The best healthy Costco snacks: A nutritionist’s guide

Reviewed By:

Maggie Hudspeth
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

What you’ll learn:

• Costco has plenty of snack options that can support any health plan you’re on.
• The best snacks are made with whole ingredients, protein, fiber, and healthy fats without leaving you overly full or unsatisfied.
• What works for one person may not be enough food for another, so it’s best to think of snacking as an individualized experience.

Costco can be a great place to stock up on everything from dinner staples to household goods. But where it really shines is when you find bulk snacks that support your health goals.

In general, it’s best to prioritize snacks that include protein, fiber, or healthy fats, or a mix of all three. These nutrients can help slow digestion, support fullness, and make it easier to avoid reaching for another snack an hour later.

That’s why we’re breaking down the best Costco snacks for weight loss by category, from high-protein options and crunchy snacks to dips, nuts, whole grains, and sweet snacks.

What should a healthy Costco snack have?

A healthy snack that supports your health goals should do more than simply stay within a certain calorie or carb limit. It should help you feel satisfied and make your overall eating pattern easier to maintain.

Here’s what to look for:

• Protein: Protein helps keep you full, supports muscle maintenance, and can make snacks more satisfying. Good snack-friendly sources include:
  • Low-fat Greek yogurt
  • Low-fat cheese
  • Lean meats like chicken or turkey, eggs, sardines, tuna, nuts, and other protein-forward foods.
• Fiber: Fiber helps you stay satisfied and slows digestion, which can support steadier energy and help you feel full until your next meal. Look for food with:
  • Whole grains like oats and popcorn
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Legumes
  • Fruits and vegetables
• Healthy fats: Unsaturated fats can help snacks feel more satisfying. Look for:
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Avocado
  • Fatty fish
• Volume: Eating foods with more volume can help you feel like you’re eating a satisfying amount. Try including:
  • Popcorn or other grains
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Low-fat yogurt

How many calories should a healthy Costco snack be?

The right snack for you depends on your body, routine, and goals. The goal is to choose snacks that help you feel nourished and keep your energy steady until your next meal.

What should I watch out for in a healthy snack?

A snack can look healthy based on what is on the front of the package and still be worth a closer look. Don’t fall for healthy labels like low-fat, zero sugar, high fiber, and sugar-free without checking the nutrition label and the ingredients.

• Check for added sugar: Some snacks may contain added sugars that might not keep you full long.
• Be wary of artificial sweeteners: Some may cause digestive discomfort for some people.
• Note any sugar alcohols: Sugar alcohols may reduce added sugar but can cause bloating for some.
• Keep saturated fat low: Check the ingredient sources of fats to ensure they contribute to heart health.
• Consider portion size: Portion out large snacks to avoid overeating.

Costco snacks: Best low-carb and protein-packed

High-protein snacks can be especially helpful when you need something that actually holds you over. Good ideas to look for include:

• Individually wrapped cheeses
• Beef and turkey sticks or jerky
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Canned fish like sardines and tuna
• Low-fat Greek yogurt

Here’s a quick chart of low-carb, protein-packed Costco snacks:

Costco snacks: Nuts and trail mix snacks

Costco is one of the best places to stock up on nuts and trail mix because the bulk sizes are usually much cheaper than smaller packs.

Here’s a quick chart of nuts and trail mixes:

Costco snacks: Crunchy snacks

Costco offers better-for-you salty snacks that still feel satisfying. For a crunchy snack, consider:

• Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Seaweed
• SkinnyPop Popcorn Variety Pack
• Calbee Harvest Snaps Baked Green Pea Snacks

Here’s a quick chart of crunchy snacks:

Costco snacks: Dips and veggie-friendly

Dips like hummus and guacamole can make vegetables more enjoyable:

• Sabra Hummus Singles
• Kirkland Signature Chunky Guacamole

Here’s a quick chart of dips:

Costco snacks: Healthy, whole-grain options

Whole-grain snacks can help with fullness and steadier energy. Look for:

• MUSH Protein Overnight Oats
• Quaker Instant Oatmeal Cups

Here’s a quick chart of whole-grain snacks:

Costco snacks: Sweet and chocolatey

Sweet snacks can be included in a balanced routine. Look for:

• Mezcla Puff-Crispy Bar
• Circ Energy Bites

Here’s a quick chart of sweet snacks:

How snacking can support weight loss

Snacking can be a helpful part of weight management when done intentionally. Good snack options help prevent you from getting overly hungry before meals.

Frequently asked questions about Costco snacks

What are the best snacks to buy at Costco?

The best snacks to buy at Costco are those that help keep you full, support your goals, and are easy to portion.

What are the best gluten-free snacks at Costco?

Costco has plenty of gluten-free snack options, including SkinnyPop Popcorn, nuts, pistachio packs, hummus singles, guacamole cups, Greek yogurt, and hard-boiled eggs.

What are good snacks to get at Costco?

Good snacks include a mix of convenient protein options, crunchy snacks, and shelf-stable add-ons. A balanced cart might include Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, hummus cups, nuts, and some sweet snacks.