The Best New Frozen Foods at Costco, According to a Nutritionist

The frozen section is my favorite section at Costco. Not only is it a great place to save money, it’s also very easy to find healthy groceries there. Sure, there’s also lots of fried stuff and less-good-for-you finds, so you just need to know what to look for. Luckily, that’s why I’m here! I’m a nutritionist and I’m always on the hunt for great, new freezer-friendly groceries whenever I make a Costco run (which is more often than I care to admit). I like to stock up and then I always have healthy stuff on hand, without having to worry about anything going bad before I can get to it.

Ready? These are the five best freezer finds I recently found at Costco.

Plant-based products and meat alternatives are so darn trendy these days. Even if you’re not vegetarian (or vegan), adding a plant-based burger to your routine instead of a meat option can be a healthy choice, if you’re careful about what brands you buy. I really like this new option from Dr. Praeger’s because the burgers are packed with four kinds of veggies (sweet potato, butternut squash, beets, and carrots), they’re soy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and loaded with non-GMO plant protein from peas. They also contain less sodium and fat than most plant-based meat alternatives.

Hoping to make more smoothies in 2020? These single-serving packs can help. I love the price on this bag: For just $10, you get almost a week’s worth of fruits and veggies for your smoothies. All you need to do is add your favorite milk of choice, and a source of protein (like yogurt or some seeds), and blend for a quick meal for on-the-go or at home.

Attention lovers of cheese bread! These new Brazi Bites are perfect for those looking for a less processed option or a grain- and gluten-free option. Instead of refined grains and strange chemicals, these bites are made with tapioca flour (which is made from a root vegetable). They’re also made with real milk and cheese, and while they aren’t low in calories, they are suitable for individuals looking to indulge in a better-for-you option than competitors’ choices. They’re gluten-free, soy-free, vegetarian, and contain zero artificial ingredients!

Zucchini spirals/noodles have been everywhere these last few years and it’s been fun to watch more and more brands expand their offerings. This box is huge and just $10; you get three 12-ounce packs of zucchini noodles, which you can use for quick dinners or lunches. Cook them with your favorite sauce, any other veggies you want, and your favorite source of protein.

Costco has carried nutrient-rich muffins from Veggies Made Great for a while now. This is the newest flavor and is exclusively available at Costco. They’re each only 120 calories, low in fat and added sugars, and are also gluten-free, soy-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-free. I love these for a quick winter breakfast.

What healthy finds have you picked up from Costco lately?