13 Snacks To Buy at Costco, According to a Dietitian

Costco offers everything from groceries to electronics to high-end jewelry under one roof. When it comes to food choices, this wholesale giant is known for its broad selection of options—especially when it comes to snacks. From trail mixes and dried fruits to protein-packed nuts and healthy granola bars, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds at a reasonable price.

Choosing healthy, nutrient-rich snacks is important because they can provide essential vitamins and minerals, keep energy levels steady, and support your overall well-being. Data suggests that including 1-2 snacks into a generally healthy diet can help you meet the recommended intakes of certain food groups, specifically fruit, dairy, and fiber.

Here are 13 at Costco that can be a part of a balanced and healthy diet.

Whisps Popped Very Cheddar is made from real cheddar cheese and crafted into an airy, crunchy, poppable bite. This snack is baked instead of fried and provides 10 grams (g) of protein per serving, 0 g of sugar, and only 2 g of carbohydrates per serving.

Whisps are perfect for a portable snack with protein that doesn’t need refrigeration. You can pair them with fresh fruit for a more well-rounded snack.

These pancakes have 15 g of protein per serving and are perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. A few moments in the microwave is all it takes to achieve that hot and fluffy fresh-from-the-griddle taste.

Data published in Physiology and Behavior suggests that eating protein can suppress appetite and decrease the level of a hormone that can cause a feeling of hunger called ghrelin. Having a convenient source of this much protein in just a few minutes can help combat hunger. 

WILDE Protein Chips are a go-to for a classic and crispy potato-chip crunch (minus the potato) with an impressive amount of protein. Made with real chicken breast, egg whites, and bone broth, these chips deliver 10 g of protein per serving. 

Some data suggests that consuming poultry, like chicken, as part of a vegetable-rich diet can help reduce your risk of developing overweight and obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Fruit pops are a great snack for an icy sweet treat. GoodPop’s Cherry n’ Lemonade frozen pops are portion-controlled to help prevent overeating. You probably want to eat cold foods like these pops slowly to prevent “brain freeze,” This encourages mindful eating.

Unlike many fruit pops on wholesale shelves, these are made with 100% fruit juice and don’t contain any added sugar or artificial ingredients.  

Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit is known as one of the most nutritionally dense fruits. It has over 20 vitamins and minerals, including the highest vitamin C content of any commonly eaten fruit, and a nutritious, refreshing burst of unexpected sweetness.

They are easy to eat at snack time—just slice in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon (although the skin is edible too). 

A combination of unsalted cashews, almonds, pistachios, and pecans makes for a nutrient-packed snack that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a good-for-you carb source, like fruit or whole grain crackers. These snacks have the ideal mix of nutrients: protein, fiber, and good fats, which help promote satiety.

Higher consumption of nuts has been associated with a reduced risk of several cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This snack mix is ideal for those with hypertension (high blood pressure) because it doesn’t contain any added salt, which can contribute to elevated blood pressure.

Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, they contain a range of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium. Pre-cooked eggs allow for a quick, low-lift snack that boosts protein and important nutrients. 

One key nutrient found in egg yolks is choline. New data suggests that weekly consumption of at least one egg per week was associated with a 47% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s among older adults. Thirty-nine percent of the total effect of egg intake on incident Alzheimer’s dementia was related to choline.

These single-serve hummus cups are great for dipping baby carrots or whole-grain pita. Hummus is made primarily from chickpeas, which are a source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. These aid in digestion and help keep you full longer. Hummus also contains healthy fats from olive oil.

Hummus is naturally gluten-free and can be paired with a variety of vegetables, making it a versatile and nutritious option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Eating hummus has been shown to improve post-meal glucose control and appetite control compared to other commonly consumed foods. Some experts have suggested that incorporating hummus into your diet can improve your diet quality by replacing foods higher in saturated fats, sodium, or added sugars.

Skinny Dipped Peanut Butter Cups are made with high-quality, simple ingredients, including real peanut butter and premium chocolate. Compared to traditional peanut butter cups, they contain less sugar and fewer artificial additives.

They are also relatively low in calories and sugar, making them a great choice for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without consuming excessive sugar. They come individually wrapped, which makes them great for portion control.

Harvest Snaps are made primarily from green peas, making them a source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. This combination helps keep you feeling full longer and supports digestive health. Harvest Snaps are baked rather than fried, which means their fat content is significantly lower than traditional chips.

These snacks are low in sodium and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives.

A Perfect Bar is packed with whole foods like peanut butter, organic honey, and a blend of 20 superfoods, providing a range of vitamins and minerals essential for overall health. Additionally, it offers a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, which help maintain energy levels and support muscle recovery.

Adding fiber to your diet promotes good digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer. The bars are also just sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth. 

These crunchy snacks are made from seaweed and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as iodine, vitamin K, and folate. Iodine is an essential component of certain thyroid hormones, so eating this snack may indirectly support thyroid health.

Kirkland seaweed snacks are made with minimal ingredients and are free from artificial additives and preservatives, making a natural and wholesome treat. They are low in calories, making them an ideal choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight without feeling deprived. Try wrapping sliced avocado with these sheets and sprinkling them with sesame seeds for a nourishing mid-day addition. 

Contrary to what some people may believe, frozen fruits can be just as healthy as fresh fruit. The freezing process locks in the berries’ nutritional value at the peak of their ripeness, ensuring that vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are well preserved.

This means that even when fresh blueberries are out of season, you can still enjoy their health benefits year-round. In some cases, frozen blueberries might offer a slight advantage, as they are less likely than fresh blueberries to spoil and lose nutrients over time.

Both fresh and frozen blueberries are a source of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which may protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese.

Frozen blueberries are an icy treat that rivals a sugary sorbet dessert. If you are a smoothie fan, toss these berries in your blender with other ingredients to enjoy a smoothie.

Choosing a healthy snack involves more than reaching the nearest granola bar. Here are a few pointers on what to look for in a snack product.

1. Nutrient-dense: Opt for snacks rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are excellent choices that provide a range of nutrients in each bite.
2. Low in added sugars: Always check the nutrition label for added sugars. Aim for snacks that contain minimal or no added sugars to help maintain stable blood sugar levels and avoid consuming excessive amounts of added sugars.
3. Fiber: Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help you feel full longer. When possible, look for snacks that provide a good amount of fiber, such as whole-grain crackers, fresh fruits, or vegetables.
4. Healthy fats: Snacks with healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, may offer heart health benefits and promote satiety.
5. Protein: Protein helps in muscle repair and can keep you satiated. Consider snacks with protein sources, such as Greek yogurt, hummus, or cheese sticks.

Choosing the healthiest snacks at Costco is well worth the effort. By finding the perfect combination of flavor and healthy ingredients that taste good to you, you can enjoy a snack that nourishes your body and your taste buds.

Next time you wander the aisles, remember that making informed choices can lead to deliciously wholesome snacks that keep you feeling your best.