5 Best New Costco Foods to Buy, Dietitians Say
Costco's shelves are a revolving door of amazing finds. Whether you're looking for sweet treats, new meal ideas, or healthy food options, you can absolutely find it somewhere in your local Costco warehouse. But what's also fun about Costco is all the stores are a little different, so sometimes you might find a new product that you already know is going to be good, because Costco devotees in other regions are already raving about it!
There are plenty of new things at Costco to kick off 2022, including some healthy snacks and food you'll want to grab. These picks — all backed by nutrition experts — will help you stick to your healthy eating goals for 2022 without feeling like you're dieting. After all, eating healthy is a lifestyle! Here's what you should grab during your next trip to Costco.
Related: 7 Cherished Costco Bakery and Deli Items You Can Get Right Now
ParmCrisps Snack Mix, Ranch
This crunchy snack has a good amount of protein, which is exactly what you want in a snack. That way, you'll fill up more quickly and not snack too much between meals.
"This snack will definitely sustain you, and the crunch makes it even more satisfying making them a great alternative to chips," says Nutritionist Rania Batayneh, MPH author of the #1 Amazon bestselling book The One One One Diet.
Kacie Barnes, MCN, RDN, owner of Mama Knows Nutrition, adds that this would make a great breakfast in a pinch because it's easy to grab and go and will keep you satisfied until lunch.
Voss Sparkling Water, Lime Mint
Voss continues to roll out flavored sparkling water to Costco shelves, and members can't get enough. The lime mint is ultra-refreshing and hits the spot every time, experts say.
"Sparkling water is a healthy alternative to sugary soda, and just as hydrating as regular water," says Ashley Larsen, RDN, owner of Ashley Larsen Nutrition in California. "If you're getting bored with plain water, adding a flavored sparkling water to your hydration routine will be fun to drink while helping you stay hydrated."
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Northfork Venison Stew Meat
There's a lot to like about venison, and much of it comes down to how healthy it can be. Barnes points out the low-cholesterol value in this meat, which can make this a really great option if your doctor recommends you watch how much you're consuming.
"Venison is a lean red meat, providing the great flavor of beef, but with less harmful saturated fats and cholesterol," Larsen adds. "Because it's lower in fat, it is a great alternative to beef and pork for your favorite comfort dishes like stew, beef stroganoff, and chili. Venison is a high quality protein, providing all of the essential amino acids, which helps us to build and maintain lean muscle mass."
JOJO's Peanut Butter Delight Bars
These sweet treats are made with really simple ingredients that you can feel good about putting in your body. All these are made with is dark chocolate, peanuts, hemp protein, and sea salt — that's it!
"Hemp protein bumps up the protein count making this a more balanced treat," Batayneh says.
Larsen adds, "Dark chocolate is one of my favorite treats because it's delicious and good for you! JOJO's Peanut Butter Delight Bars with 70% dark chocolate contain less sugar and are packed with powerful antioxidants that help your body function at its best."
"It's a treat but I much prefer a choice like this to something like candy, since it won't create as significant of a blood sugar spike," Barnes also adds. "It will keep you satisfied longer than something that is pure sugar without the fat or protein here from the combination of peanut butter with chocolate."
Wonderful In-Shell Pistachio Nuts
New in some warehouses is the Wonderful pistachios in a 24-count pack, which is great for portion management.
"Pistachios are one of the highest protein nuts — each serving contains 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, plus heart-healthy fats," Batayneh says. "Wonderful pistachios are a great plant-protein choice compared to meat because pistachios are naturally cholesterol-free and add fiber to your day."
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