Shopping at Costco can be a rewarding experience, especially if you’re searching for healthy food items that won’t break the bank. Known for its bulk purchases and significant savings, Costco offers a range of cost-effective and nutritious products. Here are several healthy food items you should consider buying exclusively from Costco due to their affordability and quality.
Organic Spinach
Spinach is a superfood packed with vitamins A, C, and K, iron, fiber, and essential minerals. Costco offers large bags of organic spinach at a price that is often much lower than other grocery stores. The bag size can encourage you to incorporate spinach into various meals, from smoothies to salads to sautés. Buying in bulk also ensures you have enough on hand to experiment with new recipes.
Price: $4 to $6 for 1lbs
Quinoa
Quinoa is a fantastic source of protein and all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source, which is rare in plant-based foods. Whether you’re using it as a side dish, in salads, or as a rice substitute, the larger bags from Costco allow you to have a versatile and nutritious staple always ready in your pantry.
Price: $9 and $12 for 4.5lbs
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds, are excellent sources of healthy fats, proteins, and fiber. Costco offers these in bulk at prices that are often unbeatable by other retailers. The larger packs ensure that you can use these nutrient-dense snacks in a variety of ways—be it in baking, as toppings on yogurt, or simply to munch on throughout the day.
Price: Bulk bags, around 2-3lbs, can vary greatly in price depending on the type, such as almonds for $12 to $16, walnuts for $10 to $15, chia seeds for $8 to $10, and flaxseeds for $5 to $7.
Frozen Berries
Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. At Costco, you can find large bags of mixed frozen berries that are perfect for smoothies, oatmeal, or desserts. The cost per ounce is typically lower than that of fresh berries, especially when out of season, and the frozen variety retains most of the nutrients found in fresh berries.
Price: $10 and $15 for 3-4lbs
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet, extra virgin olive oil is a staple. It’s high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Costco’s own brand of extra virgin olive oil is often highlighted for its quality and value, coming in large bottles that can significantly undercut the price per ounce compared to other retailers. This makes it ideal for everyday cooking, dressings, and more.
Price: $15 to $25 for 2 litres
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which are beneficial for digestive health. Costco sells large quantities of Greek yogurt at a price that makes it a smart buy compared to the prices at standard supermarkets. It’s perfect for breakfast, as a base for dressings, or as a healthier alternative to sour cream.
Price: $5 to $7 for 48 oz
Organic Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and vitamins, including vitamin D, which is rare in foods. Costco offers organic eggs in bulk, which are generally priced competitively compared to other grocery stores. Buying organic eggs from Costco ensures that you get the nutritional benefits without the pesticides and hormones found in conventionally raised eggs.
Price: $7 to $10 for 24 eggs
Fresh Salmon and Other Seafood
Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for cardiovascular health. Costco is known for its sustainable seafood practices and offers fresh salmon at a lower cost per pound than many competitors. They also provide a variety of other seafood options, making it a great place to stock up on high-quality, nutritious seafood.
Price: Fresh salmon might cost around $8 to $12 per pound. Other seafood prices will vary significantly based on type and season.
Almond Milk
For those who prefer non-dairy milk, almond milk can be a nutritious alternative, offering a good source of vitamin D and calcium. Costco sells almond milk in multi-packs, which can save you money compared to buying individual cartons at a regular grocery store. This is particularly beneficial for families or for those who consume almond milk regularly.
Price: Multi-packs (about 6 x 32 oz cartons) can range from $8 to $12
Oats
Oats are a hearty, nutritious staple that can be used in a variety of dishes from breakfast to desserts. They are a great source of fiber and can help in managing cholesterol levels. Costco offers large containers of oats that are much more cost-effective per ounce than those found in traditional retail outlets. This makes it easy to keep a healthy, versatile grain on hand at all times.
Price: $8 and $12 for 10lbs
Organic Tofu
Organic tofu is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making it an essential item for vegetarians and vegans. It is also rich in iron and calcium. Costco offers organic tofu in bulk, which can be significantly cheaper than buying smaller quantities elsewhere. Tofu’s versatility makes it easy to incorporate into various dishes, from stir-fries and soups to smoothies and desserts.
Price: $5 to $7 for 3-5 blocks
Hummus
Hummus is a nutritious spread made from chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. At Costco, you can find large tubs of hummus at a much lower price per ounce than most grocery stores. This makes it an economical choice for a healthy snack or a flavorful addition to sandwiches and salads.
Price: $6 to $8 for 32 oz
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich carbohydrate source, loaded with vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. Costco often sells large bags of sweet potatoes at a competitive price, making it a cost-effective way to stock up on this versatile vegetable. They can be roasted, mashed, or turned into fries, offering a healthy alternative to regular potatoes.
Price: $6 and $10 for 10lbs
Organic Chicken Breast
Organic chicken breast is a lean protein source, essential for muscle repair and growth. Costco offers organic chicken breasts in bulk, which are generally cheaper per pound compared to traditional grocery stores. This allows health-conscious shoppers to get high-quality, hormone-free chicken at a better price, perfect for meal prepping in various cuisines.
Price: $35 to $45 for 5lbs
Avocados
Avocados are a great source of healthy fats, vitamins E, and C, and are very high in fiber. Buying avocados from Costco can be particularly economical because they often come in larger quantities at lower prices than other retailers. They are perfect for making guacamole, adding to salads, or just enjoying on toast.
Price: $11 to $13 for 5-6 avocadoes
