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When you think of grocery stores specializing in healthy food products, you might think of Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, but have you ever considered a big box store like Costco? You’re going to love this massive roundup of healthy Costco foods!
It seems like everyone has a strong opinion on big box stores – either you love ’em or hate ’em. And those on each side are usually pretty passionate about it.
In health circles specifically, we’ve often heard that if you want to stick to your healthy eating plan, then you shouldn’t shop at places like Costco or Sam’s Club.
Here at Get Healthy U, we disagree and love the deals and products we can find at our local Costco. Here’s why:
- When it comes to clean eating, we have our favorite ingredients: sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, spinach, Greek yogurt, etc. Buy these things in bulk, and they’ll last you way longer! No need to buy them every few days at your local stop.
- According to a recent study, Costco sells MORE organic offerings than Whole Foods. And not only do we benefit from this, but it encourages more farmers to participate in organic practices.
- People say that it costs too much to eat healthfully. Buying in bulk combats this. You can pay close to $7 for a tiny container of almonds at your local grocer, but buy it at Costco, and you’ll pay $15.00 for a huge bag that will last you for months.
Keep in mind that having more food at home can be a temptation to overeat.
However, if you exercise portion control and measure food out ahead of time rather than eating from the bag or box, taking advantage of bulk offerings can help your wallet.
Table of contents
From dinner shortcuts to ingredient staples, Costco has your back when it comes to eating healthy. Check out these best healthy Costco food items to buy in bulk:
Costco Dairy, Milk, and Almond Milk
Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk
Whether you’re dairy-free or not, almond milk is delicious for you too. Plus, we love that it comes in 6 jugs to store in our pantry and then grab a fresh one whenever we need it.
Organic Milk
Few people go to the grocery store without getting their weekly staple: milk. Buy three half gallons at once at Costco, and you won’t have to worry about walking to the back of the store next time.
Kirkland Organic Greek Yogurt
Chris herself eats Greek yogurt every day, whether it’s a quick snack in the office or an ice cream substitute after dinner with chocolate chips and honey.
But we also love to use it in our baking recipes for extra moist consistency. This 3-pound jug is perfect for any Greek yogurt lover.
Organic Salted Butter/Unsalted Butter
Whether you want to pay for organic or not, you can find butter in bulk for all your cooking and baking needs. We keep ours in the freezer, and it lasts forever!
And yes, butter can be part of a clean diet!
Costco Nut Butters and Healthy Oils
Almond Butter/Peanut Butter/Peanut Butter Powder/Cashew Butter
What would we do without nut butter? Whether you’re a peanut butter fan or prefer almond butter, these oversized jugs will last you long past the normal variety.
Plus, if you prefer powdered peanut butter to reduce the oil content, you can get that too! (You can get a 2-pack—28 oz. each—of PB for $9.99!)
Kirkland Almond Butter
Almond butter is prosperous, healthy, and delicious. We love this nut butter as a way to add healthy fats into your diet to keep you satiated. The Kirkland brand of Almond Butter is certified gluten-free.
Kirkland Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple healthy oil in our kitchen. We love buying this in bulk, so we always have it on hand. Kirkland’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes in a 1 Liter size.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of our absolute favorites, so when we saw this 84-ounce jar, we were pumped! We love using coconut oil in place of regular cooking oil or butter for specific recipes as well as when we’re baking.
But not only that, coconut oil can be used as a skin moisturizer and so much more!
Costco Healthy Drinks
Organic Coconut Water
We all know the importance of hydration, but sometimes it’s hard to drink enough water.
For you coconut water lovers out there, you’re not going to find anything better than this pack of 12.
Organic Orange Cranberry Naked Juice
We love making our smoothies and juices, but sometimes an excellent Naked juice is all we need. Now, rather than paying $5 for a tiny little bottle, we can buy 64 fl oz. to last us all week.
Alternatively, you can get a variety pack of different flavors in mini bottles.
Kombucha
Kirkland Organic Kombucha is as good as the other brands and the ginger lemonade flavor is yummy. Kombucha can be expensive at your regular grocery stores, ringing up at close to $4 per bottle.
Buy the Kirkland 8 pack and it’s close to ½ the price per bottle!
Coffee
Costco has a huge selection of beans. Whatever is your favorite brand, they probably have it.
I am a Starbucks lover and I get the 2-pound bag of fresh roast beans which again saves me a substantial amount from buying 2 one-pound bags at the local Starbucks.
Plus there is a coffee bean grinder on the way out of the store near the customer service counter. If you need your beans ground, do it on the way out of the store.
Costco Healthy Snacks
Made Good Granola Bites
I’m excited Costco has these! A perfect on-the-go snack that is allergy friendly and they make two yummy flavors.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
These almond flour crackers are naturally gluten-free! Plus, they taste delicious with hummus or cheese. On the healthier side with fewer ingredients.
A family favorite for my gluten-free family members and relatives.
Skinny Pop
Sometimes a popcorn craving hits – and that’s ok! I am a popcorn lover. It’s my go-to munchy snack and a better choice than lots of chips filled with weird ingredients.
Skinny Pop satisfies that crunch craving and just a few ingredients – organic popcorn, organic sunflower oils, and sea salt.
Off the Beaten Path Veggie Crisps
Veggies crisps are another tasty snack. No, these can not replace your daily vegetables but they satisfy the munchies or make a nice crunchy side with a salad or sandwich.
An alternative to potato chips, we love the Off the Beaten Path Veggie Crisps at Costco.
Grain Free Tortilla Chips
These are a tasty and healthy alternatives to traditional tortilla chips.
Terra Sweet Potato Chips
These chips are my favorite. I am a sweet potato lover and these are my go-to chip. My kids love them too.
Again, I’m not suggesting that chips be a big part of your daily diet, but when you want something crunchy, these Terra brand sweet potato chips are a must-have for your pantry.
Kirkland Organic Apple Sauce
Apple sauce comes in handy when your sweet tooth kicks in. Costco’s Kirkland brand of apple sauce is organic and has simple, clean ingredients.
Costco Grains and Rice
Rolled Oats
Organic Golden Flax Seed
Flax seed is a staple in our morning smoothies so buying this in bulk is a no brainer. Make sure to store it in the refrigerator or freezer though as you won’t be able to go through it as quickly and it can spoil.
Organic Quinoa
From salads to Buddha bowls to dinner sides, we use quinoa on the regular. So this 4.5-pound bag is clearly showing up in our cupboards.
Seeds of Change Brown & Red Rice Packets
These brown and red rice packets are perfect when you need something to fill you up but don’t have time to wait for the rice to cook.
Add protein and veggies for a well-rounded meal that comes together in a flash.
Nature’s Intent Organic Chia Seeds
Another smoothie staple, this large bag of chia seeds is great for incorporating into all sorts of recipes. From chia puddings to salad dressings to baked goods, you may work through this bag faster than you think.
Chia seeds are a great source of Omega 3s so feel good about sprinkling on your yogurt, salad, cereal, etc.
Organic Quinoa and Kale
Another shortcut dinner option or side is this organic quinoa and kale pack. Tossed with garlic, sea salt and olive oil, it’s great as is or spruced up with some spices, additional veggies and protein.
2-Minute Grains
This awesome find combines wheat berries, quinoa, farro and barley in little packets that make for a delicious side or base for a Buddha bowl.
All it takes it 2 minutes in the microwave!
Costco Nuts and Seeds
Costco is a huge money saver for nuts and seeds. A big bag of Costco almonds, pistachios, or pumpkin seeds is half the price literally of the regular grocery store prices! Nuts stay good for a long time so it’s worth it.
Plus, nuts are a great source of healthy fat, and protein and they deliver a yummy crunch. Almonds, pistachios, and pumpkin seeds are staples in my house but Costco also has other nuts too!
Cashew Clusters
This is a tasty and filling snack that you’ll be happy to have on hand when you get a case of the munchies. Also good to bring along on a road trip!
Costco Produce
Certified Organic Apples
Of course, you can choose to buy non-organic or organic apples, but since they’re on the dirty dozen list, we like to go for the organic.
Buying in bulk helps with the price per apple especially if you and your family eat an apple a day!
Organic Blackberries/Raspberries
Another dirty dozen list member, organic berries are awesome to buy from Costco.
You get about double the amount which we love, and the price is hard to beat too.
Related: 21 Costco Recipes With Ingredients From Your Favorite Costco Finds
Columbia Organic Three Berry Blend
You can also get excellent bags of frozen fruit from Costco like Columbia Organic Three Berry Blend. There are tons of options, blueberries, mangos, and others.
Frozen fruit is as healthy as fresh and lasts longer. I use this for my smoothies every morning!
Avocados
Now you can eat an avocado every day!
Buy a bag of these from Costco and you’ll be able to use them in whatever your heart desires all week: salsa, toasts, sandwiches, salads, homemade guacamole, and more.
Organic Baby Spinach/Power Greens
For salads or juicing, buying spinach, kale, and chard in bulk is a no-brainer.
Organic Baby Carrots
Obsessed with carrots? Well, you probably won’t be able to find a larger bag of them than this 5-pound behemoth.
Organic Broccoli
Stir-frys, in a veggie tray, covered in cheese – however you eat your broccoli, you can now get it in mass proportions.
Love Beets Organic Cooked Beets
Don’t love scrubbing, peeling, and cooking beets? Us either.
But now we don’t have to since Love Beets has done all the work for us with these perfectly cooked organic beets ready to throw in salads and soups alike.
Pickled Beets
These last a long time in the fridge if you need them too, but in my house, it’s only a few weeks.
We use these on everything from sandwiches to salads to midnight snacking.
Sweet Potatoes
You can’t beat a bag of sweet potatoes for its versatility. Grab a bag of Costco sweet potatoes and meal prep for the week!
They last a long time so it’s worth the savings.
Costco also has regular potatoes, red potatoes, and a few other varieties. I chop them and roast them, bake them, mash them. Potatoes make every meal better!
Costco Dips and Sauces
Basha Hommus
Basha Hommus from Costco is delicious. (Some Costco stores sell different brands but most often they have chosen a well-known healthy brand.) Plus, a 36-ounce tub of hummus is exactly what we’re talking about.
While we do love to make our own hummus, when the week doesn’t permit it, Costco has us covered when it comes to our addiction.
And remember beans are full of protein. Hummus is usually a part of my daily diet – I dip my veggies in it.
Organic Wholly Guacamole Minis
The perfect snack for on-the-go, these guacamole minis are something you want to have around.
And since you get 20 mini cups, you should be able to get a few yourself before your family steals them all.
Kirkland Organic Chunky Guacamole
Costco also sells large containers of guacamole in addition to the small individual-size containers. Perfect for patio gatherings with tequila soda, chips, and guac!
Basil Pesto
We love this Basil Pesto! So delicious and only uses real ingredients as if we were making it ourselves. We add it to sandwiches, zucchini noodles, and salad dressings for a delicious pop.
Bitchin Sauce
Bitchin’ Sauce is an extremely popular dip that also happens to be vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. It’s made of a special blend of spices and doesn’t have any MSG, artificial sugars, or gums.
We think this one lives up to the Hype! Use it as a dip or a marinade, according to their website.
Pure Maple Syrup
You’d be shocked at how many ingredients and preservatives are added to most maple syrup found in the grocery store.
This one only has one ingredient so you know you’re only enjoying the good stuff.
Costco Soups and Salads
Kale Superfood Salad
This pre-mixed salad blend is one of our favorites. It’s filled with tons of superfoods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, pumpkin seeds, and more.
Perfect for lunch and dinner, you’ll be so glad it’s a large bag.
Organic Chopped Barley & Vegetable Soup
These vegetarian and dairy-free soups are crucial for a no-plan dinner. Filled with tons of vegetables and filling barley, it’s delicious and good for you.
Amy’s Organic Lentil Soups
For a quick lunch or dinner, opening a can of Amy’s Lentil Soup could not be easier.
Keep these on hand for nights where you get home starving with no time to make dinner but still want a healthy meal.
Costco Meat & Eggs
Chilean Sea Bass
Organic Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts & Thighs
Chicken is a staple in our diets; filling, full of protein, but still lean.
You can get a 3-pack bundle to keep in your freezer or fridge depending on how quickly you work through it.
Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
With no antibiotics, hormones, or steroids, these chicken breasts are perfect to keep in the freezer and thaw when you need them.
And it’s one of the best deals we’ve seen around!
Organic Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
Organic deli meat at the local grocery store is so expensive for such a little amount, which is why we prefer this oven-roasted turkey breast.
Perfect for sandwiches, in lettuce wraps, on crackers, or with cheese.
All Natural Ground Turkey
Love substituting ground turkey in your tacos or other ground beef recipes?
Then buy a 3 pack which typically weighs about 4 pounds and store in the fridge or freezer depending on how quickly you can work through it.
Kirkland Organic Eggs
If a dozen eggs just don’t cut it in your household, then you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the 2-dozen package of organic brown eggs at Costco.
Kirkland Organic Hard Boiled Eggs
Also, are you a hard-boiled egg lover? While it really isn’t too hard to make them yourself, and we’ve even got a special trick, if you’re pressed for time, you can buy 24 cage-free organic hard-boiled eggs from Costco in a cinch.
I was initially hesitant because I usually boil my own, but they taste delicious and are not injected with sodium. Totally worth the buy since my family eats lots of them.
We hope you’re a Costco believer now that we’ve given you the map to find all the healthy Costco foods.
Now – what are your favorite Costco finds? Comment below! And don’t forget to download your healthy Costco shopping list.
READ THIS NEXT: 21 Costco Recipes With Ingredients From Your Favorite Costco Finds
Unfortunately it’s not almond milk, it’s almond beverage and has no calcium in it, so it’s basically expensive water.
It does have almonds and it doesn’t have carrageenan which is why we like it. It’s also a great price for those on a budget. I personally don’t drink it to get my daily calcium- I add it to things – coffee, smoothies, etc. I get calcium through leafy greens, yogurt, etc. We (Team GHU) also like that the Fooducate App gave it an A- . They rate almond milks from A- down to C-. We do have an amazing recipe on our site to make homemade almond milk – and hands down it is the best tasting milk EVER !!! https://gethealthyu.com/homemade-almond-milk/
Unfortunately, there are two short comings to the almond milk I have found in our Costco. 1)it only comes with vanilla flavoring (Blech!) and 2) almond milk is bitter without some kind of sweetner. If not sugar or a chemical sweetner, Chris’s recipe in the link provided with dates to sweeten it is a good alternative.
Hi Stephen – glad you like my homemade version! That’s my favorite too 🙂
We absolutely love the Kale Superfood Salad – it’s one of my biggest daily vegetable sources! Not just for a quick salad, but great in soups and stirfrys, too. Thanks for the tips on all these great foods, I’m going to give some of the grain products a try, and the organic turkey, and the beets. A very helpful article!
I’ve tried the Kirkland brand Almond milk and it was awful, not nearly as good asoyher unsweetened almond milk.
You can’t just blindly buy Organic at Costco, or anywhere else for that matter. The Kirkland Almond Milk is loaded with fillers, hence the bad taste. The eggs are ranked very badly by the Cornucopia institute, they (and their milk) actually come from confined animal feedlots (CAFO’s). Sad, but true, it’s almost impossible to buy mass produced products that actually are what they claim to be. Gotta do your own research!
While no company is perfect and we agree that you always need to do your research, we’ve only read good things about Costco’s organic offerings. You may be interested in this article: http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201108?pg=26#pg26
Are these products available in Canada?
I actually don’t know – sorry! We’ve only shopped U.S. stores 🙂
Late to the conversation but agree…. the Kirkland almond milk is horrible. It had so many negative reviews online at Costco pulled from his online ordering.
Explore cuisine’s organic edamame spaghetti..it is available in different flavors too…has 25g of protein per 2oz serving…
I only buy my produce at Costco. I detoxify all my produce (regular or organic) in a clean sink, fill with cold water, add 4 tblsp salt & 1 tblsp lemon juice. Swish around periodically for 10 minutes. Rinse and air dry completely on a towel before packaging up to keep in fridge. You’ll be amazed on what your water looks like when done. My produce lasts a lot longer and I think tastes better.
Note: I do no that wash my leafy veggies so I always buy organic.