Get Ready to Stock Up! The 10 Must-Have Costco Snacks That Will Transform Your Pantry (and Your Taste Buds!)

Food & Drink
Get Ready to Stock Up! The 10 Must-Have Costco Snacks That Will Transform Your Pantry (and Your Taste Buds!)

Costco’s snack aisles are nothing short of magical for anyone who loves to munch. Row after row of bulk-sized treasures promise to turn an ordinary pantry into a snack paradise. Whether you’re a long-time Costco devotee or a curious newcomer, the variety and value found here are unmatched. You’ll discover everything from savory bites that satisfy those mid-afternoon cravings to sweet treats that make snack time feel like a celebration.

As someone who’s walked those towering aisles more times than I’d care to count quite often with my kids enthusiastically pushing the cart I can guarantee it’s always a trip. There’s a thrill in uncovering new releases which quickly become bestsellers and sit alongside the beloved favourites which never seem to go out of favour. And while bulk shopping can be intimidating at first, the fact that Costco can choose outstanding snacks in each category and type of diet is well worth the hassle.

So, grab that jumbo cart and get ready for a legendary snack odyssey. After tasting, testing, and inquiring from fellow shoppers, we’ve rounded up 14 of Costco’s most delectable snacks that need to be in every pantry. From crunchy pretzels and gooey protein bars to fruit-flavored gems and healthy nibbles, this list will help you snack smarter, better, and more tastefully!

1. Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels

Let’s kick it off strong with a snack legend Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels. These golden nuggets beautifully marry a crunchy pretzel shell and creamy peanut butter filling. They’ve attained cult status with Costco shoppers insisting they’re “impossible to stop eating,” and it’s no surprise following one bite. Packed in a clear 55-ounce jar, these pretzels are a party, movie night, or solo snack go-to directly from the jar.

Key Characteristics:

  • Perfect crunch and creaminess pairing
  • Best-loved cult hit among Costco customers
  • Simple 55-ounce clear tub packaging
  • Ideal for parties or snacking
  • Wonderful peanut butter flavor, not too sweet
  • Trans fat-free, six simple ingredients

There’s a perfect crunch with each bite followed by luscious peanut butter smoothness that’s not too salty or sweet. The outcome? A devourable, perfectly well-balanced snack that never overstays its welcome on your shelf. Even indulgent, they’re trans-fat-free and have only six straightforward ingredients. With approximately 130 calories for each serving, they provide comfort and a hint of wholesomeness. Not health food by any means, but definitely a wiser splurge that proves uncomplicated pairs lead to most gratifying outcomes.

2. Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Granola Bars (Peanut)

Few snacks are as reliable as a good granola bar, and Nature Valley’s Sweet & Salty Peanut is a Costco staple. Individually wrapped for easy portability, these bars make perfect busy mornings, road trips, or airborne office treats. They combine peanuts, oats, and a gooey nut butter coating to provide that perfect mix of chew and crunch.

The Top Features:

  • Proportionate mixture of peanuts, oats, coating
  • Ideal for breakfasts, travels, or the office
  • Rhythmic combination of chewy texture and crunchy bite
  • Combination of salty nuts and sweet drizzle
  • Not sugary sweet, steady energy kick
  • Nicely packaged in large Costco boxes

What sets them apart is the equilibrium of the salty nuts and sweet drizzle beneath each bar. They’re not overly sugary, making them a wonderful option for those looking for energy without a crash. With their filling consistency and soothing flavor, they’ve been a hit for years and for very good reason. Costco’s bulk boxes make them a smart buy for families or snackers looking for consistency and convenience. They hold up terrifically well in lunchboxes and gym bags both, giving you that little, trusty jolt of flavor and energy every time you need it.

3. Kirkland Signature Trail Mix Snack Packs

Trail mix is quite possibly the ultimate universal snack, and Kirkland Signature works its magic in combining all that makes it a classic favorite. It’s the perfect blend of peanuts, almonds, cashews, raisins, and just a touch of chocolate that ensures every handful is a hit. Whether hiking, traveling, or even preparing lunches, these individual serving packs make portion control easy.

Key Highlights:

  • Ideal combination of nuts, raisins, chocolate
  • Covenient 2-ounce individually wrapped serving
  • Balanced mix of protein and healthy fat
  • Sweet and salty flavor is addictive
  • Ideal for travel, hiking, or daily lunches
  • Gourmet indulgence with Costco-style convenience

Every 2-ounce package delivers a hearty 160 calories, with enough protein and healthy fat to stave you off until your next meal. The salty-sweet combination is addictively the best, and the inclusion of milk chocolate chunks is a nostalgia that makes adults and children smile. The good news? The quality and accessibility fit so elegantly into Costco’s bulk business model. It’s decadent enough to be special, yet utilitarian enough to make the most of precisely what Costco fans appreciate most.

4. Welch’s Fruit Snacks

Who is to say fruit snacks are exclusive to kids? Welch’s Fruit Snacks bridge the gap between adult snacking and nostalgia with fruity, chewy bliss. Packed with taste and real fruit, these vibrant bite-sized delights are preservative-free, gluten-free, and a good source of vitamins A, C, and E.

Key Highlights:

  • Natural flavor and real fruit used to make them
  • Preservative-free, gluten-free, and full of vitamins
  • Sweet but not overpowering
  • Soft, chewy texture and genuine-fruit flavor
  • Ideal for lunchboxes, on-the-go, or office snacking
  • Value-stacked multi-pack favorite across generations

With each pouch delivering a sweet but never too intense flavor, they are easy to eat with no guilt. The chewy texture and genuine-fruit flavor create a calming and satisfying experience reminiscent of an old favorite redesigned to delight individuals of all ages. Bought in bulk multi-packs, these are the perfect snack for lunchboxes, road trips, or simply storing at work. With a price that’s hard to beat and a flavor sure to please even the most finicky of eaters, Welch’s Fruit Snacks have earned a number one spot on Costco’s roster of reliable staples.

Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Snack
File:Robert’s American Gourmet Pirate’s Booty.JPG – Wikimedia Commons, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

5. Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar Snack

Light, airy, and bursting with flavor, Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar is a cheesy pleasure that’s filling but won’t leave you feeling heavy. Its popcorn-sized puffs offer a flavorful crunch supplemented by that unmistakable crunch of aged cheddar, and it’s a crowd-pleaser over the denser chips.

Key Features:

  • Airy, light cheese-flavored puffs
  • Includes easily identifiable simple ingredients
  • Contains a mere 70 calories per filling serving
  • Perfect for kids and adults
  • Perfect for movie nights or snack time
  • Available in Costco’s convenient bulk packs

Individuals love that there are only simple, ordinary ingredients. At only 70 calories per serving, they are the perfect snack for anyone looking for a flavorful mouthful without the guilt. Their light, airy texture keeps them coming back for more, so they are a favorite among kids and adults alike, perfect for movie nights or mid-afternoon cravings. Costco’s bulk packaging means you’ll never run out of these airy delights. Their clean ingredients, balanced flavor, and light crunch make them a go-to for snackers who want something delicious and satisfying.

a bowl of yellow liquid with a spoon in it
Photo by James Trenda on Unsplash

6. Kirkland Signature Organic Applesauce Pouches

For an individual seeking something pure and wholesome, Kirkland Signature Organic Applesauce Pouches are the way to go. With just two ingredients organic apples and ascorbic acid they prove that less can be so tasty. All the goodness of fresh apples is in these pouches in the convenient, mess-free form.

Key Features:

  • Comprises just two natural ingredients
  • Combination of organic apples and ascorbic acid
  • Naturally sweet with no added sugar
  • 70 calories and 1g natural sugar only
  • Great for school lunches or on the go
  • Resonates Costco’s clean, organic promise

Parents love them for school lunches, and health-conscious adults enjoy their naturally sweet flavor with no added sugar. Each serving is a paltry 70 calories and one gram of natural sugars, a light and guilt-free snack. Beyond convenience, these applesauce pouches demonstrate Costco’s commitment to offering organic and clean-label food choices. A healthy snack that truly appeals to all ages, perfect for a quick energy boost wherever life takes you.

Top view of a tasty beef and broccoli dish served with rice, perfect for a healthy meal.
Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels

7. Kirkland Signature Premium Extra Thick Steak Strips

For a savory and protein-rich treat, Kirkland Signature Steak Strips don’t disappoint. These extra-thick pieces of beef jerky offer a deep, smoky flavor and soft texture that’s close to being as good as a perfectly grilled steak. They’re ideal for quick energy or as a pick-me-up during the day.

Key Features:

  • Extra-thick, tender beef jerky texture
  • Rich, smoky flavor close to steak
  • Nutritionally approximately 9 grams of protein per serving
  • Easily recognisable ingredient list centered around beef
  • Ideally suited for active or high-protein lifestyles
  • Multiplex flavour that is well worth premium pricing

Each serving has about 9 grams of protein, making them ideal for high-protein diets or an active lifestyle. Unlike most jerky products, there are no listed ingredients with a bunch of added stuff, but rather beef takes center stage with a clean ingredient list, bringing both quality and flavor you can stand behind. Yes, they cost a bit more than some snacks, but their high-protein kick and full flavor are well worth every bite. They’re a fan favorite for a reason – rich, filling, and delectably satisfying.

rxbar” by aollini is licensed under CC BY 2.0

8. RXBAR Protein Bars Variety Pack

RXBAR Protein Bars are a force to be reckoned with for anyone who’s devoted to clean eating. Every bar combines a limited list of simple ingredients egg whites, almonds, cashews, and dates into a chewy, nutrition-dense snack that tastes as great as it performs. Their “no B.S.” snacking philosophy has won over athletes and busy professionals alike.

Key Highlights:

  • Made with simple, clean ingredients only
  • Approximately 12 grams of protein per bar
  • Great for workouts or on-the-go breakfasts
  • Natural sweetness from dates and nuts
  • Variety pack provides several flavor options
  • Balanced, wholesome fuel for active lifestyles

Each bar contains approximately 12 grams of protein, making it ideal for post-workout recovery or a quick breakfast on the go. The mixture of nuts and natural sweetness provides a deep, indulgent flavor profile that’s both energizing and wholesome. Costco variety packs give you a range of flavors so that you’ll never get tired of eating while staying on your diet plan. Easy ingredients but big flavors, RXBARs are a staple in any healthy snacking goals.

aussie bites” by Stacy Spensley is licensed under CC BY 2.0

9. Aussie Bites

Aussie Bites combine healthy and indulgent perfectly. These little, muffin-like bites combine oats, dried fruit, coconut, seeds, and honey into a chewy, flavorful package that’s as if it was made at home. They’re a favorite among Costco shoppers looking for an easy but healthy baked snack.

Key Features:

  • Oat, dried fruit, seed, honey mixture
  • Soft, chewy texture with homemade quality
  • Trans-fat and preservative-free
  • Around 130 calories per tasty serving
  • Provides stable energy without sugar rush
  • Suitable for morning or afternoon snacks

Each bite has a sweet blend of natural sweetness and filling texture. Free of trans fats and preservatives, they’re a smart selection for anyone seeking a cleaner snack. With about 130 calories per serving, they deliver sustained energy without the sugar boost found with most pastry. Wonderful with morning coffee or as a mid-day snackie, these bites strike that elusive sweet spot between filling and affordable a veritable gem in Costco’s snack lineup.

10. Snyder’s of Hanover Mini Pretzels

Salty, uncomplicated, and endlessly snackable, Snyder’s of Hanover Mini Pretzels are a classic favorite. Theirlightly salted crunch and perfectly baked goodness make them the perfect choice for any snack platter, from game days to lunchboxes.

Key Features:

  • Light salt coating and traditional crunchy texture
  • Perfect for parties, lunches, or game days
  • About 100 calories per satisfying serving
  • Fat-free snack that is tasty and convenient
  • Perfect with hummus, soups, or trail mix
  • Costco-friendly easy packaging

Their accessibility is unmatched you can snack on them by themselves, dip them, or break them up and sprinkle them into soups or trail mixes. With about 100 calories per serving size and no fat, they’re a light one that bursts with flavor. Costco’s oversized containers make it easy and economical to stock up. These tiny pretzels are a reminder that sometimes the most plain-looking snacks are truly the greatest.

From pretzels to indulgent protein bars, Costco’s snack aisles are a tasting ground of flavor and variety. Each snack on this list has something unique to offer whether it’s nostalgia, nutrition, or sheer indulgence. And collectively, they demonstrate that Costco is not so much about bulk savings; it’s about discovering snacks that match your lifestyle and tastes.

So, the next time you’re navigating those towering aisles, let this guide be your compass. Fill your cart with these pantry-transforming favorites, and get ready for snacks that make every bite worth savoring. Happy snacking your taste buds will thank you!

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