Nutritionist-Recommended Snacks to Buy at Costco

Costco sells a lot of snacks and is constantly adding new ones to its inventory. With so many options, it can be difficult to know what to try. Certainly people have different reasons for buying different snacks. Sometimes they are for something sweet, other times healthy, other times to send in kids lunches. When I saw this article by nutritionists about healthy snacks at Costco, I thought it would be of interest, as it seems that Costco is getting more and more geared towards people interested in health foods (e.g., so many keto friendly foods). I eat a mixture of snack foods. Some are aimed at health benefits, whereas others are purely for enjoyment. In this article, the nutritionists also provided reasons for the items’ inclusion on the list. 

Before they discussed Costco items, they provided information about healthy snacks in general.

What Makes a Good Snack?

1. Many nutrients, including vitamins and minerals (e.g., fruits; vegetables; nuts; seeds)

2. Minimal added sugars 

3. High in fiber (whole-grain crackers; fresh fruits; vegetables)

4. High in healthy fats (e.g., avocados; nuts; olive oil)

5. High in protein (e.g., Greek yogurt; hummus; or cheese sticks.

13 Healthy Snacks to Buy at Costco 

1. Whisps Popped Very Cheddar

These baked snacks are made of cheddar cheese and contain protein without added sugar. They are recommended for being portable, high in protein, and not requiring refrigeration. Suggested to eat them with fresh fruit.

If these were kosher, I’d be interested in them. I’m curious as to how they are actually made given that they do not contain a binding agent. I also wonder how the taste compares to cheese crackers.

2. Premier Protein Frozen Pancakes

These pancakes are high in protein and can be cooked in the microwave. The protein is recommended due to its ability to reduce appetite.

I am not interested in this particular brand but I do like the idea of pancakes with protein. Until about 10 years ago, I could (and did!) eat pastry and other high carbohydrate foods for meals and feel fine. I remember back in college my favorite Sunday night dinner consisted of a waffle with lots of syrup, a banana, hot chocolate, and animal crackers. Later at night, I’d probably have cookies or cake candy. I don’t know how I did that. Because I still really like sweet breakfast foods at times, I now have them for dinner with fruit and a protein drink to create a better balance. I think that these breakfast foods with protein would likely enable me to enjoy the comforting breakfast foods while feeling ok.

3. WILDE ProteinChips

Another snack high in protein, these chips are made from real chicken breast, egg whites, and bone broth. The benefits of the chips include the poultry, which can help reduce risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and Type 2 diabetes.

Definitely not for me and I can’t imagine them being appealing to anyone but obviously they are.

4. GoodPop’s Cherry n’ Lemonade Frozen Pops

These popsicles are praised for being portion-controlled, and made from fruit juice rather than from added sugar.

These popsicles sound great. I don’t often eat popsicles because I like ice cream so much that it is my “”frozen dessert” choice. However, sometimes a light, fruity, cold treat is needed. This flavor sounds great.

5. SunGold Kiwis

Kiwis make the list as they are a very nutritious fruit, containing over 20 vitamins and minerals, more vitamin C than any other fruit, and taste great. They get an added bonus point for being easy to eat by just cutting in half and scooping the center.

I love kiwis. I don’t know the differences among kiwis or if I have ever had this specific variety. However, I trust that they are high quality. I remember growing up and viewing kiwis as a very special treat because they were pretty expensive (although sometimes they were on sale 3/1$). I think it’s funny how long it was before I learned the easiest way to serve them. My mom used to peel them and then slice them. It was exciting to see the ease with which others cut them in half and scooped out the fruit. So much easier and so much less fruit wasted! The box at Costco is quite large but I wouldn’t expect much waste as I can eat multiple kiwis at once and have found that, in the fridge, they last several weeks.

6. Kirkland Signature Unsalted Mixed Nuts

This nut mix, consisting of cashews, almonds, pistachios, and pecans contains protein, fiber, and good fats. 

Obviously I like these and recommend them as a snack (Product Review: Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Unsalted Mixed Nuts).

7. Kirkland Signature Organic Hard-Boiled Eggs

Another item on the list is hard-boiled eggs. In addition to protein, this convenient snack contains vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium. 

I have mentioned these eggs before (Protein-Rich Foods to Buy at Costco). I do like hard boiled eggs and think it is probably a good idea to have them around.

8. Kirkland Hummus Snack Cups

This hummus is suggested as a healthy snack because it contains protein, fiber, and healthy fats. In addition, it is an easy way to include vegetables into the diet as it serves as a good dip for them. 

These little containers bother me, as do other forms of packaging. However, for those (everyone else!) without this quirk, they are a great snack. I do like hummus with vegetables but I just buy larger containers.

9. Skinny Dipped Peanut Butter Cups

Although candy, these treats make the list due to being made with real peanut butter and premium chocolate. They contain less sugar and fewer calories than do other candies and the individually wrapped cups help with portion control. 

I have mentioned that I want to buy these candies (New Costco Items for July)

10. Harvest Snaps

These snacks made from green peas contain protein and fiber, lack sodium or artificial ingredients and because they are baked not fried, they contain less fat than other chips. 

I have never had these and don’t think they are kosher. I would not likely try them because I love fresh vegetables and would prefer to eat those. However, for people who prefer crunchy, chip like textures for snacks or are looking for a “chip replacement”, they are likely a good option.

11. Perfect Bar

Perfect Bars are suggested snacks because they contain natural foods (e.g., peanut butter; organic honey, 20 superfoods), and therefore provide multiple vitamins and minerals. They also provide protein, fats, and carbohydrates, and fiber.

I’ve mentioned my lack of interest in protein bars. However, these bars certainly contain a lot of beneficial ingredients.

12. Kirkland Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks

These seaweed snacks are full of vitamins and minerals. They lack artificial additives and preservatives and are low calorie. 

I am not too interested in seaweed but apparently it is a popular snack.

13. Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Blueberries

These frozen berries contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Having been frozen at their peak, they will not spoil and lose health benefits.

Fresh blueberries are delicious (Product Review: Blueberries). However, they can be expensive and are seasonal. Therefore, the option of buying frozen berries is appealing. I don’t like to eat frozen berries plain but they are great heated and used as a syrup or topping for yogurt (Product Review: Kirkland Organic Greek Yogurt.) 

Do you buy these nutritionist-recommended snacks? Any other healthy snacks you’d recommend?