I'm a Registered Dietitian: Here Are 20 Foods I Always Buy at Costco
These convenient, nutrient-packed picks make meal prep and snacking easier than ever.

If you've ever walked into Costco for one thing and left with a cart full of groceries, you're definitely not alone. While it's known for its bulk buys, it's also one of my favorite places to stock up on nutritious foods that make healthy eating easier—and more affordable.
As a registered dietitian, I'm always on the lookout for products that save time without sacrificing nutrition, and Costco never disappoints. From protein-packed staples and fresh produce to wholesome snacks and ready-to-eat meals, these are the 20 items I reach for again and again to make healthy eating simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly.
Season Sardine Fillets

As someone who grew up eating sardines, I love how easy it is to incorporate Season Sardine Fillets into meals. These skinless, boneless sardines are wild-caught, sustainable and offer four times more heart-healthy omega-3s than light tuna according to the brand.
The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week, and sardines a simple, nutritious option that's always good to have on hand.
Health benefit: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to support heart, brain and eye health.
Serving suggestion: Add to salads, grain bowls, or pasta, spread on whole-grain crackers or stir into scrambled eggs.
RELATED: 15 Healthiest Fish to Eat, According to Registered Dietitians
Tasty Bite Madras Lentils

When I need a nourishing meal in minutes, these convenient pouches of cooked lentils are one of the first pantry staples I reach for. Made with lentils, kidney beans, tomatoes and warming spices, each serving provides 6 grams of both protein and fiber.
I appreciate that the ingredient list is relatively simple and built around beans and legumes. It's an easy vegetarian option that makes putting together a balanced, nourishing meal much simpler.
Health benefit: Lentils and beans provide plant-based protein and fiber to support satiety and gut health.
Serving suggestion: Serve over brown rice, alongside roasted vegetables or pair with grilled chicken or tofu for an even heartier meal.
RELATED: 5 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Beans, According to Dietitians
Beetolog Organic Beets

These organic cooked beets are a convenient way to add more vegetables to your meals without the prep work. Since they're already cooked and peeled, they make it much easier to enjoy beets more regularly.
Health benefit: Naturally rich in fiber, antioxidants, and nitrates that may support heart health and exercise performance.
Serving suggestion: Slice into salads, blend into smoothies or serve with grilled salmon or chicken with goat cheese and arugula.
Veggies Made Great Spinach Egg White Frittatas

If you need a quick breakfast that's ready in minutes, these spinach egg white frittatas are worth keeping in your freezer. Each serving has 70 calories and 5 grams of protein, along with vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, onions, and red bell peppers. They're individually wrapped, making them an easy option for busy mornings or a quick post-workout bite.
Health benefit: A convenient source of protein and vegetables for busy mornings.
Serving suggestion: On its own as a snack or pair with fruit, whole-grain toast, or Greek yogurt for a more balanced breakfast.
Kirkland Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra-virgin olive oil is one of the kitchen staples I always keep on hand, and the Kirkland version is a great value. Because it's cold extracted, it retains many of the natural compounds and antioxidants that make extra-virgin olive oil a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. It's a simple ingredient that adds both flavor and heart-healthy unsaturated fats to everyday meals.
Health benefit: Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidant compounds that support overall cardiovascular health.
Serving suggestion: Drizzle over vegetables, make homemade salad dressings, or use for roasting and sautéing.
Kirkland Chunk Chicken Breast

This canned chicken is one of those pantry staples that can make meal prep much easier. Packed in water, it provides 13 grams of lean protein per serving and is ready to use whenever you need a quick meal—even on your busiest days.
Health benefit: Lean, convenient protein that helps support muscle health and keeps meals satisfying.
Serving suggestion: Mix into salads, wraps, soups, or homemade chicken salad.
Natural Delights Medjool Dates

These pitted Medjool dates are one of my go-to naturally sweet snacks to keep on hand. With about 4 grams of fiber per serving, they make it easier to satisfy a sweet craving while still getting some nutritional value.
Health benefit: Naturally sweet source of fiber that provides quick energy and promotes fullness.
Serving suggestion: As a snack on its own or stuff with nut butter, chop into oatmeal or yogurt, or blend into smoothies. They also work well as a natural sweetener in baking or homemade energy bites.
Kirkland Basil Pesto

I often make pesto from scratch using extra-virgin olive oil, but I also keep this Costco version on hand for convenience. While it uses sunflower oil, it still provides plenty of flavor from ingredients like basil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
Health benefit: Makes food more flavorful, encouraging you to eat more vegetables and lean proteins for more balanced, nutrient-dense meals.
Serving suggestion: Toss with roasted vegetables, spoon over salmon or chicken, or stir into eggs, grain bowls, and pasta.
Eat Smart Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kit

This salad kit combines a crunchy, nutritious mix of cabbage, kale, chicory, Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and poppy seed dressing, making it the perfect quick meal for busy workdays. It’s simple to customize—just add a protein like grilled chicken, salmon or canned tuna to turn it into a complete, satisfying meal.
Health benefit: Provides fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from a variety of cruciferous vegetables.
Serving suggestion: Add grilled chicken, salmon or canned tuna for a protein boost.
Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs

I recently found these individual trail mix pouches at Costco, and they’re a game changer. With 24 mini packs in the box, they’re super convenient for quick snacks. The Organic Cranberry Health Mix, which has cranberries, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, black raisins, walnuts and almonds, is a standout.
These packs are perfect for grabbing on the go or tossing in your bag, and they’re a great option to have around when you need something easy, filling and nutritious.
Health benefit: Healthy fats, protein, and fiber help promote fullness and sustained energy.
Serving suggestion: Enjoy as an on-the-go snack or pair with fresh fruit.
Kirkland Organic Hemp Hearts Shelled Hemp Seeds

These nutrient-dense and low-calorie shelled hemp seeds pack 10 grams of protein and 12 grams of polyunsaturated fats into just 2 tablespoons. Hemp hearts fit seamlessly into any diet, elevating your meals and snacks effortlessly.
Health benefit: Excellent source of plant-based protein and healthy unsaturated fats.
Serving suggestion: Sprinkle over yogurt, oatmeal, or salads; blend into smoothies.
RELATED: 15 High-Protein Foods to Add to Your Meals, According to Nutritionists
Goya Canned Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a great pantry staple with 6 grams of protein, and a good source of fiber per ½ cup. Legumes like chickpeas are versatile and easy to add to a variety of dishes—simply rinse and drain canned chickpeas with water to reduce sodium.
With eight cans in a set, they’ll last longer than ever, making it easy to stock up and always have a healthy option on hand. Their heart-healthy benefits, protein-packed nutrition and adaptability in the kitchen are exactly why they earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.
Health benefit: Plant-based protein and fiber support heart health, digestion, and fullness.
Serving suggestion: Toss into salads, grain bowls, soups or blend into homemade hummus.
Kirkland Three Berry Blend

Kirkland Three Berry Blend is a mix of frozen raspberries, blueberries and blackberries—ideal for mornings when you want something light but nutritious.
Health benefit: Packed with fiber and vitamin C to support immune and digestive health.
Serving suggestion: Toss it in a blender with ice, plant-based milk and protein powder for a smoothie, or sprinkle over oatmeal or yogurt. Mix into overnight oats, bake it into muffins or pancakes or heat it with honey for a simple fruit compote.
That’s It Mini Fruit Bars

Craving something sweet but want to keep it simple and wholesome? That’s It Mini Fruit Bars are a great alternative. With just two ingredients, including real fruit like mango, apple or blueberry, and no added sugars, these bars are a natural snack. They’re gluten-free and free from 12 allergens, making them a safe and nutritious option for almost anyone. Perfect for when you're on the go, they don’t require refrigeration and have a shelf life of two years. These bars are an easy and fun way to get your daily dose of real fruit with nothing else added.
Health benefit: Made with real fruit and no added sugar for a simple way to increase fruit intake.
Serving suggestion: Keep in your bag, lunchbox or desk for an easy grab-and-go snack.
Kirkland Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks

These packs of seaweed snacks are the ultimate crisp, salty, umami-packed bite. They're a perfect snack when you need something light but crave bold flavor. Plus, they’re a solid source of iodine to support thyroid health.
Health benefit: Provides iodine, an important nutrient for healthy thyroid function.
Serving suggestion: Pair with a boiled egg, crumble over avocado toast or scrambled eggs, make mini hand rolls, or enjoy alongside rice bowls and sushi-inspired meals.
Kirkland Wild Caught Alaska Sockeye Salmon

For an easy-to-prepare protein, this frozen salmon comes in convenient single-serving packs. Simply thaw then throw the fish in the oven or air fryer with a little extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper, and you’ve got a delicious, nutritious meal in no time. Rich in omega-3s and protein, salmon is a great choice for a healthy, satisfying dinner.
The packs of boneless, skin-on salmon are perfect for portion control, and they offer a hassle-free way to enjoy wild-caught fish without the prep work—a simple, heart-healthy option to keep in your freezer for busy days.
Health benefit: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein to support heart and brain health.
Serving suggestion: Bake or air fry and serve with vegetables, flake into salads or add to grain bowls. This air fryer salmon flatbread is one of my favorite flavorful salmon recipes.
Kirkland Creamy Almond Butter

If you're looking for a nut butter without additives, Kirkland Creamy Almond Butter is made with just one ingredient—roasted almonds—so you’re getting pure, simple goodness. With 7 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving, it's a nutritious spread that can be enjoyed in so many ways. As someone who values straightforward ingredients in my pantry, I love that this almond butter provides heart-healthy fats to power my day.
Health benefit: Provides heart-healthy fats, plant protein and fiber for lasting satisfaction.
Serving suggestion: Spread on toast, blend into smoothies, or pair with apple slices or bananas.
Stonyfield Organic Probiotic Smoothie

This 12-pack of bottled smoothies is a lifesaver for those hectic mornings when you’re rushing out the door. Loaded with 6 grams of protein, calcium and vitamin D, it’s a quick way to get some fuel while supporting your bones and gut health thanks to its probiotics. The creamy strawberry flavor hits the spot, and the drinkable format makes it easy to enjoy anywhere—whether you’re stuck in traffic or sneaking a snack in between meetings. It’s the ultimate grab-and-go option.
Health benefit: Delivers probiotics for gut health along with protein, calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
Serving suggestion: Enjoy as a grab-and-go breakfast or pair with fruit and nuts for a more filling snack.
Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

You can’t go wrong with these handy packs that each come with two fig bars. I always have one on hand when I need a quick sweet snack, especially on days when I’m looking for something light before a workout. Made with wholesome whole grain oats and real figs, they provide 4 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein per bar, making them a satisfying and energizing option. With flavors like blueberry and raspberry, they’re a convenient choice that are easy to toss in your bag and enjoy whenever hunger strikes. It’s the kind of snack that’s simple, tasty and always hits the spot.
Health benefit: Whole grains and fiber provide sustained energy between meals.
Serving suggestion: Pack for travel, enjoy before a workout, or pair with Greek yogurt for extra protein.
Kirkland Organic Roasted Pine Nut Hummus

Organic Roasted Pine Nut Hummus combines creamy chickpeas, smooth tahini and the nutty richness of roasted pine nuts for a flavorful twist. It’s incredibly versatile. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, this hummus is a nutritious and delicious addition to snacks, lunches or dinner sides. Keep it stocked for an easy, satisfying way to elevate any meal.
Health benefit: Plant-based protein and fiber help support fullness while adding nutrients to meals.
Serving suggestion: Pair with fresh vegetables, whole-grain crackers or pita bread, spread on wraps or sandwiches, or add to grain bowls.
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