6 Best Costco Foods to Pack On Protein This Year

6 Best Costco Foods to Pack On Protein This Year

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Let me tell you, after hitting 40, I noticed my energy wasn't what it used to be. My buddy Mike kept telling me it was all about getting enough protein, and honestly, I thought he was being one of those gym rats who obsesses over every gram. But then my doctor said the same thing during my annual checkup - turns out most of us aren't getting nearly enough, especially as we get older. So I started paying attention to what I was eating, and man, what a difference it made. I've got more energy throughout the day, I'm not starving an hour after lunch, and I actually feel stronger. The best part? Costco makes it pretty easy and affordable to stock up on high-protein foods that actually taste good. Here are the six items I always grab when I'm there.

Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken

You can't beat the classic rotisserie chicken for versatility and bang for your buck. At just $4.99, this thing is a staple in my house and probably should be in yours too. Each chicken gives you about 3 pounds of meat, and the breast meat alone packs around 30 grams of protein per serving. The real beauty here is that you can use it for everything - throw it in salads, make chicken tacos, toss it with pasta, or just eat it straight up with some veggies. I'll grab two at a time, strip all the meat off one for meal prep on Sunday night, and eat the other one for dinner that same evening. It's already cooked, it tastes good, and you're not spending an hour in the kitchen. Plus, you can use the bones to make broth if you're feeling ambitious, though let's be honest, most of us just toss them.

Kirkland Signature Greek Yogurt

This isn't your regular yogurt - Greek yogurt is strained differently so it's thicker and has way more protein. The Kirkland version comes in big tubs, and each cup serving gives you around 18-20 grams of protein depending on whether you get the plain or flavored varieties. I go with the plain because the flavored ones have more sugar, and I just add my own berries or a little honey if I want it sweeter. It's great for breakfast, obviously, but I also use it in place of sour cream on tacos or baked potatoes. Some guys mix it with protein powder for an extra boost, but honestly it's got plenty on its own. The texture takes a minute to get used to if you're coming from regular yogurt, but once you do, the regular stuff tastes watery and boring. Just make sure you're actually getting Greek yogurt and not regular yogurt labeled as "Greek style" because that's a different thing with less protein.

Kirkland Signature Cage-Free Eggs

Eggs are pretty much the perfect protein source, and Costco sells them in massive quantities for way less than regular grocery stores. Each egg has about 6 grams of protein, and contrary to what people used to think, eating eggs every day is perfectly fine for most people. I go through two or three dozen a week easy - scrambled eggs for breakfast, hard-boiled eggs as snacks, fried eggs on burgers, you name it. The cage-free ones from Kirkland cost a bit more than the regular eggs, but the yolks are darker and they taste better, so it's worth it in my opinion. Keep a bunch of hard-boiled eggs in your fridge and you've always got a quick protein hit when you need it. They last about a week in the shell after you boil them. Some people only eat the whites to avoid the fat and cholesterol, but the yolk is where most of the nutrients are, so unless your doctor specifically told you otherwise, eat the whole thing.

Kirkland Signature Wild-Caught Salmon

Salmon is one of those foods that's expensive everywhere except Costco, where you can get frozen filets for a reasonable price. Each 6-ounce serving has around 40 grams of protein, plus it's loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that are supposed to be great for your heart and brain. The frozen wild-caught stuff from Kirkland is solid quality - it doesn't have that weird mushy texture you sometimes get with cheaper frozen fish. I keep a bag in the freezer and pull out a couple filets the night before I want to cook them. You can bake it, grill it, or pan-sear it with just some salt, pepper, and lemon, and it's delicious without needing fancy sauces or complicated recipies. The wild-caught version costs more than farm-raised, but it tastes cleaner and doesn't have the same concerns about antibiotics and stuff. If you're not used to cooking fish, salmon is pretty forgiving - just don't overcook it or it'll get dry.

Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter

Peanut butter might not seem like a protein powerhouse, but it's actually got 7-8 grams per 2-tablespoon serving, plus healthy fats that keep you full. The Kirkland organic version is just peanuts and salt - no added sugar or oils like the regular brands. It's a bit thicker and you have to stir it since the oil separates, but once you get used to it, the sugary stuff tastes artificial. I spread it on whole wheat toast in the morning, throw a spoonful in my protein shake, or just eat it straight off the spoon when I need a quick snack. The jars are huge at Costco, so you're set for a while. Just remember that while it's healthy, it's also calorie-dense, so don't go crazy with portion sizes. A serving is 2 tablespoons, and most guys pour out way more than that without realizing it. I actually started measuring it out, and I was using like 4-5 tablespoons at a time before, which is over 500 calories just from peanut butter.

Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Ground Beef

Ground beef is incredibly versatile and the grass-fed stuff from Costco is high quality without the premium price tag you'd pay at specialty stores. A 4-ounce cooked portion gives you around 28 grams of protein, and you can use it for burgers, tacos, spaghetti sauce, chili, or whatever else you're making. Grass-fed beef has a slightly different flavor than regular beef - it's a bit leaner and some people say it tastes more "beefy" - but I think it's better. It comes in these big packages at Costco, so I divide it up into portions and freeze what I'm not using right away. Just write the date on the freezer bags so you know how long it's been in there. The main thing with ground beef is making sure you cook it to the right temperature, especially if you're making burgers. Nobody wants to deal with food poisoning. I use a meat thermometer now and cook it to 160 degrees internal temperature. It seems like overkill, but it's worth it for peace of mind.

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