Protein was one of the biggest food trends of 2025, showing up everywhere from snack aisles to coffee menus. Packaged food brands boosted protein in cookies and chips, social media users scrutinized unexpected sources like Parmesanand Starbucks leaned into higher-protein drink options. As we head into 2026, the fixation shows no signs of slowing.

That momentum is rooted in protein’s well-documented benefits, including its role in supporting muscle health, promoting fullness, and helping keep energy levels steady throughout the day. As a result, protein-forward foods have become less about novelty and about everyday usefulness, especially when they fit easily into busy routines.

This shift is especially visible at Costco. Long known as a reliable — and affordable — stop for protein-rich staples like salmon and beefthe warehouse retailer also stocks a number of convenient, high-protein foods that require little to no prep. From cereal you can pour straight from the box to fully cooked chicken you can heat and serve, these seven Costco finds make it easier to hit protein goals without spending extra time in the kitchen.

Catalina Crunch Cinnamon Toast Protein Cereal

Catalina Crunch’s sugar-free Cinnamon Toast Protein Cereal delivers 11 grams of protein per half-cup serving. Add a cup of 2% milk, and that number rises to about 18.5 grams. The cereal also provides a significant amount of fiber, with one serving providing nine grams — roughly 32% of the recommended daily intake.

Kirkland Signature Grassfed Beef Sticks

Grass-fed beef sticks gained momentum in 2024 thanks to brands like Chomps and Archer — and Costco’s Kirkland Signature version offers a similar option at warehouse scale. Each box contains 12 individually wrapped sticks, with 10 grams of protein per stick, making them an easy grab-and-go snack.

NuttZo 7 Nut and Seed Butter

NuttZo’s 7 Nut and Seed Butter is made with a short handful of ingredients, including cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sea salt. A two-tablespoon serving packs six grams of protein. For an even substantial macro-packed breakfast or snack, pair it with Kirkland Signature Greek Yogurtwhich has 18 grams of protein per serving.

Quest Tortilla-Style Protein Chips

Tortilla chips aren’t typically associated with protein, but Quest’s Protein Chips rely on a blend of milk and whey proteins as the primary ingredient. Each single-serve bag contains 18 grams of protein. Costco sells a variety pack with flavors like loaded taco and nacho, which pair well with Mama White Cheese Cheese with green chiles. The queso adds an additional four grams of protein per two-tablespoon serving.

Smash Foods Snack Bites

Smash Foods’ Snack Bites combine a nut- or seed-butter exterior with a fruit-based center. There’s no added sugar, though ingredients like dates and fruit juice concentrate provide sweetness. Costco’s variety pack includes two flavors: cashew butter with blueberry, which contains five grams of protein per pack, and sunflower butter with strawberry, which contains six grams.

Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks

Found in Costco’s freezer aisle, Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks offer 16 grams of protein per three-ounce serving and have a whopping 22 servings per bag. And because the chicken is fully cooked, you can just simply heat and serve it with your favorite sauce. If you’re a barbecue sauce fan, Costco sells bottles of Bachan’s and Children’sboth of which made the 2025 list of America’s most-ordered barbecue sauces on Instacart.

Kirkland Signature Uncured Bacon and Gouda Egg Bites

Kirkland Signature’s sous-vide Uncured Bacon and Gouda Egg Bites pack an impressive protein punch, with a two-piece serving providing 17 grams. Cottage cheese is one of its primary ingredients, which helps explain the higher protein content. You can heat them up in an air fryer, toaster oven, or a regular oven. Just don’t forget to let them cool down before biting in.