Costco's New Healthy Snack May Be the Solution to Afternoon Munchies

Finding a snack that's both satisfying and genuinely filling can be harder than it sounds. Many options are either loaded with empty calories or leave you hungry again an hour later. That's part of the reason Costco's newest snack find is attracting attention. The warehouse retailer is now carrying the Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame, a protein-packed snack that could be the answer to those inevitable afternoon cravings.

Made from dry-roasted edamame beans and seasoned with sea salt, the snack offers something many grab-and-go options lack: substantial amounts of protein and fiber in a convenient, shelf-stable package. According to the Only Bean, each serving contains 14 grams of protein and six grams of fiber, two nutrients that can help promote feelings of fullness between meals.

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The snack also checks several boxes that appeal to health-conscious shoppers. The brand notes that it's made with avocado oil and is certified vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and low-carb. While plenty of snacks market themselves as healthier alternatives to chips and crackers, few can match the combination of protein and fiber found in roasted edamame.

Why Edamame Makes a Smart Snack

Edamame, simply the Japanese name for young soybeans harvested early, has long been popular as a protein-rich plant food, though not always the most convenient snack. That's part of the appeal here. Instead of frozen pods that need to be steamed or boiled, these roasted beans are ready to eat straight from the bag.

The crunchy texture also helps the snack feel more indulgent than many better-for-you alternatives. The Only Bean describes its product as dry-roasted rather than fried, creating a crispy texture while keeping the ingredient list relatively simple. The company also notes that each serving contains just two grams of net carbs.

Nutrition experts have increasingly highlighted roasted edamame as a smart snacking option because it combines protein and fiber, a pairing that can help keep hunger at bay longer than snacks that rely primarily on refined carbohydrates. That's one reason roasted edamame products have become increasingly common on dietitian-recommended snack lists.

Related: 7 Best Items To Buy From Costco's Produce Section (and 5 To Skip)

Costco Shoppers Have Plenty to Say About It

As with many Costco finds, shoppers have developed strong opinions about the snack.

Many fans praise its impressive protein-to-calorie ratio and say it has become part of their regular snack rotation. Others appreciate having a crunchy alternative to chips that offers more nutritional value while still satisfying cravings for something salty.

While most reviews are positive, not everyone is completely sold, however. One criticism is that the sea salt can be a bit intense, with some shoppers describing the snack as overly salty or slightly dry. Even so, some of those same commenters admit they continue buying it because of its nutritional profile and satisfying crunch.

For anyone looking to upgrade their afternoon snack routine, The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame offers a compelling combination of convenience, crunch, protein, and fiber. And in a snack aisle crowded with options that promise lasting satisfaction but rarely deliver, that may be exactly why Costco shoppers are taking notice.

I Tried It: The Verdict

I had the opportunity to try the Only Bean's sea salt, buffalo, and ranch flavors, and I came away impressed. Despite some reviewers describing the snacks as overly salty, I found the seasoning to be about right-enough to satisfy a craving for something salty without overwhelming the edamame's flavor.

The ranch flavor was perhaps the biggest surprise. As someone who typically isn't a fan of ranch-flavored snacks, I expected it to be my least favorite of the three. Instead, it ended up being one of the standouts.

The criticism that these snacks can be a little dry isn't entirely unfair, but it's also somewhat misleading. Because they're made from roasted edamame beans, eating them feels more akin to snacking on nuts than potato chips. They have a similar crunchy texture and the same slightly mouth-drying quality found in many roasted nuts and legumes.

What surprised me most, however, was how addictive they were. More than once, I grabbed a handful, put the bag away, and then found myself heading back for another. For me, they have the same "popcorn effect": it's easy to mindlessly nibble your way through a bowl while watching a movie or on a long drive. I did both.

The difference is that when I reached the bottom of the bag, I felt considerably less guilty than I would have after polishing off the same amount of potato chips or other snack foods. And that may be the strongest endorsement of all.

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This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 8:25 AM.