The #1 Underrated Protein to Buy at Costco

In a world where protein is a focus for many, finding budget-friendly options is key. There’s so many lean or plan-based sources to try, and a great option can be seafood. Nutrient-dense fish and “budget-friendly” sometimes aren’t the most compatible, but a new video has us remembering an option that checks both boxes.

A recent viral TikTok post from user @allergictokimchi shares the amazing deal you can get at Costco for a seafood choice that you may only enjoy on occasion. But trust us: you shouldn’t clam up when it comes to flexing this deal on an underrated protein.

In case you didn’t already guess it, it’s mussels—and according to the video with nearly half a million views, you can snag a bag of 175 (!) for just $15 at your local warehouse.

If you’re thinking to yourself, Why so many? Is there a catch? we get the hesitations. But mussels require zero attention or resources outside of a structured farm for harvesting, as they’re non-sentient creatures, making them a more affordable option than some other seafood.

Also, mussels are sustainably grown and harvested in the U.S. and can “provide net environmental benefits by removing excess nutrients and improving water quality,” per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. So not only do mussel farms provide us with a high quantity of delicious mussels, but they also help the environment and can encourage biodiversity.

And in case that wasn’t enough, let’s talk about their nutrition. Three ounces of cooked mussels provide about 20 grams of protein, making them small but mighty. This is one of the many reasons why our editors are big fans of the mollusks.

“Not only are mussels a great source of protein, zinc, B12, iron and selenium, but they’re also delicious to cook in a variety of sauces,” EatingWell editor and dietitian Mandy Enright, M.S., RDN, RYT shared. Enright also shared her personal favorite way to enjoy them. 

“My favorite way to prepare mussels is on the grill in a large heat-proof pan or cast iron skillet with smashed garlic, butter, lemon juice, quartered lemons, white wine and some spice thanks to red pepper flakes,” she says. “Grill them over high heat with the cover on for about eight to ten minutes until they pop open, and then finish off with chopped parsley.”

And our assistant general manager Penelope Wall agrees that mussels deserve all the love.

“Mussels are such an underrated seafood that I love making at home,” she says. “They take a little extra prep, since you need to scrub and de-beard, but once you get that step out of the way, they’re so quick and easy to prepare. My favorite way to prepare them is steamed in a garlicky white wine broth with shallots and herbs.” Both Wall and Enright insist you pair mussels with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices and sauce from the dish.

From Steamed Mussels in Tomato Broth to Moules Frites, there’s so many ways to add mussels into your dinner rotation. Not to mention they’re a kid-friendly choice; registered dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD shares that her 2- and 4-year-old kids are mussel fans.

“I think the activity of pulling them out of the shell keeps them occupied at dinner, and they like the taste,” she says. “We’ve found it to be a pretty family-friendly meal.” She adds that they can be a choking hazard, so be sure to serve them in an age-appropriate way when giving them to children.

This is your sign to run to Costco and stock up on mussels before they’re no longer an underrated option—and with this TikTok blowing up, it may be sooner rather than later.