It’s easy to get overwhelmed in Costco, where it seems like they have both everything and nothing you need all at once. But Costco’s healthy snacks are not to be missed. Luckily, they’re actually kind of hard to miss, because there’s pretty much something tasty and snackable around every corner.
Instead of making a beeline for the snack aisle, like you might in a regular supermarket, you’ll begin to spot Costco’s snacks the moment you walk through the entrance. Look past the electronics and you’ll notice mountains of nuts, crackers, and dried fruits already beginning to appear. From there, just about every aisle is a snack aisle if you know what to look for. For example, among the canned beans and veggies, you’ll also find snack packs of olives that are perfect for in-between-meals munching. By the big bottles of juice, you’ll notice grab-and-go applesauce packets for quick and easy snacking. The snacking possibilities (snackabilities?) are endless.
Though buying healthy snacks in bulk can sometimes feel like it costs more than it’s worth, there are so many pros to stocking up on a large scale, Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, of Street Smart Nutrition, tells SELF. “Planning and preparation are key to building consistent habits, and part of that is setting up your environment to have access to what you need.” The bottom line is that you probably won’t regret having a huge box of pistachios or bag of dried mangoes on hand when the hunger pangs start to strike, even if it feels excessive to buy so much in the moment. (And you’ll usually end up paying less in the long run despite the higher price upfront.)
Yes, there are a lot of pros to shopping at Costco, but there are also a couple of important things to remember to ensure that you get the most out of your bulk-buying experience. For one, Harbstreet suggests sticking to dried and shelf-stable goods so that you don’t have to worry about anything spoiling before you’re able to eat it. And whenever you’re building your Costco shopping list, take stock of your personal situation. Ask yourself what you always have, what you always need more of, and if there’s anything you can do to extend the lifespan of certain ingredients in order to cut down on food waste. For example, nuts can become rancid quickly when repeatedly exposed to oxygen and high temps, so splitting up one big box into several airtight containers is one easy way to guarantee they live to their full potential.
To help make the shopping experience easier, we asked registered dietitians to share their favorite healthy snacks at Costco. The below 26 picks are worthy additions to your pantry no matter the season. If you can’t make it to the store in person for whatever reason, know that many Costco must-haves—including the products here—can now be found on InstaCart or Costco online. If you’d rather shop in-store but don’t have a membership, see if a family member or friend will be kind enough to lend you theirs (and maybe accompany you on the trip). Now, get ready to bulk up that pantry!
A note about the word healthy here: We know that healthy is a complicated concept. Not only can it mean different things to different people, but it’s a word that’s pretty loaded (and sometimes fraught), thanks to the diet industry’s influence on the way we think about food. At SELF, when we talk about food being healthy, sure, we’re talking about foods that are nutritious, filling, and satisfying. But we’re also talking about foods that help you connect with your culture, promote joy, and simply taste delicious. Some of those foods might fall into conventional ideas of what “healthy” is. And some might not. We selected these items with all of that in mind while also trying to appeal to a wide variety of nutritional needs and taste buds.
Costco1Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted SeaweedLindsey Pine, MS, RD, owner of Tasty Balance Nutrition, tells SELF that this seaweed product is one of the best healthy snacks to have on hand when you’re craving something crunchy and salty, or you just need a vehicle to consume the famous TikTok salmon rice. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s rich in minerals like calcium and vitamins A, C, and B12. As long as you leave the individual packages unopened, these will be good to eat for months.
Costco2Wholly Guacamole MinisMaxine Yeung, MS, RD, owner of The Wellness Whisk, loves that these guacamole snack packs are full of heart-healthy fats, potassium, and iron. But her favorite thing about them? No need to worry about your leftover guacamole turning brown. She recommends eating them with veggies and crackers, or you can serve them atop a grain bowl or wrap for an extra boost of omega-3s.
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Costco3Chobani Low-Fat Greek Yogurt DrinkAmy Gorin, MS, RDN, of Amy Gorin Nutrition, loves to stash these yogurt drinks in the fridge for emergency snacks. Each 10-ounce bottle is filled with at least 14 grams of protein, so it can actually tide you over till lunch.
Costco4KIND: Variety PackRachel Naar, MS, RD, enjoys these bars because they’re low in added sugar yet still totally sweet and satisfying. They’re also super easy to grab between meals and on the go, and small enough to fit in every work bag, desk drawer, or car console.
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Costco5Simple Mills Almond Flour CrackersThese almond flour crackers are made of a satisfying combo of protein and fiber and are an excellent vessel for all kinds of dips and spreads, says May Zhu, RD, founder of Nutrition Happens. Plus: The extremely long shelf life makes theses the perfect healthy snack to buy in bulk.
Costco6Kirkland Signature Organic Apple SauceThis apple sauce is a must-have for both kids and adults because it’s so tasty, so convenient, and long-lasting. Not to mention, each pack contains almost a full daily serving of vitamin C, a fair amount of potassium, and plenty of carbohydrates for quick energy. Pro tip: Keep a few of these in your gym bag for an easy-to-digest and energizing pre-workout snack.
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Costco7Kirkland Organic Dried MangoesDried mango is just as nutritious and tasty as its fresh counterpart, but lasts a whole heck of a lot longer in your pantry. Zhu loves the way this product relies on just one ingredient (mango, of course), and recommends using it in all sorts of sweet and savory applications.
Costco8Harvest Snaps Green Pea Snack Crisps Vandana R. Sheth, RDN, certified diabetes care and education specialist, loves these crisps because they contain a whopping 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein per serving. Not to mention, they’re crunchy and salty enough to satisfy any chip craving—and fit into a gluten-free and/or vegan diet.
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Costco9Nutty and Fruity Soft Dry CantaloupeWhen the cold weather has you yearning for warmer days, this melon-based snack will transport you immediately. Unlike fresh cantaloupe, though, it’s way easier to eat and doesn’t require any peeling or cutting. And as long as you leave a pack unopened, it’ll stay good to eat for up to a year.
Costco10Kirkland Organic Hummus Single-Serving CupsThough vegan dietitian Rhyan Geiger, RDN, is a big fan of hummus, she doesn’t love how difficult it can be to pack up for an on-the-go option. “Buying individual serving sizes from Costco makes it easier to pack a nutrient-dense snack in a lunchbox or take it with you when going on a trip or traveling,” she says.
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Costco11Nutty and Fruity Dried Tangerine WedgesIf you love clementines and tangerines but not the sticky hands and leftover peels that they lead to, this dried alternative from Costco has all the flavor you’re looking for without any of the mess. Keep a bag at your desk for a quick way to satisfy your sweet tooth between meetings. Or, pair the dried fruit with a handful or two of nuts for a sweet snack with a bit of protein.
Costco12Kirkland Unsalted Mixed Nuts“This mix of unsalted almonds, pecans, pistachios, and cashews offers a great variety of different flavored and textured nuts, and is packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein,” Yeung explains. You can eat these as is for a quick and satisfying snack, or use the versatile nut mix in an assortment of ways, like on top of oatmeal or salad.
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Costco13Rhythm Cauliflower BitesCauliflower has gotten a lot of tasty makeovers over the years and this crispy, crunchy snack is no exception. Geiger loves it because it’s totally dehydrated and therefore shelf stable, and it comes in small portable packs that make it easy to grab and go for an extra serving of vegetables at any moment of the day. And they’re available in a bunch of different flavors, from simple sea salt to buffalo ranch.
Costco14That’s It Mini Fruit BarsThat’s It bars have long been a favorite of Kelly Jones, MS, RD, board-certified specialist in sports dietetics. She can’t get enough of how great they taste despite being made of only fruit. “They’re also a perfect snack for kids to bring to school or sports since they’re nutritious and allergen-free.”
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Costco15Orgain Plant-Based Protein Shakes“I love ordering Orgain’s plant-based protein shakes to have for a snack when I am in a hurry or planning to do physical activity,” says Geiger. Compared to a lot of similarly protein-rich but dairy-based shakes, these are her favorite because they’re totally shelf-stable and don’t need to take up precious fridge space.
Costco16Cherry Bay Orchards Montmorency CherriesAlong with being a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without any added sugar, these dried cherries are full of fiber, antioxidants, and even a bit of protein, says Yeung. You can eat them straight out of the bag or add them to all sorts of food, like smoothie bowls or even as a crunchy topping for salads.
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Costco17Bobo’s Oat BitesFinding a snack that’s both gluten-free and vegan and still tasty is no easy feat, but these oat bites fit all those criteria and then some. Stuffed with a variety of strawberry and apple fillings, each one tastes like a tiny bite of pie—even more so if you take it out of the plastic and warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds first.
Costco18Frutto D’Italia Pitted Green OlivesYeung recommends these herby, zesty olives because they’re full of healthy fats and are tasty on their own or alongside other ingredients. Eating them as a solo snack is a no-brainer, but these olives also work well on cheese boards, in Bloody Marys, or alongside a sandwich and fries. The salty, savory possibilities are endless.
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Costco19Second Nature Trail MixNuts are great healthy snacks for long-lasting satiety because they move through the digestive system slowly and make us feel fuller for longer, Edwina Clark, MS, RD, board-certified specialist in sports dietetics, explains. These single-serving packets contain just the right amount of nutrients to provide an energy boost, and the raisins add a welcome bit of sweetness.
Costco20Kirkland Original Turkey JerkyNaar enjoys this Costco must-have because it’s an excellent source of protein and has less sodium than traditional jerky—yet it’s just as long-lasting as other Costco non-perishables. It’s also totally portable and perfect for on-the-go snacking, she adds.
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Costco21Wild Roots: Coastal Berry Trail MixThis blend of nuts and dried fruits is another that Naar swears by because of how well it satisfies both sweet and salty cravings. In addition to being tasty, it’s also a great source of monounsaturated fats and fiber, and you can easily use it as a topper or a side for a number of mealtime needs.
Costco22Wonderful Pistachios “Wonderful Pistachios are a go-to snack [for me] because they have 6 grams of protein per serving, which is more than most nuts,” Jones explains. Plus, shelling them helps promote mindful eating, which can make it easier to actually focus on and enjoy food.
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Costco23Power Up Trail MixAs a vegan, Geiger enjoys that these nuts have a lot of the nutrients that her normal diet might be lacking. “Having a trail mix with ingredients high in omega-3s like walnuts is especially beneficial for vegans,” she explains. (Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna are typically the best sources of the healthy fat.)
Costco24Made Good Chocolate Chip Granola MinisNita Sharda, RD, tells SELF that these mini Costco granola bars are one of her favorite snacks to give her kids. “They are easy to chew and nut-free, which means I can send them to school without placing other children at risk,” she says. But she also loves them because they’re packed with dehydrated veggies. “I always mention this to my little eaters so they can understand all of the ways vegetables can be enjoyed,” adds Sharda.
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Costco25Kirkland Hard-Boiled Eggs Though hard-boiled eggs may not be the first Costco purchase you’d think of, they’re an excellent snack to buy online or in stores. Clark likes to pick up a batch to use for all of her protein needs, whether that’s adding an egg to a salad or just eating one with a bit of salt for a quick snack. Just remember that eggs are not as long-lasting as many of the other items in this list, so you’ll want to only buy what you’ll actually be able to eat before the best by date to minimize food waste.
Costco26Whisps Parmesan SnacksIf you thought you couldn’t love Parmesan more, these craveable chips are here to prove you wrong. Yeung makes a habit of adding them to her cart because they’re rich in protein and healthy fats, and an excellent cracker alternative for anyone who can’t eat gluten.Related:
