While Costco may be famous for it’s whole sale-sized products and super deals on food court pizza, it can also be a fantastic place to find healthy options at a great price.
Registered dietitian Lisa Valente, M.S., RD, says there are some pretty amazing deals on healthy food and beverages out there for Costco shoppers—you just need to be strategic about what you buy.
“Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to buy in bulk—like getting a three-pound bag of broccoli if you’re just one person,” Valente said. “Depending on how many people you’re feeding and how much space you have to store pantry goods, you can score all kinds of healthy foods at Costco.”
With that in mind, we’ve found some of the best healthy non-perishable, fresh and frozen items to feed yourself or your whole family. Here are some of Valente’s top picks:
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1. Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
Kirkland Signature, Costco’s private label, offers some fantastic deals on our favorite healthy foods and drinks, and this unsweetened almond milk is one of them. It costs just five cents an ounce, and is fortified with Vitamin D, E and B vitamins for a nutrition boost. This is an especially great option for those following a vegan diet, as one servings packs half the daily recommendation for B12.
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2. Organic Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be a sneaky contributor of added sugar in your diet depending on the brand you buy. Thankfully, more natural no-added-sugar options have made their way to the market over the years, and we are loving the Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter from Costco’s private label. This peanut butter is simply made with peanuts and a little sea salt for a healthy addition to meals or snack time.
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3. Rolled Oats
There’s a reason why so many people choose oatmeal for breakfast: it’s a great source of fiber, protein and other important micronutrients, like magnesium. Thanks to Costco, you can always have oats at your fingertips! They sell 10-pound bags of their Whole Grain Rolled Oats for just six cents per ounce.
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4. Leafy Greens
Costco sells a wide variety of organic produce, and we are loving their Power Greens mix. Whether you prefer spinach, kale or chard, you can find an organic yet well-priced version of your favorite for salads, smoothies and more. Now there’s even more of a reason to add these highly-nutritious foods to the grocery list!
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5. Nuts
We are all about consuming heart-healthy sources of fat, like the monounsaturated fats found in nuts. The protein, fat and fiber content of nuts make them the perfect healthy snack to keep in your desk at work or to boost the nutrient profile of your favorite baked goods. Costco carries roasted and raw varieties, and we love their Kirkland Signature Unsalted Extra Fancy Nut Mix. You can get 2.5 pounds of nuts for just $14.99! But if you prefer to go for a salted variety, remember to check the sodium content and consider how it fits into your day. Store large packages in your freezer if you don’t go through them quickly, to keep them fresher for longer.
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6. Sparkling Water
Sparkling water is a great way to drink more water while enjoying more flavor (especially if you’re trying to reduce your intake of high-added-sugar drinks like soda), but it can be pretty pricey. Costco sells some great all-natural, no-sugar-added options, such as this line from Perrier.
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7. Almond Butter
We love almond butter, but it can be pretty pricey, sometimes costing around $10 or more for a 16-ounce jar. This one-ingredient Kirkland Signature Creamy Almond Butter from Costco costs less and you get almost double the amount. Consider this a huge win for wallet and your tastebuds.
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8. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a neutral oil that is relatively new addition to the market and boasts some pretty great health benefits. Besides being made from one of our favorite foods, it contains mostly mono- and poly-unsaturated fats, which support a healthy heart. However, it can be pretty expensive, unless you buy it from a big-box store like Costco (they carry Chosen Foods in 2-liter bottles).
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9. Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruit is an amazing way to enjoy your favorite fruits with peak-season flavor all year round. You can enjoy delicious, juicy peaches in the middle of December thanks to most frozen fruits being picked at their peak, and then flash-frozen to maintain flavor and freshness. Buying frozen produce is also almost always less costly, too! This Three Berry Blend from Kirkland Signature is sure to be one of your new favorite smoothie additions.
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10. Avocados
The price of avocados are climbing—but not at Costco! You can still find Hass avocados at a reasonable price. We are big fans of this plant-based fat, as it is also full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it more than just a deliciously creamy addition to a dish.
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11. Hummus
Hummus is an extremely versatile ingredient. It can be a protein and fiber-packed spread for sandwiches, a creamy dairy substitute in pasta sauces, and is great on its own with some fresh veggies and whole wheat pita. Find hummus at Costco in big tubs or in pre-portioned snack packs (like their Kirkland Signature Organic Hummus single-serve cups) for convenient and healthy noshing when a mid-day slump hits.
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12. Olive Oil
Cooking with olive oil can be worth the price point, as it’s linked to longevity and improved heart health, but it doesn’t have to be a financial burden if you shop at Costco. Their Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes in a 2-liter bottle for just $22.99.