We all know that food plays a vital role in our long-term health, and the choices we make at the grocery store are key to our success. Especially when it comes to warding off inflammation in our bodies. But how do you know what to grab when you’re at the grocery store–especially a place with so many options like Costco? Here are some of my favorite Costco foods that are beneficial for an anti-inflammatory diet, and why they can help you fight chronic inflammation.
What is the Anti-Inflammatory Diet?
Following an anti-inflammatory diet means you are focusing on eating more of the foods that help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can damage your body’s cells and increase your risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and more. An anti-inflammatory diet is one that’s packed with nutrients like antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that help counteract the free radicals that cause this dangerous cellular damage. Even better: The foods that answer this call aren’t hard to find–and so many of them are in the aisles of your local Costco.
The 9 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Buy at Costco
Trident Seafoods Alaska Salmon Burgers
Choosing a fatty fish as a protein source is a great start for your anti-inflammatory diet, especially given the way those omega-3 fatty acids are known for reducing proinflammatory markers in the body. Trident Seafoods Alaska Salmon Burgers come with 12 burgers per package, with each burger weighing in at 4 ounces. You can find them in the frozen section at Costco, and I love serving them with quick pickles and red pepper aioli or coleslaw and roasted carrots.
Smart Harvest Organic Sweet Dark Cherries
These cherries are a favorite anti-inflammatory frozen food at Costco because the fruit is packed with an antioxidant called anthocyanin. In addition to anthocyanin, cherries also have vitamin C. That nutrient duo has been shown to counteract oxidative stress in the body, which in turn helps to lower inflammation. You can get a bag of frozen dark cherries at Costco, perfect for making our Slow-Cooker Cherry Cobbler, Whipped Frozen Cherry Limeade and Cherry-Mocha Smoothie.
Wholly Organic Smashed Avocado
Avocados are a great source of fiber, and a diet high in fiber has also been associated with reducing inflammation due to its positive impact on weight management and gut health. You can buy single-serving 2-ounce cups of Wholly Organic Smashed Avocado at Costco; each package comes with 16 servings. The smashed ‘cado is great for a simple avocado toast or in your favorite sandwich.
Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs
You can make a great trail mix at home–or you can grab an individual pack of Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix. According a research review, nuts like almonds and walnuts help quash inflammation, and Brazil nuts are effective in combating oxidative stress thanks to their healthy fatty acids, fiber, polyphenols and range of vitamins and minerals. These snack packs make it easy to get a serving of nuts during the day, with tasty combinations that include walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts and dried fruits like cranberries and raisins.
NuTrail Keto Nut Granola Blueberry Cinnamon
Not only does this NuTrail Keto Nut Granola contain nuts, but it also includes cinnamon, a powerful anti-inflammatory spice. Plus, the granola mix also contains blueberries, which have beneficial antioxidants such as anthocyanins and flavanols. Sprinkle a serving of this granola on a Ricotta & Yogurt Parfait in the morning, or simply enjoy it as a snack midday.
Earthbound Farm Organic Baby Spinach
Leafy greens of any kind are highly beneficial for an anti-inflammatory diet. Snag a 1-lb container of Earthbound Farm Organic Baby Spinach, great for tossing together our Spinach Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, White Beans & Basil for lunch or this Crustless Spinach & Asparagus Quiche with Gruyère for dinner.
Garden Lites Veggies Made Great Spinach Egg White Frittatas
These Veggies Made Great Spinach Egg White Frittatas make breakfast-on-the-go easy for anyone looking to follow an anti-inflammatory diet. These egg white bites are stuffed with vegetables like spinach and tomatoes, so they contain antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene. Eat them for breakfast or as a quick snack.
Sweet Mini Peppers
Sweet mini peppers are a portable and delicious snack. (And they’re dunkable in hummus, tzatziki, guacamole and more.) Use them to scoop your favorite dip, roast them, add to a salad or enjoy plain. Plus, eating bell peppers have vitamin C as well as anti-inflammatory antioxidants such as carotenoids and anthocyanins.
Ito En Oi Ocha Unsweetened Green Tea
Looking for something fun to sip on that isn’t water? You can buy bottles of already brewed Ito En Oi Ocha Unsweetened Green Tea at Costco. When you need a midday pick-me-up, open up one of these and enjoy the refreshing tea without waiting for it to brew. It’s perfect to take with you when you’re running out the door.
The Bottom Line
Shopping for an anti-inflammatory diet at a place like Costco is all about looking for particular foods that are bursting with antioxidants and fatty acids that help fight inflammation. Some of the best go-to’s include fatty fish, nuts, brightly colored fruits and vegetables and green tea.
