It goes without saying that my top favorites at Costco, and all markets for that matter, will be the fresh, organic produce. Frozen too as long as it doesn’t contain added sugars, oils, and chemicals. Costco also has great, organic protein sources, both plant- and animal-based – beans, tofu, chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish.
What about other products? Well, here are a handful of favorites.
Level Up Rainbow Mix Microgreens
Nutrient-rich microgreens are an excellent source of iron, and vitamins A, C, and K—offering exceptional freshness, flavor, and nutrition. Grown in certified organic soil, these non-GMO pre-washed microgreens do not contain any chemicals or fertilizers. Eat ‘em up!
Wildbrine Raw Organic Sauerkraut
Trying to add fermented foods to your diet to help diversify your microbiome. A couple of tablespoons of sauerkraut, fermented cabbage, would help you attain that goal. Ingredients in this sauerkraut are simple – cabbage, sea salt, and garlic. Sauerkraut is an excellent source of probiotics and you even add 1 gram of dietary fiber in 2 tablespoons of kraut. If you’re watching your sodium, however, be cautious. While the taste may not be for everyone, it’s definitely worth a try - even a bite or two.
Roli Roti Butcher’s Organic Bone Broth
While bone broth may not appeal to all, it’s rich in protein and collagen. It can be very helpful for gut healing and repair. This bone broth is clean and simple with only 3 ingredients – no alliums (garlic/onion) and no added salt. One cup of broth provides 13 gm protein with no fat or carbohydrates.
Wild Planet Wild Pacific Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
These nutritional powerhouses have been high on my list for years, but it has taken me over 50 years to truly eat them. I’m still working on developing my culinary love for sardines. My motivation? Sardines are rich in protein, vitamin B12, zinc, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and more. Packed in organic extra virgin olive oil, one can provides 18gm protein and 1800 mg of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Sardines are an excellent option for eating lower on the food chain, and this product is sustainably caught from the North Pacific Ocean and uses recyclable packaging.
O California Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Family farmed with love, this is a first cold pressed olive oil; the olives are crushed within hours of harvest to ensure the highest polyphenol and antioxidant content as well as flavor. The olive oil is made from a blend of 100% Organic Arbequina, Koroneiki, and Arbosana olives grown in fertile California soil. And it’s packaged in glass; as chemicals can leach from plastics into oils, best to avoid oils packaged in plastic containers.
Marianne’s Organic Avocado Oil
While both avocado and olive oils are rich in healthful monounsaturated fats, avocado oil is more chemically stable under heat. The higher smoke point of avocado oil as well as its higher phytosterol content and different balance of polyunsaturated and saturated fats allows for higher temperature cooking. Additionally, avocado oil offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood sugar lowering, and heart protective effects. This product is organic, particularly key for fat containing foods, and packaged in glass.
Kirkland Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw and unfiltered, this apple cider vinegar includes the ‘mother’, hence, the sediment at the bottom of the jar. While the sediment may not look appealing, it’s composed of protein, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria. Packaged in glass and made from 100% fresh-pressed, organic U.S. apples, this product uses natural fermentation without added yeast or enzymes. Apple cider vinegar may be used to support digestion and gut health, skin health, and even help support blood sugar and weight management.
Mary’s Gone Crackers
Let’s face it. Most crackers are processed, use refined grains or flours, and lack nutritive value. Then, in steps Mary’s Gone Crackers, and you have a cracker made with whole ingredients – brown rice, quinoa, flax, and sesame seeds. They’re organic, naturally gluten free, contain 4 grams plant protein per serving, and offer 3 grams dietary fiber per serving. You do need to have teeth for these crackers, they pack some definite crunch!
Love Organic Cooked Beets
I simply love beets – and these are so convenient and easy to use, not to mention, consistently delicious. Beets provide various nutrients and unquestionably are rich in phytochemicals (think color). They offer folate, potassium, manganese, iron, dietary fiber, and more. The naturally occurring nitrates help to lower blood pressure, improve brain health, and even enhance athletic performance. And if you’re constipated, eat up – beets will help you move things along. One caveat to note is that beets are higher in oxalates, so if you’re prone to kidney stones, discuss with your healthcare provider.
Go Raw Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds
These seeds are delicious and pack nutritional punch! The fact that they’re sprouted allows for easier digestibility and nutrient absorption. A ¼ cup portion provides 8 grams of plant-based protein and a plethora of micronutrients, including zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and iron. Sprouted pumpkin seeds can be incorporated into a sweet or savory dish or simply eaten on their own. Add to salads, as the base of a pesto, grind into seed butter, and more.
Kirkland Organic Almond butter
Provides healthy, cancer- and cardio-protective, monounsaturated fatty acids. Almonds also offer various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. One tablespoon of almond butter contains almost 4 grams protein. Not enough protein for a meal, but four more than zero. With 9 grams of healthy fats per tablespoon, almond butter is a nutrient dense food. That’s great if you seek extra calories and nutrition. If not, be cognizant of your portion so to not overconsume. Costco’s almond butter, in particular - only one ingredient! It contains no added sugars, oils, or additives. You can add almond butter to celery or apples, mix it into smoothies, oatmeal, stir fries, or eat straight from the spoon!
Kirkland Organic Hemp Hearts
Seeking added nutrition? Each 3 tablespoon portion contains 10 grams plant protein, 1 gram of fiber, and 3000 mg omega-3 fatty acids (alpha linolenic acid). Additionally, they’re an excellent source of iron, thiamin, niacin, phosphorus, manganese, copper, zinc, and magnesium. That’s an impressive nutrition score. These seeds are very mild tasting with a nutty flavor. Serve as a great addition to salads, smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, or other foods. With their high omega-3 fatty acid content, be sure to refrigerate hemp hearts after opening.
What are your favorite Costco products? I'd love to hear.
In Health,
Natalie