December 2021

This is not medical advice, this is simply my experience, please do your own research and consult with your physician or other trained professional.

One of the biggest things I've heard over the years from people is that it is too expensive to eat healthy, but there are so many ways to save money! And maybe you don't have the best of the best, but some improvement is better than no improvement.

Then you also have to keep in mind, the healthier you eat and the more active you are (which can be totally free) the healthier you will be and the less medical bills you will incur over your life time.

Over the years I think I've gotten pretty good at keeping food costs on the lower side and still eating healthy. Since my cancer diagnosis and getting back on track with my eating I have started to splurge more on groceries because if it makes even a little bit of a difference, it's worth it...and I think it makes more than a "little" bit of a difference.

I've been in Colorado for several weeks now and having a Costco two minutes off the interstate along my path to the doctor's office nearly every day has been amazing to say the least. The closest one at home is an hour away, so I don't get there as often as I would like.

Anyways, the one here isn't nearly as much of a mad house as the ones in Indianapolis are so I don't feel so rushed to get the heck out of dodge ASAP so I've looked around more and found some great deals on CLEAN products if you are trying to eat healthy!

Let's just talk about their produce for a second. A LOT of it is organic and it's a fraction of the price anywhere else, I didn't look at everything this go around. I'll be sure to do that at my next visit and update this.

Here's a couple items I did notice!

For example:

16 oz clamshell of organic spinach is only $3.79

18 oz clamshell of organic blueberries $6.99

And then, there's EVERYTHING ELSE!! I'm sure I missed stuff, because I didn't even look in the frozen prepared foods because I don't really do those. Honestly, I tried one thing from there several months back and it was gross.

Keep in mind, these may not be the BEST options out there, but I always have easy meal options on hand so I don't cheat or go out to eat when I'm tired or rushed. Plus, these products may meet you where you're at, you may not be as concerned with the same things as the next person.

There will be comments for each product though as we go through, so let's do this!

Another thing to keep in mind is that Costco is always brining in new products, so many of these are seasonal and won't be back until next year, or they are only while supplies last, different locations often have some variation in what they offer.

But never fear, there's always something new to replace the items that go away!

Organic Cacao Powder

This 2# bag of cacao powder is a smoking deal!! I bought a couple of bags and I might go buy more, because hot dang it's cheap.

Cacao powder can replace cocoa powder in any recipe, and at this price it's crazy not to make the swap! There are so many health benefits to cacao over cocoa, because the cacao contains flavonoids and nutrients that cocoa does not have.

Flavonoids can help reduce inflammation (which is a key factor in many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc) and help reduce insulin sensitivity, both of which are very important to maintain control of for health.

Cacao is also a good source of fiber, potassium and magnesium.

Here is a WebMD article on the benefits of cacao, click here to read more!

This is a seasonal/temporary item, go stock up now!!!!!

Coconut Oil

Ideally I would buy everything in glass containers...but honestly, it's one of those things where the price just won out this go around.

It is still organic, cold pressed and unrefined, which is what you want to look for in coconut oil.

This container is massive, 84 oz to be exact.

I personally have never had a container of coconut oil go bad on me, they say unrefined coconut oil can last up to 5 years because it oxidizes so slowly, I've never had a container last even close to that long.

This is a seasonal/temporary item!!!!!

Kirkland Organic Extra Virgin Cold Extracted Olive Oil

Again, ideally you get oil in a glass bottle, which I normally do. But, I also keep this on hand for when I'm taking dressings to a function or serving a large number of people because it is WAY more economical, and I save the good stuff for my personal use.

I only recently made the switch to glass bottles, I've used this stuff for years.

This is a seasonal/temporary item!!!!!

Avocado Oil

This is another product that I keep on hand when cooking for company, it isn't organic. However, It is expeller pressed, non-gmo and glyphosate free ...so better than some, but not the best.

Avocado oil is the best fat for higher heat cooking as it has the highest smoke point of any healthy cooking oils, that I am aware of.

This is a regularly stocked item at Costco

Tin Star Grass-fed Ghee

This is actually a 2 pack (two 22.5 oz containers) for this price, which is almost half of what I've ever seen it.

The only flaw I can find is that it is not organic, it is non-gmo though.

It has a vibrant yellow color and wonderful flavor profile!!

This is a regularly stocked item.

Chosen Avocado Mayo

With clean ingredients and a great price point, it would be handy to have when you're in a hurry.

I almost always make my own mayo, but I also tend to keep something like this on hand for when I'm in a pinch, or don't have eggs.

It does not appear to be made with the ideal quality of avocado oil, but again, it's way better than your typical store bought mayo with canola oil.

This is a regularly stocked item.

Kirkland Organic Almond Butter

This is a great tasting product considering it is literally just almonds and salt. By far the best I've tried. No extra junk in it!!!

The only thing is the quality of the almonds, while they are organic, they are not raw or sprouted, which would be ideal...it is also in a plastic container.

I still use it, I don't consume that much of it, so for now that's what it is.

This is a seasonal/temporary item!

Roasted Macademia Nut Butter

The nuts are roasted and "natural" not organic.

It is in a glass jar and says it is 100% natural.

This is a regularly stocked item.

Tasso's Garlic & Jalapeno Olives

These olives are clean, nothing extra in them as far as preservatives.

They are not listed as organic.

They are packed in a glass jar, score.

Greece appears to be heading towards eliminating some dangerous pesticides and herbicides, they aren't there yet. So, keep that in mind should you decide to go with this product.

This is a regularly stocked item.

Tasso's Olive Melange

While not organic, they don't have any added preservatives and are packaged in a glass jar.

Greece appears to be heading towards eliminating some dangerous pesticides and herbicides, they aren't there yet. So, keep that in mind should you decide to go with this product.

This is a regularly stocked item

RX Bars

This is by far the cheapest I've ever seen RX Bars, even for Costco.

Great, clean product that tastes delicious. The Chocolate Sea Salt is by far my favorite flavor. I used to eat them for a dessert.

Rodney packs them in his lunch on a regular basis in case he is busy and can't stop to eat, he has something to munch on in the car.

I actually ration them because he would eat 2 or 3 a day if he knew how many I have stashed.

Occasionally he finds my stash and I have to relocate them. But a delicious treat if you aren't trying to stay super low carb.

This is a regularly stocked item.

Kirkland Organic Roasted Seaweed

This is something I'm supposed to consume on a regular basis.

Seaweed is great for you, full of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and fiber. Read this Healthline article for more info on the nutritional benefits of seaweed.

If you've never had seaweed, it definitely isn't a filling snack, or really even that satisfying, it's a little salty, which can be nice.

But, it's really good for you, so just try it!

This is a seasonal/temporary item!

Organic Riced Cauliflower

Just bought a bag of this for the first time and the size of it is perfect, it cooks from frozen in 5 minutes (I like to maintain the texture so it isn't mushy), so handy for quick meals!

I think I've finally found one that I prefer over making it myself!

And, you can't beat the price.

Seriously, I don't know how Costco does the quality at the price point that they do.

Buy multiple bags every time you go.

This is a seasonal/temporary item!

Wild Caught Mahi-Mahi

Individually wrapped fish fillets, great flavor and easy to cook.

They thaw super quick, but I also cook from frozen sometimes.

This is a regularly stocked item.

Wild Caught Alaskan Sockeye Salmon

Individually wrapped fish fillets, great flavor and easy to cook.

They thaw super quick, but I also cook from frozen sometimes.

This is a regularly stocked item.

Organic Triple Berry Blend

For a 3# bag of organic berries this is a phenomenal price!

Berries are a great source of vitamins, anti-oxidants and the lowest carb fruit.

Great for smoothies and keto desserts!

I buy multiple bags every time I go!

This is a seasonal/temporary item! Fill your freezer now!

Organic Blueberries

For a 3# bag of organic berries this is a phenomenal price!

Berries are a great source of vitamins, anti-oxidants and the lowest carb fruit.

Great for smoothies and keto desserts!

This is a seasonal/temporary item! Fill your freezer now!

Organic Hemp Hearts

I remember the first time I bought hemp hearts at our local health store, I was shocked at the price. Got online and looked around and it wasn't any better. So, I was thrilled when I was strolling through Costco shortly after and saw how cheap they were!

Hemp hearts are extremely nutritious and a great plant based protein source.

They are a great staple to work into your diet on a daily basis!

Store in the fridge once opened.

Read more about hemp hearts here.

This is a seasonal/temporary item! Stock up now!

Organic Chia Seeds

Again, so stinking cheap at Costco.

Chia seeds again, are so nutritious! A great source of omega 3's and antioxidants.

I use these in my Pomegranate Blueberry Chia Pudding, to make a chia egg, or throw in a smoothie!

Find out more about the health benefits of chia seeds in this Healthline article.

Monk Fruit with Erythritol

While you want to limit use of sweeteners like this, even though they don't affect the blood sugar. I feel like it does make cravings harder to control when you eat sweets with this. It can also cause digestive upset for some people.

But this is a great price point!

This is a regularly stocked item.

Crepini Egg Wraps

While they comment on the quality of the eggs, which are cage free, they don't comment on the cauliflower.

I use these occasionally for a wrap, more when traveling than anything else.

I like to double them up because they are super thin and tend to tear.

This is a regularly stocked item.

Siete Tortillas

While these are too high in carbs for where I'm at right now, they are a great option for Rodney.

They do have a little xanthan gum in them, which in small amounts shouldn't be problematic for most people, but be aware that it is there.

This is a regularly stocked item.

Kirkland Chicken Bone Broth

While I generally make my own bone broth (click here for my bone broth tutorial), I always try to keep this on hand because sometimes I have time to cook dinner, but not thaw out bone broth too.

I stock up on several cases of this every year when they have it.

Look at the price and then it will motivate you to make your own, lol.

This is a seasonal product, stock up now!!!

Thai Kitchen Organic Coconut Milk

This is another item I keep on hand, unfortunately the cans have BPA in them, so be aware of that.

Beware the other coconut milks that Costco has have additives in them. This is the only one that does not.

This is a seasonal/temporary item.

Wildbrine Fermented Sauerkraut

When buying sauerkraut you always want to buy out of the refrigerator section, if it isn't refrigerated it does not have the same bacteria present and isn't all that beneficial to your gut. The heat in the canning process kills it. If you want a little more info on the benefits of sauerkraut, here is a Healthline article you can dig into.

You also have to keep an eye on ingredients, all it needs is the item being fermented, water and salt.

This is nice and clean in that respect, the only unfortunate thing is it is in a plastic container.

This is a seasonal/temporary item.

Jongga Kimchi

When buying kimchi you always want to buy out of the refrigerator section, if it isn't refrigerated it does not have the same bacteria present and isn't all that beneficial to your gut. The heat in the canning process kills it. And, a little more info on the health benefits of kimchi can be found here.

You also have to keep an eye on ingredients, all it needs is the item being fermented, water and salt.

This is nice and clean in that respect, the only unfortunate thing is it is in a plastic container.

This is a regularly stocked item.

Kirkland Organic Salsa

This is a 2 pack (38 oz each) of salsa with no preservatives!!

It does have sugar listed in the ingredients, but it is so minimal I decided to include it on this list, so buyer beware.

This is a seasonal/temporary item.

Kinder's Garlic Salt

I was pumped when I saw this the other day!

Most garlic salt's have sugar and preservatives in them that make them undesirable. I was thrilled to see how clean this was!

This is a seasonal/temporary item.

505 Green Chile

Handy for when you need to spice things up a bit.

While not organic, super clean ingredients, no preservatives and packaged in a glass jar!

Check out one of the ways I use this stuff in my Hatch Green Chile Sauce!

This is a regularly stocked item.

Yai's Curry Sauce

I just stumbled across this the other day and picked it up, so I haven't had a chance to try it yet.

But I figure it will come in handy for a meal when I'm not prepared well and keep me from making a bad choice.

While not organic, it is non-gmo, packed in a glass jar and no added sugar...and like I said, easy.

Add to some palm heart pasta or rice and get some veggies.

This is a regularly stocked item

lnno Keto Crackers

These are pretty tasty, you can't go crazy with them if you are doing keto, but they are nice to have on hand if you don't feel like making your own.

While organic, non-gmo, no artificial preservatives or flavors they do contain rice flour and have natural flavor listed as the last ingredient. Take that for what it's worth, but many nasty ingredients can be hidden behind "natural flavor".

But, in a pinch...

These are a seasonal item.

Keto Granola

I haven't tried this, it's a little high on the carbs and I'm afraid I might have trouble stopping once I start on it.

While not organic, it is non-gmo and sugar free, just some sweetener.

This is a regularly stocked item

Vital Choice Collagen

This is a GREAT price on grass-fed collagen type I and III with vitamin C!!

I'd love to try the chocolate one but it has natural flavors listed in the ingredients. I've reached out to the company to see if they will release what these natural flavors are, I'll update when I find out.

Since this is something I'd be using on a daily basis I opted to just purchase the unflavored for now as I want to start adding this supplement into my daily routine.

For more info on the types of collagen, check out this article over at Natural Force.

This is a regularly stocked item.

That's a wrap for this time! If you'd like to see quarterly updates for this post and if this was helpful please comment below!!!

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