The Pantry Staple That’s Always Half Price at Costco

Nilina Mason-Campbell
Nilina Mason-Campbell
Nilina currently splits her time between Los Angeles and her hometown of Portland, Oregon. Outside of writing, she owns and operates a line of illustrated souvenirs, an outlet that marries both her passion for crafting and penchant for adventure. Her current undertaking is renovating a 1968 Airstream Overlander that she hopes to eventually live in full-time. She'll be documenting her renovation progress via Instagram starting in the fall. In her spare time, she's learning to play the banjo.
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updated Aug 25, 2020
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Costco devotees know all too well that if you shop smart, you can score some serious deals at the warehouse store. It’s a lesson I learned really quickly as I entered the world of veganism for the first time in my life — especially because vegan ingredients can be super expensive.

Since I started my vegan lifestyle, I’ve been on a never-ending scouting mission for alternate sources of protein that don’t break the bank. And then I stumbled upon the wonders of hemp seeds in a smoothie recipe I found on Pinterest, and these little protein powerhouses have become a daily staple in my diet. Unfortunately they’re not cheap … unless you buy them at Costco!

Credit: Nilina Mason-Campbell

It’s easy to blindly trust that you’re getting the best deal at Costco (even if you aren’t), but for the sake of research, I took field trips to multiple grocery stores and browsed online retailers to find the actual very best deal. Here are my official findings.

  • A 12-ounce bag of Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds costs $16.99 at New Seasons.
  • A 12-ounce bag of Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds costs $20.99 at Whole Foods.
  • A 12-ounce bag of 365 Brand hemp seeds costs $12.99 at Whole Foods.
  • An 8-ounce bag of Bob’s Red Mill help seeds costs $7.99 at Natural Grocers.
  • A 7-ounce bag of Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds costs $7.49 at Fred Meyer and Kroger.
  • A 24-ounce bag of Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds costs $14.99 at Costco.

Are you surprised? As you can see, at $14.99 a 24-ounce bag of hemp seeds by Manitoba Harvest at Costco is hands-down the best retail price I’ve found anywhere else.

Credit: Nilina Mason-Campbell

Why do I love hemp seeds so much that I’m willing to do math for them? Let me count the ways.

  • They’re super nutritious. Three tablespoons of hemp seeds provides 10 grams of protein and 12 grams of healthy fats.
  • They add texture. When blended inside a smoothie, hemp seeds go unnoticed, but as a garnish, they add a bit of texture and crunch.
  • They’re versatile and go in almost every meal of the day. I spread those three tablespoons out over the course of a day, adding a few sprinkles to my breakfast smoothies and lunch bowls, and to top off pasta dishes at night.
  • They’re nutty and delicious. Hemp seeds have an ever-so-slightly nutty taste that enhances the flavor of my pesto zoodles in a similar way that pine nuts do.
Credit: Nilina Mason-Campbell

No matter where I’m shopping or what size bag I’m considering, anytime I pull out my iPhone to do the math of cost per ounce, this Costco bag of organic hemp seeds wins every time. Plus, at the pace in which I use hemp seeds in my meals, this jumbo bag is helpful to have around, as it can last me the better part of a month. Thanks to these hemp seeds, my Costco membership is paying for itself!

What’s the best deal you’ve ever gotten at Costco?

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