For all the devoted fans of Kirkland products who prioritize their health, we have valuable insights to share. Are you worried about added sugars, unhealthy fats, or questionable ingredients? Fret not, as we've conducted thorough research to assist you in making wiser decisions. In fact, we've consulted expert dietitians who have pinpointed the specific Costco food items that should be avoided on your next warehouse visit.
When assessing a product at Costco, several key factors were taken into account to determine its overall healthiness:
- Calories: Pay close attention to the total calories per serving. If a product is calorie-dense without a balanced nutritional profile, it may appear on our list.
- Insufficient Fiber: Fiber is essential for digestion, satiety, and maintaining optimal gut health. Items lacking a good source of fiber, or those with insufficient fiber considering their calorie content, made their way onto our list.
- Added Sugars: Our experts meticulously scrutinized both total sugar and added sugar sections on labels. With the recommended daily limits for added sugar being 25 grams for women and 36 grams for men, products that neared these limits—leaving little room for additional sugar intake throughout the day—were included.
- Sodium: Keeping in mind individuals managing blood pressure or other sodium-related health concerns, our experts kept a watchful eye on sodium content.
Prepare yourself to become a smarter shopper, taking charge of your well-being. Armed with this guide, you'll be equipped to navigate through the murky waters of the most unhealthy Costco food items.
1) Kirkland Signature Cheesecake
Indulging in the Kirkland Signature Cheesecake is not advisable due to its high calorie and fat content. Each serving, which is 1/16th of the cake, contains 420 calories, 29 grams of fat (including 18 grams of saturated fat and 1 gram of trans fat), 330 milligrams of sodium, 34 grams of carbohydrates (with 1 gram of fiber and 27 grams of sugar), and 6 grams of protein. With such a significant amount of saturated fat and sugar, it's best to reserve this sugary delight for special occasions and resist the temptation to have a second slice.
2) Kirkland Signature Protein Bars
Although Kirkland Signature Protein Bars may seem like a convenient and nutritious snack option, it's important to be aware of their ingredients. These protein bars contain 190 calories, 7 grams of fat (including 2.5 grams of saturated fat and 0 grams of trans fat), 140 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates (with 10 grams of fiber and 2 grams of sugar), and 21 grams of protein per bar. However, they also include erythritol, a sugar alcohol that can cause digestive issues such as stomach discomfort, bloating, and gas in certain individuals. Exercise caution when consuming these protein bars.
3) Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage & Beef Lasagna
Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage & Beef Lasagna, although a delicious comfort food, contains high amounts of fat, saturated fat, and sodium. Each 1-cup serving of this lasagna dish provides 440 calories, 25 grams of fat (including 11 grams of saturated fat and 0.5 grams of trans fat), 720 milligrams of sodium, 30 grams of carbohydrates (with 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of sugar), and 25 grams of protein. The excessive intake of saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other health issues. Additionally, the high sodium content can elevate blood pressure and potentially lead to cardiovascular problems. Consume this lasagna in moderation.
4) Kirkland Signature Muffins
Kirkland Signature Muffins, although tempting, are high in calories, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. Each chocolate muffin contains a staggering 680 calories, 36 grams of fat (including 10 grams of saturated fat and 0.5 grams of trans fat), 570 milligrams of sodium, 82 grams of carbohydrates (with 4 grams of fiber and 45 grams of sugar), and 9 grams of protein. These muffins are often large in size and may contain generous amounts of sugar, refined flour, and added oils. The high sugar content can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The refined flour lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grains, further reducing their nutritional value. The added oils used in baking can be high in unhealthy fats, negatively impacting heart health.
5) Kirkland Signature Cheese Pizza
Kirkland Signature Cheese Pizza, like many commercial frozen pizzas, tends to be high in calories, saturated fat, sodium, and refined carbohydrates. Each 1/3 pizza serving provides 290 calories, 12 grams of fat (including 6 grams of saturated fat and 0 grams of trans fat), 600 milligrams of sodium, 34 grams of carbohydrates (with 1 gram of fiber and 4 grams of sugar), and 12 grams of protein. The crust is typically made from refined white flour, lacking the fiber and nutrients found in whole grains. The generous amount of cheese used contributes to the high saturated fat content, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Processed meats or excessive toppings can add sodium and unhealthy additives to the pizza. Regularly consuming frozen pizza as a significant part of the diet can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems.
6) Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese
Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese is a high-fat and high-calorie option. Unfortunately, nutrition facts for this product are not provided online. The cheese sauce in mac and cheese is typically made with full-fat cheese, butter, and whole milk, contributing to the high saturated fat content. Excessive consumption of saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease. It is also high in sodium, and excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Exercise moderation when consuming this product.
7) Kirkland Signature Chocolate Chip Cookies
Although the freshly baked aroma of Kirkland Signature Chocolate Chip Cookies may be enticing, these treats are not considered healthy. Each cookie contains 210 calories, 11 grams of fat (including 5 grams of saturated fat), 125 milligrams of sodium, 27 grams of carbohydrates (with 1 gram of fiber and 16 grams of sugar), and 2 grams of protein. Indulging in these cookies can lead to an intake of five grams of saturated fat and 16 grams of sugar per cookie, making it challenging to stop at just one.
8) Kirkland Signature Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips
Kirkland Signature Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips are sweetened with corn syrup, fructose, invert sugar, and other sweeteners. Each bar contains 100 calories, 3 grams of fat (including 1 gram of saturated fat), 35 milligrams of sodium, 18 grams of carbohydrates (with 1 gram of fiber and 7 grams of sugar), and 1 gram of protein. Excessive consumption of added sugars can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, these sweeteners can promote tooth decay and dental cavities. Use moderation when enjoying these granola bars.
9) Kirkland Supreme Cauliflower Pizza
Although cauliflower crust pizzas are often associated with being healthier, the Kirkland Supreme Cauliflower Pizza does not provide significant health benefits. Each 1/3 pizza serving contains 310 calories, 15 grams of fat (including 8 grams of saturated fat), 900 milligrams of sodium, 31 grams of carbohydrates (with 1 gram of fiber and 4 grams of sugar), and 14 grams of protein. One serving alone contributes to 900 milligrams of sodium, which is close to half the recommended daily sodium intake. It is also high in saturated fat. Consume this pizza in moderation.
10) Kirkland Signature Butter Croissants
Kirkland Signature Butter Croissants may be budget-friendly when bought in bulk, but they are loaded with 17 grams of fat (including 11 grams of saturated fat and 0.5 grams of trans fat) per croissant. Each croissant also contains 300 calories, 330 milligrams of sodium, 30 grams of carbohydrates (with 1 gram of fiber and 5 grams of sugar), and 6 grams of protein. Consuming these high-fat croissants can increase the risk of heart disease due to their saturated fat content. Exercise caution when indulging in these buttery baked goods.
11) Kirkland Signature Chicken Bake
The Kirkland Signature Chicken Bake, while flavorful, is not a recommended option. Each bake, weighing 227 grams, contains 540 calories, 19 grams of fat (including 5.99 grams of saturated fat and 0 grams of trans fat), 1,370 milligrams of sodium, 58 grams of carbohydrates (with 2.95 grams of fiber and 6.99 grams of sugar), and 35 grams of protein. The high sodium content, which surpasses more than half of the recommended daily limit, can contribute to elevated blood pressure. For a healthier alternative, consider purchasing Kirkland Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts to make a sandwich or use as a salad topping.