The Healthiest Costco Snacks for Eating On the Go
It’s Back to Busy season! Which means more scarfing down granola bars in the car on the way to pick up the kids, more handfuls of almonds between meetings (instead of an actual lunch), and more wishing we had a purse full of portable snacks to hold us over until we have a second to eat something off, gasp, a plate! If you can fit it into your schedule, you should pencil in a trip to Costco — because the warehouse giant has shelves full of healthy snacks that are great for eating on the run.
These snacks are all individually wrapped, require zero refrigeration, and are free of too much added sugar, saturated fat, or hard-to-pronounce ingredients.
1. Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars, $11 for 36 twin packs
Hands-down, these are my favorite healthy Costco snacks to eat on the run. They’re made with 100 percent whole grains, contain no refined sugar or hydrogenated oils, and they’re low in sodium, added sugar, and fat. Figs are a powerful source of fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants, so they’ll keep you full and give you a megadose of nutrition. This variety box features three of the top-selling flavors.
2. Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars, $10 for 24 bars
Lots of fruit bars and fruit snacks are full of added sugar, but these are made with 100 percent fruit and contain no oils, refined ingredients, or artificial flavors, dyes, or colors. Plus, these two flavors are some of the best I’ve ever tried when it comes to fruit bars! They’re great for when you want something sweet and chewy — that’s not candy.
3. KIND Minis 100-Calorie Snack Bars, $18 for 36 bars
Regular-sized KIND bars are a popular Costco best-seller, but I prefer the KIND Minis because they’re a little less heavy, still offer some fiber and protein, and are lower in fat, sugar, and overall calories. Don’t be fooled by their tiny size, though: These bars are still incredibly satisfying.
4. CLIF KID Organic Z Bars, $16 for 36 bars
Is it just me or are kids’ snacks so much more fun than adult versions? I love CLIF KID Organic Z BARs because they’re just as satisfying as the larger bars by CLIF and much healthier in terms of the ingredients and nutritional profiles. These bars are low in fat, added sugars, and a great source of whole grains, fiber, and potassium. They’re also vegan and only 130 calories per bar!
5. MADE GOOD Granola Minis, $10 for 20 packs
Granola is another one of things that can be a secret sugar bomb. Not this stuff, though. These packs are also gluten-free, vegan, organic, and free of the top eight food allergens, so they’re also school-safe if you feel like sharing with your kids.
6. Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs, $10 for 24 packs
Skip the Kirkland brand trail mix (it’s got candy pieces added) and pick up these organic fruit-and-nut trail mix packs instead. Nuts are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and important minerals, not to mention fiber to help keep you full. And the fruits are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Eat one while you’re out and about or, if you have more time, on top of oatmeal.
7. SKINNY POP Popcorn, $8 for 28 bags
Popcorn can be a nutritionally smart snack or a nutritional nightmare, depending on what kind you buy. These SKINNY POP 100-calorie bags are the way to go. Inside, you’ll find 100 percent whole-grain popcorn — and no sugar, butter, or cholesterol. And they’re already portioned out for you.
What are your favorite healthy Costco snack to eat on the run?