School’s out, kids at home, a revolving door of people coming and going, road trips or vacations on the calendar, and you’re looking for some good snacks.
Costco right now has some great options, which you’ve probably seen on your social feeds. In my opinion, some of them truly do live up to the hype.
Costco has been doing good work around providing a range of snacks and stocking up on a bunch of newer brands, better-for-you health brands, and grab-and-go meat and cheese packs.
Here’s what’s worth your attention, the Best Snacks at Costco right now:
Choices, Choices, Choices
I’m sure you’re aware that the choices at Costco are massive, and inventory rotates without warning. A product that was front-and-center in April might be gone by June, swapped out for something seasonal or a roadshow item that’s only around for two weeks.
That rotation is part of what makes Costco always feel fresh and why I sometimes like to stroll the aisles without my children on a weeknight, but it can also bring on a little FOMO because you never know when your newest favorite item will be gone.
When you spot something new, you have to make a snap decision: buy it now or risk never seeing it again. That can lead to a lot of impulse buying and, sometimes, products you and your family don’t love. Then you’re left with a large quantity of it sitting in the pantry.
So, to avoid oversnacking on duds (not the candy), here are some that have been spotted in warehouses recently and really caught my attention:
Everyone Loves a Beef Stick
Beef sticks have come a long way since the gas station beef jerky-type sticks, and Costco has a really good variety.
Starting with Chomps Jalapeño Grass-Fed Beef Sticks, they arrived in warehouses earlier this year and quickly became a favorite. Made with 100% grass-fed beef and a kick of heat, each stick has 10 grams of protein and a short, clean ingredient list. At $16.99 for a 12-pack, it’s also cheaper than what you’d typically pay for Chomps elsewhere. If you’re a beef stick person, this is a great time to stock up.
Archer Grass-Fed Mini Beef Sticks are another solid choice. They’re smaller in size and slightly milder in flavor, making them a good option for kids’ lunches, day camps, or desk-drawer snacking without the heat of the Chomps Jalapeño variety.
A couple more beef stick options around the same price point come from Krave and Righteous Felon. Both are worth considering if you’re looking for more variety in your meat snack rotation.
Better-For-You That Actually Tastes Good
The protein trend at Costco is in full swing. It seems like every aisle has something protein-forward, and brands are getting better at delivering nutrition without making you feel like you’re eating or drinking a supplement.
The Only Bean Crunch Roasted Edamame is a crunchy, salty snack that’s a great plant-based protein option. It’s packed with fiber and made with minimal ingredients. It’s also keto-friendly, gluten-free, grain-free, kosher, vegetarian/vegan, low in sugar, cholesterol-free, high in fiber, and low-GI.
Catalina Crunch Protein Snack Mix is a better-for-you take on a traditional cereal mix or trail mix, combining crunchy pieces with more protein and fiber than many conventional snack mixes. I saw a lot of people stopping to look at it and adding it to their carts during my last Costco trip.
That’s It Organic Fruit Crunchables are a simple sweet snack made with real fruit and no added sugar. They offer a satisfying crunch and real fruit flavor, making them an underrated find in the snack aisle right now. They’re also a snack many kids will enjoy.
For Your Sweet Tooth
If you’re shopping in the bakery section, Costco’s Peanut Butter Monster Cookies have been a steady hit this year. Made with brown butter dough, peanut butter chips, oats, and chocolate chips, the 24-count tray sells for $10.99. They’re definitely not health food, but everyone needs a sweet snack once in a while, and they’re an easy addition to a picnic basket or summer gathering.
There are also plenty of options in the candy and indulgent snack aisle. If you’re still on the Dubai chocolate trend, you may want to check out the Chocxo Dubai-Inspired Pistachio Cups. They’re similar to traditional peanut butter cups but feature flavors inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate craze.
I’m personally a little over the trend, so this isn’t one I’ll be grabbing, but I did hear shoppers commenting on the pistachio flavor while I was in the aisle. They’re also individually packaged, which makes them convenient for snacking on the go.
Snack Packs that Are Worth It
Most Costco snack finds are about volume – buy dozens of one product, eat it for a month, and move on. But their snack game has really leveled up lately, and some finds feel elevated enough to bring to a wine party or game night.
If your social media feeds have been anything like mine lately, you’ve probably noticed a flood of Costco snack finds. From protein-packed snack trays to grab-and-go charcuterie packs, warehouses seem to be getting more creative with their snack selection.
Here are a few options shoppers are talking about right now:
1. Upper Cut Tapas Snack Pack (3-Pack)
Upper Cut was a brand I wasn’t familiar with before seeing its Tapas Snack Pack at Costco. Their grab-and-go mini charcuterie trays include uncured Salami Milano, rBST-free sharp white cheddar, rosemary and olive oil crackers, and dark chocolate-covered cranberries.
Each pack contains 18 grams of protein, and at just under $13 for a three-pack at many Costco warehouses, the price is comparable to other premium options.
Features like nitrate-free salami and the mix of sweet and savory ingredients help distinguish it from some of the more traditional meat-and-cheese packs currently available.
2. Honey Smoked Fish Co. Salmon Stackers (3-Pack)
Often described as an “adult Lunchable,” Honey Smoked Fish Co.’s Salmon Stackers is a seafood alternative to the usual meat-and-cheese snack packs.
Each tray has about 13 grams of protein and 1,200mg of Omega-3s, making it a solid option for pescatarians or anyone who doesn’t eat pork but still wants a convenient, protein-rich snack.
3. Hillshire Snacking Plates (4-Pack)
Hillshire is probably the most familiar name in the snack-pack category, and Costco shoppers have been buying these for years.
Each tray includes Genoa salami, natural white cheddar cheese, and crispy toasted rounds, along with 16 grams of protein. If you’re looking for a classic meat-and-cheese snack pack, this is one of the most recognizable options on Costco shelves.
4. Citterio Snack Packs (6-Pack)
For shoppers who prefer to keep things simple, Citterio’s snack packs focus on the basics.
Each serving has dry-cured salami and provolone cheese in a compact, single-serve format. Unlike some of the other snack packs on this list, there are no crackers or sweet additions. It’s a straightforward protein snack that delivers exactly what it promises.
One thing worth noting is that neither the Hillshire nor Citterio packs feature nitrate-free salami.
A Few Final Notes Before You Shop
My advice? If a new snack catches your eye and it fits your budget, give it a shot.
Costco’s snack selection is better and more varied than it’s been in years, with options ranging from high-protein grab-and-go meals to plant-based snacks and indulgent treats.
Don’t get so focused on finding the “perfect” Costco snack that you miss out on trying something new. One of the best parts of shopping at Costco is discovering products you wouldn’t normally buy elsewhere. Sometimes those impulse purchases end up becoming household staples, and sometimes they don’t. That’s part of the fun!
The worst-case scenario is you’re out a few dollars. The best-case scenario is you discover your next favorite Costco find before everyone else.
Now hit your nearest warehouse, stock up on the good snacks, and maybe enjoy a solo Costco run while you’re at it. Sometimes that’s the real treat.
