382: The “Healthy” Costco Foods You Should Never Buy (And What to Get Instead)

by Dr. Steven Gundry | Dec 16, 2025 | 0 comments

Costco can be a fantastic place to stock up on healthy staples — but it can also fool you.

Plenty of items wearing “healthy,” “organic,” or “protein-packed” labels are anything but good for you. Some are downright gut-disruptors hiding in plain sight.

But here’s the good news: Costco also carries some incredible staples I buy myself (looking at you, Italian prosciutto).

So in this episode, I’m breaking down the worst “healthy” Costco items to avoid… plus the clean proteins, smart snacks, and produce picks that truly get my approval.

If you’ve ever paused in those giant aisles wondering, “Is this actually good for me?” this episode will save you time, money, and maybe even your gut health.

On this episode, you’ll learn:

How to spot the sneaky red flags hiding in your favorite salad kits (2:55)
Which wildly popular “healthy” dip is actually a metabolic landmine — plus the delicious alternatives I keep in my own fridge (6:00)
What you really need to know about Costco’s beloved rotisserie chicken…(9:25)
How to navigate Costco’s snack aisles so you can avoid the gut-wreckers (14:30)
The five absolute “NOs” every smart shopper should memorize before stepping into any grocery store (22:10)
Which high-quality proteins I rely on at Costco (23:53)
Why choosing cheese the right way can dramatically upgrade your microbiome. (27:45)
What plant-based eaters must watch for at Costco (29:30)
How to decode the olive oil section like a pro — including the must-know tips that guarantee you’re getting the real deal (33:25)
Why buying nuts in THIS format matters (43:00)

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