I visited a Costco in Japan—6 foods I wish they carried in the U.S.
As a Japanese nutritionist living in the United States, I love shopping for traditional foods that I grew up to eat such as seaweed, beans, matcha, polygon rice and sweet potatoes.
Sometimes I go to Costco to buy these staples collectively. However, during a recent trip to Japan, Costco Yawata Depot in KyotoYou can visit using your US membership card.
I wondered how it was compared to American stores and I was very surprised.
The order was very similar to Costco stores in the USA, I saw most of the same elements such as Kirkland garbage bags and Duracell batteries.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
While most of the order and products were similar to US stores, the diversity of Japanese food was incredible. There were regional elements, seasonal materials and rarely healthier snacks I found home. It was fun to look at the stores in Japan and to look at food and brands.
Here are the six things I wish to carry more to us.
1. A wide variety of seaweed
Sea moss is a fiber in Japan. It is full of minerals, vitamins and polyphenols, making it one of the most nutrients you can eat.
No food is completed without Seaweed. Very delicious and easy to prepare.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
I found a wide choice:
- Mozuku: A rich noodle -like, slippery seaweed FucoidanA fiber known for support intestinal health– immunityand even bone power
- Nori: Perfect crisp sea moss layers for sushi and rice balls
- Aosa: I love sprinkling on soups or salads
- Drugs: Usually used in Miso soup
Okinawan Mozuku Sea Moss! If I could, I would bring it back to the USA with me
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
Other varieties include Kombu, Hijiki, Aonori and Kanten that I wanted to keep in Krids.
2. Numerous Tofu and other soy -based foods
Tofu is one of my favorite foods. It is a plant -based protein source and is versatile between kitchens. You can eat plain or throw it into soups or salads. Even my dogs like it!
Thanks to my dear cousin Masahiro Sakata, who accompanied me on this Costco trip! His big bag is full of vegetables and snacks for his family and friends.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
Japanese Costcos sells incredibly various soy -based products adorned with vacuum for freshness and shelf life. Included options:
- Freezed bay tofu: Great for busy families. Refers quickly and keeps the flavor well.
- Fried, dust and frozen tofu: These variations are delicious, versatile and easy to cook.
Tofu is a large source of protein without any cholesterol. At the same time versatile; You can add to soups or mix frying!
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
One of my recipes includes the wetting of the bay Tofu, cutting into the cubes, and then boiling with kombu, dried shit mushrooms, carrots, peas and ginger. I finish with homemade miso paste for a satisfactory, balanced meal.
3. Seasonal Japanese Products
I always encourage my customers to include a wide variety of vegetables, roots and herbs in every meal. The larger type of plant means more fiber, antioxidant and basic nutrients for a long life.
Goldstar is a basic membership level and makes you a Costco position around the world – all of them less than $ 40 a year.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
I was excited to see any product that was a little more difficult to find in American supermarkets:
- Japanese eggplant and cucumbers
- Mushrooms like Enoki and Shimeji
- Leafy greens such as Mizun, Komatuna and Hakusai (Napa Savah)
Even potatoes from Hokkaido, known for their high quality, were present collectively.
I grew up with a lot of Japanese sweet potatoes! They are cleverly sweet and walnut flavor with chestnut -like sub -tones. I love cooking them, but you can throw them into soups.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
4.
A box of various “onigiri”, Japanese rice balls made of steamed rice. They are usually compressed into triangles, balls or cylinders and wrapped with seaweed.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
I love cooking, but sometimes life is busy and I need fast, healthy options for myself and my customers.
I love mokgran rice balls with tuna wrapped with seaweed full of important minerals such as iron, calcium, folate and magnesium.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
Costco Japan offered a smart ready -made product, including Prepared polygonal rice bowls, salamura vegetables, both dust and paste form (just add hot water and some sea broadcasts and tofu horse), Japanese -style cooked fish, and many unique whisk.
We saw the choice of brown rice ready to eat too much. These are very convenient to have intense days when you do not have time to cook.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
Of course, you can find some of these products in American stores like Whole Foods, but it is usually more expensive.
5. Traditional rice crackers (Senbei)
There are more than 35 Costco places in Japan. We visited what happened in Kyoto.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
Rice crackers (soy -flavored rice chips) are one of my favorite snacks. In Costco in Japan, I saw the kakino-tane of cracies in the form of crescents, usually mixed with peanuts. Other rice crackers were made with sesame seeds, seaweed, soy powder, nuts and even some plants.
6. Many different green tea brands
In Japan, green tea is more than just one drink – a daily ritual. You will find this in vending, restaurants and almost every house.
We saw the bottled Matcha green tea boxes and boxes. There are numerous health benefits! Studies have shown that Matcha can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
Costco I saw bottled green tea, tea bags and loose leaf options and dust teas in family -sized packages in Costco Japan. Almost every shopping maker baskets had a green tea product.
Associated with green tea Better Heart Health and longer life Many studies. I always recommend that you swap instead of Soda for a low -calorie, antioxidant alternative.
Michiko Tomioka– The MBA is a RDN certified nutritionist and long life specialist. He was born and raised the city of Nara, Japan, and his approach focuses on a plant -based diet. He worked in food roles in substance rescue centers, Charter schools and food banks. Follow him on Instagram @michian_rd.
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