12 Organic Foods You Should Be Buying At Costco
There are many benefits to signing up for a Costco membership, with a big one being access to the warehouse's groceries. With items sold in bulk, members can stock up on weekly food essentials, ranging from frozen foods to fresh produce. Like your local grocery store, Costco carries several different national grocery brands, including its own in-store brand called Kirkland Signature. Costco also sells a variety of organic products as well, offering options to members who want to include more organic groceries in their kitchens.
Grocery shopping at Costco can reap many benefits, from savings on bulk grocery items that stretch your dollar further to having access to top-rated Kirkland products. When it comes to organic foods, the same principles apply. Costco sells a variety of organic foods that can provide value to your grocery budget when you consider the cost per unit or per ounce. Also, many Costco members have great things to say about the organic items sold at their local warehouse, with some of the items being household necessities. The next time you go grocery shopping at Costco, be sure to keep these organic items in mind.
Acetum Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother
If you want to learn about lesser-known kitchen essentials when it comes to eating a healthy diet, look no further than apple cider vinegar. It has a number of uses, including as an ingredient in vinaigrettes, sauces, and soups. Thanks to that versatility, you may need more apple cider vinegar in your pantry than you realize. Fortunately, Costco sells a whopping 128-ounce container of Acetum Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother.
The "mother" that the product's name refers to simply means natural and safe-to-consume bacteria that occurs when the juice begins its transition into vinegar. There are many benefits to including the mother in vinegar, and you only need to shake the bottle up before use as it will naturally separate from the vinegar. It is commonly removed, and in most commercial apple cider vinegars, you will not find any mother present. So if that is something you are looking for, Costco is one of the few spots you are likely to find apple cider vinegar that includes it, especially in such a large container.
Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Stock
Chicken stock serves a number of important uses. Not only is it a staple base for soups and stews, but it can also be used as a way to add rich flavor to casseroles, rice dishes, and sauces. It is a pantry essential for many, and over the years, more and more shoppers have turned to chicken stock for its flavorful benefits. Costco members can pick up Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Stock when they go grocery shopping, and thanks to Costco's business model of selling in bulk, it comes in a 6-pack.
Chicken stock is a very common grocery item no matter where you shop, but the Kirkland brand stands out among members who may otherwise buy it at a different store. One member took to Reddit to emphasize how the Kirkland chicken stock is their all-time favorite, noting how it is the "Best chicken stock available." Costco also sells chicken bone broth, but one Redditor points out that "The organic stock is great and quite a bit cheaper."
Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is perhaps one of the most basic kitchen necessities when learning how to cook. It is often used as a base for cooking a variety of dishes, though some would argue that olive oil is best when used as a finishing drizzle on whatever it is you are cooking. No matter the use, there is no denying the versatility of olive oil, which is why it is always on many shoppers' grocery lists. At Costco, the Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is available in a two-liter bottle, which is great if you intend on using olive oil frequently in your cooking.
Costco members seem very happy with Kirkland's organic olive oil, noting that it is especially helpful when saving money at the store. One Redditor shares, "We've been using the organic version for years and it's pretty good stuff." Many shoppers have also vouched for the legitimacy of Kirkland's product being true extra virgin olive oil, as one Redditor describes: "It's some of the best EVOO which is why it's such a great deal, I remember reading an article on how most EVOO's aren't even legitimately allowed to call themselves such because of the location and process they use in manufacturing...at the end, they gave a list of legit EVOO's and Kirkland's was on that."
Kirkland Signature Organic Pure Maple Syrup
The only thing that could make a delicious stack of pancakes even tastier is a drizzle of maple syrup. The condiment perhaps most strongly associated with breakfast is sold by many different brands, but for the most part, they all aim to provide the same amber flavor to their customers. For Costco, its 33.8 fluid ounce jug of Kirkland Signature Organic Pure Maple Syrup is a top seller among its members.
Fans simply cannot get enough of this maple syrup. One Costco shopper shared on Reddit how they thought it was, "Probably one of Costco's best items. Nectar of the gods. Grade A Dark Amber...I've been sipping it straight, it's that good!" Another Costco member discovered a great flavor combination, which they shared on Reddit: "THIS with a scoop of peanut butter mixed in with Nonfat greek yogurt. No one is allowed to even talk to me while I am eating this." Maple syrup is a great way to add a touch of sweetness to just about any snack, and it even pays off financially to pick up the Kirkland variety. Ultimately, you are paying less money per ounce of syrup, which is truly some sweet savings.
Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter
Shoppers can be very particular when it comes to peanut butter. It is one of those products that once you have a preferred flavor in mind, no other brand or substitute will do. So, if you are a fan of national brands like Jif, Skippy, or Smucker's, it might take a lot of convincing to switch over to Costco's brand. For starters, the Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter comes in a two-pack of 28-ounce containers, delivering value per ounce when buying in bulk.
Many customers have noted that once you make the switch to healthier alternatives like all-natural peanut butter, it is very hard to go back to national brands. This is despite the fact that these kinds of peanut butter can elicit strong nostalgic responses. As one Redditor shared, "Kirkland peanut butter is natural peanut butter, so there is no sugar. It's peanuts and salt, that's it. After switching to natural peanut butter, I find Jif and the rest to be gross, despite growing up eating Jif."
Another Redditor pointed out how the national brands often contain many added ingredients that you may be better off leaving in the grocery store, and making the switch to an all-natural brand like Kirkland is the best move you can make for your health. And when you consider the value of buying Costco's products in bulk, the Kirkland Organic Peanut Butter is likely your best bet.
GoGo SqueeZ Organic Applesauce
Applesauce is a crowd-pleasing snack, but it is not always the cleanest of snacks to pack in your kid's lunchbox. Over the years, individually-packaged squeeze pouches made it easier than ever to enjoy a healthy snack on the go without creating a mess or needing extra utensils. These days, Costco members can stock up on GoGo SqueeZ Organic Applesauce, sold in a pack of 28 pouches. Those pouches are split evenly between Apple Apple, Apple Strawberry, Apple Banana, and Apple Cinnamon flavors.
At 3.2 ounces, they are not the biggest of snacks, making them a perfect kid-sized portion — but they are not the only ones that are known to enjoy these. Even adults admit the convenience of having to-go applesauce pouches when you are on the go. One Redditor shares, "I use these in the summer on long bike rides, they fit great in my jersey pockets." Another Redditor admits, "I buy these for my daughter and I think I've eaten more pouches than she has. Love apple sauce!"
Organic & Keto Chocolate Coconut Cups
A ketogenic diet, or keto for short, is one that limits carbohydrate intake while promoting a higher intake of protein and healthy fats. With most low-carb diets, your favorite snack foods are often considered off the table, so many individuals turn to sweets and other food items specifically designed with keto in mind. At Costco, members will find that the ChocXO Organic & Keto Chocolate Coconut Cups only contain three grams of sugar in each cup. @costcoorganic shared on Instagram that they enjoyed a free sample of one in their local Costco warehouse.
This is not the first time Costco has sold keto products from ChocXO before. Members have sung the praises of the ChocXO Dark Chocolate Coconut and Almond Keto Snaps as well. One Redditor mentioned that "It is legit tasty. Enough to satisfy your sweet tooth and fit your macros. I am not running full [keto] at all, just limiting sugars and simple carbs where I can, and these are amazing." For the Chocolate Coconut Cups specifically, one reviewer on ChocXO's website stated, "These are just the right size for a quick treat. Love that there are no artificial sweeteners and low sugar and carb count."
Tattooed Chef Organic Açaí Bowls
Açai bowls have risen in popularity in recent years, thanks to their variety of healthy ingredients as well as their ability to serve as a filling breakfast. As prevalent as they have become, they can often land on the pricey side when you order them at a restaurant or cafe, and can be burdensome to make at home with the number of ingredients you may want to include. So, many fans have turned to premade açai bowls in the grocery store as a convenient option. When shopping at Costco, keep your eyes peeled for Tattooed Chef Organic Açaí Bowls.
Costco's Kirkland Signature brand currently does not sell açai bowls, so if you want some at your local warehouse, you will need to shop third party. @costcoorganic shared a post on Instagram after a recent restock of the vegan and gluten-free Tattooed Chef Açai Bowls, noting the low calorie count being one of the reasons this treat is so beloved by members. As one Redditor notes, the açai bowls can add much-needed variety to a healthy diet. They shared, "Oh man. I have a dumb boring salad in the fridge at work that I just threw together because I was running low on time this morning and I've been dreading eating it. This post made me remember my own açaí bowl that I stashed in the freezer for a rainy day."
Organic Kinder's Teriyaki
Sauces and condiments are an easy way to add a burst of flavor to any meal, but many times, that can come at the cost of added ingredients and copious amounts of sugar and sodium. So when shoppers come across a sauce that provides flavor without all of that other baggage, it can soon become a fan favorite. That has been the case with the Organic Kinder's Teriyaki at Costco. @costcontessa and @costcoorganic shared a post on Instagram about how the organic teriyaki sauce can be used in a weekly dinner, noting how this particular sauce works great with young kids who may have pickier palates.
Costco members cannot get enough of this teriyaki sauce, so much so that they celebrate its return whenever it is restocked. One member shared on Reddit, "Consider this like the Rao's version of Teriyaki sauce. Had to revert to Trader Joe's Soyaki sauce for a few months but glad this puppy is back. You can slather it on damn near anything." Considering how much Costco members love Rao's Homemade Marinara sauce, that is some high praise.
Karine and Jeff's Organic Thai Coconut Milk Soup
If you want a thick, creamy soup without turning to dairy products to achieve that consistency, consider adding coconut milk. There are some organic and vegan options at Costco that offer the feel-good comfort you get from a warm bowl of soup, including Karine and Jeff's Organic Thai Coconut Milk Soup. This soup in particular is available at other health food markets like Whole Foods, but Costco's business model of selling in bulk gives its members the opportunity to save even more on their purchases.
@costcoorganic shared a post on Instagram announcing a recent restock at their local warehouse, showcasing the unique packaging that admittedly makes the soup appear more like a cleaning product than a food item. One Redditor shared their go-to recipe to make a full meal out of the soup. They commented, "Coconut milk really just makes it creamy. The trick is to add some curry and other ingredients to make it pop. I usually cook with a whitefish broken up into it or shrimp."
Kirkland Signature Organic Fruit and Vegetable Pouches
Grocery stores have widened their selection of healthy products to include ways of sneaking vegetables into everyday snacks. Since some vegetables like spinach and carrot contain a very mild flavor, they are easy ingredients to incorporate into items like smoothies and fruit bowls. Similarly, fruit pouches are a convenient snack-size dose of nutrients for little ones, like the Kirkland Signature Organic Fruit and Vegetable Pouches sold at Costco. The box of 24 pouches is divided into two flavors: Apple Strawberry Spinach and Apple Mango Yellow Carrot Peach. Each contains a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables for an easy, nutritional snack.
At just over 3 ounces each, the pouches are definitely on the smaller side, intended best for the littlest of snackers in your household. As one Redditor comments, "I'd give these and the apple sauce pouches to my kids any day over much more processed snacks." If you are having a hard time getting the kids to eat their fruits and vegetables and want to avoid giving in to heavily processed snacks, these pouches might make a great bridge between the two.
Made in Nature Organic Berry Fusion
Dried fruit is a creative way to enjoy a daily essential part of your healthy diet without the repetitiveness of eating fruit the same way every day. Similarly, nuts are another great snack that won't bog you down in added sugars. Whether you eat these healthy treats as-is or incorporate them into other snacks like trail mix, Costco is a great place to shop for bulk quantities of them. The Made in Nature Organic Berry Fusion is sold in a two-pack of 24-ounce bags, allowing members to stock their pantry with plenty of dried fruits and seeds for snacking, or for adding to their salads, smoothie bowls, and more.
The berry fusion includes quite a few ingredients, such as cranberries, raisins, pepita seeds, cherries, blueberries, and goji berries. The Made in Nature products take all of these fruits and nuts and combine them conveniently into one package, so you do not have to painstakingly seek them out individually. And with no synthetic pesticides or herbicides used, you can rest assured that you are enjoying a truly certified organic snack that is both tasty and versatile.