We believe all foods (in moderation) can fit within a healthy eating pattern. We usually eat 80% high-nutrient foods and 20% fun foods.
On Friday nights, when we don’t want to go out for dinner, we pop a frozen pizza in the oven. Luckily, Aldi’s Mama Cozzi’s pizzas are quite affordable and tasty.
We add mushrooms, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes to increase the meal’s fiber and nutrient content. It’s our way of creating a pizza that still provides us with health benefits.
Keep reading Aldi diaries like this one.
This story was originally published on May 19, 2024, and most recently updated on April 13, 2026.
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I’m a dietitian, and some of the best Mediterranean-diet staples I got this year came from Costco.
Kirkland Signature blueberries and PuraVida fire-roasted root veggies were freezer staples for me.
My favorite Costco buys this year included the Ithaca x Graza hummus and Safe Catch yellowfin tuna.
As a dietitian and devoted follower of the Mediterranean diet, my love for Costco runs deep.
An eating pattern rooted in fresh, whole foods, and a warehouse store famous for its bulk buys may seem like an odd pairing, but hear me out.
The Mediterranean diet is all about nutrient-dense staples like olive oil, nuts, whole grains, legumes, fresh produce, lean proteins, and other heart-healthy fats.
It’s a flexible, flavorful way of eating that prioritizes balance and sustainability — values that align surprisingly well with some of Costco’s offerings.
In my experience, Costco is a goldmine for high-quality, affordable staples that make sticking to this lifestyle not only easier but also more delicious (and at times, more affordable).
Here are some of the best things I bought there this year.
Safe Catch yellowfin tuna is great for quick meals.
At Costco this year, I was able to buy six-packs of 5-ounce cans of Safe Catch tuna. Lauren Manaker
I get Safe Catch canned yellowfin tuna in bulk at Costco to use in easy, nutrient-packed meals, like salads or grain bowls.
Tuna is a solid source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help support heart and brain health. Though I love enjoying a piece of fresh fish, on busy days, the canned stuff is exactly what I need.
I like buying from Safe Catch because the brand says it tests every fish’s mercury levels to ensure they are well below the FDA action limit.
I heat up a Red’s Egg’Wich for a quick breakfast without bread.
I heat up a turkey-sausage Egg’Wich when I’m in a rush but want a breakfast with protein. Lauren Manaker
Even dietitians have busy days where cooking meals from scratch isn’t an option.
Found in Costco’s frozen section, Red’s Egg’Wiches are my go-to for a quick breakfast with protein. Each turkey-sausage sandwich has 17 grams of protein and uses two cage-free egg patties instead of a traditional bun.
I like to pair one of these with fresh fruit whenever I’m having a hectic morning but need a balanced breakfast.
Pompeian Smooth & Fruity extra-virgin olive oil is perfect for everyday cooking.
I grabbed a 2-liter bottle of Pompeian Smooth & Fruity extra-virgin olive oil at Costco this year. Lauren Manaker
A good extra-virgin olive oil is non-negotiable in a Mediterranean kitchen, and the limited-edition Pompeian Smooth & Fruity EVOO I picked up at Costco has been a standout this year.
Its smooth, fruity flavor makes it incredible for drizzling over salads, finishing roasted vegetables, or using as a dip with crusty bread.
High-quality olive oil provides antioxidants and “good” monounsaturated fats; this one also delivers an exceptional taste.
Pop & Bottle chocolate-pistachio lattes were one of the best ways I got my caffeine fix this year.
The Pop & Bottle almond-milk lattes have a satisfying, decadent flavor. Lauren Manaker
These Dubai-style lattes from Pop & Bottle have been perfect for when I want a decadent, satisfying treat that also gives me a caffeine boost.
Each 11-ounce bottle has 5 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein, which is impressive for a ready-to-drink beverage. I also like that they’re made with quality whole ingredients, including almond milk, pistachio butter, and cacao.
PuraVida’s fire-roasted mix made it easier to eat more vegetables this year.
Vegetables are a key part of any balanced diet. Lauren Manaker
I’ve been keeping this 64-ounce bag of sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and onions from Costco in my freezer to use as a quick side dish alongside fish or chicken.
They’re simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil — and the fire-roasting process brings out a wonderful, deep flavor in the root vegetables.
This is definitely one of my favorite buys from Costco this year for creating a balanced meal with minimal effort.
Pure Flavor Poco Bites cucumbers are crunchy, fresh, and versatile.
Poco Bites are small, crunchy cucumbers. Lauren Manaker
Fresh, crunchy cocktail cucumbers are a staple in my kitchen.
Mostly water, they’re a hydrating, low-calorie way to add volume and nutrients (like Vitamin K) to any meal. I use them in everything from refreshing salads and hearty grain bowls to summery sandwiches and simple snack platters.
Costco usually has these Poco Bites at a great price point — $7.37 for a 1 ½-pound bag at the time of writing — so they’re easy for me to keep on hand.
POM Wonderful pomegranate juice is delightfully simple.
I use POM Wonderful in cocktails and marinades. Lauren Manaker
Pomegranates are a source of powerful antioxidants, and I use POM Wonderful’s juice to easily incorporate them into my diet.
Each bottle contains just the juice of whole-pressed pomegranates — no added sugars or fillers.
I love grabbing 64-ounce bottles of it at Costco because I know I’ll use it up, whether I’m mixing it in marinades to add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to various proteins or pouring it into my favorite 3-ingredient cocktail.
My freezer has stayed stocked with Kirkland Signature frozen organic blueberries.
I often pick up frozen fruit, like Kirkland Signature organic blueberries, at Costco. Lauren Manaker
Throughout the year, I’ve enjoyed the frozen Kirkland Signature organic blueberries, a solid source of fiber and antioxidants that are perfect for adding to oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies.
Frozen fruit can be just as nutritious as fresh, and sometimes even more so since it’s typically picked and preserved at peak ripeness.
Plus, their shelf life is significantly longer than that of their fresh counterpart, which helps me avoid food waste.
I reached for Wonderful’s shelled sweet-cinnamon pistachios all year long.
The fact that these Wonderful pistachios are pre-shelled is a convenient bonus. Lauren Manaker
Finding a 22-ounce bag of this limited-edition Wonderful pistachio flavor at Costco was a delightful surprise.
Pistachios are a nutrient-dense nut, offering healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They’re one of the few plant-based protein sources that provide all nine essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own.
Plus, these pistachios have a pleasant hint of cinnamon that satisfies my sweet tooth, and their pre-shelled convenience makes them a perfect snack.
The Ithaca x Graza hummus tastes homemade and goes with everything.
I snagged a 26-ounce container of the Ithaca x Graza hummus at Costco this year. Lauren Manaker
Hummus is a classic Mediterranean dip, and this collaboration between Ithaca and Graza is exceptional.
I give this hummus bonus points for not containing any unnecessary fillers or artificial flavors. Made with high-quality ingredients, like Graza olive oil and chickpeas, it has a rich, smooth texture and bright, zesty flavor.
It’s a delicious way to add plant-based protein and healthy fats to my diet, whether I’m using it as a dip for fresh vegetables, spreading it into sandwiches, or scooping it onto grain bowls.
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I’m a dietitian and mom who relies on Costco staples to make healthy meals for my family of four.
Taylor Farms salad kits and raw veggies help me prep dinner in under 30 minutes.
I also use Amylu meatballs and proteins from Kevin’s Natural Foods to make easy weeknight meals.
Even though I’m a registered dietitian, the question “What’s for dinner?” always weighs heavily on my mind.
Getting a decent dinner on the table quickly can be a challenge, particularly when I factor in late work meetings and my two kids’ after-school activities.
No matter how busy I get, though, I always try to prepare a balanced, nutritious dinner with a high-quality protein and at least one vegetable for my family.
Here are seven products I get at Costco to prep flavorful weeknight dinners I feel good about serving my kids.
I rely on Amylu chicken meatballs for quick meals.
Amylu chicken meatballs are versatile enough to eat with a variety of cuisines. Ana Reisdorf
Amylu chicken meatballs are a versatile option for a weeknight meal, packing about 3 ½ grams of protein per meatball.
I can prepare them on their own or pair them with sides like brown rice and veggies. I’ve also served them over pasta, zoodles, or crusty bread for a filling weeknight dinner.
These meatballs reheat well and don’t require any time-intensive chopping or prep. They’re also great for nights when my kids need something quick and satiating before rushing out the door.
I keep at least one pack in the freezer for backup dinners. They’re reliable, kid-friendly, and take all the pressure off when I need something quick.
Rao’s Homemade marinara sauce is a staple in my house.
Rao’s marinara tastes better than any jarred alternatives I’ve tried from grocery stores. Ana Reisdorf
A good jar of marinara sauce can actually taste homemade, and Rao’s version is proof. I can’t beat its quality for the price, so I stock up on it whenever I see it at Costco.
I like that it has no added sugar (unlike many jarred marinara sauces). The flavor is also rich enough that I can use it without adding any spices or seasonings.
I often pair this marinara with the Amylu chicken meatballs and spaghetti, but I can also use it in my baked chicken recipe or as a quick pizza sauce.
It’s one of the few items in my pantry that consistently saves me time while still tasting fresh and flavorful.
Heat-and-serve entrées, like Kevin’s Natural Foods’ roasted-garlic chicken, require barely any effort.
The packaging around the roasted-garlic chicken keeps the meat fresh for longer than I expected. Ana Reisdorf
Costco offers a wide range of heat-and-serve protein options. Kevin’s Natural Foods’ roasted-garlic chicken is always a staple in our fridge, serving up 21 grams of protein per 5-ounce serving.
I find that each package lasts a long time, so I always keep one on hand for a quick weeknight meal. It’s easy to pair with my veggies and other sides of choice.
Cuisine Solutions’ sliced grass-fed beef sirloin makes steak nights a breeze.
Cuisine Solutions’ sliced grass-fed beef sirloin comes cooked perfectly. Ana Reisdorf
My husband loves beef, but I sometimes have trouble preparing it just the way he likes.
Thankfully, Cuisine Solutions’ sliced grass-fed beef sirloin comes fully cooked and feels impossible to mess up.
It has 19 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, and is versatile enough to add to dishes like tacos, salads, or soups.
Getting my greens in is easy thanks to Taylor Farms salad kits.
Taylor Farms salad kits taste delicious and keep me from having to waste time chopping. Ana Reisdorf
To get a quick meal on the table, I throw a protein over a Taylor Farms salad kit, which comes with everything I need to make a tasty salad in less than five minutes.
The Costco near me carries a wide variety of kits in the produce section, so I get different ones each week to mix up the flavors and ingredients.
Raw vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, come together to make delicious side salads.
I snag the three-pack of cucumbers from Costco every time I shop at the store. Ana Reisdorf
My kids prefer their vegetables raw rather than cooked, so a cucumber and tomato salad is a staple side dish on weeknights. Every time I put a batch on the table, my family finishes it.
A three-pack of cucumbers from Costco lasts me the whole week, and I feel good about serving them to my family since they’re a source of fiber and vitamin K, which supports bone health.
The store also tends to sell a wide variety of tomatoes, which I use to add a dose of immunity-boosting vitamin C to the salad.
My tomato and cucumber salad is so easy to throw together. Just chop some cucumbers and halve the tomatoes. Then, mix them with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and vinegar.
I heat up Kirkland Signature’s chicken-tortilla soup on the busiest nights.
The chicken-tortilla soup has white meat and vegetables inside. Ana Reisdorf
If the week is especially busy, everyone is ravenous, and I have to get dinner on the table in less than 10 minutes, I have premade soups, like the Kirkland Signature chicken-tortilla soup, on standby.
Admittedly, some soups have more sodium than I prefer, but at least the Kirkland Signature chicken-tortilla soup also contains tomatoes, corn, and peppers — and 12 grams of protein per cup.
It’s a nourishing, cozy meal that keeps everyone’s bellies full.
