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, and Starbucks leaned into higher-protein drink options. As we head deeper into 2026, the fixation shows no signs of slowing — and for good reason. Protein's documented benefits — supporting muscle health, promoting fullness, helping keep energy levels steady th

The Costco freezer section is a goldmine for everything from proteins and appetizers to desserts — and the members who have figured out which specific items belong in their freezer and which ones to skip are eating significantly better at significantly lower cost than households sourcing the same quality food from conventional grocery stores or meal delivery services. The freezer section works differently from other Costco departments. Unlike the pantry staples that store ind

For a Prime-grade steakhouse experience at home without the $75-per-plate bill, Costco's meat case is the ultimate carnivore budget-flex. That description — from the member community's extended experience with Costco's meat department — captures the specific commercial opportunity that the warehouse's protein section delivers in 2026: USDA Prime beef at institutional pricing that most steakhouses pay their suppliers, wild-caught salmon at per-pound pricing that makes restaura