Photo:Getty ImagesThe Mediterranean diet has become synonymous with good, healthy living … and forgood, healthy reasons. Research has associated the Mediterranean diet with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, cognitive decline and depression.However, the name itself can be a little confusing since it’s a bit of a misnomer.First, the Mediterranean diet references a balanced eating pattern and lifestyle that focuses on moderation, whole food consumption and plates packed with produce. (No deprivation here!) Second, today we have a more expansive view on the Mediterranean diet, embracing inclusion of dishes and cultures from around the globe—not just from the Mediterranean region. This is what makes iteasy to beginand eveneasier to follow. And better yet, you can get started with one trip to your local Costco.Here are some of the best-value ingredients and dishes you can buy at the wholesale giant to make following the Mediterranean diet just a parking spot away. (Good luck with that!)The New Mediterranean Diet9 Best Mediterranean Diet Foods to Buy at Costco1. Olive OilOlive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, used for cooking, drizzling and marinating.Kirkland Signature 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, produced from Italian-grown olives, is known for its taste and competitive price point. This 2-liter bottle is hefty, and it will last you a long time.2. FishFatty fish are a key protein source for following the Mediterranean diet. And few fish are as celebrated, accessible and delicious as omega-3-rich salmon. Costco has built a reputation for excellent, sustainably caught wild sockeye Alaskan salmon, which you can buy conveniently pre-portioned and frozen or fresh. From there, you can dress up your salmon with any combination of flavors you love. Try ourMiso-Maple Salmon,Honey-Garlic SalmonorRoasted Salmon with Smoky Chickpeas & Greensfor the win.3. Tinned FishAlong with fresh and frozen fish, there’s the outrageous selection of canned tuna at Costco. In addition to major national brands, they carry their ownKirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in WaterandGenova Yellowfin Tuna, which is packed in olive oil. Keep an eye out for sardines and mackerel in thecanned fishsection, too, as tinned fish grow in popularity in the U.S., more Costcos are branching out too.4. Whole GrainsIf there’s ever a staple food you should buy in bulk, it’s grains.Whole grainsare a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and asmart switch from refined, enriched white flourproducts. Brown and wild rice make appearances at many Costcos—I’ve even gottenforbidden ricebefore! That wealth of rice can translate tocurry dinnersandstir-friesthat take you all over the globe. One great option is their heat-and-eat selections. TheSeeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlicis a personal fave. Plus, Costco always carriesquinoa, as well as oats for breakfast.5. VeggiesAll the foods mentioned above are vital and flexible parts of the Mediterranean diet, but nothing is more of a cornerstone ingredient than what’s grown from the ground. What’s more, at Costco, veggies are usually a good deal. Cooking down large amounts of vegetables can help you power through them quickly. Good options are their chopped broccoli, trimmed green beans, bags of carrots, Brussels sprouts, multi-pound bags of spinach and sweet potatoes. When it comes to fresh, you can build salads with ease with the value buys of extra-largemesclun greenpacks. (Justdon’t fall for the salad kits!)6. NutsIf you’re nuts for nuts, there’s no better place to go than Costco. I’ve been known tohazard weekend runsto the wholesaler just for their perfectly salted, perfectly roasted, gloriously extra-large nuts. The value can sometimes get up to twofer savings when compared to grocery stores, and the quality is indisputable. I like to get my plant-based omega-3s with a hearty handful of almonds, Costco’s impeccably salted cashews or a bowlful of pistachios in their shell. Pro tip: TheKirkland Signature In-Shell Pistachiosare actually even better than the big-name brand.7. YogurtGreek yogurt is obviously a go for Mediterranean diets, and the good news is, it’s a go for savings at Costco, too. My favorite,Fage Total 2% Milkfat Greek Yogurt, is available in whopping 48-ounce containers at Costco for little more than the regular price of one at my local grocer. TheChobani Nonfat Greek Yogurt Variety Packalso smokes supermarkets on pricing, regularly beating advertised sales when it comes to a per-cup comparison.Look for the low-sugar varietiesto stay safely within Med diet bounds.8. CheeseWho doesn’t know about Costco’s stellar cheese selection? The Mediterranean diet recommends choosingunprocessed cheeseslike feta, Brie, cotija, Swiss, ricotta, manchego, pecorino, goat, Corvo andParmesan of any kind—but consume all cheese in moderation, so watch that grater! That means you may not need Costco-sized portions of cheese, but they can still be a smart buy when you consider the per-pound breakdown—andif you store them correctly.9. Red WineFinally, while we’re on little treats, let’s touch onthe famous wine selectionat Costco, which is a worthy stop on your stock-up shopping trips. Red wine in moderation is included on theMediterranean Diet Foods List. Red wine providesantioxidants, but it’s important to stick to recommended limits, which is one daily drink or less for women and two daily drinks or less for men.Cheers!Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmitSourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Martini D.Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet.Nutrients. 2019 Aug 5;11(8):1802. doi:10.3390/nu11081802Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol Use and Your Health.
Photo:Getty Images
Getty Images
The Mediterranean diet has become synonymous with good, healthy living … and forgood, healthy reasons. Research has associated the Mediterranean diet with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, cognitive decline and depression.However, the name itself can be a little confusing since it’s a bit of a misnomer.First, the Mediterranean diet references a balanced eating pattern and lifestyle that focuses on moderation, whole food consumption and plates packed with produce. (No deprivation here!) Second, today we have a more expansive view on the Mediterranean diet, embracing inclusion of dishes and cultures from around the globe—not just from the Mediterranean region. This is what makes iteasy to beginand eveneasier to follow. And better yet, you can get started with one trip to your local Costco.Here are some of the best-value ingredients and dishes you can buy at the wholesale giant to make following the Mediterranean diet just a parking spot away. (Good luck with that!)The New Mediterranean Diet9 Best Mediterranean Diet Foods to Buy at Costco1. Olive OilOlive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, used for cooking, drizzling and marinating.Kirkland Signature 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, produced from Italian-grown olives, is known for its taste and competitive price point. This 2-liter bottle is hefty, and it will last you a long time.2. FishFatty fish are a key protein source for following the Mediterranean diet. And few fish are as celebrated, accessible and delicious as omega-3-rich salmon. Costco has built a reputation for excellent, sustainably caught wild sockeye Alaskan salmon, which you can buy conveniently pre-portioned and frozen or fresh. From there, you can dress up your salmon with any combination of flavors you love. Try ourMiso-Maple Salmon,Honey-Garlic SalmonorRoasted Salmon with Smoky Chickpeas & Greensfor the win.3. Tinned FishAlong with fresh and frozen fish, there’s the outrageous selection of canned tuna at Costco. In addition to major national brands, they carry their ownKirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in WaterandGenova Yellowfin Tuna, which is packed in olive oil. Keep an eye out for sardines and mackerel in thecanned fishsection, too, as tinned fish grow in popularity in the U.S., more Costcos are branching out too.4. Whole GrainsIf there’s ever a staple food you should buy in bulk, it’s grains.Whole grainsare a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and asmart switch from refined, enriched white flourproducts. Brown and wild rice make appearances at many Costcos—I’ve even gottenforbidden ricebefore! That wealth of rice can translate tocurry dinnersandstir-friesthat take you all over the globe. One great option is their heat-and-eat selections. TheSeeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlicis a personal fave. Plus, Costco always carriesquinoa, as well as oats for breakfast.5. VeggiesAll the foods mentioned above are vital and flexible parts of the Mediterranean diet, but nothing is more of a cornerstone ingredient than what’s grown from the ground. What’s more, at Costco, veggies are usually a good deal. Cooking down large amounts of vegetables can help you power through them quickly. Good options are their chopped broccoli, trimmed green beans, bags of carrots, Brussels sprouts, multi-pound bags of spinach and sweet potatoes. When it comes to fresh, you can build salads with ease with the value buys of extra-largemesclun greenpacks. (Justdon’t fall for the salad kits!)6. NutsIf you’re nuts for nuts, there’s no better place to go than Costco. I’ve been known tohazard weekend runsto the wholesaler just for their perfectly salted, perfectly roasted, gloriously extra-large nuts. The value can sometimes get up to twofer savings when compared to grocery stores, and the quality is indisputable. I like to get my plant-based omega-3s with a hearty handful of almonds, Costco’s impeccably salted cashews or a bowlful of pistachios in their shell. Pro tip: TheKirkland Signature In-Shell Pistachiosare actually even better than the big-name brand.7. YogurtGreek yogurt is obviously a go for Mediterranean diets, and the good news is, it’s a go for savings at Costco, too. My favorite,Fage Total 2% Milkfat Greek Yogurt, is available in whopping 48-ounce containers at Costco for little more than the regular price of one at my local grocer. TheChobani Nonfat Greek Yogurt Variety Packalso smokes supermarkets on pricing, regularly beating advertised sales when it comes to a per-cup comparison.Look for the low-sugar varietiesto stay safely within Med diet bounds.8. CheeseWho doesn’t know about Costco’s stellar cheese selection? The Mediterranean diet recommends choosingunprocessed cheeseslike feta, Brie, cotija, Swiss, ricotta, manchego, pecorino, goat, Corvo andParmesan of any kind—but consume all cheese in moderation, so watch that grater! That means you may not need Costco-sized portions of cheese, but they can still be a smart buy when you consider the per-pound breakdown—andif you store them correctly.9. Red WineFinally, while we’re on little treats, let’s touch onthe famous wine selectionat Costco, which is a worthy stop on your stock-up shopping trips. Red wine in moderation is included on theMediterranean Diet Foods List. Red wine providesantioxidants, but it’s important to stick to recommended limits, which is one daily drink or less for women and two daily drinks or less for men.Cheers!Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmitSourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Martini D.Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet.Nutrients. 2019 Aug 5;11(8):1802. doi:10.3390/nu11081802Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol Use and Your Health.
The Mediterranean diet has become synonymous with good, healthy living … and forgood, healthy reasons. Research has associated the Mediterranean diet with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, cognitive decline and depression.However, the name itself can be a little confusing since it’s a bit of a misnomer.First, the Mediterranean diet references a balanced eating pattern and lifestyle that focuses on moderation, whole food consumption and plates packed with produce. (No deprivation here!) Second, today we have a more expansive view on the Mediterranean diet, embracing inclusion of dishes and cultures from around the globe—not just from the Mediterranean region. This is what makes iteasy to beginand eveneasier to follow. And better yet, you can get started with one trip to your local Costco.Here are some of the best-value ingredients and dishes you can buy at the wholesale giant to make following the Mediterranean diet just a parking spot away. (Good luck with that!)The New Mediterranean Diet9 Best Mediterranean Diet Foods to Buy at Costco1. Olive OilOlive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, used for cooking, drizzling and marinating.Kirkland Signature 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, produced from Italian-grown olives, is known for its taste and competitive price point. This 2-liter bottle is hefty, and it will last you a long time.2. FishFatty fish are a key protein source for following the Mediterranean diet. And few fish are as celebrated, accessible and delicious as omega-3-rich salmon. Costco has built a reputation for excellent, sustainably caught wild sockeye Alaskan salmon, which you can buy conveniently pre-portioned and frozen or fresh. From there, you can dress up your salmon with any combination of flavors you love. Try ourMiso-Maple Salmon,Honey-Garlic SalmonorRoasted Salmon with Smoky Chickpeas & Greensfor the win.3. Tinned FishAlong with fresh and frozen fish, there’s the outrageous selection of canned tuna at Costco. In addition to major national brands, they carry their ownKirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in WaterandGenova Yellowfin Tuna, which is packed in olive oil. Keep an eye out for sardines and mackerel in thecanned fishsection, too, as tinned fish grow in popularity in the U.S., more Costcos are branching out too.4. Whole GrainsIf there’s ever a staple food you should buy in bulk, it’s grains.Whole grainsare a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and asmart switch from refined, enriched white flourproducts. Brown and wild rice make appearances at many Costcos—I’ve even gottenforbidden ricebefore! That wealth of rice can translate tocurry dinnersandstir-friesthat take you all over the globe. One great option is their heat-and-eat selections. TheSeeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlicis a personal fave. Plus, Costco always carriesquinoa, as well as oats for breakfast.5. VeggiesAll the foods mentioned above are vital and flexible parts of the Mediterranean diet, but nothing is more of a cornerstone ingredient than what’s grown from the ground. What’s more, at Costco, veggies are usually a good deal. Cooking down large amounts of vegetables can help you power through them quickly. Good options are their chopped broccoli, trimmed green beans, bags of carrots, Brussels sprouts, multi-pound bags of spinach and sweet potatoes. When it comes to fresh, you can build salads with ease with the value buys of extra-largemesclun greenpacks. (Justdon’t fall for the salad kits!)6. NutsIf you’re nuts for nuts, there’s no better place to go than Costco. I’ve been known tohazard weekend runsto the wholesaler just for their perfectly salted, perfectly roasted, gloriously extra-large nuts. The value can sometimes get up to twofer savings when compared to grocery stores, and the quality is indisputable. I like to get my plant-based omega-3s with a hearty handful of almonds, Costco’s impeccably salted cashews or a bowlful of pistachios in their shell. Pro tip: TheKirkland Signature In-Shell Pistachiosare actually even better than the big-name brand.7. YogurtGreek yogurt is obviously a go for Mediterranean diets, and the good news is, it’s a go for savings at Costco, too. My favorite,Fage Total 2% Milkfat Greek Yogurt, is available in whopping 48-ounce containers at Costco for little more than the regular price of one at my local grocer. TheChobani Nonfat Greek Yogurt Variety Packalso smokes supermarkets on pricing, regularly beating advertised sales when it comes to a per-cup comparison.Look for the low-sugar varietiesto stay safely within Med diet bounds.8. CheeseWho doesn’t know about Costco’s stellar cheese selection? The Mediterranean diet recommends choosingunprocessed cheeseslike feta, Brie, cotija, Swiss, ricotta, manchego, pecorino, goat, Corvo andParmesan of any kind—but consume all cheese in moderation, so watch that grater! That means you may not need Costco-sized portions of cheese, but they can still be a smart buy when you consider the per-pound breakdown—andif you store them correctly.9. Red WineFinally, while we’re on little treats, let’s touch onthe famous wine selectionat Costco, which is a worthy stop on your stock-up shopping trips. Red wine in moderation is included on theMediterranean Diet Foods List. Red wine providesantioxidants, but it’s important to stick to recommended limits, which is one daily drink or less for women and two daily drinks or less for men.Cheers!
The Mediterranean diet has become synonymous with good, healthy living … and forgood, healthy reasons. Research has associated the Mediterranean diet with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, cognitive decline and depression.However, the name itself can be a little confusing since it’s a bit of a misnomer.
First, the Mediterranean diet references a balanced eating pattern and lifestyle that focuses on moderation, whole food consumption and plates packed with produce. (No deprivation here!) Second, today we have a more expansive view on the Mediterranean diet, embracing inclusion of dishes and cultures from around the globe—not just from the Mediterranean region. This is what makes iteasy to beginand eveneasier to follow. And better yet, you can get started with one trip to your local Costco.
Here are some of the best-value ingredients and dishes you can buy at the wholesale giant to make following the Mediterranean diet just a parking spot away. (Good luck with that!)
The New Mediterranean Diet
9 Best Mediterranean Diet Foods to Buy at Costco
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, used for cooking, drizzling and marinating.Kirkland Signature 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, produced from Italian-grown olives, is known for its taste and competitive price point. This 2-liter bottle is hefty, and it will last you a long time.
2. Fish
Fatty fish are a key protein source for following the Mediterranean diet. And few fish are as celebrated, accessible and delicious as omega-3-rich salmon. Costco has built a reputation for excellent, sustainably caught wild sockeye Alaskan salmon, which you can buy conveniently pre-portioned and frozen or fresh. From there, you can dress up your salmon with any combination of flavors you love. Try ourMiso-Maple Salmon,Honey-Garlic SalmonorRoasted Salmon with Smoky Chickpeas & Greensfor the win.
3. Tinned Fish
Along with fresh and frozen fish, there’s the outrageous selection of canned tuna at Costco. In addition to major national brands, they carry their ownKirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in WaterandGenova Yellowfin Tuna, which is packed in olive oil. Keep an eye out for sardines and mackerel in thecanned fishsection, too, as tinned fish grow in popularity in the U.S., more Costcos are branching out too.
4. Whole Grains
If there’s ever a staple food you should buy in bulk, it’s grains.Whole grainsare a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and asmart switch from refined, enriched white flourproducts. Brown and wild rice make appearances at many Costcos—I’ve even gottenforbidden ricebefore! That wealth of rice can translate tocurry dinnersandstir-friesthat take you all over the globe. One great option is their heat-and-eat selections. TheSeeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlicis a personal fave. Plus, Costco always carriesquinoa, as well as oats for breakfast.
5. Veggies
All the foods mentioned above are vital and flexible parts of the Mediterranean diet, but nothing is more of a cornerstone ingredient than what’s grown from the ground. What’s more, at Costco, veggies are usually a good deal. Cooking down large amounts of vegetables can help you power through them quickly. Good options are their chopped broccoli, trimmed green beans, bags of carrots, Brussels sprouts, multi-pound bags of spinach and sweet potatoes. When it comes to fresh, you can build salads with ease with the value buys of extra-largemesclun greenpacks. (Justdon’t fall for the salad kits!)
6. Nuts
If you’re nuts for nuts, there’s no better place to go than Costco. I’ve been known tohazard weekend runsto the wholesaler just for their perfectly salted, perfectly roasted, gloriously extra-large nuts. The value can sometimes get up to twofer savings when compared to grocery stores, and the quality is indisputable. I like to get my plant-based omega-3s with a hearty handful of almonds, Costco’s impeccably salted cashews or a bowlful of pistachios in their shell. Pro tip: TheKirkland Signature In-Shell Pistachiosare actually even better than the big-name brand.
7. Yogurt
Greek yogurt is obviously a go for Mediterranean diets, and the good news is, it’s a go for savings at Costco, too. My favorite,Fage Total 2% Milkfat Greek Yogurt, is available in whopping 48-ounce containers at Costco for little more than the regular price of one at my local grocer. TheChobani Nonfat Greek Yogurt Variety Packalso smokes supermarkets on pricing, regularly beating advertised sales when it comes to a per-cup comparison.Look for the low-sugar varietiesto stay safely within Med diet bounds.
8. Cheese
Who doesn’t know about Costco’s stellar cheese selection? The Mediterranean diet recommends choosingunprocessed cheeseslike feta, Brie, cotija, Swiss, ricotta, manchego, pecorino, goat, Corvo andParmesan of any kind—but consume all cheese in moderation, so watch that grater! That means you may not need Costco-sized portions of cheese, but they can still be a smart buy when you consider the per-pound breakdown—andif you store them correctly.
9. Red Wine
Finally, while we’re on little treats, let’s touch onthe famous wine selectionat Costco, which is a worthy stop on your stock-up shopping trips. Red wine in moderation is included on theMediterranean Diet Foods List. Red wine providesantioxidants, but it’s important to stick to recommended limits, which is one daily drink or less for women and two daily drinks or less for men.Cheers!
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Martini D.Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet.Nutrients. 2019 Aug 5;11(8):1802. doi:10.3390/nu11081802Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol Use and Your Health.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Martini D.Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet.Nutrients. 2019 Aug 5;11(8):1802. doi:10.3390/nu11081802Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol Use and Your Health.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Martini D.Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet.Nutrients. 2019 Aug 5;11(8):1802. doi:10.3390/nu11081802Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol Use and Your Health.
Martini D.Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet.Nutrients. 2019 Aug 5;11(8):1802. doi:10.3390/nu11081802
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol Use and Your Health.
