Healthy Costco Snacks: 18 Dietitian-Approved Options

Quick summary

  • The best healthy Costco snacks include high-protein, high-fiber options, many of which are pre-portioned and low in added sugar.
  • A healthy snack is built around balanced nutrients, simple ingredients, and mindful portions to support satiety without overeating.
  • On the flip side, it’s a good idea to limit ultra-processed snacks high in added sugar and refined carbs.

Snacking at Costco can feel a little dangerous, in the best way possible. Between the low prices, giant bags, and endless samples, it’s easy to fill up your cart and walk out with way more than you originally planned. Luckily, Costco is actually full of nutritious, satisfying snack options when you know what to look for.

From high-protein picks to fiber-rich favorites and easy grab-and-go staples, this guide breaks down the healthiest Costco snacks to help you shop smarter, feel fuller, and level up your snack game.

What makes a snack healthy?

Not all snacks are created equal. This is especially true at Costco, where everything comes in a bigger bag, making it easier to go from “just a handful” to halfway through the box (often without even realizing).

A healthy snack should leave you feeling full and fueled until your next meal rather than hungry again 20 minutes later.

In general, the best snacks tend to have a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, since this combo helps keep you satisfied and prevents dips in blood sugar and energy levels.

It also helps to look at added sugar. Healthy snacks don’t need to be completely sugar-free, but they shouldn’t be sugar-loaded either, especially when sweetness is coming mostly from syrups or concentrates instead of whole foods, like fruit.

Another easy rule is to glance at the ingredient list: the shorter and more recognizable it is, the better, since that usually signals less processing.

And finally, portion matters just as much as ingredients, especially with Costco-sized packaging. Even nutrient-dense snacks can become less balanced when your serving size starts to creep up.

Tips for choosing healthy snacks at Costco

Shopping for snacks at Costco can be a bit overwhelming. Everything is big, ultra-convenient, and looks like it could belong in a healthy pantry. However, not all options are actually as nutritious as they might seem.

Here are a few quick tips to help you decode the label next time you’re shopping for healthy Costco snacks:

  • Shop with a plan: Go in with a loose plan so you’re not overwhelmed by the sheer variety in every aisle. Even a simple idea of what you’re looking for (like “protein snacks,” “fruit,” or “grab-and-go options”) can help you stay focused and avoid impulse buys.
  • Prioritize protein and fiber: Look for snacks that contain a mix of protein and fiber, since these nutrients help keep you full and reduce constant snacking throughout the day. Options like yogurt, nuts, fruit with nut butter, or cheese tend to be more satisfying.
  • Check the label: Take a quick look at the ingredient list before you buy. Shorter ingredient lists and fewer added sugars or fillers are generally a good sign.
  • Keep an eye on portions: Be mindful of portion sizes, since Costco packaging can make it easy to unintentionally overeat. What looks like one serving is often multiple servings, so it helps to check labels carefully.
  • Divvy up your snacks: Pre-portion snacks once you get home into smaller containers or grab-and-go bags. This makes healthy choices easier and reduces grazing and mindless munching.

Most importantly, keep in mind that the best snacks are the ones you actually enjoy. If it feels too restrictive or boring, it’ll probably just end up wasting away in your kitchen cabinets, regardless of how healthy it is on paper.

Quick cheat sheet

Use this as an easy guide when you’re scanning options at the store. Sticking to these ranges can help you pick a more well-rounded snack without overthinking it. Keep in mind you can also mix and match foods (like fruit + nuts or crackers + hummus) to hit these targets.

  • Protein: aim for at least 5 grams per serving
  • Fiber: prioritize options with at least 3 grams per serving
  • Added sugar: look for snacks with less than 6-8 grams per serving

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Best healthy Costco snacks

Whether you’re looking for high-protein options, fiber-rich picks, or easy grab-and-go snacks, Costco offers plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best healthy Costco snacks to stock up on.

High-protein Costco snacks

1. Bumble Bee Snack on the Run Tuna Salad

This portable snack pairs buttery crackers with tuna salad, delivering 8 grams of protein per serving. It’s a little low in fiber, so consider throwing in some chopped veggies on the side to round it out even more.

2. Chobani Protein Lowfat Greek Yogurt

These Greek yogurt cups are available in four different flavors, all of which provide 20 grams of protein per serving with no added sugar. They also contain probiotics to enhance gut health and can be easily topped with berries, nuts, or chia seeds for more fiber.

3. Blue Diamond Lightly Salted Almonds

Featuring 9 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and plenty of healthy fats packed into each serving, this is definitely one of the best healthy Costco snacks. It’s also free of added sugar, low in sodium, and individually packaged for extra convenience.

4. Krave Chimichurri Grass-Fed Beef Sticks

These grass-fed beef sticks contain 8 grams of protein per serving and are lower in sodium and added sugar than many other varieties of beef jerky at Costco. Enjoy alongside some fresh fruits or veggies to ramp up the fiber content.

5. Jif To Go Creamy Peanut Butter Cups

Grab a few of these peanut butter cups and pair with sliced apples, celery sticks, or a banana for a quick and healthy snack. Each cup provides 9 grams of protein with 3 grams of fiber and just 250 calories.

6. RXBAR Protein Bars Variety Pack

Made with a mix of simple ingredients like egg whites, almonds, cashews, and dates, these protein bars pack 12 grams of protein into each serving, with 5-6 grams of fiber and 200 calories or less.

7. Oikos 30g Protein Shake

For an easy way to boost your protein intake between meals, consider trying these protein shakes from Oikos. They contain 30 grams of protein and 170 calories per serving and are free of added sugar. But while they’re free of artificial sweeteners, keep in mind that they do contain stevia, which can have a bitter aftertaste for some people.

Low-calorie Costco snacks

8. That’s It Mini Fruit Bars

With just 60 calories per serving and 2-3 grams of fiber, these fruit bars are great if you’re looking for a low-calorie option to satisfy your sweet tooth. They also have a short and simple list of ingredients and are free of added sugar. Be sure to pair them with a good source of protein for a more balanced snack.

9. Lesser Evil Organic Popcorn

If you’re craving something salty, these single-serve popcorn snacks from Lesser Evil are worth a try. They contain just 80 calories per serving and deliver 3 grams of fiber. They’re also vegan-friendly and certified organic.

10. The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame

If you’re looking for a filling, weight loss-friendly snack, this one is definitely worth considering. In fact, it could actually fit into a few categories on this list — it’s low in calories (120 per serving), provides a whopping 14 grams of protein, and packs 6 grams of fiber too. It’s also vegan, high in potassium and iron, and made with just three simple ingredients.

Fiber-rich Costco snacks

11. Kirkland Signature Sunsweet Dried Plums

Whether you’re looking to give your gut health a boost or simply bump up your fiber intake, these dried plums are a solid choice. They’re free of added sugar, low in calories, and contain 3 grams of fiber per serving, including a mix of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

12. Nature’s Garden Probiotic Dried Apricots

These dried apricots check all the boxes for a nutritious snack: they’re free of added sugar, provide 3 grams of fiber per serving, and are loaded with probiotics to give your gut health a boost. Enjoy alongside a good source of protein, such as cheese, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, or cottage cheese.

13. DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps

This product is perfect for mushroom enthusiasts and savory snack lovers alike. It’s made from crispy shiitake mushrooms, which are lightly cooked and seasoned, delivering 5 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein per serving.

14. The SnakYard Organic Sweet Potato Sticks

Not only are these sweet potato sticks made with just one simple ingredient (you guessed it — sweet potatoes!), but they’re also a great source of fiber, with 6 grams per serving. As an added bonus, they’re also free of added sugar, low in sodium, vegan-friendly, and individually portioned.

15. Oats Overnight 20g Protein Shake

These oat-based protein shakes can be a super satisfying snack, with 6 grams of fiber and 20 grams of protein per serving. They’re also quick and convenient: mix them with your choice of milk, stick them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, and enjoy.

Grab-and-go Costco snacks

16. Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Variety Pack

These mini pistachio packs are available in three different flavors for a convenient snack you can bring on the go. They’re high in protein, with about 5 grams per serving, and also pack a hearty dose of healthy fats.

17. Universal Bakery Traditional Aussie Bites

Made with rolled oats, dried fruit, flaxseeds, and shredded coconut, these cookies are individually wrapped and portable for easy snacking on busy days. They contain 130 calories with 2 grams of protein and fiber and are relatively low in added sugar, with only 3 grams per serving.

18. Mezcla Puff-Crispy Bar

This plant-based pistachio chocolate bar includes 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, meaning that it’s a healthy, grab-and-go snack that can actually fill you up. It’s also certified gluten-free and contains a good chunk of iron, making it a smart snack choice for vegans and vegetarians.

Snacks to limit or avoid

There’s room for all foods in your diet, but some snacks are easier to overeat and less likely to keep you feeling full or energized.

This is especially true for snacks high in added sugar, including some granola bars, trail mixes, and yogurt-covered snacks. Many of these can pack as much sugar as dessert, which may lead to energy spikes followed by crashes that leave you reaching for more soon after.

Similarly, snacks made mostly from refined carbs (like crackers, chips, or baked goods) tend to be less filling on their own, especially if they’re also low in protein and fiber.

Another easy trap at Costco is portion size. Even nutrient-dense foods like nuts, trail mix, or dark chocolate can quickly add up calorie-wise when you’re eating them straight from a bulk bag, and it’s easy for a snack to turn into a full meal (or more).

While there’s no need to cut these foods out completely, it’s a good idea to be more mindful of how often and how much you’re having them. Pairing them with protein or fiber or enjoying them in smaller portions can help you strike a better balance while still enjoying your favorites.

How to build a healthy snack combo

Instead of relying on single snacks, building a balanced combo is one of the easiest ways to stay satisfied between meals. Here are a few quick tips to get started:

  • Start with protein like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, or a protein bar to help keep you full longer.
  • Add fiber from fruits, veggies, or whole grains like apples, berries, baby carrots, or whole-grain crackers to slow digestion and provide your body with a steady stream of energy.
  • Include a healthy fat such as nuts, seeds, or nut butter to boost satisfaction and curb cravings.
  • Mix textures and flavors (creamy, crunchy, sweet, savory) to make your snack more enjoyable and less likely to leave you craving more.
  • Keep it simple and realistic by using easy, grab-and-go items you can quickly pair together from your Costco haul.

FAQ

Some of the healthiest snacks to buy at Costco include options that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, plus low in added sugar. RXBar Protein Bars, Blue Diamond Lightly Salted Almonds, The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame, and Nature’s Garden Probiotic Dried Apricots are a few great options.

Yes! Costco offers plenty of snacks that can support weight loss, especially options that are high in protein and fiber, plus lower in calories and added sugar. Some examples of weight loss-friendly options include Chobani Protein Lowfat Greek Yogurt, The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame, and That’s It Mini Fruit Bars.

Some of the best high-protein snacks at Costco include Bumble Bee Snack on the Run Tuna Salad, Chobani Protein Low-Fat Greek Yogurt, Blue Diamond Lightly Salted Almonds, and Krave Chimichurri Grass-Fed Beef Sticks.

Be sure to pair these high-protein snacks with a good source of fiber for even more staying power.

Try to limit snacks that are high in added sugar, refined carbs, and highly processed ingredients, as well as bulk items that are easy to overeat without portioning.

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Conclusion

Stocking up on healthy snacks at Costco can make everyday eating easier and more satisfying, especially when you know what to look for. By focusing on options that include protein, fiber, and simple ingredients (and being more mindful of your portions to avoid going overboard), you can build a snack routine that keeps you feeling your best.

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