Dietitian Approved Costco Pantry/Baking Items

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*I have not included spices and other basic baking items (i.e. all purpose flour, pepper, etc.) for the sake of space but feel free to get what your heart desires! Spices, herbs, and flavorings are all great ways to add flavor to foods.

Grains/Seeds

Quaker Oats Old Fashioned Oats – Oatmeal is a whole grain, is a good source of fiber, and has health benefits. You just have to be careful how much added sugar you add to the oatmeal (some is definitely ok if you like it that way.) I recommend buying plain oatmeal and adding sugar yourself (if you want to) so you control how much goes in. Also try adding oatmeal to cookies, muffins, and even pancakes!

Bob’s Red Mill Quick Cooking Steel Cut Oats – Steel cut oats have a chewier texture than old fashioned oats but both have essentially the same nutrition benefits!

Birch Blenders Pancake and Waffle Mix – Some people rave about this mix. I tried it and personally did not like the taste at all. But, it has pretty good nutrition (5g fiber, 9g protein, 0g added sugar) if you want to try it!

Kodiak Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix – This pancake mix has 5g fiber, 14g protein, and 2g added sugar! A great whole grain option. (but many of their flavored products contain quite a bit of added sugar!)

Kirkland Signature Hemp hearts – Costco has a variety of different seeds that are packed with nutrients! Here are a few options.

Almond Flour – Can be a more nutrient dense Gluten Free Flour Option! ***NOTE: you can definitely buy any flour (or even 100% whole wheat flour) at Costco! I am not going to put pictures of all those options here to say on space.

Lotus Foods Millet & Brown Rice Ramen – These have more nutrients than traditional gluten free rice noodles and are whole grain! I use these when we make homemade ramen and they are delicious as long as you eat/serve immediately after cooking because they do get mushy over time.

Kirkland signature – Quinoa is a whole grain. Enjoy how you like it!

Minute White Rice – You don’t always have to nix white rice. I always have this on hand in my pantry for nights I need it QUICK – like 5 minutes quick. Plus the rice is from the USA which tends to have less arsenic levels.

Here are a few bread options I’d consider dietitian approved! All are whole grain and have some good fiber and nutrients.

Greek Pita – This bread isn’t a standout nutritionally but, if you pair with nutritious foods/dips it can be a great pair to more nutrient foods!

Proteins

Nut butters – these all contain just peanuts (and sometimes salt) so no extra unnecessary oils.

PB fit powder – This powder is straight from peanuts (which is naturally a good source of protein)! Can be a great protein powder option made from whole foods!

Canned fish/meats have got some sodium, but can be an option for a quick and convenient lean protein. Here are some options!

Canned Goods/Other Pantry Items

*These products make the cut based on sodium, saturated fat, added sugar, and fiber levels (as appropriate per product). I’ll note anything specific that is noteworthy under them.

These canned vegetables contain salt – I’d recommend finding ones with no added salt but if you like these or have to shop at Costco, they are a fine option. You can always rinse them prior to eating to wash off some of the salt too.

These fruit options make the cut because none of them have added sugars!

Kirkland Signature Reduced Fat Chocolate Milk – These have 7g added sugar per container but I think it’s an ok option for older kids/teens as a special drink or as a recovery drink after a long, hard sports practice.