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The ULTIMATE guide to saving money while eating healthy at Costco, with the latest updates for 2024!
When you think of healthy grocery stores, places like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s might come to mind. But Costco, one of the biggest wholesale clubs in the U.S., has made incredible strides in offering a wide variety of organic and healthy foods—often at unbeatable prices.
Did you know that Costco is now one of the largest retailers of organic groceries in the country? It’s true! As demand for As a nutritionist who shop at Costco regularly, we absolutely love how it makes eating healthy so much easier without blowing your budget. They’ve got a great selection of organic fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains that I typically recommend to my clients. Continues to grow, Costco has expanded its organic and clean-label offerings, making it a fantastic destination for health-conscious shoppers on a budget.
As a nutritionist who shop at Costco regularly, we absolutely love how it makes eating healthy so much easier without blowing your budget. They’ve got a great selection of organic fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains that I typically recommend to my clients. Plus, many of their products are free from artificial ingredients, which is a big win if you’re focused on clean eating.
Costco is ideal for stocking up on bulk ingredients, perfect for meal prepping and keeping your kitchen full of nutritious options without breaking the bank.
Why Costco is a Hidden Gem for Healthy Shopping
@healthwithhunter Clean hidden gems at @Costco Wholesale #health #grocerystore #nutrition #groceryshopping #costco #costcofinds
Whenever I go to Costco, I’m always amazed by the variety of fresh produce, proteins, grains, and snacks that you can buy. While many shoppers fill their carts with processed snacks and sugary beverages, there’s so much more you can take advantage of—especially if you’re focused on eating healthier. The key is knowing where to look!
At Costco, the majority of our cart is filled with fresh, entire foods that support a balanced diet. From fresh vegetables and fruits to organic proteins and whole grains, you can find just about everything you need to build delicious, nutrient-packed meals.
Healthy Produces at Costco
Costco is renowned for its wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The produce is rotated quickly, ensuring that what you get is fresh and high-quality.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the best healthy foods available at Costco, grouped by categories and with their prices (based on approximate pricing which may vary by location).
Prices of Popular Produce (2024 Estimates):
- Kirkland Organic Romaine Lettuce (6 heads) – $5.25
- Organic Blueberries (24 oz) – $7.49
- Organic Raspberries (12 oz) – $5.99
- Organic Strawberries (4 lbs) – $6.49
- Organic Blackberries (1 lb) – $7.49
- Organic Spinach (1 lb) – $5.29
- Avocados (6 pack) – $8.99
- Sweet Potatoes (10 lbs) – $10.49
You can make your own list in Canva. Using Canva, you can create personalized to do lists and grocery planners tailored to your needs. You can list specific Costco items by category (such as produce, proteins, and pantry staples) and include space to note prices or meal ideas. These lists can be printed or saved digitally!
Healthy Protein Options
As a nutritionist, I find Costco to be a great place to stock up on high-quality protein. The family-sized portions of meat may seem large, but they freeze well, which is perfect for meal prepping or planning ahead.
2024 Protein Selections:
- Organic Chicken Breast (3-pack) – $6.99/lb
- Diestel Organic Ground Turkey (2 – 1.5 lbs packages) – $16.99
- Kirkland Organic Grass-Fed Ground Beef (4lbs) – $22.49
- Wild-Caught Salmon (varies by region) – $16.99/lb
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives at Costco
When I shop at Costco, I’m always pleased with the variety of dairy and non-dairy options available. They carry everything from organic milk and grass-fed butter to plant-based choices like almond, soy, and oat milk.
2024 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Prices:
- Kirkland Organic Oat Milk (6 – 32 oz) – $12.29
- Kirkland Almond Milk (12 – 32 oz) – $15.99
- Kirkland Organic Pasture-Raised Eggs (2 dozen) – $7.49
- Kerrygold Grass-Fed Butter (1.5 lb) – $8.49
- Fage Nonfat Greek Yogurt (48 oz) – $7.29
Healthy Snacks
Quick, healthy snacks are a must, and Costco delivers a variety of options perfect for on-the-go eating. Whether you’re prepping for work, school, or a road trip, having nutritious snacks on hand is essential.
2024 Healthy Snack Finds:
- Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars (36 bars) – $15.99
- Kirkland Organic Roasted Seaweed (10 packs) – $9.99
- Kirkland Organic Dried Mango (2.5 lb bag) – $16.49
- Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers – $11.49
Frozen Foods for Healthy Eating
Costco’s frozen section is packed with nutritious options that make healthy eating easy, even on busy nights. You can find everything from frozen fruits for smoothies to organic veggies and pre-cooked proteins.
Frozen Food Highlights for 2024:
- Kirkland Organic Frozen Berry Blend (4 lbs) – $11.99
- Organic Frozen Edamame (5 lbs) – $7.49
- Organic Whole Petit Green Beans (5 lbs) – $7.99
- Kirkland Organic Frozen Broccoli (4 lb) – $10.49
Pantry Staples at Costco
Costco also offers a wide variety of healthy pantry staples, making it easy to stock up on whole grains, canned goods, and healthy oils.
Pantry Staples Prices in 2024:
- Kirkland Organic Quinoa (4.5 lbs) – $10.99
- Kirkland Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2L) – $22.99
- Nutiva Organic Chia Seeds (48 oz) – $10.81
- Kirkland Organic Diced Tomatoes (12 – 15oz cans) – $8.99
Tips for Shopping Healthy at Costco
- Look for organic when possible and ALWAYS follow the Dirty Dozen Rule – at Costco the organic options are easily found by looking for the GREEN price signs
- Load up on plenty of fresh produce
- ONLY purchase organic or grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish
- Look at labels before you buy to make sure there are no sneaky ingredients! If you can’t pronounce it – don’t buy it!
- The BEST time to do your Costco shopping is on a Friday night! They stock everything for the weekend rush and there is NO ONE there! That’s when Nik and I like going (we hate crowds!)
- Avoid the samples at all costs! They are usually all processed foods!
- Costco is also a great place to buy electronics, household goods, and other things – Of course we buy toilet paper and things like that there as well, and we actually just bought our new phones there! They have great deals on TVs and cameras, and I tried to convince Nick we needed kayaks and a tent earlier this summer! (No luck…😔)
- Costco also has a great selection of wine and alcohol. We buy a majority of our alcohol here because it’s INSANELY cheap…and great quality! And who doesn’t love a good skinny cocktail or a summary sangria…in moderation of course!
- ONLY purchase what you will actually eat…you’ll never save any money if things go bad or you buy things you won’t ever eat.
In 2024, Costco remains a fantastic option for those looking to eat healthier on a budget. From organic produce to high-quality proteins and pantry staples, you can find almost everything you require for a nutritious lifestyle—all while saving money!
