Power-up your pantry: Are you ready to conquer Costco's ultimate high-protein groceries?

High-protein diets are gaining popularity on social media, with meal prep and shopping haul videos amassing millions of views.

Costco’s protein powders make for an easy, protein packed breakfast on the go. (Jerry Liu)

Protein is especially important for people aiming to increase muscle mass. It also helps reduce calorie intake by keeping people full for longer periods.

Nevertheless, sourcing high-protein and low-calorie meals poses a challenge. Restaurant offerings often prioritize high-fat options with lower protein content, while homemade dishes – such as chicken breast or steak – require time-intensive preparation.

However, there are several items at Costco that are quick, tasty, and provide the most bang (or protein) for your buck.

JustBare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks

The first item is the JustBare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks. With each serving offering 16 grams of protein for only 160 calories and six grams of fat, this is a perfect entree.

To prepare the nuggets, just air fry for eight minutes or bake for twenty three minutes at 375 ℉. The nuggets come out crispy and juicy, and they taste as delicious as fast-food options like McDonald’s. On the side, consider pairing the nuggets with a low-calorie dipping sauce, like buffalo or ketchup.

At the affordable price of only $17.99 per pack, these nuggets are extremely cost efficient. With twenty two servings in each bag, these nuggets can provide enough for seven to ten full meals, averaging to just $2 per meal – a great deal for the amount of flavor and protein you get.

Columbus Uncured Turkey Bacon

For a tasty breakfast, consider picking up the Columbus Uncured Turkey Bacon. With each slice offering six grams of protein for only forty five calories and two grams of fat, this item will give you a delicious, easy, protein-packed way to start your morning. Furthermore, at just $16.79 for 2.5 pounds of turkey bacon, this item is also budget-friendly.

In the morning, simply pan-fry two to three slices of this turkey bacon. For additional protein, you can pair it with egg whites or greek yogurt with honey for a satisfying breakfast.

For another snack option, Costco also stocks several types of protein bars including their own — the Kirkland protein bar. (Jerry Liu)

Pacific Gold Original Beef Jerky

If you’re looking to pick up a snack, try out the Pacific Gold Original Beef Jerky. Unlike typical grocery snacks, this jerky uses all natural ingredients. Offering fourteen grams of protein for only ninety calories and 0.5 grams of fat, it’s a high-protein cheat code that will make you feel full and healthy.

At Costco, a pack of twelve costs $21.99. Although this is more expensive than chips and other snacks, the extra cost is definitely worth the health benefits of the all-natural, high-protein snack.

Yasso Mint Chocolate Chip Greek Yogurt Bars

The Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars are an excellent sweet finish to any meal. (Jerry Liu)

Finally, if you’re looking for a sweet, healthy way to end off your meals, look no further than the Yasso Mint Chocolate Chip Greek Yogurt Bars. Made out of greek yogurt, this is a high-protein dessert option that tastes exactly like mint chocolate chip ice cream. And with its nutritional value of five grams of protein for just one hundred calories, each bar is a delicious, low-calorie way to end any meal.

A box of fifteen yogurt bars costs $11.89 at Costco, making these bars extremely affordable. For an average of around eighty cents per bar, this is one of the best deals at Costco for such a delicious and high-protein dessert.

Costco has a wide variety of groceries, and many of them are great options for cheap, high-protein meals. Along with the featured items, you may look into protein bars and shakes for extra treats. Additionally, if you are willing to spend the time and effort to prepare high-protein meals at home, Costco offers great deals on all sorts of meats, such as steak and chicken.