Save Money & Avoid Toxins at Costco

Costco might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about health-conscious grocery shopping, but if you know where to look, it can actually be one of the best places to find clean, high-quality foods at unbeatable prices. While the store is packed with bulk-sized everything, not all products are created equal. Some are loaded with preservatives, hidden additives, and poor-quality ingredients. But if you shop strategically, you can walk away with nutrient-dense, toxin-free staples that support your health—without overspending.

Every time I make a Costco run, I focus on three non-negotiables. These are foods that I know are clean, nutrient-rich, and significantly more affordable than buying the same thing at other stores. If you’re looking for the best Costco finds for your health, here’s what to put in your cart.

New Zealand Lamb: A Clean, Nutrient-Dense Protein Source

Not all meat is created equal, and when it comes to finding the cleanest option at Costco, New Zealand lamb is at the top of the list.

• New Zealand has some of the strictest meat regulations in the world. This means their lamb is raised with little to no antibiotics, without GMOs, and without the toxic pesticides common in conventional meat production.^[1]
• Pasture-raised and 100% grass-fed. This is key—lamb that grazes on natural pastures has a higher nutrient profile, including more omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which help reduce inflammation and support metabolic health.^[2]
• Multiple cuts to choose from. Costco offers everything from racks to ground lamb to shanks, making it easy to incorporate into meals whether you’re grilling, slow-cooking, or making meatballs.

Lamb is also packed with highly bioavailable iron, zinc, and B vitamins, making it one of the best meat choices for supporting energy, immune function, and brain health. If you’re looking for clean protein, this is one of the best Costco buys you can make.

Organic Baby Bella Mushrooms: A Gut-Supporting, Nutrient-Packed Food

Mushrooms are often overlooked when it comes to nutrition, but they pack a serious punch. Costco’s organic Baby Bella mushrooms are one of the best-value health foods you’ll find in the store.

• Loaded with prebiotic fiber for gut health. Mushrooms contain beta-glucan, a unique type of fiber that supports beneficial gut bacteria and helps improve digestion, immune function, and even mental clarity.^[3]
• Rich in essential minerals. Baby Bellas provide a natural source of selenium, copper, and potassium—key nutrients for immune function, brain health, and maintaining electrolyte balance.^[4]
• A fraction of the price compared to Whole Foods. Organic mushrooms can be pricey, but at Costco, you can get three times as much for the same cost.

A bonus tip—if you leave your mushrooms in the sunlight for an hour before cooking, they naturally increase their vitamin D content, making them an easy way to boost this critical nutrient.

Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother: A Must-Have for Gut and Detox Support

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a staple for anyone focused on digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. The version sold at Costco is raw, unfiltered, and contains “the mother,” which is key for its health benefits.

• Supports digestion and gut health. ACV helps balance stomach acid levels and promotes beneficial gut bacteria, which can improve bloating, digestion, and overall gut function.
• A natural detoxifier. The acetic acid in ACV supports liver function and helps the body clear out toxins more efficiently. It’s also been shown to help regulate blood sugar, reducing spikes and crashes that can lead to cravings.^[5]
• Half the price of buying it elsewhere. At Whole Foods, a high-quality ACV can cost nearly twice as much. Costco’s version gives you the same benefits for a much better deal.

ACV is incredibly versatile—you can use it in salad dressings, marinades, or diluted in water as a daily tonic for digestion and detox support.

Smart Shopping for a Healthier Home

Eating clean doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Costco offers some incredible health-conscious finds, but you need to know where to look. By adding New Zealand lamb, organic mushrooms, and apple cider vinegar to your shopping list, you can stock up on high-quality, nutrient-rich foods without unnecessary toxins or a high price tag.

Next time you make a Costco run, keep these staples in mind. And if you have any of your own must-buy Costco finds, share them—I’m always on the lookout for the best health-conscious deals.

1. Pattis, Isabelle, et al. “Antimicrobial Resistance in New Zealand—A One Health Perspective.” Antibiotics, vol. 11, no. 6, June 2022, p. 778.
2. Daley, Cynthia A., et al. “A Review of Fatty Acid Profiles and Antioxidant Content in Grass-Fed and Grain-Fed Beef.” Nutrition Journal, vol. 9, Mar. 2010, p. 10.
3. Yu, Changxia, et al. “The Effect of Mushroom Dietary Fiber on the Gut Microbiota and Related Health Benefits: A Review.” Journal of Fungi, vol. 9, no. 10, Oct. 2023, p. 1028.
4. Assemie, Anmut, and Galana Abaya. “The Effect of Edible Mushroom on Health and Their Biochemistry.” International Journal of Microbiology, vol. 2022, Mar. 2022, p. 8744788.
5. Ousaaid, Driss, et al. “Beneficial Effects of Apple Vinegar on Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Hypercaloric-Fed Rats.” Journal of Diabetes Research, vol. 2020, July 2020, p. 9284987