48 Best Keto-Approved Foods to Buy at Costco
Updated: Jun. 07, 2021
Your local warehouse store can be a boon if you're a bargain-shopping keto eater. The wide selection of keto-friendly foods, plus a great assortment of keto-approved vegetables and meats, makes every dime of your annual Costco dues pay for itself time and time again.
Good Foods Tableside Chunky Guacamole
“I live for homemade guacamole, and most packaged ones just can’t compete and have a slightly off flavor,” says Carolyn Land Williams, PhD, RD, a culinary nutrition expert and author of Meals That Heal: 100+ Everyday Anti-Inflammatory Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less. “This is the one exception, and the fact that Costco sells individually packaged servings is what solidifies my decision to renew my Costco membership every year because it’s the only place that I’ve ever been able to find the single servings.” For the keto eater, the 2.5-ounce individual servings are great for keeping on hand for a quick snack, topping fried eggs, or smearing over grilled chicken breasts. Following are more of Williams and other nutrition experts top keto-friendly picks from Costco.
Total estimated savings: $4-$7.
Whisps Parmesan Cheese Crisps
For keto eaters, cheese in all forms is A-OK. Made with just one ingredient (Parmesan cheese), these snacks are baked until crispy. A serving size, which is nearly 25 crisps, is less than one carb, making this Costco find ideal for car trips, desk drawers, and everywhere in between. If you’re considering the keto diet, it’s important to know as much as possible about the diet before you jump into it. Don’t skip these 13 things everyone gets wrong about the keto diet.
Total estimated savings: $8-$12.
Wilcox Organic Hard Boiled Eggs
Eggs are perhaps the ultimate keto food, thanks to their hefty serving of healthy fats and a hearty chunk of protein. If you don’t have time to boil your own dozen every week (or every few days, depending on how quickly you’re eating them), you can buy a pack of 12 at Costco for just under $8.
Total estimated savings: $2-$3.
West End Grilled Mediterranean Style Chicken Skewers
You have to be careful with premade and precooked meat products. Manufacturers can add in sneaky sources of carbohydrates, which aren’t friendly to keto-diet plans. This product, however, has just three grams of carbohydrates per two skewers. “I never buy precooked chicken like this because it is usually full of extra fillers and never tastes as good as what I could marinate and cook,” Williams says. “But these are really good. I was surprised and will definitely be buying them again.” If you’re just starting out, check out the best keto diet for beginners.
Total estimated savings: $3-$5.
Hampton Hills Petite Asparagus Spears
Keto dieters have to be selective about their vegetable choices. Asparagus is a great option. One serving of these has just four net carbs, but it also delivers a good mix of vitamins A, C, and K. Be sure to look for plain frozen asparagus, notes Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, medical advisory board member at the Nutritional Magnesium Association. “As long as these do not include things like corn, which converts to glycogen quickly, frozen vegetables are fine,” she says.
Total estimated savings: $8-$12.
Green Giant Organic Riced Cauliflower
Rice bowls, pilafs, pizza crusts, and more—riced cauliflower assists in so many wonderful keto meals. Keto dieters should have several bags of this low-carb riced cruciferous vegetable on hand. It makes terrific last-minute sides with a simple sauté in butter and herbs. When you buy in bulk at Costco, you save several dollars over the equivalent amount at your local grocery store. You won’t believe the 15 most expensive things you can buy at Costco.
Total estimated savings: $4-$6.
Hass avocados
You have to buy in bulk at Costco—that’s part of the charm—but keto eaters should have no problem eating their way through a six-count bag of Hass avocados. With morning eggs, sliced and served on the side of any meal, or even turned into a decadent and creamy faux chocolate pudding, avocados are essential to a keto diet because they are an “excellent source of good fats,” Dr. Dean says.
Total estimated savings: $2-$4.
Kirkland Organic Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
Dairy, including cow’s milk and yogurt, provides your diet with a lot of healthy fats and calcium, but it’s also an unexpected source of carbohydrates thanks to lactose, a naturally occurring sugar. Skip the carbs of cow’s milk and opt for almond milk instead. Unsweetened vanilla almond milk is a great option for collagen shakes or even simply for sipping when the craving for a cup of ice-cold milk hits. “I’ve got to have a little milk in my bulletproof coffee,” Williams says. “I love that these are shelf-stable and so much cheaper than the kind at the grocery store.”
Total estimated savings: $2-$4.
Organic green beans
Like asparagus, green beans are a great keto-friendly source of fiber and vitamins without an overdose of carbohydrates. Chop green beans up for a Niçoise salad, sauté them with riced cauliflower for a faux fried rice, or roast them whole, as Williams suggests. She notes that the Costco two-pound bag of organic green beans is trimmed and ready so you can save time in the kitchen. “They’re ready to toss with olive oil and salt, and roast in the oven for a quick side,” she says. Don’t ignore these 10 ways the keto diet can backfire.
Total estimated savings: $1-$2.
Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo
Keto eaters have to meet pretty aggressive daily fat goals. That requires finding ways to use more fat than you’re likely accustomed to. Fatty foods like avocado, butter, and mayonnaise are a great addition to just about any keto meal, but the quality is important too. Look for mayonnaise made with high-quality oils, including avocado oil. Use them for sauces, dips, spreads, and more.
Total estimated savings: $8-$11.
Sweet Kale Gourmet Mix
When you’re craving a salad, not all greens are made equal for the keto eater. “Ideally, reach for dark, leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and chard, which are a good source of magnesium, a key electrolyte which you will need while you’re on this diet,” Dr. Dean says. “Lettuces such as iceberg and romaine have less nutritional value.” When you begin a keto diet, it has an almost immediate impact on your body. You can expect these 12 things to happen as you break your carb habit.
Total estimated savings: $1-$3.
Kirkland Signature Premium Sliced Bacon
Costco’s store-brand bacon, which is just over $18 for four one-pound bags, is a bargain for keto dieters. You’ll find lots of reasons to eat bacon on this diet, so it’s smart to stock up when you’re at the store. “As long as the bacon does not contain curing sugar and large amounts of carbs as a result, it’s fine,” Dean says. “Bacon has less protein and more good animal fat than some other meats.”
Total estimated savings: $18-$25.
Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken
Costco’s famous rotisserie chicken is another wonderful meaty bargain for keto eaters. These large, preroasted and preseasoned birds make dinners a snap. Pick one up on your way home, serve with a side of riced cauliflower and avocado, and your keto dinner is done. “They’re twice the size of ones at regular grocery stores,” Williams says. “I use them to make chicken salad or for a quick meal.” These 15 keto dinners are so good, you’ll want to cook them right now.
Total estimated savings: $2-$3.
Rhythm Superfoods Roasted Kale Sea Salt
You won’t be sitting down to a bag of chips on a keto plan, but you can certainly munch on these roasted kale chips. Lacinato kale leaves, a keto-approved leafy green, are washed and roasted with a bit of oil and seasoning. A single-serve bag has just a single net carb, but it also delivers four grams of fat, plus a day’s worth of vitamin K.
Total estimated savings: $1-$3.
Morey’s Marinated Wild Alaskan Salmon
“Truly wild Alaskan salmon is certainly better than farm-raised,” Dr. Dean says. But she cautions that even salmon should be eaten on a limited basis for keto eaters. The goal of a keto diet is to eat high amounts of fat and only moderate amounts of protein. Although salmon has heart-healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, you should eat in moderation. “As with all protein sources, these must be limited,” she says. Make sure you know the 13 other things doctors say about the keto diet.
Total estimated savings: $12-$15.
Kirkland Signature Organic Eggs
Now that you’ve got your hard-boiled eggs, you’ll need your fresh eggs for everything from fried eggs to frittatas, cloud bread, and more. For the average keto eater, eggs are a staple, so you’ll want to stock up. “I’m not a big fish eater, so I always look for ways to get more omega-3s,” Williams says.
Total estimated savings: $3-$4.
Coffee
Keto dieters are likely familiar with bulletproof coffee, a type of coffee beverage that combines piping-hot coffee with butter and avocado oil or MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil. This type of coffee is a great way to get your fat total up for the day as soon as you rise and shine. If you’re a whole-bean connoisseur or prefer your joe any way you can get it, Costco has options that will likely save you big over your grocery store. “You can’t get K-Cups any cheaper; plus, they have some higher-end brands, too,” Williams says. Read more about bulletproof coffee.
Total estimated savings: $4-$5.
Kirkland Signature Italian Basil Pesto
The key to ramping up your fat intake is finding sauces and dips that add a major fat factor to your plate without overwhelming your carb count. Pesto is one such sauce. Made with herbs, oil, cheese, and nuts, it’s a flavor-packed condiment you can use with everything from vegetables to fish. Keep a bottle on hand for a quick hit of fat at any meal. If all these delicious foods aren’t motivation enough, check out these before-and-after keto photos.
Total estimated savings: $6-$8.
Lindsay Naturals Extra Large Black Ripe Pitted Olives
The potent flavor of olives, combined with their healthy dose of good-for-you fats, makes them an ideal snack for keto eaters. However, because a jar can be messy (and not entirely easy to tote around), look for individual bags of olives that are designed for travel. The single-serve bags keep calories and carb in check while adding a few tally marks to your total fat count.
Total estimated savings: $3-$4.
La Terra Fina Spinach Artichoke Dip
Entertaining is still possible if you’re a keto dieter. Many dips and spreads are low-carb. You just need to plan the right dippers—pork skins are great—so you can partake. Be sure to read labels, however. Some dips sneak in servings of sugar you don’t need. This spinach-artichoke dip can be your quick go-to for dinner parties, ball games, and more. The keto diet promises great results if you’re looking to lose weight, but keep in mind these 11 hidden dangers of the keto diet.
Total estimated savings: $2-$3.
Kirkland Signature Dry Roasted Almonds
“It’s hard to find portable keto snacks. Look for pre-portioned packs which can be kept at the office or in your purse,” Williams says. If you can’t find pre-portioned almonds, you can divide up your own and keep them in individual baggies. Dr. Dean, however, points to the carb count of nuts and offers this reminder: “These do have carbs and some also have sugars, so check labels for carb content,” she says.
Total estimated savings: $12-$15.
BelGioioso Mozzarella Snack Pack
Cheese snacks are a salty, creamy way to boost your fat numbers, get bone-strengthening calcium, and keep protein low. It’s important to read labels, Dr. Dean suggests, to make sure you’re not getting a cheese with added sugar or fillers. One such great snacking cheese is BelGioioso Mozzarella Snacks. These petite rounds of creamy fresh mozzarella have less than a carb per serving. They’re great to keep in the fridge at work or at home when you’re feeling a bit famished between meals.
Total estimated savings: $8-$10.
Pacific Organic Chicken Bone Broth
Rich, warm, and comforting, bone broth is the keto dieter’s back-pocket meal. Similar to stock, bone broth is more intensely flavored, thanks to the long simmer with bones, marrow, and vegetables. Unlike broth or regular stock, bone broth is also a great source of fat-rich collagen. You can drink it like a beverage or serve it at lunch or dinner as a quick and filling soup. Learn 13 secret tips from frequent Costco shoppers.
Total estimated savings: $12-$16.
Kirkland Signature Solid White Albacore
Canned and jarred fish is a smart keto-friendly option. Water-packed fish is most abundant, but if you can find premium varieties, which are typically preserved in oil, you’ll get an even richer dose of good-for-you fat. No matter the type, tuna makes for a fast tuna salad, stuffed avocado, or simple Niçoise salad with olives, eggs, and a rich vinaigrette.
Total estimated savings: $4-$7.
Raskas Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is the keto cook’s right-hand ingredient. It’s used in everything from scrambled eggs to stuffed peppers to boost fat count while keeping carb numbers low. You’ll go through a lot in dishes like jalapeño poppers and cream-cheese pancakes, so stocking up on the Costco pack of six is a great way to keep yourself ready to cook. “Be sure to read the labels,” Dr. Dean says. Some cream-cheese brands add fillers and sweeteners, which will boost your carb count. Find out why most people fail on the keto diet.
Total estimated savings: $10-$12.
Kirkland Signature ABF Pulled Pork
Many ready-made meat products contain additives that boost sodium and sugar numbers and make registered dietitians like Williams steer clear. However, Costco’s pulled pork is a winner for keto eaters. It isn’t dressed in any sauces or spices, which keeps the carb count at zero for a hearty three-ounce serving. This way, you can use the pork with any number of ingredients for a variety of dishes, from brunch to dinner.
Total estimated savings: $3-$6.
Organic String Cheese
Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella string cheese is another great go-to for keto eaters. (Bonus: Everyone else in the house will eat this snack too.) It’s a great source of fat and calcium, without adding too much protein to your day. Pair this with an organic meat stick for a great afternoon snack.
Total estimated savings: $1-$2.
Kirkland Signature Variety Pack Protein Bar
If you’re a keto dieter who’s OK with artificial sweeteners, then these little protein bars might be a match made in keto heaven. Each bar has between three and four net carbs, with just one gram of sugar. Costco’s variety pack offers two flavors: Chocolate Brownie and Chocolate Chip Cooke Dough. If nothing else, it’s a great way to satisfy a sweets craving without risking your ketosis status.
Total estimated savings: $12-$15.
Nature’s Intent Organic Chia Seeds
One of the best ways to get fat from a vegetarian source is by eating chia seeds, which are a great addition to everything from salad dressings to smoothies. Sprinkle chia seeds into any number of foods for a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. One tablespoon has just one net carb, which makes chia-seed pudding a popular dessert option too.
Total estimated savings: $18-$20.
LaCroix Sparkling Water
You’ll have to give up most of your sparkling sodas on the keto diet—unless you’re OK with artificial sweeteners—but you don’t have to give up bubbles entirely. LaCroix and similar sparkling waters are a great way to keep yourself hydrated and your tongue tickled without upping your carb count. You can add a splash of real fruit juice if you want, but don’t go overboard. Fruit juice is chock-full of sugar, so your carb count will climb quickly. Try these 10 keto diet recipes that will make you forget you’re on a diet.
Total estimated savings: $2-$3.
Avocado oil
Fill your pantry with full-flavored oils like avocado oil, sesame oil, and chili oil. Each is uniquely flavored and called for with specific dishes, but avocado oil will become your go-to for everything from sautéing green beans to whipping up a homemade vinaigrette for your riced cauliflower bowl. Avocado oil is high-heat safe, so you can even use it on the grill or in the oven.
Total estimated savings: $10-$15.
Mini Babybel Original Semisoft Cheese
Like string cheese, Mini Babybel cheeses are a portable snack option for keto eaters. With zero carbs per mini cheese wheel, you can indulge in a round or two while getting a good dose of fat and bone-building calcium. Most cheese snacks get the keto thumbs-up, Dr. Dean says. Just be sure to read labels because some processed cheese products have added sugar. That’s a no-no for keto eaters.
Total estimated savings: $8-$10.
Aidells Chicken & Apple Sausage
For a barbecue or fast weeknight dinner, look for Aidells products at Costco. These sausages and meatballs are made with no added hormones, fillers, or artificial sweeteners. The sausages have only three net carbs per serving, which leaves room for a side of broccoli or asparagus and a few slices of fat-rich avocado. To be more efficient, buy a large pack and split them into proper serving sizes in individual bags and freeze them. That way, you only have to defrost what you need when you’re ready to cook. While you’re on the keto diet, avoid these 16 low-carb diet mistakes.
Total estimated savings: $9-$12.
Mushrooms
The keto diet puts the emphasis on fat, not protein. Too much meat can actually be a bad thing for keto dieters. Still, you may have a hankering for a hamburger steak or juicy meatballs. Using mushrooms with your meat can help cut the total protein, add fiber, and keep the dish completely keto compliant. Sautéed mushrooms are also a fantastic side dish.
Total estimated savings: $2-$3.
Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef
From burgers to skillet dinners, ground beef is a staple food in low-carb diets like keto. It’s inexpensive, too, but buying it at Costco may save you even more money. As a bonus, much of the organic ground beef is packaged in one-pound packages, which helps you prevent food waste and make dishes with just the right amount of the ingredient. (Too many grocery-store packs are way over or way under the one-pound mark.) Grass-fed beef is ideal for keto eaters; the ratio of good fats to bad is often more favorable, and the meat may have some healthy omega-3s, thanks to the grass. Read how this woman lost 15 pounds on the keto diet.
Total expected savings: $4-$5.
Perdue Boneless Chicken Breasts
The ten-pound packages of chicken breasts are great to keep on hand when you need a bit more protein to round out your day. But their convenience is far from the best aspect of this product; a pound of this brand at Costco is around $3. Compare that with conventional grocery stores, where chicken can be $6 per pound or more, and the choice to pick up your chicken at Costco is a no-brainer.
Total estimated savings: $30-$40.
Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter
Whether you’re blending butter into your morning coffee or melting a generous supply before sautéing your cauliflower rice, the average keto dieter can go through an eight-ounce stick of butter quickly. Kerrygold is a premium dairy brand, but the Costco savings make it worth the splurge. Plus, this Irish dairy brand uses milk from grass-fed cows, which often has a higher ratio of omega-3 fatty acids. If you’ve been on keto for a while, don’t ignore these 12 silent signs you should be eating more carbs.
Total estimated savings: $2-$3.
Sliced Salami Variety Pack
The trio of cured meats—calabrese, capocollo, and pepper salami—is a smart buy for keto eaters. These meats, while high in protein, are also great sources of fat. You can use these deli meats to stuff chicken breasts, wrap string cheese, or eat as a tangy snack entirely on their own.
Total estimated savings: $2-$4.
Heavy whipping cream
Heavy whipping cream makes regular appearances on keto ingredient lists. It’s used to make creamy pan sauces, thicken soups, and more. Plus, it lasts longer than other dairy products—milk, for example—so you can buy a one-quart container at Costco, save a few dollars, and be stocked for your upcoming meals. Check out these 15 other things you’re not buying from Costco but should.
Total estimated savings: $2-$4.
Frozen berries
Most fruit is a no-go on the keto diet. It simply has too many carbs and can kick you out of ketosis. However, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are often OK for keto eaters. Their sugar content is offset by a high fiber amount. Still, you can’t have more than a few berries at a time, which means that these jewel-like fruits may go bad long before you can finish the pint. Opt for frozen berries instead. They last, store well, and are often healthier than the berries you can buy fresh at your local grocery store. (The berries are frozen at peak season soon after picking, so they don’t suffer from the long cross-country ride in chilly temps, losing vitamins and nutrients.)
Total estimated savings: $7-$10.
Great Range 90% Lean Ground Bison
Like ground beef, ground bison is a great idea for keto dieters to have on hand. It can make for quick meatballs, stuffed peppers, a simple hash, and more. Grass-fed bison, also known as buffalo, has more omega-3 fatty acids, and the flavor is richer. Plus, bison is a good source of vitamin B12 and iron. You may decide to try the keto diet because you want to lose weight, but you might experience these unexpected health benefits too.
Total estimated savings: $2-$3.
Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts
Hemp hearts are the interior of hemp seeds—what’s left when the “shell” of the seed is stripped away. Hemp hearts are a popular alternative to grains for keto eaters because they’re nutty and toothsome, like quinoa or oatmeal, but aren’t high in carbs (about two net carbs per serving). That’s why you’ll see them frequently used in a porridge or overnight “oat” recipe. They can also be used in keto cookies to add crunch and bite. In addition, hemp hearts are a rich plant source of fatty acids, which is a great way for keto eaters to up their daily fat amount without eating too much animal protein. (Learn what the differences are between hemp hearts and hemp seeds.)
Total estimated savings: $18-$22.
Organic Stevia in the Raw Blend
Not every keto eater is looking to fake the sweetness of his or her favorite non-keto foods with a sugar alternative like stevia. Some keto eaters prefer to go cold turkey on the sweet stuff. If you decide, however, that you want a bit of sweetness for your drinks or baked goods, for example, stevia is a commonly used keto-approved sweetener. Read how the keto diet can help you kick your sugar habit.
Total estimated savings: $1-$3.
Kirkland Signature Ground Himalayan Pink Salt
Salt is very important for keto eaters. Keto causes you to urinate more which means electrolytes like salt and potassium are swept out and overall levels decrease. Keto eaters have to make sure they’re eating enough salt every day. Otherwise, they may experience fatigue, muscle cramps, and more. Pink salt is a popular option with keto eaters because it may contain trace amounts of minerals. You’re likely to be eating more salt than you if you were on a traditional diet, so these minerals can add more health benefits. Costco’s five-pound tub of pink salt is a bargain and way more than the small shaker bottles you’re likely to find at the grocery store.
Total estimated savings: $15-$18 per pound.
Ghee
Ghee, or clarified butter, is a surprisingly flavorful, keto-friendly fat option. When butter is melted and cooked until the water and milk solids are gone, you’re left with butterfat that nears caramelization before the cooking process is halted. The flavor is a surprisingly nutty experience, which makes it particularly delicious in dishes where the rich flavor can shine. Use ghee tossed with steamed vegetables, cooked with fried eggs, smeared across a stack of keto pancakes, or blended into warm cups of coffee or bone broth.
Total estimated savings: $4-$7.
Almond flour
Keto eaters can’t have all-purpose flour—or any form of wheat flour—but alternatives like almond or coconut flour get the thumbs-up. You can try your hand at keto baking with almond flour, which has a higher ratio of fat to carbs than traditional flours. It’s also more dense, which means it won’t bake the same as wheat-based flour. Look for recipes designed for keto-approved flours instead of adapting your old recipes to the new ingredient. Almond flour happens to be one of the 18 new healthy foods that are totally worth the hype.
Total estimated savings: $10-$12.
Sparkling ICE Sparkling Water
If the unflavored sparkling waters and cups of lemon-infused water aren’t doing it for you, reach for a zero-calorie, zero-carb option like Sparkling ICE. If you’re OK with artificial sweeteners, these drinks make for a fun option on the list of hydration choices.
Total estimated savings: $4-$7.
Mt. Olive Kosher Dills Fresh Pack Pickles
For an instant hit of salt and a crave-inducing crunch, dill pickles are a great option for keto eaters. One serving of three pickles has just one net carbohydrate. It doesn’t pack any fat, but it’s a great snack when you’re craving something besides cheese sticks, salami, and spoonfuls of ghee. Now get the lowdown on what it’s really like to be on the keto diet.
Total estimated savings: $5-$7.
- Carolyn Land Williams, PhD, RD, a culinary nutrition expert and author of Meals That Heal: 100+ Everyday Anti-Inflammatory Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less.
- Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, medical advisory board member at the Nutritional Magnesium Association.
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. “Chia Seeds.”
- Masood, W. Ketogenic Diet. StatPearls Publishing, 2019.
- Missouri Medicine: “Good Fats versus Bad Fats: A Comparison of Fatty Acids in the Promotion of Insulin Resistance, Inflammation, and Obesity.”
- Nutrition Journal: “A Review of Fatty Acid Profiles and Antioxidant Content in Grass-fed and Grain-fed Beef.”
- United States Department of Agriculture: National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release.
Medically reviewed by Originally Published: October 04, 2019
