Costco is known for its bulk deals and warehouse-sized portions, but if you look past the snack aisles and frozen meal sections, you’ll find that it’s also one of the best places to score high-quality, health-conscious foods at unbeatable prices.
The key to shopping at Costco is knowing what to buy and what to skip. While some items are packed with preservatives and questionable additives, others offer premium nutrition without the premium price tag. If you’re looking for clean, nutrient-dense foods that fit a low-toxin lifestyle, these three staples should be at the top of your list.
New Zealand Lamb: A Clean, Nutrient-Dense Meat Option
Finding high-quality meat at a big-box store can be tricky, but Costco’s New Zealand lamb is one of the best options for clean protein.
- Raised under strict New Zealand farming standards. Unlike conventional meats in the U.S., New Zealand lamb is pasture-raised with little to no antibiotic use, no GMOs, and no toxic pesticides.[1]
- 100% grass-fed for higher nutrient density. Grass-fed lamb contains more omega-3 fatty acids and CLA, both of which help support heart health, metabolism, and inflammation reduction.[2]
- Available in multiple cuts. Costco offers racks, ground lamb, and shanks, making it easy to incorporate into different meals.
Lamb is also rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support immune function, brain health, and energy levels.
Organic Baby Bella Mushrooms: Gut and Immune-Supporting Superfood
Costco’s organic Baby Bella mushrooms are one of the best-kept secrets in their produce section.
- Packed with prebiotic fiber. Mushrooms provide beta-glucan, a fiber that helps feed beneficial gut bacteria and support immune function.[3]
- A natural source of essential minerals. Baby Bellas contain selenium, copper, and potassium, which play a key role in cellular health and detoxification.[4]
- Much cheaper than other grocery stores. Buying organic mushrooms at Whole Foods or other specialty stores can cost up to three times more than Costco’s price.
Mushrooms are also one of the few foods that can naturally produce vitamin D. Leaving them in the sun for an hour before cooking increases their vitamin D content, making them an easy and natural source of this essential nutrient.
Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother: A Gut and Detox Staple
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has long been praised for its health benefits, and the version available at Costco is raw, unfiltered, and contains “the mother,” which gives it its gut-supporting properties.
- Supports digestion and gut health. ACV helps balance stomach acid and supports the microbiome, improving digestion and reducing bloating.
- Aids detoxification. The acetic acid in ACV promotes liver function and helps clear out toxins more efficiently.[5]
- A cost-effective way to stock up. The same high-quality ACV at Whole Foods can cost nearly twice as much, making Costco the better buy.
How to Shop Smarter at Costco
You don’t have to compromise health for convenience. Costco offers some of the best prices on high-quality, clean foods—you just have to know where to look. By choosing New Zealand lamb, organic mushrooms, and apple cider vinegar, you can stock your kitchen with nutrient-dense, toxin-free staples while keeping costs low.
If you’ve found other great Costco health staples, share them. The best way to navigate warehouse shopping is knowing what’s worth it and what’s not.
References:
- Pattis, Isabelle, et al. “Antimicrobial Resistance in New Zealand—A One Health Perspective.” Antibiotics, vol. 11, no. 6, June 2022, p. 778.
- Daley, Cynthia A., et al. “A Review of Fatty Acid Profiles and Antioxidant Content in Grass-Fed and Grain-Fed Beef.” Nutrition Journal, vol. 9, Mar. 2010, p. 10.
- Yu, Changxia, et al. “The Effect of Mushroom Dietary Fiber on the Gut Microbiota and Related Health Benefits: A Review.” Journal of Fungi, vol. 9, no. 10, Oct. 2023, p. 1028.
- Assemie, Anmut, and Galana Abaya. “The Effect of Edible Mushroom on Health and Their Biochemistry.” International Journal of Microbiology, vol. 2022, Mar. 2022, p. 8744788.
- Ousaaid, Driss, et al. “Beneficial Effects of Apple Vinegar on Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Hypercaloric-Fed Rats.” Journal of Diabetes Research, vol. 2020, July 2020, p. 9284987