Can you be vegan and shop at Costco? Yes, of course! And I think you’ll love this Vegan Costco Shopping Guide, including 36 Costco vegan products. Looking for the best vegan food at Costco? Use this shopping list to add deliciousness to your plant-based diet today!
We have been spending a lot of time at Costco lately. The reason? Because Shawn and I started a daily green smoothie habit. The best way we found to make green smoothies is to buy the power greens mixture in bulk at Costco.
That means every so many days we find ourselves at Costco to fill up on our greens…and other goodies. So I thought I’d share with you 36 Favorite Vegan Products at Costco.
I get questions from people about where we buy our best vegan products. The majority of our shopping for vegan products comes from 3 to 4 stores: Our local grocery store (Price Chopper), Sprouts, Natural Grocers, and Costco.
Are you ready to create your vegan Costco shopping list? Here are some reasons I like shopping at Costco and some of my favorite products I buy there.
There is a membership fee to shop at Costco (approximately $60/year), but we think it’s worth it because of the perks they offer their members. These include:
You’ll love these 24 Simple Vegan Dinner Recipes for Beginners if you’re new to a vegan diet or you’re simply looking for some great easy recipes to try.
If you have some vegan products you love from Costco, leave them in the comments section so I can try them next time I’m there!
Costco’s products vary by region, stores, and seasons, so not all of these products may be available at your local store. But check back because they might be there again soon.
The produce section at Costco is impressive. In fact, my plant-based Costco list can get rather long. There is so much vegan goodness there, much of it organic and all of it in bulk quantities. Here are the things we typically buy at the produce section:
Your Costco vegan options are extensive, including baking! These are ingredients that I love to use in vegan baking or other kitchen projects.
Do you know what’s coming up soon? Vegan Pie season! That means it’s time to have plenty of pecans on hand for my Vegan Pecan Pie. Kirkland Pecans are perfect! According to this article in Shape Magazine, you should pop a pecan instead of a multivitamin. That’s how good they are for you!
Walnuts, people! They are so good for you! Dr. Greger, the author of the book How Not to Die, recommends having a small serving of walnuts (or other healthy nuts) every single day. That’s why I like to buy this big bag and keep a few in a glass container at the ready. I store the rest in the fridge.
We like to add walnuts to my Chocolate Energy Ball or even our Green Smoothies. I will also use walnuts in my baking, especially for my Banana Nut Bread.
I love adding almond flour to my gluten-free vegan baking; it adds flavor and texture that makes it so good! For example, these Vegan Blueberry Muffins are made nice and tender thanks to almond flour.
Let’s see. On my list of 36 Favorite Vegan Products at Costco, we’ve got about 30 more to go!
Speaking of gluten-free, this is my go-to gluten-free baking mix from Namaste. It makes gluten-free so much more affordable. Use it to make these Gluten-free Banana Muffins or Gluten-free Pecan Rolls.
We simply must have almonds on hand and these Kirkland almonds are delicious! I keep some out on the counter for munching and the rest I keep in the fridge. I like to add almonds to my Green Tea Banana Smoothies, but we also use them to make some vegan cheeses, milk, and more.
Hey, what would this of discussing the best Costco vegan food without some snacking ideas? Also, this is proof that you don’t have to spend hours upon hours in the kitchen as a vegan. You can buy these delicious snacks from Costco instead.
Top of my vegan Costco list are these Heavenly Hunks. As the bag says, these treats are ridiculously amazing. And look right there on the bag — it shows how they are gluten-free and dairy-free.
I love these Made in Nature Fruit & Nut Energy Snacks. We make our own Energy Bites sometimes, but it sure is nice knowing you can buy a bag of these delicious snacks when you’re short on time.
You can use these Luscious Dates to create your own Date Energy Balls. Or you can be like me and eat them plain. They’re delicious! We love serving Stuffed Dates at parties because they’re so easy to make and a real crowd favorite! You can also use dates to naturally sweeten other recipes, like this Pecan Milk.
Then there’s this trail Fusion Blend with dried fruit and seeds. You feel more healthy just holding the bag!
Add this mixture of dried fruits and seeds to this Protein Granola or this Peanut Butter Granola.
You may not know this, but I have a thing for figs. I don’t know why, maybe it’s the caramel flavor? Or the texture of the seeds combined with the sweetness? I’m not sure, but I love ’em. Add a little peanut butter and chocolate chips and I’m good to go!
Or you can add figs to some very tasty recipes. For example, the no-bake crust on this Vegan Chocolate Pie is sweetened with figs. This Rustic Loaf has nuts and figs added for flavor and texture.
We always have a bag of this Power Up Trail Mix on hand. The combination of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and pumpkin seeds makes a perfect snack. Confession: We always add a few Kirkland dark chocolate chips to the bag.
This Love Crunch Chocolate Granola sprinkled over some Chocolate Overnight Oats? Perfection! It’s one of my favorite vegan items at Costco.
Don’t get me started on this mega bag of Skinny Pop Popcorn. I mean it. I love this stuff and I go through streaks where I have some every night. It’s the perfect balance of salty and low calorie.
Of course, I love making my Vegan Cheesy Popcorn. Or if you wanted to use this bag to make your own Trail Mix Popcorn, that works, too!
I wasn’t sure whether to add this bag of Kirkland dried blueberries with the baking or the snacks, but it goes either way. It’s a nice addition to granola, added to your cereal, served over vegan yogurt, or even by the handful.
Hey there, fellow pie lovers! If you’ve been drooling over Costco’s giant, flaky apple pie and wondering, “Is Costco apple pie vegan?”—well, I’ve got some news for ya Spoiler alert it ain’t vegan no more. Yeah, I know, it’s a bummer But stick with me, ‘cause we’re gonna unpack this whole mess, figure out what happened, and hook you up with some sweet alternatives that won’t make you miss out on dessert bliss. Let’s dive right in and get the deets on this iconic treat.
The Big Reveal: Costco Apple Pie Ain’t Vegan Anymore
So, straight up—Costco’s apple pie used to be a hidden gem for vegans Back in the day, like around 2022, folks discovered it was “accidentally vegan,” meaning no animal products were in the mix It was a big deal! Cheap, huge, and tasty as heck—perfect for us plant-based peeps. But here’s the kicker they changed the recipe. Now, it’s got stuff like milk and egg in there, which totally kicks it outta the vegan club.
Why’s this a big deal? Well, if you’re vegan, you know the struggle of finding ready-made goodies that don’t sneak in butter or dairy. This pie was a win, and now it’s a loss. But don’t throw in the towel just yet. I’m gonna break down what’s in it, why it changed, and how you can still get your apple pie fix without breakin’ your diet.
What’s in Costco’s Apple Pie Now?
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what’s in this pie these days. From what I’ve sniffed out the pie’s got two main parts the filling and the crust. Here’s the lowdown
- Apple Filling: This part’s usually fine for vegans. It’s just apples, sugar, some spices like cinnamon, and maybe a thickener like cornstarch. All plant-based, all good. No worries here, fam.
- The Crust: Here’s where the trouble sneaks in. The crust now has ingredients that ain’t vegan-friendly. Think butter (made from cow’s milk), maybe some milk solids, or even egg for that shiny look. That’s the stuff that ruins it for us.
Back when it was vegan, they prob’ly used somethin’ like vegetable oil instead of butter. But now? Nope, they’ve gone the traditional route, and it’s got animal bits in it. And, just to make things trickier, some folks say it might depend on the store. So, ya might wanna peek at the ingredients list or ask at your local Costco, ‘cause recipes can vary a tad.
Why Did Costco Change the Recipe?
Now, you’re prolly wonderin’, “Why’d they mess with a good thing?” I feel ya. I ain’t got the inside scoop on their boardroom chats, but I can guess. Maybe they thought the pie tasted better with butter and egg, or it was cheaper to make this way. Could be they got feedback from non-vegan customers who wanted a richer crust. Who knows? All I can say is, it’s a darn shame for us vegans who loved grabbin’ a slice without a second thought.
This change happened sometime after it went viral for bein’ vegan-friendly. Once word got out, I reckon they decided to switch things up. Sucks, but hey, companies do what they do. We just gotta roll with it and find other ways to satisfy that pie craving.
How to Spot If It’s Vegan or Not
If you’re standin’ in Costco, eyein’ that apple pie, here’s how to double-check if it’s safe for your vegan lifestyle. Don’t just trust my word—things can change, and I ain’t at every store checkin’ labels!
- Read the Ingredients: Look for words like “butter,” “milk,” or “egg” on the package. If you see any of those, it’s a no-go.
- Check the “May Contain” Bit: Sometimes, even if it don’t list dairy outright, there’s a warning about allergens like milk. That’s a red flag for cross-contamination.
- Ask the Staff: If the label’s missin’ or unclear, chat up someone in the bakery section. They might know what’s up.
- Eyeball the Crust: This ain’t foolproof, but if the crust looks super shiny and golden, it might have butter or egg glaze. Vegan crusts often look a bit duller.
Best bet? Call Costco’s customer service or check their website for the latest info. Better safe than sorry, right?
Vegan Alternatives at Costco
Okay, so the apple pie’s a bust, but don’t despair! Costco’s still got some love for us vegans. They’ve been steppin’ up their game with plant-based options, and you can snag some other treats that won’t break your diet. Here’s what to look for:
- Cherry Pie: Word on the street is that their seasonal cherry pie is vegan-friendly. No animal products in sight, so keep an eye out for it when it’s around.
- Other Vegan Desserts: Check the bakery or frozen section for stuff like vegan cookies, ice cream, or chocolate bars. They’ve been addin’ more plant-based goodies lately.
- Plant-Based Snacks: Even if you strike out on pies, Costco’s got vegan cheeses, meat alternatives, and frozen meals that can tide ya over.
If you’re set on pie, might wanna scope out the bakery section for any new vegan-labeled options. They’re expandin’ their offerings, so ya never know what you’ll find.
Store-Bought Vegan Apple Pies Beyond Costco
Not feelin’ lucky at Costco? No prob. There’s plenty of other spots to grab a vegan apple pie that’ll hit the spot. I’ve hunted down some options for ya:
- Grocery Stores: Big chains often carry pre-made vegan pies from brands that cater to plant-based diets. Look for names that scream “vegan” on the box.
- Big Retailers: Places like Target or Walmart got readymade vegan apple pies in stock sometimes. Check their bakery or frozen aisles.
- Online Options: If you’re lazy like me sometimes, you can order vegan pies online from sites like Amazon. They’ve got some tasty ones ready to ship.
Just remember to scan the labels wherever you shop. Some pies might look vegan but sneak in weird stuff like whey or honey. Stay sharp!
Makin’ Your Own Vegan Apple Pie at Home
Alright, if store-bought ain’t cuttin’ it, why not roll up your sleeves and bake your own vegan apple pie? I know, sounds intimidatin’, but it’s easier than you think, and you get to control every darn ingredient. Plus, nothin’ beats the smell of fresh pie in your kitchen. Here’s how to do it, step by step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list of what to grab for a basic vegan apple pie. Adjust to your taste, ‘cause hey, you’re the boss of this bake!
| Component | Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filling | 6-8 apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch | Peel and slice apples thin; cornstarch thickens. |
| Crust (Bottom & Top) | Flour, vegetable oil or vegan butter, salt, water | Skip dairy butter; use plant-based alternatives. |
Steps to Bake a Vegan Apple Pie
- Make the Crust: Mix your flour, a pinch of salt, and vegan butter or oil ‘til it’s crumbly. Add cold water bit by bit ‘til it forms a dough. Split it in two—one for the bottom, one for the top. Chill it in the fridge for a bit.
- Prep the Filling: Toss your sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, and a spoonful of cornstarch. This mix will get all juicy and thick when it bakes.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll one half of your dough into a circle and lay it in a pie tin. Don’t worry if it ain’t perfect—rustic is cool.
- Add the Filling: Dump your apple mix into the crust. Spread it even so it bakes nice.
- Top It Off: Roll out the other dough half and cover the pie. Pinch the edges to seal it up. Cut a few slits on top so steam can escape.
- Bake It: Pop it in the oven at about 375°F for 45-50 minutes. You want the crust golden and the filling bubblin’. If it browns too fast, cover with foil.
- Cool Down: Let it sit for a couple hours before slicin’. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Tips for Vegan Baking Success
- Swap Butter: Always use vegetable oil, olive oil, or vegan butter for the crust. Dairy butter’s a no-no.
- Glaze Without Egg: Wanna shiny top? Brush it with a mix of soy milk and a lil’ sugar instead of egg wash.
- Check for Allergies: If you’re bakin’ for someone, ask if cross-contamination’s an issue. Some vegans are super strict ‘cause of allergies.
- Buy Vegan Crusts: Not feelin’ up to makin’ dough? Grab pre-made vegan crusts from the store. Saves time and stress.
Bakin’ your own pie lets ya tweak the flavors—add more cinnamon, toss in some raisins, whatever floats your boat. Plus, you’ll feel like a total rockstar when it comes out perfect.
Why Vegan Pies Matter to Us
Lemme get a lil’ real here. Bein’ vegan ain’t just about what ya eat—it’s often ‘bout ethics, the environment, or health stuff. When a big chain like Costco had a vegan pie, it felt like a win, ya know? Like they were sayin’, “Hey, we see you, plant-based folks.” Losin’ that option stings a bit. It’s not just ‘bout pie; it’s ‘bout feelin’ included in the food world.
That’s why I’m so hyped to share these alternatives and recipes. We don’t gotta settle for less just ‘cause one pie changed. There’s a whole world of vegan desserts out there, and we’re gonna find ‘em—or make ‘em ourselves.
Other Vegan Goodies to Explore
While we’re on the topic of sweets, let’s chat about other vegan treats you can dig into. Whether you’re at Costco or elsewhere, there’s plenty to munch on:
- Vegan Ice Cream: Perfect for pairin’ with pie. Lots of stores got non-dairy options made from coconut or almond milk.
- Plant-Based Cookies: From chocolate chip to oatmeal, there’s vegan cookies galore. Check labels, though—some sneak in milk.
- Fruit-Based Desserts: Think sorbets or fruit tarts. Naturally vegan most times and super refreshin’.
If you’re a dessert junkie like me, keep explorin’. Every store’s got hidden vegan treasures if ya look hard enough.
Wrappin’ Up the Pie Drama
So, to circle back—Costco’s apple pie? Not vegan anymore, thanks to a recipe switch that added milk and egg. It’s a letdown, sure, but we’ve got options. From checkin’ out other Costco pies like cherry, to grabbin’ vegan pies at other stores, or even bakin’ your own masterpiece, you don’t gotta miss out on that apple pie goodness.
Plant-Based Milk & Beverages
We use plant-based milk in our recipes, for sure. I love to have some steamed plant-based milk in my tea and sometimes Shawn adds it to his cereal as well. Here are some of the plant-based milk we buy at Costco.
This Thai Kitchen canned coconut milk is perfect for so many vegan recipes. I call for full-fat coconut milk in many of my recipes, and Thai is perfect. I use it in my Vegan Coconut Curry recipe. It’s also perfect for this Vegan Creme Brulee and my famous Vegan New York Cheesecake.
This is where coconut milk can get confusing. Because the thick stuff that you buy in the can is great for baking and cooking, but now you can also buy coconut milk that is used more like a replacement for regular milk. It has the consistency of almond or soy milk.
I love this Pacific Coconut Milk because it’s unsweetened and it’s original flavor. That means it’s not vanilla-flavored. It’s important to have non-vanilla plant-based milk on hand for savory recipes, like Vegan Mashed Potatoes or Vegan Gravy.
This Kirkland Soy Milk is something we have on hand almost all the time. It’s such a creamy soy milk, we love it. I like that I can steam it for a nice frothy cup of Green Tea Hot Chocolate.
It has a nice flavor for people who are transitioning to plant-based milk. I use soy milk in my Iced Chai Tea Latte.
This is my personal favorite plant-based milk: Kirkland Almond Milk. It’s unsweetened and therefore only like 30 calories per cup. How cool is that! And it steams up a little so I can add it to my hot teas. I also use it for our Vegan Chia Puddings, smoothies, and more.
Let’s move on to beverages. I try to drink some green tea every day, and this Kirkland Green Tea is the best! You can serve it hot or cold. In the summers, I add one bag to iced water, with just the tiniest bit of stevia. I just continue to add water to that throughout the day and the bag continues to create delicious green tea.
My only complaint is that because I am trying to reduce the amount of plastic we use, I wish the tea bags were not individually sealed in plastic. Otherwise, the flavor, the convenience of the large box, and the hot/cold brewing options make this my favorite green tea.
Have you tried the whole coconut water thing and thought, that wasn’t what I expected. Me too. I bought my first bottle thinking I was going to be head over heels. It wasn’t what I expected.
I can’t say that I like coconut water on its own, but it’s perfect to add to our smoothies, such as this Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie or this gorgeous Berry Smoothie.
You can also substitute coconut water in other recipes that call for water and it adds additional nutrients. The good news? Coconut water has more potassium and nutrients than sports drinks so if you can add a little something to make it taste better, it’s perfect to have on-hand for athletes.
If you like sparkly water, raise your hand. I love enjoying sparkling mineral waters as my regular go-to source for a little fizzle. S. Pellegrino is one of my favorites in the plain sparkling water category. Next up? Flavored sparkling waters!
Next up in my battle to give up the soda habit? La Croix. How do you say it? La Croy? Or La Qwaw? I’m not sure so I mix it up and say it both ways. Ha!
However you say it, finding La Croix at Costco has been so great because I can get this case for around $7. The only disappointing thing is that you don’t get to choose the flavors. But the good news is if you don’t like the flavors you can always dress them up. I add fruit juice, like lime and lemons to mine and it works like a charm.
People need to eat, and that means we need ingredients. These are some of my favorite vegan products at Costco that we use for cooking.
These Explore Kitchen Organic Edamame Spaghetti noodles? Perfect. I use them for Asian dishes, pasta dishes, soups, etc. They have a great flavor and packed with lots of nutrients…and they’re certified gluten-free. YAS!
I love using these bean noodles in my Miso Tofu or Marinated Tofu recipes. Make a batch of Air Fryer Tofu and serve them with some sauce over these cooked bean noodles and you’ve to a feast.
We buy this three-pack of Kirkland Marina Sauce. The jars are big and so they last a while and we use them for our favorite vegan Italian recipes. For example, when we make Vegan Pepperoni Pizza, this sauce comes in handy. However, it’s even better for things like Vegan Lasagna or this Vegan Ziti Bake.
I like that this marinara has less sugar than other store-bought marinara sauces.
I love to make homemade Vegan Pizza Dough, but every now and then I don’t want to bother with it. That’s when this pizza kit comes in handy. It gives you four crusts and four tomato sauce packets, all of which are dairy-free (aka, vegan). It’s always good to check the labels because sometimes products change their list of ingredients.
Be sure to add some Vegan Pepperoni or some plant-based Vegan Sausage Crumbles on top.
I buy Kirkland Sea Salt and we have both varieties on-hand, the regular sea salt and the Himalayan Sea Salt. They’re reasonably-priced and it’s nice to grind the salt over whatever you’re fixing. I find that sea salt has a better flavor than table salt. I recommend it!
What’s vegan at Costco?
There are so many vegan products at Costco, from vegan hot dogs to vegan protein powder, nuts, peanut butter, snack foods, and more! Costco is transforming into a vegan superstore thanks to things like vegan guacamole, Field Roast Chao cheese, Beyond Meat Burgers, bread, and more!
How Many COSTCO Apple Pies to JUSTIFY Membership?
FAQ
Which Costco pies are vegan?
NEW apple berry pies at Costco stores are showing up in the bakery! For those crushed that their plain apple pies added milk to the ingredients a while back, these are vegan friendly and have raspberries and strawberries added in with the apples.
What are the ingredients in Costco apple pie?
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Apple Pie ingredients include apples, enriched wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil (soybean and/or canola, palm, palm kernel), water, food starch-modified, dextrose, salt, cinnamon, citric acid, and malic acid. However, the recipe has been updated to include non-vegan ingredients like milk and egg, which were absent in older versions.
Is Costco apple pie vegetarian?
Costco’s iconic vegan-friendly apple pie underwent a major recipe change in Costco’s bakery and now contains animal products. Costco’s iconic vegan-friendly apple pie underwent a major recipe change in Costco’s bakery and now contains animal products.Oct 22, 2024
Is apple pie vegan?