Do you ever find yourself missing out on ingredients that you wish you had stocked up on? Making a balanced meal every day can be challenging, especially when you have kids who might be picky eaters. Thankfully, Costco has you covered.
There are some pantry items from Costco that you can stock up on that help make meals more balanced. Whether it’s swapping to a healthier olive oil or adding more beans to the meal, these are our best pantry recommendations.
8. Canned Tomatoes
Whether it’s crushed, diced, sauce, or paste, canned tomatoes are one of the many healthy pantry items from Costco you always need. Not only is it a base for several delicious dishes, like chili and pasta, but it also has an abundance of nutrients like fiber and antioxidants. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, which is known for reducing inflammation and aiding in heart health.
7. Rolled Oats
Oats are an amazing breakfast staple. From oatmeal to overnight oats, there are several ways to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal. But did you know that it’s also a great dessert ingredient? Adding oats to a blender or food processor makes them into a fine powder, which can be used as flour to make delicious bread or cakes. And let’s not forget the classic oatmeal cookie as well. Oats are known for being packed with soluble fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels.
6. Nut and Seed Butter
Peanut butter makes the perfect snack. Spread it on a piece of toast for breakfast, add it to a sandwich during lunch, or pair it with chocolate and apples for dessert. Costco has a variety of nut and seed butters that are more nutritious options. For instance, their Mixed Nut Butter includes dry roasted almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds. Not only are the ingredients full of fiber and protein, but they also offer amazing vitamins and nutrients. For example, chia seeds are known for reducing blood pressure and being rich in antioxidants, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Brown Rice
When adding rice to your dinner, why not use brown rice instead? Brown rice is a whole grain that contains the bran and germ, which have more fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. While it has a different, nuttier flavor and is chewier than white rice, it still pairs perfectly with dishes with vegetables, beans, and lean proteins. Another benefit is that it takes longer to digest compared to white rice, which means it provides more stable energy and will help you stay full for longer. Stock up with a 12-pound bag or try their brown rice and quinoa bowls.
4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
One of the best healthy pantry items at Costco is their olive oil. A staple in every chef’s home, extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest fats you can cook with, thanks to its high content of monounsaturated fats and polyphenols. These compounds help with heart health, reduce inflammation, and even help your body absorb vitamins from vegetables. Use some to sautee vegetables, sear proteins, add to salads or over pasta, and much more.
3. Chickpea Pasta
Similar to swapping your rice choices, you can also make a positive change to your pasta. Instead of the pasta you usually grab, why not opt for chickpea pasta instead? This pasta, such as Banza, offers more fiber, protein, and other important nutrients compared to white pasta, and is gluten-free. Not only does chickpea pasta help with blood sugar management, but it also benefits heart health, digestive health, and more. Pasta is also one of the most beloved and versatile dishes. Combine canned tomatoes with pasta and a lean protein with vegetables, and you have a satisfying, filling, and balanced meal. Whole-grain pasta is another pasta variant that offers ample benefits with a milder taste.
2. Spices (Turmeric, Garlic, etc.)
Did you know that you can get amazing, nutritious benefits just by adding more seasonings to your dish? Spices like turmeric, garlic, and chili powder have amazing health benefits while adding a ton of flavor. Turmeric, for instance, contains curcumin, which has stellar anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic is a popular pantry staple that promotes cardiovascular health. Research has also found that spicy foods, which contain chili powder and red chili flakes, contain capsaicin, help combat cancer, help with cardiovascular health, and offer antioxidant properties.
1. Lentils
Tired of adding beans to your dishes for a boost of fiber and protein? But still want to include a hearty addition to dinners? Then you’ll love lentils. One of the best healthy pantry items at Costco is lentils. These small, nutrient-dense legumes are packed with protein, fiber, iron, and folate. They cook quickly and are delicious in so many meals. You can add them to dishes that take beans, or you can even mash them to thicken up soups. They’re also delicious in salads and stews. Lentils are great for controlling blood sugar, supporting digestion, and helping keep you full for longer. Enjoy prepared lentil meals or just grab a bag of red lentils at Costco.