Thanks to celebrities like Jessica Biel and Kobe Bryant, the Paleo diet is one of the most talked about diets in the world. Aside from helping you eat cleaner, the “caveman diet” may reduce inflammation and improve your gut health, among other things. Going paleo means eating fewer processed carbs and more protein and fat, and encourages you to load your diet with fresh produce and meat. The diet doesn’t ban carbs altogether, but suggests we limit our consumption of them and instead focus on fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, or healthy fats like olive oil and ghee.
To sum it up, the Paleo diet is comprised of whole, nutrient-dense food and excludes all refined sugars, refined fats, dairy, and processed grains. As a huge fan of paleo snacks, here are 15 of the best Paleo Costco buys:
1. Autumn's Gold Grain-Free Granola
This blend of almonds, sunflower seeds, pecans, and toasted coconut is tossed with cinnamon and vanilla and sweetened with honey. Eat it by the handful, as cereal, with yogurt, or as a topping for your next smoothie.
2. RX Bars
With 12 grams of protein and only a few simple ingredients like dates, egg whites, almonds, and cashews, RX bars are the perfect post-workout fuel or snack on the go.
#SpoonTip: Avoid the peanut butter flavor (peanuts are a legume, and legumes are not paleo).
3. Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is packed with omega-3s, protein, and healthy fats, making it a great way to up your avo toast game.
4. Almond Butter
As an almond butter connoisseur, this almond butter is the best of the best. It’s super creamy and it even gives you room to stir.
5. Kimchi
Loaded with probiotics and packed with just enough spice, Kimchi is a great addition to cauliflower rice, eggs, salads, or on its own.
6. Almond Flour
From paleo chocolate chip cookies to grain-free pancakes, almond flour is a staple for every paleo pantry.
7. GT's Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that's loaded with probiotics, which support your immune system. It's slightly fizzy and low in sugar, making it a great alternative to soda. Priced at $14.99 for a pack of six, buying this paleo staple at Costco will save you about $1 per bottle as compared to Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. While you can't go wrong with any of GT's flavors, Gingerade is one of my personal favs.
8. Honey
Follow Kourtney Kardashian’s lead and add honey to your tea, smoothies, or eat it by the spoonful.
9. Dried Fruit
From dried apricots and prunes to dried blueberries and cherries, Costco’s dried fruit department does not disappoint. However, make sure to check for dried fruit with no added sugars to keep it paleo.
10. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has a higher smoking point than coconut or olive oil, making it perfect for grilling or roasting veggies.
11. Suja Organic Fruit and Vegetable Juice
The Organic Mighty Greens is the perfect detoxifier. It’s loaded with all the greens and superfoods, from collard greens and kale to chlorella and spirulina.
12. Guacamole
Wave goodbye to second-day, brown guac. These hand-scooped packets are the perfect serving size.
13. Nuts by Kirkland
From cashews to walnuts to macadamia nuts, Costco has it all. My favorite are the unsalted, extra fancy mixed nuts. Again, make sure you avoid any nut blends with peanuts in them.
14. Fresh Produce
Costco has some of the freshest produce I have ever tasted. Stock up on avocados, kale, broccoli, eggs, and more. Can you get any more paleo?
While I am not 100% paleo myself, I do enjoy my fair share of paleo baked goods and snacks. Not only has eating primarily paleo introduced me to tons of new products, but I've also found that this lifestyle has helped my skin clear up and has made me feel more energized. Even if you can't commit to going all out paleo, these snacks can help you focus on eating real, wholesome foods and are great healthy options to pick up on your next Costco run.
#SpoonTip: If you're looking to eat more paleo meals, try one of these 10 paleo meal prep recipes.