Mar 14, 2026

Lazy-but-Healthy and Cheap Costco Groceries You're Going To Love

Written by Laura Bogart
|
Edited by Kristen Mae
Discover the exterior of a Costco Wholesale store with its large red and blue signage against a partly cloudy sky

These days, you’re conserving both your energy and your cash flow. But you still need to eat — and you want to eat healthy. You may worry that you have to choose between a healthy body and a healthy wallet, since nutritious food often comes with a higher price tag. Luckily, if you’re a Costco shopper, you don’t have to make that trade-off.



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Browsing through your local Costco, you can find easy-to-make, easy-to-eat and easy-on-the-wallet options for meals and snacks. These items are low-effort yet nutrient-conscious, and Costco offers them in bulk at prices that make sense.

The value is literally in the name — and the price — of this popcorn. It’s truly a “lesser evil” snack, offering all the flavors of your favorite popcorn with no vegetable oils. Made from organic ingredients, this popcorn lets you enjoy an easy, portion-controlled snack for movie nights or afternoon cravings. This variety pack includes 28 individual bags for under $20, making it both convenient and cost-effective.

If you’ve sworn off soda because of its sugar content and health drawbacks, OLIPOP is a smarter exception. Each can contains prebiotic plant fiber and botanicals, which are designed to support digestive health.

This 24-count pack lets you choose between root beer, vintage cola, classic grape and orange squeeze. It’s a bit pricier than traditional soda, but the per-can cost drops significantly when purchased in bulk, and it delivers far more nutritional value.

Whether you pile it onto a sandwich, toss it into a salad or spoon it onto crackers, tuna is a reliable, no-cook protein source. Each 7-ounce can of Kirkland Signature albacore white tuna contains about 42 grams of protein. You can snag an eight-pack of tuna for less than $20, making it a lazy, budget-friendly staple for quick lunches and dinners.



Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse for good reason: They’re full of protein and dietary fiber, inexpensive per serving and extremely versatile. You can simmer them into soup, stew, curry or dal with minimal effort.

These high-quality split red lentils cook down quickly, making for surprisingly lazy meal prep. And if you’re feeling slightly more ambitious, you could even use these lentils to make a veggie burger, taco “meat” or dips. With 20 pounds of lentils in one bag, this is one of Costco’s best long-term value buys.

Ramen is the epitome of quick and easy food — but it’s not typically known for being healthy. This version from Lotus Foods is made from organic millet and brown rice and is certified gluten-free, making it a cleaner alternative to traditional wheat-based noodles. It’s also super simple to make and ready to serve within four minutes.

Coconut milk is rich and creamy, with a light sweetness that dairy milk often lacks. This organic coconut milk is also fortified with calcium and vitamin D, making it a solid dairy-free alternative.

You can pour it over cereal, blend it into smoothies or add it to your morning coffee. This six-pack keeps your fridge stocked without repeated grocery runs.

When you’re on the go, you need a source of energy that doesn’t require prep or cleanup. These organic paleo bars are grain-free and certified paleo, made with nuts, seeds and honey for natural sweetness. You can get a 20-pack container for less than $12.



This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.

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Written by
Laura Bogart
Laura Bogart is a seasoned writer with a background in technology, media, healthcare, and finance. In her spare time, she also writes fiction.
Edited by
Kristen Mae
Kristen Mae is a former financial planner turned personal finance editor who prides herself on providing clear, actionable advice for readers navigating everyday money decisions.