Covertly High-Sugar Treats Disguised as Snacks at Costco
In the world of grocery shopping, Costco stands out as a go-to destination for many. However, it's essential to be mindful of the nutritional content of the products we buy, especially snacks that seem too good to resist. Here's a breakdown of some popular Costco snacks and their sugar content.
High-Sugar Snacks to Watch Out For
Acai Superfruit Packs
Acai Superfruit Packs, while touted for their antioxidant properties, contain 11-13 grams of sugar, mainly from cane sugar.
Yogurt-Covered Pretzels
These popular snacks pack over 18 grams of added sugar per handful, primarily from glucose syrup and confectioner's glaze.
Kirkland Soft & Chewy Granola Bars
These granola bars, despite their healthful reputation, contain about 12–14 grams of sugar per bar, largely from corn syrup and brown sugar.
Nature's Bakery Fig Bars
Nature's Bakery Fig Bars also contain significant sugar, with 19 grams per pack, mainly from concentrated fruit and added cane sugar.
Trail Mixes with M&Ms or Yogurt Chips
These candy-laden trail mixes can have 20+ grams of sugar per 1/2 cup.
Welch's Fruit Snacks
Welch's Fruit Snacks have 11-12 grams of sugar, mostly corn syrup with almost no fiber.
Lower-Sugar Options to Consider
In contrast, some snacks at Costco are lower in added sugar and can help you avoid sugar spikes. For instance, Wonderful Pistachios and fruit bars without added sugars, such as Bear Fruit Rolls, are worth considering.
A Word of Caution
While dried mango slices can be a tasty treat, be aware that they can have 24-28 grams of sugar per serving, half or more from added sugar. Kodiak Cakes Protein Muffins also contain 15-18 grams of sugar, thanks to brown sugar and chocolate chips. Quaker Instant Oatmeal Packets (Flavoured Varieties) have 12-14 grams of sugar, much of it added before milk or fruit.
In summary, watch for coated pretzels, soft granola bars, fruit bars with added sugar, and candy-laden trail mixes as popular high-sugar Costco snacks. Making informed choices about your snacks can help you maintain a balanced diet and enjoy the benefits of shopping at Costco.
- The Acai Superfruit Packs, although marketed for their antioxidant properties, contain high levels of sugar, primarily from cane sugar.
- Yogurt-covered pretzels, a popular snack at Costco, contain over 18 grams of added sugar per serving, predominantly from glucose syrup and confectioner's glaze.
- Kirkland Soft & Chewy Granola Bars, despite their healthful reputation, are high in sugar, with about 12–14 grams of sugar per bar, primarily from corn syrup and brown sugar.
- Nature's Bakery Fig Bars contain a significant amount of sugar, with 19 grams per pack, mainly from concentrated fruit and added cane sugar.
- Trail mixes with M&Ms or Yogurt Chips can have 20+ grams of sugar per 1/2 cup, making them high-sugar snacks to watch out for.
- Welch's Fruit Snacks, despite their fruity appearance, have 11-12 grams of sugar, mostly from corn syrup with almost no fiber. However, lower-sugar options like Wonderful Pistachios and Bear Fruit Rolls can be considered for a healthier snacking option.
