6 Best Costco Foods for Muscle Building in the New Year | XpertsReviews.com

A sports dietitian shares the best Costco foods to support muscle growth.

Are you trying to build muscle in 2026? There are certain foods you should eat, according to Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, certified sports dietitian and co-author of Flat stomach recipe book for dummies. The first category? Lean meats and seafood. “Muscle-building staples for meals,” she says. Also make sure to eat dairy products, like yogurt. “Great for snacks and recovery shakes,” she explains. Protein powder can also help you meet your protein goals. “Handy for when you’re on the go or need protein quickly post-workout,” she says. And finally, she recommends seeds and fish as “easy additions to salads, bowls, and breakfasts for extra amino acids.” You can get most of these at your local Costco. Here are the 6 best Costco foods for building muscle in the new year.

Kirkland Signature Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

Kirkland Signature Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts are one of the best muscle-building foods you can get at Costco. “Lean, high-quality proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth, and Costco chicken breasts are a versatile meal prep staple, from stir-fries to burrito bowls,” she says. “Getting enough protein helps prevent muscle loss and promotes post-workout recovery. Lean chicken provides them without excess fat.”

Kirkland Signature Fat Free Greek Yogurt

Next on his list? Kirkland Signature Fat Free Greek Yogurt. “A convenient dairy source with around 18g of protein per serving, Greek yogurt supports muscle synthesis and makes a great base for smoothies or parfaits. Greek yogurt has around twice the protein of regular yogurt, and this has no added sugar, which helps keep calories at a reasonable level,” says Collingwood.

Wild Alaskan Coho Salmon Fillets

Wild Alaskan coho salmon fillets are another of Collingwood’s best choices. “Oily fish like salmon not only offer high-quality protein (about 39 g per serving), but they also provide omega-3 fatty acids, which help with inflammation and recovery. Seafood is a powerful way to add muscle-building nutrients and healthy fats to your diet,” she says.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Whey protein powder (various brands)

Costco sells various brands of whey protein powder that are great for muscle building. “When whole food proteins aren’t practical, whey protein powder fills the gap. One scoop typically provides around 24g of protein, ideal for post-workout shakes or morning smoothies. Whey offers fast-absorbing amino acids that help jump-start recovery after intense sessions,” says Collingwood.

Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna

Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna is another of Collingwood’s must-have foods for muscle building. “Canned tuna is a high-protein, shelf-stable seafood option that’s extremely versatile for muscle-building meals. A single serving provides approximately 30-33g of protein, making it a substantial contributor to daily protein goals for strength and recovery. It’s perfect in salads, rice bowls, sandwiches, pastas, or mixed with Greek yogurt for a quick tuna salad,” says Collingwood.

Kirkland Signature Organic Hemp Hearts

His final choice? Kirkland Signature Organic Hemp Hearts. “Although smaller and more concentrated than animal proteins, hemp hearts contain about 10g of protein per 3 tablespoons, as well as healthy fats and minerals. Hemp seeds are a great plant-based addition to smoothies, oatmeal or yogurt to increase your protein intake,” says Collingwood.

Lea Groth