Costco is home to many amazing products at low prices. However, if you’re trying to stay as healthy as possible, it’s important to be mindful of the decisions you make while grocery shopping. While it may be tempting to throw all of the delicious bulk items you see into your cart when you’re browsing the Costco aisles, keeping the nutritional value of each product in mind is an essential part of working towards a healthier body.
To shed some light on a few of the worst items you should avoid buying at Costco, we gathered insight from trusted health experts. Read on to learn about the health risks associated with choices like pizza rolls, protein bars, and more.
1. Totino's Pizza Rolls
Totino's Pizza Rolls are undeniably delicious (not to mention so easy to make). However, although Lisa Richards, a nutritionist and author of The Candida Diet, acknowledges that they're "cheap, filling, and easy," she warns that they are not "a viable food option."
"You will consume 230 calories off only 6 pizza rolls—and no one stops at just six," she notes. "They're loaded with sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives. Their nutrient content is nearly void and their processed nature makes them a highly inflammatory food. You may save money on food, but you'll make up for it and more in healthcare costs if this is a staple in your freezer." Yikes! Try a healthy snack instead.
2. Hot Pockets
Similarly, Hot Pockets are another major no-go for your health. "Certain foods are best left in the freezer section," registered dietitian Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD, of Balance One Supplements chimes in. "One food in particular is Nestle's Hot and Lean Pockets," she says, pointing to the food's high fat and sodium content, as well as high caloric value. "Frozen Pockets offer little in the way of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals and are significantly dense in calories and fat," she warns. Say it ain't so!
3. Jimmy Dean Croissant Sandwich
Here's another frozen food you're better off leaving out of your cart. Fitness trainer Patricia Johnson of Pedal Lovers warns that Jimmy Dean Croissant Sandwiches, although tasty and convenient, should be avoided as a regular breakfast option. "The Jimmy Dean Croissant Sandwich looks deceptively healthy, but has 580 mg of sodium per serving," she says. "Always check the label before you commit!" she reminds us.
Luckily, there are plenty of healthy breakfasts to replace this meal with.
4. Kirkland Signature Protein Bars
Protein bars may seem like a perfectly healthy food. Unfortunately, this is oftentimes not the case, especially when it comes to Kirkland Signature Protien Bars. "While Kirkland Signature Protein Bars may seem like a convenient and nutritious snack option, it's crucial to be aware of their ingredients. The inclusion of erythritol, a sugar alcohol, might raise some concerns. Erythritol is known to cause digestive issues in certain individuals, including stomach discomfort, bloating, and gas," Jessie Hulsey RD, an Atlanta-based registered dietitian, told Eat This, Not That.
5. Kirkland Signature Muffins
As tempting as those massive muffins can be, it shouldn't come as a surprise to hear that they're among the worst options to add to your cart at Costco. "Kirkland Signature Muffins tend to be high in calories, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. These muffins are often larger in size and can contain generous amounts of sugar, refined flour, and added oils," warns Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, CPT in Eat This, Not That. "The high sugar content can lead to weight gain and increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, the refined flour used in these muffins lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grains, further reducing their nutritional value. The added oils used in baking can be high in unhealthy fats, which can negatively impact heart health," Chun adds. Reach for lower-sugar sweet treats, instead.
6. Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage & Beef Lasagna
If you're seeking dinner in a pinch, a pre-made lasagna may seem like a good option. But it can take a serious toll on your health, Husley warns: "While lasagna can be a delicious comfort food, Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage & Beef Lasagna contains 25 grams of fat and 11 grams of saturated fat in just one serving. Excessive intake of saturated fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other health issues. This lasagna dish also contains 720 milligrams of sodium per serving, which is 30% of our recommended daily value. A high sodium intake can lead to elevated blood pressure and potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular problems."
If you have the time to whip up a homemade meal, there are pasta recipes out there that can still support health and weight loss.
7. Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is one of the tastiest meals out there—but it's typically not the best idea for your health, especially when consumed in excess. Unfortunately, the large Costco-sized portions make it easy to overindulge. As Chun warns, "Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese contains high levels of saturated fat and calories. The cheese sauce in mac and cheese is made with full-fat cheese, butter, and whole milk, which contribute to the high saturated fat content. Excessive consumption of saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease. It is also high in sodium, and excessive sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke." Sigh. Guess we'll stick to something a little more nutritious.
