3 Ways Your Costco Membership Can Help You Be Healthier

Many people who shop at Costco make a point to stock up on things like chips and baked goods. And while Costco certainly sells its share of products that don't necessarily lend to great health (especially when consumed in bulk), it also carries its share of items that specifically promote good health. 

If you're looking for a way to improve your health without having to raid your savings account in the process, then it pays to put your Costco membership to good use. Here's how that membership can help you be healthier.

1. You can load up on veggies in bulk

Costco's selection of fresh vegetables varies a bit by region. But all told, you can find a host of bulk veggies at Costco, from spinach to broccoli to salad blends that make it easier to throw together a quick lunch. 

Often, buying bulk vegetables at Costco will result in a lower credit card tab than buying them at the supermarket. Ultimately, though, you'll need to compare prices based on where you live, since Costco prices vary by region.

In the New York metro area, for example, a two-pound bag of broccoli florets is $6.77 for same-day delivery (which tends to be higher than the in-store price). You'll need to see how much each item costs in your neck of the woods to get a sense of your savings.

Also, be careful when buying vegetables in bulk, because if you let half of your haul go bad on you before finishing it, you may not end up saving yourself any money at all. You may want to stick to veggies you already consume or can incorporate into different meals.

2. You can stock up on vitamins

Taking vitamin pills on a regular basis could help ensure that you're getting the nutrients you need. And you may find that Costco has a better price on vitamins than other retailers.

Right now, for example, Costco has One A Day women's multivitamins on sale for $18.99 for a 300 count (note that this is a New York metro area price). That's $0.06 per pill. Amazon has a pretty good deal on this same vitamin with its Subscribe & Save program -- a 200-count bottle is just $13.57. But in that case, you're still paying more like $0.07 per pill.

Also, if you're willing to buy Kirkland vitamins, you might save even more. A 500-count bottle of Kirkland multivitamins is only $16.99 right now at Costco, which has you paying just $0.03 per pill. (Again, this is a New York metro price.) 

3. You can save money on prescriptions

Through Costco's pharmacy service, members can access savings on prescriptions they pick up or have delivered to their door. And getting access to affordable medications is a key step in staying healthy.

How much will you actually save on medications by purchasing them through Costco? Well, that will depend on different factors, including what type of health insurance you have and the pills you take. 

On its website, Costco says that it sells 90 tablets of Atorvastatin Calcium, the generic version of the cholesterol drug Lipitor, for $16.79. At Walgreens pharmacy, the cost is reportedly $35.79 (based on Costco's comparison tool).

Ultimately, you'll need to price out your options based on your needs. You may also need to switch over to generics (if your doctor allows for it) to reap the most savings at Costco's pharmacies.

You may not think of Costco as a store that promotes good health. But it absolutely can -- especially if you take advantage of these offerings.