I'm a Sports Dietitian and These Are the Only 6 High-Protein Foods I Buy at Costco

If you're a fitness enthusiast who prides yourself on staying in top shape, you're likely always on the lookout for healthy grocery picks. One of the most essential elements to prioritize to maintain a lean physique is protein. Protein is king when it comes to preserving lean muscle mass, helping you feel full, and boosting metabolism.

Protein provides your body with amino acids, which are necessary to build and repair muscle. If you weight train or lift on a regular basis, it's essential to spread out your protein consumption equally at each meal. This will help keep your body fueled while promoting muscle repair and growth.

We spoke with sports dietitian Val Warner, MS, RD, CSSD, CPT, Founder of Wellness by Val and Host of Strong & Nourished Momma Podcast, who shares six high-protein foods she's obsessed with at Costco. Get ready to update your shopping list!

How Protein Helps You Stay Strong And Perform Better

According to Warner, protein is key for stimulating muscle protein synthesis—the process of building and growing muscle. When combined with strength training and an all-around healthy lifestyle, protein-packed snacks and meals can help maintain your skeletal muscle mass. This, in turn, boosts functionality, strength, and workout performance.

That said, Warner cautions, "Not all protein is created equal." She tells us, "Animal protein consists of all amino acids, the building blocks of protein. When you get 30 grams of animal protein, you're getting ~3 grams of leucine, a branched-chain amino acid that will turn on muscle protein synthesis. Plant foods don't have all of the amino acids, so you're going to need about 40 to 50 grams of protein from plants only to get the same amount of leucine. As we get older we also become anabolic resistant, making it harder to hold onto muscle and very easy to gain fat. This is why I recommend getting 30 to 40 grams of protein per meal."

6 High-Protein Foods This RD Always Buys at Costco

It can be challenging to consume enough protein—especially when you're trying to lose fat mass while building muscle.

"Prioritizing these high-protein foods in my Costco haul makes it easy to build my meals and snacks around protein," Warner shares. "I also like to make sure I get 30 to 40 grams of protein per meal and 10 to 20 grams protein per snack to optimize muscle protein synthesis, stay satisfied and reach my total protein goal for the day. This supports my workouts and gives me the strength I need as a busy working mom."

Costco offers a bunch of Kevin's Natural Food options, including the brand's Roasted Garlic Chicken, Thai-Style Coconut Chicken, and Cilantro Lime Chicken. These ready-to-eat meals are ultra-convenient and a great option for a quick and easy protein-packed lunch or dinner.

"These entrees are perfect for a busy lifestyle! They're quick to prepare, delicious, clean ingredients and high in protein. This is a must," Warner tells us.

Greek yogurt is a great way to get your fill of high-quality protein—and it's so customizable. Consider topping it with berries, chia seeds, and farm-fresh honey for a healthy yet decadent treat.

"I love the Chobani single serving Greek yogurt because it's packed with 20g of protein and easy to take with you when on the go," Warner says.

Protein shakes help you get your fill of protein when you're rushing out the door.

"Thirty-two grams of protein for this pre-made shake is amazing and something I grab when on the go (like daycare drop off)! Many pre-made shakes have artificial sweeteners and this brand uses monk fruit to naturally sweeten," Warner tells us.

Ground beef and poultry serve as solid bases for many meals and can seamlessly be paired with roasted vegetables and a healthy "whole grain" like quinoa.

"I love to stock my freezer with high-quality meat and the grass-fed ground beef, chicken breast and thighs are my top choices," Warner says.

Archer Beef Sticks are tasty bites to take with you to work or when running errands.

"[This snack offers] seven grams of protein per serving and it's perfect for a quick snack and when on the go," Warner points out.

"These bars are so good and packed with 17g of protein," Warner tells us. She recommends pairing a bar with a piece of fresh fruit for a well-balanced snack that's high in both fiber and protein.

Here's how these foods fit into a typical day in Warner's life:

• Post-workout: Owyn Protein Shake
• Breakfast: Chobani Greek yogurt + ground flaxseeds + berries
• Lunch: Kevin's Natural Foods + salad kit
• Snack: Built Puff Bar + apple
• Dinner: Ground beef/Chicken breast/thigh + green beans + sweet potatoes

If you're looking for more protein-packed inspiration, check out Nutritionist Reveals The 10-Second Hack To Find Hidden Protein Foods.