Costco is known for having some great deals. Mario Tama/Getty Images I'm a dietitian, and some of the best Mediterranean-diet staples I got this year came from Costco. Kirkland Signature blueberries and PuraVida fire-roasted root veggies were freezer staples for me. My favorite Costco buys this year included the Ithaca x Graza hummus and Safe Catch yellowfin tuna. As a dietitian and devoted follower of the Mediterranean diet, my love for Costco runs deep. An eating pattern rooted in fresh, whole foods, and a warehouse store famous for its bulk buys may seem like an odd pairing, but hear me out. The Mediterranean diet is all about nutrient-dense staples like olive oil, nuts, whole grains, legumes, fresh produce, lean proteins, and other heart-healthy fats. It's a flexible, flavorful way of eating that prioritizes balance and sustainability — values that align surprisingly well with some of Costco's offerings. In my experience, Costco is a goldmine for high-quality, affordable staples that make sticking to this lifestyle not only easier but also more delicious (and at times, more affordable). Here are some of the best things I bought there this year. Safe Catch yellowfin tuna is great for quick meals. Lauren Manaker I get Safe Catch canned yellowfin tuna in bulk at Costco to use in easy, nutrient-packed meals, like salads or grain bowls. Tuna is a solid source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help support heart and brain health. Though I love enjoying a piece of fresh fish, on busy days, the canned stuff is exactly what I need. I like buying from Safe Catch because the brand says it tests every fish's mercury levels to ensure they are well below the FDA action limit. I heat up a Red's Egg'Wich for a quick breakfast without bread. Lauren Manaker Even dietitians have busy days where cooking meals from scratch isn't an option. Found in Costco's frozen section, Red's Egg'Wiches are my go-to for a quick breakfast with protein. Each turkey-sausage sandwich has 17 grams of protein and uses two cage-free egg patties instead of a traditional bun. I like to pair one of these with fresh fruit whenever I'm having a hectic morning but need a balanced breakfast. Pompeian Smooth & Fruity extra-virgin olive oil is perfect for everyday cooking. Lauren Manaker A good extra-virgin olive oil is non-negotiable in a Mediterranean kitchen, and the limited-edition Pompeian Smooth & Fruity EVOO I picked up at Costco has been a standout this year. Its smooth, fruity flavor makes it incredible for drizzling over salads, finishing roasted vegetables, or using as a dip with crusty bread. High-quality olive oil provides antioxidants and "good" monounsaturated fats; this one also delivers an exceptional taste. Pop & Bottle chocolate-pistachio lattes were one of the best ways I got my caffeine fix this year. Lauren Manaker These Dubai-style lattes from Pop & Bottle have been perfect for when I want a decadent, satisfying treat that also gives me a caffeine boost. Each 11-ounce bottle has 5 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein, which is impressive for a ready-to-drink beverage. I also like that they're made with quality whole ingredients, including almond milk, pistachio butter, and cacao. PuraVida's fire-roasted mix made it easier to eat more vegetables this year. Lauren Manaker I've been keeping this 64-ounce bag of sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and onions from Costco in my freezer to use as a quick side dish alongside fish or chicken. They're simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil — and the fire-roasting process brings out a wonderful, deep flavor in the root vegetables. This is definitely one of my favorite buys from Costco this year for creating a balanced meal with minimal effort. Pure Flavor Poco Bites cucumbers are crunchy, fresh, and versatile. Lauren Manaker Fresh, crunchy cocktail cucumbers are a staple in my kitchen. Mostly water, they're a hydrating, low-calorie way to add volume and nutrients (like Vitamin K) to any meal. I use them in everything from refreshing salads and hearty grain bowls to summery sandwiches and simple snack platters. Costco usually has these Poco Bites at a great price point — $7.37 for a 1 ½-pound bag at the time of writing — so they're easy for me to keep on hand. POM Wonderful pomegranate juice is delightfully simple. Lauren Manaker Pomegranates are a source of powerful antioxidants, and I use POM Wonderful's juice to easily incorporate them into my diet. Each bottle contains just the juice of whole-pressed pomegranates — no added sugars or fillers. I love grabbing 64-ounce bottles of it at Costco because I know I'll use it up, whether I'm mixing it in marinades to add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to various proteins or pouring it into my favorite 3-ingredient cocktail. My freezer has stayed stocked with Kirkland Signature frozen organic blueberries. Lauren Manaker Throughout the year, I've enjoyed the frozen Kirkland Signature organic blueberries, a solid source of fiber and antioxidants that are perfect for adding to oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies. Frozen fruit can be just as nutritious as fresh, and sometimes even more so since it's typically picked and preserved at peak ripeness. Plus, their shelf life is significantly longer than that of their fresh counterpart, which helps me avoid food waste. I reached for Wonderful's shelled sweet-cinnamon pistachios all year long. Lauren Manaker Finding a 22-ounce bag of this limited-edition Wonderful pistachio flavor at Costco was a delightful surprise. Pistachios are a nutrient-dense nut, offering healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They're one of the few plant-based protein sources that provide all nine essential amino acids your body can't make on its own. Plus, these pistachios have a pleasant hint of cinnamon that satisfies my sweet tooth, and their pre-shelled convenience makes them a perfect snack. The Ithaca x Graza hummus tastes homemade and goes with everything. Lauren Manaker Hummus is a classic Mediterranean dip, and this collaboration between Ithaca and Graza is exceptional. I give this hummus bonus points for not containing any unnecessary fillers or artificial flavors. Made with high-quality ingredients, like Graza olive oil and chickpeas, it has a rich, smooth texture and bright, zesty flavor. It's a delicious way to add plant-based protein and healthy fats to my diet, whether I'm using it as a dip for fresh vegetables, spreading it into sandwiches, or scooping it onto grain bowls. Read the original article on Business Insider