Not-so-Healthy Foods at Costco

I am not a nutritionist and definitely do not want this to be a nutrition-based site. However, I have noticed that there appears to be interest in posts about healthy and/or unhealthy food items at Costco. Therefore, I decided to write about unhealthy items at Costco (according to a dietician) after the recent healthy items post (Trying to Eat Healthier? Try These Costco Items) for two reasons. First, the list balances out the focus on healthy items. Second, many resolutions are broken early into each new year, often resulting in guilt. I believe that if one is going to indulge (e.g., food; TV, resting), it is important to acknowledge the choice and embrace it vs feel guilty about it. For example, if one decides to eat something unhealthy, enjoy it. Cut a slice of the cheesecake and enjoy it rather than rush through it while feeling guilty because it is not a salad. 

Unhealthy Items at Costco

1. Kirkland Signature Muffins

One bakery item that makes the list of the most unhealthy Costco items are the large muffins. Despite their size being more like the equivalent of three muffins, they are sold as individual servings,cleaning most people to eat and entire muffin at once. They contain a lot of processes ingredients and sugar and can contain more than 600 calories.

I love muffins, especially very large ones. My favorite muffins growing up were lemon poppy muffins from Stop & Shop (a supermarket in the Northeast…yes, they were better than the ones from fancier bakeries). I don’t know about the current quality, as it has been years since I have eaten one, but they were very big, firm but soft, full of flavor without being overwhelming, and sprinkled with sugar. The size was perfect for a lot of crunchy too and a softer bottom and a soft filling. They were probably the size of two muffins but I ate them as a single serving. I noticed that when we bought a few flavors and split them (I’d have half lemon and half blueberry), it wasn’t as satisfying, even though the total amount was the same (yes, I am capable of Piaget’s concept of conservation). I think it is a mental thing for me in that I like eating the entire muffin. All of this is a (very) long way of saying that I can see why people eat the whole muffin, even though it’s so big. With one of the changes this winter being smaller muffins (New-to-Me Items in January), I wonder how many servings the new ones are equivalent to.

2. Kirkland Signature Croissants

Another breakfast item from the bakery that makes the unhealthy list are the croissants. Like the muffins, they contain a lot of processed ingredients and calories. The high butter content also adds fat.

I don’t really like croissants, so I wouldn’t eat them even if they were healthier. I imagine that more people are aware of croissants being unhealthy as compared to muffins. There is certainly more awareness now than in the past that muffins are not “healthy” (yes, even bran) but I still think they are viewed as one of the healthier pastry options.

3. Kirkland Signature Cheesecake 

Unsurprisingly, a bakery dessert makes the list of unhealthy items. The cheesecake is on the list for its high amount of fat sugar and calories.

I have mentioned before that, although I love cheesecake, I have never tried the Costco variety. However, when I do eat cheesecake from another place (or if I were to try the one from Costco), I wouldn’t view it as a healthy choice. Instead, it is an opportunity to eat  something I really enjoy. (Cheesecakes can’t even get the claim of being “healthy” as  like some people try to claim with carrot cake because…carrots are a vegetable).

4. Kirkland Signature Gourmet Chocolate Chunk Cookies

A second dessert that the dietician warns against are the chocolate chunks cookies. Like the other desserts, they are very high in sugar and fat.

Again, not a shock that large chocolate chunk cookies are not specially healthy!

5. Chips

Costco sells a variety of chips. Many contain high amounts of  unhealthy fats, sodium, and calories. In addition, because of the large bag sizes, people may be more likely to eat more than a single portion 

I don’t eat many chips but I agree that it is pretty rare for people to eat only one portion at a time (unless in an individual bag).

6. Kirkland Signature Sweetened Almond Milk

The dietician cautions against drinking too much of the sweetened almond milk, due to the added sugar.

I have never tried almond milk but I was surprised to see this nut milk on the list. Despite having the word “sweetened” in the name, I would still have thought it was a healthy beverage. I do still remember the one time I tried rice milk in college, I found it too sweet.

7. Arizona Green Tea

A second beverage on the list is this tea. According to the article, the high sugar content and low actual tea content limits the health benefits. 

I am not surprised that a canned ice tea is not particularly healthy. I have only had store bought iced tea a few times and I did enjoy it (although the half lemonade, half ice tea is even better). However, it is definitely sweet! 

8. Energy Drinks

A third unhealthy beverage category are energy drinks (e.g., Monster; Red Bull; Bang). The dietician does not recommend them, due to the high content caffeine and either artificial sweeteners or sugar.

I don’t think that many people drink these beverages for the health benefits rather than for a quick burst of energy.

9. Kirkland Signature Beef Hot Dogs

Members wanting to eat healthier are instructed to avoid these hot dogs. Apparently, they contain high amounts of sodium, nitrates, and saturated fat. 

Hot dogs are another item that I don’t think people associate with health food. There are certainly far healthier options for protein. However, they are definitely a special treat for many. 

10. Kirkland Signature Fully-Cooked Bacon, Hickory Smoked 

Another processed meat to avoid on a healthy diet is the Costco bacon due to the sodium and preservatives.

Similar to hot dogs, bacon is not claimed to be a healthy choice. 

11. Kirkland Signature Deli Meats

The third processed meat on the list are the deli meats (e.g., turkey; ham; salami). These meats contain nitrates and sodium, and some also have a high fat content. 

Again, I don’t think that people associate deli meat with health. However, I don’t think people tend to view them as too unhealthy. In particular, because poultry is generally reported to be a healthy source of protein without fat, I think people often may not consider the salt content.

12. Frozen Pizzas

A convenient item that does not provide health benefits are frozen pizzas (e.g., Kirkland; DiGiorno; Red Baron). They tend to be high in  saturated fat, sodium, and refined carbohydrates.

Pizza is definitely not generally viewed as a health food. It certainly varies significantly in how “bad” it is, depending on the ingredients. Even with the varieties offered at Costco, there are ways to make the entire meal healthier (e.g., having a large salad on the side). 

13. Macaroni and Cheese

Another convenient meal that the dietician warns about is the many forms of macaroni and cheese sold at Costco (Kraft; Annie’s; Kirkland Signature). This popular food contains a large amount of sodium and processed  cheese. She points out that, while it may seem healthier, the store brand is made with heavy cream.and cheese that make the dish full of fat and sodium.

Macaroni and cheese is a difficult meal not to like. I prefer the boxed variety to homemade. Again, having it with a salad can add some health benefits. 

14. Chocolate Candy

The article includes chocolate candy (e.g.; M&M’s; Reese’s; Ghirardelli) as unhealthy items sold at Costco. These candies tend to provide a lot of calories, sugar, and fat, without being filling or providing nutrients.

Again, despite the benefits of eating a little dark chocolate, few people would consider candy to be healthy. However, they provide a nice treat. 

15. Kirkland Signature Nutella

The final item on the list is this chocolate hazelnut spread. Buying it at Costco is likely to lead people to eat large amounts of it, therefore getting a lot of sugar and palm oil. 

I have never had Nutella but definitely was under the impression that, while not a “health food” was a decent option for those who like chocolate. I think I assumed it was healthier than it is because it is often mentioned as a breakfast option on toast. In contrast to a rarer breakfast pastry (e.g., croissant; Danish; chocolate chip pancakes), I associate daily toast spreads as more nutritious.

Did you consider these foods unhealthy? Do you let yourself enjoy them on occasion?