Costco’s snack selection is top-notch—a paradise for anyone who loves a tasty nibble. But, as with any grocery store, there are healthy snacks made with mostly whole foods, and not-so-healthy snacks laden with high-calorie, ultra-processed ingredients.
So, how do you know which Costco snacks are both delicious and beneficial to your health? Fear not—this article guides you through Costco’s vast aisles, helping you discover snacks that strike the perfect balance between delectable flavors and nutritional value.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast searching for a pre- or post-workout snack, a busy professional needing a quick yet healthy bite, or a parent on the lookout for healthy snacks for your child’s lunch box, these options are ideal candidates for your next Costco shopping list.
What to Look for in a Healthy Snack
What makes a snack “healthy?” This term can be subjective and often varies based on individual dietary goals, health status, and needs. However, some general criteria can guide you in making a nutritious choice. Here’s what to consider:
- Made with Whole Food Ingredients: Look for snacks made with mostly whole, unprocessed ingredients. This includes foods like beans, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. They’re more likely to contain the natural nutrients your body needs, without the added chemicals and preservatives found in many processed foods.
- Low in Added Sugars and Unhealthy Fats: Choose snacks that are low in added sugars and unhealthy fats (like trans fats). Excessive consumption of these can lead to health issues like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Packed with Protein: Seek out snacks with a good amount of protein per serving (10+ grams). Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals.
- Appropriate Portion Sizes: Even healthy snacks can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities. Look for snacks that come in portion-controlled sizes or be mindful of the serving size when snacking.
- Special Dietary Needs: Depending on your specific health goals or dietary restrictions, you might also look for snacks that are low in carbohydrates, gluten-free, dairy-free, or meet other specific criteria.
10 Healthy Costco Snacks
We’ve scoured Costco’s snack offerings to put together a list of delicious and nutritious snacks perfect for keeping hunger at bay between meals.
#1: Kirkland Extra Fancy Mixed Nuts
You’ll go nuts for this mix featuring a satisfying blend of cashews, almonds, pistachios, and pecans. Each type of nut offers a dose of vitamins and minerals:
- Cashews are a good source of magnesium, zinc, and iron[*]
- Almonds are rich in vitamin E and magnesium[*]
- Pistachios contain potassium and vitamin B6[*]
- Pecans are a good source of copper, thiamine, and zinc[*]
Grab a small handful of nuts as a filling snack that will keep energy levels up, or as a post-workout nibble to support muscle recovery.
#2: Kirkland Organic Hummus Cups
These snack-sized hummus cups are perfect for a quick, nutritious bite. Made primarily from chickpeas, hummus is a rich source of protein and fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
The smooth, creamy texture pairs wonderfully with various dippers—try them with baby carrots, celery sticks, or whole-grain crackers.
#3: Kirkland Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks
Looking for a delightfully light and crispy snack? Try these roasted seaweed sheets. They’re an excellent source of iodine—a mineral essential for thyroid health—and vitamins A and C.
Seaweed is low in calories (100 calories per pack), making it an ideal snack for weight loss or management.
#4: Kirkland Turkey Jerky
For those who enjoy a savory, portable snack, turkey jerky is a top choice. Each serving is packed with high-quality protein, essential for muscle maintenance and overall body health.
Additionally, turkey jerky is lower in fat and calories compared to many other meat snacks, aligning well with a variety of dietary goals.
#5: Kirkland Organic Plain Greek Yogurt
A staple in the realm of healthy snacks, Greek yogurt stands out for its creamy texture and high protein content. It’s an excellent source of calcium, probiotics, and essential vitamins like B12.[*]
The thick, rich texture of Greek yogurt makes it a satisfying snack on its own, but you can also jazz it up with a variety of toppings, such as fresh berries, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, or shredded coconut.
#6: Kirkland Signature Hard-Boiled Eggs
Keeping a stash of these pre-cooked eggs on hand can be a game-changer for those needing a wholesome bite in a hurry. Each egg is a compact source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. They are also rich in vitamin D and choline, which is important for brain health.[*]
Hard-boiled eggs are incredibly versatile—they’re great on their own or they can be added to salads and sandwiches for an extra protein boost.
#7: Kirkland Organic Chunky Guacamole Cups
These single-serve guacamole cups are a hit for those who love avocados’ rich, creamy flavor. Avocados are a fantastic source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. They also provide fiber, potassium, and a range of vitamins like E and C.[*]
The convenient packaging of these guacamole minis makes them an ideal snack for on-the-go enjoyment. Pair them with veggie sticks or your favorite crackers for a delicious, nutrient-packed snack that will guac your world.
#8: IQBARs
While Costco’s protein bar isle boasts a wide selection of options, beware: many are stealthily packed with added sugar, masquerading as healthful but rivaling a Snickers bar in sweetness.
One protein bar available at Costco, however, stands out from the crowd for its low sugar content and inclusion of brain- and body-boosting nutrients: IQBAR.
Some highlights of this healthy, high-protein snack include:
🍌Made with a blend of whole and minimally processed plant-based ingredients, including nuts, seeds, fruit, coconut oil, flax seeds, and pea protein.
🧠Formulated around five nutrients shown to support sustained cognitive energy, performance, and health: MCTs, lion’s mane mushroom, magnesium, flavonoids, and vitamin E.
💪🏼Offers 12 grams of protein from pea protein, 6-9 grams of fiber, 160-180 calories, and only 1-2 grams of sugar and 2-3 grams net carbs per bar.
🚫Kosher and free of GMOs, dairy, gluten, soy, and artificial ingredients.
🌱Acceptable for low-carb (keto, paleo, etc.) and vegan diets.
😋Available in a variety of flavors you’ll crave, including Chocolate Sea Salt, Peanut Butter Chip, Almond Butter Chip, Banana Nut, Matcha Chai, and Lemon Blueberry, just to name a few!
🏃🏽♂️Perfect for pre- or post-workout fuel or as a satisfying, on-the-go snack during busy days.
A Final Word on Healthy Snacks at Costco
As you continue on your path of healthy eating, embrace the adventure of discovering and sampling new snacks. Each one brings its own special blend of benefits and tastes, opening up a delicious and nutritious world for your exploration. Here's to joyous and mindful snacking!
Written by Katie Koschalk, a health and wellness writer, certified holistic nutritionist, and certified personal trainer based in California.
