Navigating the aisles of the grocery stores like Costco for healthy snack options can be a daunting task, especially if you’re trying to lose weight this summer. After all, Costco carries so many of our favorite unhealthy, indulgent snacks in bulk sizes (not to mention at great prices) that can be difficult to resist. But the good news is that there are, indeed, plenty of healthy options to choose from if you want to shed pounds while pleasing your taste buds at the same time.
And when it comes to the best healthy foods available at Costco, health influencer Bobby Parrish is here to help. Known for his insightful tips on making healthier food choices, Parrish recently shared an Instagram reel highlighting three snack options that are both delicious and nutritious. Let’s dive into these tasty recommendations and see why they make the cut.
1. SkinnyDipped Cups
First up on Parrish’s list are the SkinnyDipped Cups, a clean and indulgent treat for peanut butter cup lovers. "I love these clean peanut butter cups. Why? Because it’s made with real-deal ingredients," Parrish enthusiastically states. Despite containing 2 grams of sugar, these cups offer 3 grams of fiber, balancing out the sweetness. The ingredients include non-GMO milk, cane sugar, and maple sugar.
It's important to limit added sugar, as excessive intake can have serious consequences on your health, especially if you're trying to slim down. However, this sweet treat is far healthier than other choices. Parrish notes, "Can I deal with a little bit of cane sugar in something that’s so sweet and indulgent? Yes, because we live in the real world." He contrasts these with chocolate-covered berries, which often have over 8 grams of high fructose corn syrup and other undesirable ingredients. For those seeking a healthier peanut butter cup option, SkinnyDipped Cups are about as good as they get.
2. Unreal Coconut Bars
Next, Parrish introduces the Unreal Coconut Bars, which he likens to Mounds bars but with far superior ingredients. "This is like a Mounds bar, but with epic ingredients. It’s chocolate, the primary sweetener is actually a Paleo one called cassava syrup," he explains. These bars also contain a touch of cane sugar and real vanilla.
Remarkably, each bar has only 3 grams of added sugar. Parrish emphasizes, "The primary sweetener is cassava, you’re not going to do better than this compared to most alternatives." These bars are not only delicious but also a cleaner alternative to conventional coconut-filled chocolate bars.
3. Siete Wedding Cookies
Finally, Parrish spotlights the new Siete Wedding Cookies, a delightful treat that’s almond-flour based. Although packaged cookies are typically a no-go, these make a great, healthy swap. "How about this. Almond-flour based. Primary sweetener coconut sugar. Cooked in coconut oil, vanilla and orange peel extract," Parrish describes.
Although they are dusted with a bit of powdered sugar, the total sugar content for five cookies is only eight grams, with coconut sugar being the primary sweetener. Parrish finds this combination impressive: "That’s amazing." These cookies are a fantastic option for those looking for a sweet snack that doesn’t compromise on quality ingredients.
Bottom line
You don't have to give up snacking to shed those pounds! Parrish's recommendations provide excellent alternatives for those seeking healthier snack options without sacrificing flavor. From the indulgent SkinnyDipped Cups and the tasty Unreal Coconut Bars to the delightful Siete Wedding Cookies, these snacks are made with high-quality, clean ingredients that make them stand out in a crowded market. As Parrish consistently shows, making healthier choices doesn’t mean giving up on delicious treats. So next time you’re in the grocery store, keep an eye out for these clean snacks that are as good for your body as they are for your taste buds.
