I visited Costco in Japan – 6 “Foods of longevity” I couldn’t leave without buying

your Japanese dietitian lives in the United StatesI love shopping Traditional foods I grew up, like seaweed, beans, MachaMulti -edition, and sweet potatoes.

Sometimes I go to Costco to buy these basic materials in large quantities. But during a last trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to shop in Costco, nickname Warehouse in KyotoWhich you can visit using the US membership card.

I was curious to find out how compared to American stores, and I was very surprised.

The design was very similar to Costco stores in the United States, I have seen many elements themselves as well, such as Kirkland garbage and Durasell batteries.

Photo: Michiko Tomioca

While the design and many products were similar to American stores, the Japanese food group was incredible. There were regional elements, seasonal sources of sources and healthy snacks that I rarely find at home. It was interesting to browse foods and brands that were exclusive to shops in Japan.

Here are six foods, I wish us Costco stores.

1. A wide range of seaweed

Sea herbs are the main element in Japan. It is full of minerals, vitamins and polyphenols, which makes it one of the most foods that you can eat a nutritious density.

There is no full meal without seaweed. It is very delicious and easy to prepare.

Photo: Michiko Tomioca

I found a wide range, including:

MozokoTime -like seaweed, rich in them FucoidanFibers known for support Bowel healthand ImmunityAnd even Bone strength
NuriCrusted sea herbal leaves are perfect for sushi and rice balls
oldI love spraying it on soup or power
Desallper: It is often used in Missu soup

Okinawan Mozuku Seweed! If you can, you have returned a lot to the United States

Photo: Michiko Tomioca

Other varieties included Kombu, Hijiki, Aonori and Kanten – all of which I would like to keep it in my store.

2. Many tofu and other soy -based foods

Tofu is one of my favorite foods. It is a great source of plant -based protein and it is multi -use. You can eat it normally or throw it into soup or salads. Even my dogs enjoy it!

Thanks to my dear cousin, Masherao Sakata, who accompanied me on this Costico trip! His huge bag is full of vegetables and snacks for his family and friends.

Photo: Michiko Tomioca

The Japanese Costcos sells a wonderful collection of soybean -based elements, many of which are discharged for recovery and shelf life. Options include:

Fluid Koya Tofu: Great for occupied families. He studies quickly and holds the flavor well.
Fried tofu: These differences are delicious, multi -use, and easy to cook.

Tofu is a great source of protein, without any cholesterol. It is also very versatile. You can add it to the soup or move!

Photo: Michiko Tomioca

One of my recipes includes soaking Koya Tofu, cutting them into cubes, then boiling with Kombu, dried mushrooms, carrots, peas, and ginger. I finish a homemade Misso paste for a balanced and balanced dish.

3. Japanese seasonal products

I always encourage my clients to combine a wide range of vegetables, roots and herbs in every meal. The diversity of the larger plant means more fiber, antioxidants and essential nutrients for a long life.

Goldstar is the primary membership level, and it makes you on any Costco site all over the world – all of this with less than $ 40 a year.

Photo: Michiko Tomioca

I was excited to see all kinds of products that are difficult to find in American supermarkets:

Japanese eggplant and cucumber
Mushrooms like Enoki and Shimeji
Leafy vegetables like, Mizona, Komsuna, and Hakosay (Napa Cabbage)

Even Hokkaido potatoes, known for their high quality, were available in large quantities.

I grew up eating a lot of Japanese sweet potatoes! It is skillfully sweet and has a flavor of nuts with chestnut -like tones. I love their bread, but you can also throw them into the soup.

Photo: Michiko Tomioca

4. Japanese meals are ready to eat

A box of “Onigiri”, Japanese rice balls made of steam rice. It is often pressed in triple shapes, ball, cylinder and wrapped in seaweed.

Photo: Michiko Tomioca

I love cooking, but sometimes life becomes busy and I need fast and healthy healthy options for myself and my customers.

I love multi -dish rice balls with tuna wrapped with seaweed, and they are full of important minerals such as iron, calcium, folate and magnesium.

Photo: Michiko Tomioca

Costco Japan has offered a smart set of ready -to -eat elements, including multiple microwaves (favorite) microwaves, pickled vegetables, immediate Maysu soup in both powder and paste (just add hot water and throw some seaweed and tofu), Japanese cooked fish, and many unique selves.

We saw a lot of choosing ready -made brown rice. This is very convenient in crowded days when you don’t have to cook time.

Photo: Michiko Tomioca

Of course, you can find some of these elements in American stores, such as Whole Foods, but they are often more stable.

5. Traditional rice crackers (Senbei)

There are more than 35 Costco sites in Japan. We visited one in Kyoto.

Photo: Michiko Tomioca

Rice crackers (soy flavor foil) is one of my favorite snacks. In Costco Japan, I saw Kakino-Tane, crescent crackers often mixed with peanuts. Other rice crackers are made with sesame seeds, seaweed, soy powder, nuts, and even some herbs.

6. Many different brands of green tea

In Japan, green tea is more than just a drink – it’s daily rituals. You will find it in sales machines, restaurants and a lot in every home.

We have seen boxes and boxes of green Macha tea packed in bottles. There are countless health benefits! Studies have shown that Macha can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Photo: Michiko Tomioca

In Costco Japan, I saw green tea packed in bottles, tea bags, loose leaves, and powder tea in family size packages. Almost every shopper had a green tea product in the shopping cart.

Green tea has been associated with Best heart health And a longer life in Many studies. I always recommend to be replaced instead of soda to get a low -calorie alternative rich in antioxidants.

Michiko Tomiocaand Master of Business Administration, RDN is an accredited nutritionist and longevity. She was born and raised a fire in Japan, and her approach focused on a vegetarian diet. She worked in food roles in materials, rented schools, and food banks. Follow it on Instagram Michian_rd.

Do you want to stand out and develop your network and get more job opportunities? Subscribe to Smarter by CNBC, make it a new online course, How to build a prominent personal brand: online, personally, and at work. Learn from three expert coaches how to display your skills, build a wonderful reputation, and create a digital presence that AI cannot repeat.