9 Healthy Costco Finds That Fitness Experts Actually Love
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It's easy to get swept up in the sights and smells of Costco. When you see snacks like Reese's animal crackers on the shelves, it's almost impossible not to add them to your cart. It takes a lot of restraint to not eat an entire meal's worth of samples. And don't even get us started on the food court.
Costco sells a lot of indulgent treats (the double chocolate chunk cookie comes to mind), but they also have a vast inventory of nutritious foods that can contribute to a healthy diet. Nutrition and fitness experts rely on the bulk warehouse to stock their kitchens with high quality, nutrient-dense foods at a low price.
We asked dietitians, health coaches, workout instructors, and fitness influencers to share their favorite Costco finds. Their recommendations are great for on-the-go snacking, easy weeknight dinners, and discounted pantry staples. So next time you stop by the warehouse, you can reach for these expert-approved products.
Chicken Sausage
Because they're already seasoned, sausages are a great ingredient that does a lot of heavy lifting in a recipe. Fitness experts particularly like the chicken sausages from Amylu. "I'm a big ingredient reader and these offer a great amount of protein while making a weekday dinner super easy," says Bridget Aileen Sicsko, yoga instructor and holistic health coach.
Manuka Honey
Honey is a great natural sweetener, and the Manuka variety comes with added benefits. "Manuka Honey is seen as a health superfood, and Costco's pricing is incredible for this product," Sicsko says. "We love to stock up on it and add it to plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries."
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is an easy, affordable, and delicious source of protein and natural fat. So it's no wonder that it's a favorite of Shanna M. Nelson, CEO and chief choreographer of Jazzercise. Whenever Nelson stops by her local Costco, she grabs a two-pack of the Kirkland Organic Peanut Butter.
Frozen Vegetables
Health experts broadly agree that a balanced diet is key, which usually means eating plenty of different vegetables. Alli Jarvis, Certified Health Coach, especially loves the Pura Vida Frozen Vegetables from Costco's freezer aisle. "They are flavorful, save me time in meal prep, and are hands-down the best frozen vegetables on the market," Jarvis says.
Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers get a bad rap, but fitness experts love them as a lean source of protein that you can dress up any way you like. Noelle McKenzie, certified personal trainer, correctional exercise specialist, and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers, loves the ones from Columbus Craft Meats. McKenzie says they're "easy to heat up in an air fryer and already seasoned."
Multigrain Bread
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and certified Barre instructor Gisela Bouvier loves Dave's Killer Bread 21 Whole Grains and Seeds because of the protein, fiber, and whole grains. "It's a delicious choice for those seeking to add in a nutritious bread option that is well-balanced and will also help keep them fuller for longer," she says.
Mushroom Chips
Just because you're watching what you eat doesn't mean you shouldn't get to indulge in delicious snacks. The Shiitake Mushroom Crisps from DJ&A are a great option, says registered dietitian Elena Usdenski. "These are not only delicious with a crispy 'chip' like texture but nutritionally they are packed with fibre which helps you feel full, supports digestive health and manages blood sugar," she says. "One cup of these crisps provides a whopping 13 grams of fibre which is about half of your fibre requirements for the day!"
Fruit Snacks
If you're nostalgic for your favorite childhood fruit snacks, but want a more nutritious alternative made with real fruit, fitness influencer and Summer House: Martha's Vineyard star Nick Arrington swears by the Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars at Costco.
"I do not have a lot of storage space in New York City, but I make room for one of my favorite snacks from Costco," Arrington says. "I satisfy my sweet tooth without having to feel guilty about it!
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is currently the darling of the health community because of its protein-packed nutritional benefits. Dr. Chris Mohr, Fitness and Nutrition Advisor at Fortune Recommends Health, loves to grab cottage cheese from Good Culture on Costco runs.
"It's a high quality and convenient source of protein, that even our kids choose on the regular for snacks, mixed with fruit, as a "dip" for crackers. A win win," he says.
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