Now that we’re in the back to school season, finding individually packaged portions for snacks is perfect for lunchboxes and taking them with you on the go.
Buying individually wrapped snacks at Costco or other wholesale distributors is by far the most affordable and easiest way to save money on snacks and groceries.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the best individually wrapped snacks available at Costco, so you can stock up on your favorites during your next visit.
What to look out for and how to find the best healthy snacks:
Nutritional Labels:
Look for snacks with lower levels of saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. Opt for products high in dietary fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. These choices not only satisfy your taste buds but also nourish your body.
Ingredient List:
As a dietitian, I recommend focusing on the ingredient list. Ideally, snacks should have a short list of recognizable, whole-food ingredients. Be cautious of snacks with lengthy ingredient lists filled with artificial additives and preservatives.
Balanced Macronutrients:
Find snacks that offer a balance of macronutrients. A combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats can provide sustained energy and keep you feeling full. Nuts, yogurt-based snacks, and whole-grain options are excellent choices.
Are individually wrapped snacks more expensive?
Individually wrapped snacks can be more expensive on a per-unit basis compared to buying larger quantities of the same snack in bulk packaging.
While individually wrapped snacks may have a higher cost per unit, the convenience, portion control, and extended shelf life they offer can make them a practical choice for certain situations.
Bare Apple Chips
These apple chips are made with just one ingredient: apples. They add a great crunch and are the perfect healthy snack that is convenient for road trips or long hikes.
For moms with picky eaters, the Bare Apple Chips are a great way to make to hide fruits into their snacks. They also are great as a crunchy topping for oatmeal, smoothies, or as a part of a trail mix with other nuts and seeds.
Quaker Rice Chips
If you're looking for a satisfying and crunchy snack, Quaker Rice Chips are an excellent choice.
Snack on them out of the bag or add some natural peanut butter on top to make it more filling.
These individually wrapped chips are made from whole-grain brown rice and come in various flavors. They provide the perfect combination of crispiness and various flavor, making them a great snack option for any time of the day.
That’s it Mini Fruit Bars
The That’s It fruit bars, named appropriately, are made simply with real fruits and are my go-to snacks for long road trips.
Each bar states how many servings of fruits you are getting and the individually wrapped bars make it simple to hit your daily recommended servings of five fruits and vegetables a day.
NUTRITION FACT: Consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day for optimal health benefits.
Unreal Chocolate
These are my favorite dark chocolate bars.
The Unreal Chocolate coconut bars are dark chocolate snacks filled with coconut and are similar to Bounty Bars.
They are my favorite dark chocolate snacks because they are low in added sugars and contain simple ingredients.
I love the convenience of the individually wrapped versions, which allow for portion control and portability because I could definitely overeat on these!
Baby Bell + Laughing Cow
I love snacking on cheese for an easy and high protein snack. Costco sells two of my favorite varieties of individually wrapped snacking cheeses: Baby Bell and Laughing Cow.
Baby bell is a solid cheese that I like to bring with me in my lunch bag to snack on throughout the day. It is great on its own or paired with some fresh grapes or apples for a sweet and savory combination.
Laughing cow cheese on the other hand, is a soft, spreadable cheese that is a great spread for crackers or toast. I love smearing a wedge of Baby Bell cheese onto some whole grain crackers or rice cakes along with some seasonings for a delicious and simple snack.
Autumns Gold Grain Free Granola Bar
While these individually wrapped granola bars are on the pricier end, they are well worth it for the high quality ingredients and delicious taste.
They are made primarily from seeds and nuts and are sweetened with a hint of maple syrup, which make these gluten-free, vegan, and paleo.
They are perfectly crunchy and the individual portion sizes make convenient for long road trips, afterschool snacks, post-workout snacks, and a post-dinner sweet treat.
Skinny Pop Popcorn
Skinny Pop Popcorn is my go-to popcorn and is a delicious and nutritious snack to have in your pantry.
I love the individual portions at Costco because it makes it easy for portion control, as I definitely can sit and mindlessly eat popcorn ALL day.
I love that Skinny Pop uses minimal oils in their popcorn and these individual portions make it very convenient to grab and go.
Sweet Potato Sticks
If you’re looking for another minimally processed and healthy snack, I love these dried sweet potato sticks.
They are similar to beef jerky in the way they are packaged and dried. The individual portions make it so easy to take on the go for a quick carb fix. They would even be great options as the main carb source for your meal when you simply don't have the time or energy to cook sweet potatoes.
Power Up Trail Mix
Trail mix is my favorite snack to have in my bag because it is a good mix of healthy fats and carbohydrates.
I particularly love this brand because it is low in added sugars and I like the mixture of nuts and seeds.
When looking for trail mix, be mindful of the added oils and sugars because they are a sneaky place to hide them!
Roasted Chestnuts
Some people might not think of this as a snack, but I definitely love snacking on roasted chestnuts has a healthy snack.
Chestnuts are rich in healthy carbohydrates and fiber. I love the texture and think that neutral flavor pairs so nicely with a variety of items. You could even spread some peanut butter on top to add additional protein and healthy fats.
These individually wrapped snacks at Costco are perfect for kids lunches, long hikes, or office desks essentials.
Want to read more about my favorite store-bought products? Check these next posts out:
The Best All Natural Peanut Butter (Dietitian Tested and Reviewed)
The Best Gluten-Free Trader Joes Items for 2023 (Dietitian Reviews)
Want to make homemade snacks instead? Check out these recipes.
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