7 of the Healthiest Organic Items at Costco Available Right Now

As anyone who has ever glanced at the price difference between organic and conventional knows, the organic product is never the cheaper option. However, it really is healthier and more environmentally friendly — and that’s not just the wishful thinking of people who have spent more on organic over the years. Scientific studies have demonstrated that organic dairy products, in contrast to meat products, are higher in protein and saturated fatty acids; organic produce has only trace pesticides and more polyphenols and vitamin C; and eating a diet of organic products has been shown to lower the risk of several different diseases. So yes, it’s pricier, but if you can afford to make the switch, it’s well worth the money. But we know that for most people (us included!) that’s a very big “if.” One less expensive way to eat organic? Pick up some healthy, organic items at places known for their savings, like Costco. Plus, this spring, Costo is offering even more ways to save. If you join Costco as a new Gold Star member and enroll in auto renewal of your membership, you’ll get a $20 digital Costco gift card when you enter code SPRING23 at checkout.

However, with Costco being such a big store, it can sometimes be tough to find the organic options there. So to save you a little time, we did some digging and found seven of the absolute healthiest, organic grocery items available at Costco right this second.

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1. Kirkland Signature Organic Reduced Fat Chocolate Milk

You might be surprised to see chocolate milk appear here given that we don’t usually recommend sugary beverages, but our reasoning is totally sound: Studies show that chocolate milk outperforms sports drinks as a workout recovery beverage. One cup of 2% milk contains eight grams of protein, and it has a 4:1 carbohydrate:protein ratio, which is pretty optimal, as well as electrolytes. So if you want to upgrade your post-workout drink, chocolate milk is actually a pretty great option.

Buy now: Kirkland Signature Organic Reduced Fat Chocolate Milk

2. Kirkland Signature Organic Salsa

If you’re planning a big party (or your household can go through a whole lot of salsa) this is a fantastic, healthy option. Sure, you can DIY your own organic pico de gallo at home, but this option is frankly cheaper and the ingredient list is just organic fruits, vegetables, and spices. You can easily use up a jar (or even one of the massive 38-oz containers) by making a few salsa-centric dishes over the course of a week, like baked salsa chicken, salsa shrimp salad, or cauliflower taco bowls.

Buy now: Kirkland Signature Organic Salsa

3. Acetum Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother

We’ve sung the praises of apple cider vinegar before. It’s antimicrobial, balances skin health, and with the “mother” present, it’s packed full of good-for-you probiotics, so it’s fantastic for your gut health , too. We like it in a simple salad vinaigrette, to use when quick-pickling vegetables, or to take as part of a detox drink.

Buy now: Acetum Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother

4. Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice

This is a fantastically easy way to make a flavorful whole grain in under two minutes. Made of just quinoa, brown rice, sunflower oil, and some dried herbs and spices, this is a healthy, simple side dish — or an excellent base for a grain bowl. Microwave this, wilt some baby spinach, and throw some leftover rotisserie chicken or a poached egg on top, and you have an incredibly easy dinner that comes together in under 10 minutes.

Buy now: Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice

5. Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Stock

You can use chicken stock in so many different recipes, from braising chicken thighs to making quinoa more flavorful, so it’s easy to go through a whole lot of it. But picking tons of chicken stock up at the store gets pricey — and even a lot of good, organic brands make questionable-quality chicken stock packed with tons of sugar. The ingredients in this chicken stock are pure and sugar-free (and it’s a great value).

Buy now: Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Stock

6. Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Believe it or not, Costco’s store-brand olive oil is one of the best-quality versions out there, and that’s not just our opinion. It’s a favorite of both Samin Nosrat, author of the iconic cookbook Salt Fat Acid Heat (as reported by the Seattle Times), and Nancy Jenkins, author of Virgin Territory: Exploring the World of Olive Oil (as reported by New York Magazine). If two authors — one of whom is a James Beard Award winner and the other of whom literally wrote the book on olive oil — are on board, then that’s a pretty ringing endorsement. And we understand why they’re into it: This olive oil is inexpensive, bulk, and is a great all-purpose, mild olive oil, with grassy, nutty notes.

Buy now: Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

7. Made in Nature Organic Berry Fusion

A mix of organic dried fruit and pumpkin seeds, this is a great, healthful combination packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and tons of fiber. Toss this blend into a DIY trail mix for an on-the-go snack, combine with granola for breakfast, or bake it into almond flour muffins for a healthy breakfast treat.

Buy now: Made in Nature Organic Berry Fusion

Read next: The Tastiest, Healthiest Frozen Meals at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods According to a Nutritionist

To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address and set up auto renewal of your Costco membership on a Visa® card at the time of sign-up. If you elect not to provide a valid email address and sign up for auto renewal, a Digital Costco Shop Card will not be emailed. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Not valid for renewal or upgrade of an existing membership. To qualify as a new member, a Costco membership must be expired at least 18 months or more. Limit one per household. Promotion is Nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. Digital Costco Shop Card is not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. New members will receive their Digital Costco Shop Card by email within 2 weeks of sign-up. Costco is not liable for incentives not received due to entry of an invalid address during sign-up. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at Gas Stations, Car Wash or Food Court Kiosks. Not valid for orders through a third party site including Costco Next, Instacart and Costco Photo Center.

Use the provided single-use promo code when entering your payment information. (Note: You will see a $0.01 deduction on your membership cost after the promo code is entered. This indicates that your promo code has been successfully processed so your incentive will be emailed.) A Costco membership is $60 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Household Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards.

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