Costco's Single-Serve Hummus Cups Make Nutritious Eating So Much Easier

It seems like healthy eating is on everyone's mind as a high-priority task with low capability. If there's one thing most Americans can agree on, healthy eating is hard work, and we need all the help we can get. A recent Cleveland Clinic survey found that nearly half of Americans cite affordability as the biggest barrier to healthy eating, followed by a lack of prep time and cooking knowledge. 

Meanwhile, this year's food trends for nutritious eating focus on gut health — specifically, with probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (fiber-filled food that feeds those beneficial bacteria). There's also a push for more environmentally sustainable, plant-based protein sources. But how can we put more gut-friendly, protein-rich foods on our plates without spending all day in the kitchen?

Well, Costco's Kirkland Signature brand offers a solution that satisfies. Its 2 ½-ounce hummus cups are an answer to convenience, prep time, and healthy eating all in one. Add one to your next lunch bag alongside those veggie sticks or as an alternative to that mayo packet for your sandwich. Your tummy and your taste buds will thank you. 

Although many swear by homemade hummus over the store-bought stuff, you can't argue with these hummus cups' convenience factor. After switching to these single-size servings, you'll have no blender or bowls to wash. Each mini container equals about 5 tablespoons, so you won't have to worry about food waste as with those larger packages. One little cup is the perfect portion to dip a handful of pita chips or stir into your thermos of soup for creaminess.

Food safety tip: You do need to keep these little guys refrigerated, according to package instructions. Be sure to toss an ice pack into your insulated lunchbox to keep it fresh. Alternatively, you can freeze a water bottle or a 100% juice box, serving as an ice pack until it thaws out by lunchtime for you to drink.

And the ordeal of forgetting to wash your reusable containers every night? Not an issue here. This is one quick, nutritious treat you won't have to clean up after.

But healthfulness is as persuasive as convenience; snacks can make or break a healthy eating plan. While the highly processed chips and cookies often come to mind, snacks can be healthy energy boosters for your busy day. Hummus is an ideal snack option since it contains all three macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins), which each play a role in energy production.

Truly, their nutrition profile is where these hummus cups really shine. They are packed with beneficial unsaturated fats and provide a respectable four grams of protein and three grams of fiber per mini container. And it's got that prebiotic fiber we talked about for gut health. Plus, the ingredients in these cups are 100% organic, so you can eat clean without sacrificing flavor.

Are you looking for more protein-packed snack ideas? Heart-healthy nuts are a gold standard for keto, gluten-free, and vegan diets. But expand your horizons with less conventional options, too. This easy cowboy caviar makes a great topping for crackers or pita. Or consider a homemade trail mix to fill you up between meals. Healthy snack time has never looked so delicious and effortless.