These Are the 9 Snacks Our Editors Never Leave Costco Without

Costco is a magical place—where else can you buy a rotisserie chicken, get your tires changed and pick up a new jacket at the same time? But with such a wide array of products and services, it can be easy to overlook some delicious items. Luckily, that’s where the EatingWell editors come in handy, from sharing our No. 1 frozen food to the 12 staples we regularly buy. 

And now, we’re turning our attention to the snack aisle. Here are the nine snacks our editors always have in their carts. 

Related: 7 Frozen Foods at Costco for Quick Meals, According to a Food Editor

9 Snacks Our Editors Buy From Costco

The Snak Yard Shiitake Mushroom

If you’re looking for a light yet crunchy snack, then grab a bag of The Snak Yard’s Shiitake Mushrooms. Recommended by Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, EatingWell’s nutrition editor, these mushroom crisps are the ultimate savory snack. Each mushroom is tossed with sea salt, yeast extract and other spices (which aren’t clear on the packaging) for the most delicious umami flavor. “The seasoning is so so good,” according to Ball.

That’s It Mini Fruit Bars

For a more fruit-forward bite, I strongly suggest grabbing a pack of the That’s It Mini Fruit Bars. Each package comes with 24 bars, eight of each flavor including Strawberry, Blueberry and Mango. The bars are similar to fruit leather, but not as chewy, which I prefer. This is my No. 1 snack to buy at Costco, and I always have a few bars tucked in my desk drawer in case I want something sweet while I work.

Vermont Smoke & Cure Original Mini Beef & Pork Sticks

One snack that you’ll find Victoria Seaver, M.S., RD, EatingWell’s associate editorial director, unwrapping is Vermont Smoke & Cure’s mini beef and pork sticks. Although the serving size is two sticks, Seaver says, “I’m usually satisfied with one, paired with something else like dried fruit, cheese or pistachios. They’re a quick and easy addition to my lunch bag, and I often pack extra so I can leave some at my desk.”

MadeGood Granola Minis

When you need a kid-friendly snack, try the MadeGood Granola Minis. Penelope Wall, EatingWell’s senior editorial director, keeps these bites on hand for her kids to take to school. Her middle-schooler also grabs a pack for breakfast if she’s in a rush. The granola bites come in two different flavors, Chocolate Chip and Mixed Berry. And luckily for Wall, these granola bites are free of the top eight allergens and sesame, so her kids’ allergies are accommodated.

PopCorners Popped Corn Snacks Variety Pack

Another kid-approved snack comes courtesy of Carolyn Malcoun, EatingWell’s senior food features editor. Her daughter loves the PopCorners Popped Corn Snacks. The variety pack includes Kettle Corn and White Cheddar—her daughter’s favorites—along with Spicy Queso and Sea Salt. Malcoun and her husband are also fans, often grabbing them for on-the-go snacking.

Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix Snack Pack

Speaking of being out and about, when Malcoun and her family are enjoying nature, they likely have a few packs of Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix in their backpacks. Whether they’re skiing and snowboarding the mountain in the winter or hiking in the summer, these are handy to grab and go. There are three flavors in the variety pack, and each one features a healthy combination of dried fruit, nuts and seeds.  

Related: What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Nuts Every Day

Good Foods Buffalo Style Chicken Dip

The heat of Buffalo chicken gets balanced out by sour cream and cream cheese in this tasty dip from Good Foods. Seaver notes, “The serving size is only 2 tablespoons, and I often eat closer to 2 or 3 servings, so the sodium and saturated fat are on the higher end for a snack. But most of my meals during the day tend to be plant-forward and naturally lower in both of those nutrients, which helps balance things out.” You could serve this dip with your favorite tortilla chips or pretzels, or use mini cucumbers like Seaver does.

Golden Island Pork Snack Bites Korean Barbecue

Another savory snack to consider are Golden Island’s Pork Snack Bites, a favorite of Wall’s. She buys the Korean Barbecue flavor, where each bite is marinated with soy sauce, garlic, sesame and brown sugar. “These are so good, and the kids love them,” says Wall. Plus, each package contains 10 grams of protein, so they’re sure to satisfy.

Kind Bar Variety Pack

Before you head to the register, consider grabbing a variety pack of these Kind Bars. Featuring two flavors, Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Almond and Dark Chocolate Almond & Sea Salt, these snack bars are a favorite in Malcoun’s family. “They’re a perfect snack between breakfast and lunch,” according to Malcoun. Plus, they’re much lower in added sugar than other bars on the market. 

Related: 12 Underrated Things to Buy at Costco, According to Food Experts