The Best New Groceries at Costco, According to a Nutritionist

If you’ve been following this site for a while, you’ve probably noticed that I like to browse the Costco aisles in search of the latest and greatest good-for-you groceries. It’s fun to do because there are so many — seriously, way more than you’d think! — and most people are always pretty surprised. Costco isn’t always the first place that comes to mind when we think of healthy eating! In fact, this is the second time this month that I’ve written about healthy Costco finds. The first post was all about the freezer aisle, but there’s so much that’s new this month, I thought it was time for another look. As usual, Costco did not disappoint.

From snacks to ready-to-heat-meals to sweet treats, here are the 13 best new healthy groceries I recently spotted at Costco.

These little bites from 180 Snacks only have five ingredients: pecans, organic brown rice syrup, cane sugar, cinnamon, and Himalayan pink salt. They’re a tad high in calories, but they make a filling, gluten-free snack that offers plant-based protein, cholesterol-free healthy fats, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals.

Sprouted grain bread is what I recommend to those who want to eat bread, but in the healthiest way possible. It’s higher in nutrition and fiber, and is much less processed than regular bread. While it’s normally found in the refrigerated or frozen section, Costco has this new option that’s shelf stable. Made with only organic whole grain sprouted grains and natural ingredients, it comes in a three-loaf pack for endless sandwiches or toast for the month. Pro tip: Keep two loaves in your freezer and one in the pantry (or even fridge) to eat during the week. Then just defrost a loaf when you need the next one!

Chickpea pasta is everywhere! Pasta brands are noticing that people want healthier pasta choices made from plant-based legumes. Chickpea pasta is particularly filling, thanks to plenty of protein and fiber, and doesn’t have a funny aftertaste or odd texture like some alternative pasta products do. Give your weeknight pasta meals or lunches a makeover with this new product by Barilla, which you can now find at Costco in bulk.

While granola can be a sneaky source of added sugars and unhealthy sources of fat, it can also provide whole grains and fiber — if you make a smart choice. That’s why I was glad to see a healthier alternative by Bear Naked hit my local Costco this month. Made with dark chocolate and hazelnut butter, along with whole grains, this makes for a special yogurt or smoothie topping that offers indulgence without as much added sugar as other options.

This organic cacao powder is one of my favorites, so I was elated to finally see a massive bag of it at Costco. I’ve seen smaller bags for double the price at mainstream grocery stores! It’s a great way to add a nutrient-dense splash of chocolate goodness without adding sugars or artificial ingredients. Use it in smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, coffee, or bake with it. 

Date rolls top my list of healthy snacks. These are made with organic coconut, dates, and almonds and I have started keeping them on hand for those times when I crave something sweet. Although dates are high in natural sugars, this snack has no added sugar. But it does have magnesium, potassium, and fiber!

Monkfruit sweetener comes from, you guessed it, monkfruit. It also has no effect on blood sugar levels, making it a great option for those who have to watch those numbers. This brand, which makes a variety of natural alternative sweetener options, has a huge bag at Costco for half the cost of what you’ll find elsewhere. Use it in baked goods, cereal, smoothies, oatmeal, coffee, or anywhere else you please!

Fun fact: Loma Linda is a city in California that’s known for having residents that live healthier and age better than other Americans. Loma Linda the food brand makes plant-based ingredients and meals that focus on convenience. The latest offering by the brand has hit Costco and is a total win. My (non-vegetarian) family members love these Chipotle-flavored bowls, which heat up in the microwave in just 60 seconds and contain lots of plant-based protein and fiber. Keep a box on hand for quick weeknight meals.

This keto-friendly, probiotic-rich snack mix is grain-free and has no added sugar. It contains only real nuts, seeds, and crunchy cheese puffs. This mix also has 7 grams of protein and contains only 170 calories per serving.

Even if you aren’t on the paleo diet, these bars are a great choice: They have no refined sugar, are made with heart-healthy nuts and seeds instead of refined grains, and are high enough in calories, fiber, and healthy fats that they can even stand in for a quick lunch. Keep some on hand for emergency meals or share with a friend or co-worker for an afternoon snack.

I’m a huge fan of these new oat cups. They offer 12 grams of protein, heart- and gut-healthy fiber, and have zero added sugar, gluten, or GMOs.They’re also dairy-free and vegetarian (but not vegan as they contain egg whites). Keep some cups in your desk at work or pack some on your next vacation for a healthy breakfast in your hotel.

These bars are not only tasty and healthy, they also give back: With each purchase, the brand donates to an organization that works to prevent childhood malnutrition. I love that these bars are gluten-free, contain real fruit, nuts and seeds, and contain half the sugar of other popular snack bars.

In general, maple syrup is a great natural sweetener and alternative to sugar. This maple syrup is made from 100 percent maple tree sap and aged in bourbon barrels, which gives it a unique flavor.

Heather McClees is a nutritionist with a degree in Nutrition Science and Dietetics. She lives in South Carolina and loves browsing the aisles of Aldi, Costco, and Target, in search of the best new, good-for-you groceries to hit shelves.