List Before Going to Costco?
Research shows that meal planning is associated with a healthier diet, and it can be an easy and effective way to meet your nutrition goals. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or maintain, planning out your meals and snacks ahead of time ensures that you always have something nourishing to munch on. Some people find that it works best for them to plan out the bulk of their meals, while others like to make a list of the ingredients and foods that they use on repeat. Either way, making a grocery list before you shop makes staying on track and finding healthy options easier.
53 Costco Food Essentials Our Dietitians Love
We got the scoop from some of our dietitians about their Costco essentials and favorites, including some of Costco’s best-selling items and some of the more underrated items, too.
Best Costco breakfast items to jump-start your morning
You likely already know by now that eating a healthy breakfast is a great way to start your day. A balanced breakfast focused on nutrient-dense foods can help set you up for success for the rest of the day. Ideally, you want to choose foods with plenty of protein and fiber while steering clear of refined carbs or sugar.
Experts recommend building your breakfast around whole grains, protein, fruits and/or veggies, and a healthy fat. Protein can help you stay full and satisfied throughout the morning so that you’re less likely to want a snack a few hours later. Here are some of the best items from Costco to add to your breakfast lineup, according to a dietitian:
- 2-pack hard-boiled eggs
- Kirkland Signature organic Greek nonfat yogurt
- Kodiak Cakes pancake and waffle mix
- Red’s Eggwich with turkey sausage
- Catalina Crunch keto-friendly cereal
- Kirkland Signature multigrain bread
- Coach’s Oats organic oatmeal
- Kirkland Signature organic free-range eggs
- Nature’s Path organic flax plus granola
- RX bars
- PBfit peanut butter powder
- Garden Lites spinach & egg white frittatas
- Kirkland Signature cold brew coffee
Best Costco lunch items that are yummy and nutritious
For many, lunch needs to be something easy and portable. Still, even no-fuss meals should still be balanced. While you meal prep your lunches, you’ll want to use the same principles you would for breakfast, focusing on lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs from whole grains or produce. Consider these Costco must-haves:
- Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken
- Mission Carb Balance tortillas
- Real Good chicken breast strips
- Tasty Bite Madras lentils
- Good Food avocado mash
- Parmesan whisps
- Organic Caesar salad kit
- Dole Mandarin fruit cups
- Honey Smoked Fish Co. honey smoked salmon
- Chobani Zero yogurt
- Abuelita tortilla chips
- Mateo’s gourmet salsa
Staying hydrated throughout the day is essential to your health. If you’re a soda drinker, consider making room in your grocery budget for something healthier. These drinks are all great swaps:
- Olipop sparkling water
- Liquid IV
- Kirkland Signature organic coconut water
- Brew Dr. organic kombucha
Best Costco dinner items for the entire family
Having a meal together at the end of the day gives your family time to relax and connect. In fact, regular family meals are associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety, and unhealthy habits later in adolescence. Costco has tons of fresh and frozen foods, including organic items, that are kid-approved for even the pickiest of eaters. These staples can help you whip up both tasty and nutrient-dense meals that your whole family can enjoy:
- Kirkland Signature organic ground beef
- Rao’s Homemade marinara sauce
- Purely Frozen organic riced cauliflower
- Royal basmati rice
- Imperial Garden organic edamame
- Stonefire naan dippers
- Bibigo chicken and cilantro mini wontons
- Kirkland Signature organic chicken bone broth
- Fruits and veggies
- Tasso’s garlic and jalapeño double stuffed olives
- Nature’s Garden organic trail mix snack packs
- Sabatino’s paleo organic sweet basil chicken sausage
- Kokuho Rose extra fancy rice
Best Costco healthy snacks to enjoy throughout the day
Eating balanced meals throughout the day can help you feel full and satisfied longer. Sometimes, though, you get a rumble in your stomach, and you know you’re not going to make it to the next meal without a snack. Snacking in moderation and choosing the right snacks work with a healthy lifestyle. Look to foods that have protein, whole grains, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied. Consider these options:
- Frigo Cheeseheads string cheese
- Kirkland Signature fruit and nut snacks
- Kirkland Signature organic applesauce pouches
- SkinnyPop popcorn
- SunChips (whole grain)
- Kirkland organic hummus
- Wholly Avocado smashed avocados
- Kirkland Signature roasted seaweed
- Darigold Trim low-fat cottage cheese
- Chomps beef sticks
- Yasso frozen Greek yogurt bars
ALSO READ > 10 Best Costco Sugar Swaps, According to Dietitians
Create a Balanced Diet Plan That Works for You
The beauty of eating a balanced diet is that there are so many healthy and nutritious foods to choose from. You can build nourishing meals around foods you love without ever having to sacrifice flavor.
Whether you’re in the Costco fan club or prefer to have your groceries delivered, MyFitnessPal is at your fingertips to help you make smart, healthy decisions every day. With the world’s largest nutrition database, you can track your meals and snacks with ease. On your next shopping trip, all you have to do is scan the barcode of your Costco favorites to get all the nutritional deets you need, so all you have to do is focus on your goals! Download the app now.
