The Best Costco Backyard BBQ Basics Right Now — Eat This Not That

It’s barbecue season and you can find everything you need for a summer garden party at Costco, from burgers and chicken to fries and salads. However, not everything you can find will keep everyone energetic and hydrated. That’s why we got in touch with some experts to help us choose the best items.

We consulted two registered dieticians: Lauren Harris-Pincus and founder of Nutrition Starring YOU and Julia Denison, founder of Running On Cupcakes. Read on to see what you should throw in your shopping cart at Costco Now that Memorial Day and summer vacation are coming up.

RELATED: These are Costco’s hottest items right now

for 1 hamburger: 240 calories, 13 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 105 mg cholesterol, 390 mg sodium, 2 g carbohydrates (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 30 g protein

The Columbus Turkey Burgers at Costco for just over $12 they are conveniently seasoned and ready to cook. Simply place them on the grill and enjoy. Plus, the ingredients are approved by dietitians.

“You are delicious turkey burgers they’re made from healthy ingredients with a fraction of the saturated fat of a burger while maintaining plenty of flavor. A hamburger contains 30 grams of protein in 240 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates and 390 mg of sodium,” says Harris-Pincus.

Denison agrees. She says these burgers are a healthy option due to their low saturated fat content and high protein and iron content.

per 1 bag: 100 calories, 3.5 g fat (0 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 160 mg sodium, 15 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 1 g protein

This box of 30 snack-size bags of potato chips for less than $15 it should be enough to feed the whole crew at your next barbecue. Both registered dietitians we spoke with gave them the thumbs up.

Harris-Pincus loves the individual bags. Denison likes these for their low saturated fat and sodium content. He also likes the variety of flavors.

“If you’re like most people, it’s hard to manage your portion of chips, especially when there’s a large party plate in front of you. These gluten-free, baked Popchips come in individual 100-calorie bags with only 160-170 mg of sodium so you can fully enjoy your tasty snack,” she says.

for 2 skewers: 150 calories, 3.5 g fat (1 g saturated), 60 mg cholesterol, 690 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrates (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 24 g protein

Grab a few of your favorite combinations (onions, bell peppers, etc.) to grill with these West End Kitchen Chicken Skewers that the store has in the frozen section for about $20 for 14 2-ounce skewers.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Harris-Pincus likes them for their versatility. “They’re a great time saver and can be enjoyed on sandwiches, salads, wraps, and so much more,” she says. “They have simple ingredients and only 75 calories per skewer with 12 grams of protein.”

per ½ cup: 140 calories, 4.5 g fat (0 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 21 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 4 g protein

Bean salad is a must for any barbecue, and this one combines seasonal flavors and nutritional benefits, so you get plant-based protein and all the nutrients that come with it.

“Beans are some of the healthiest foods on the planet and are consumed daily in Blue Zones, which are areas of the world where people live longer and healthier lives. This Tuscan Bean Salad provides 4 grams of plant-based protein and 5 grams of fiber from barley, navy beans, and chickpeas per 1/2-cup serving,” Harris-Pincus says, and Denison agrees.

For a leafless salad that can be found at the Costco deli, try quinoa salad.

Harris-Pincus likes it for its convenience and nutrition and Denison loves that there is a variety of colorful foods as well as tons of flavor and nutrients. She points out that the whole grains in quinoa offer fiber, B vitamins, and iron, all of which are essential on hot days.

“Barbecue side dishes are usually swimming in mayonnaise, not this Costco Quinoa Saladhe says. “Skip the chopping and enjoy the benefits of quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, mung beans, red bell peppers, brown rice, kale and red lentils.”

Speaking of this section of the store, there are some options to skip and some to try. Are here The best and worst Costco Deli items right now.

nicole lamarco