As a Japanese nutritionist living in the U.S., I love shopping for traditional foods that I grew up eating, such as seaweed, beans, matcha, multigrain rice, and sweet potatoes.
I sometimes go to Costco to buy those staples in bulk. But during a recent trip to Japan, I had the chance to shop at the Costco Yawata Warehouse in Kyoto, which you can visit using your U.S. membership card.
I was curious to see how it compared to the American stores, and I ended up being very surprised.
Photo: Michiko TomiokaThe layout was very similar to the Costco stores in the U.S. I saw many of the same items, too, such as Kirkland trash bags and Duracell batteries.While the layout and many of the products were similar to the U.S. stores, the variety of Japanese foods was incredible. There were regional items, seasonally sourced ingredients, and healthier snacks that I rarely find back home. It was fun to browse through the foods and brands that were exclusive to stores in Japan.
Here are six longevity foods I wish U.S. Costco stores carried more of.
1. A wide variety of seaweed
Seaweed is a staple in Japan. It’s packed with minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols, making it one of the most nutrient-dense, plant-based foods you can eat.
Photo: Michiko TomiokaNo meal is complete without seaweed. It’s so delicious and easy to prepare.I found a wide selection, including:
Mozuku: A noodle-like, slippery seaweed that’s rich in fucoidan, a fiber known for supporting gut health, immunity, and even bone strength Nori: Crispy seaweed sheets perfect for sushi and rice balls Aosa: I love sprinkling it over soups or salad Wakame: Often used in miso soup Photo: Michiko TomiokaOkinawan mozuku seaweed! If I could, I’d have brought back so much with me to the U.S.Other varieties included kombu, hijiki, aonori, and kanten — all of which I like to keep in my pantry.
2. Lots of tofu and other soy-based foods
Tofu is one of my favorite foods. It’s a great source of plant-based protein and is very versatile across cuisines. You can eat it plain or throw it in soups or salads. Even my dogs enjoy it!
Photo: Michiko TomiokaThanks to my dear cousin, Masahiro Sakata, who accompanied me on this Costco trip! His huge bag is full of veggies and snacks for his family and friends.Japanese Costcos sell an amazing variety of soy-based items, many of which are vacuum-sealed for freshness and shelf-life. Options included:
Freeze-dried koya tofu: Great for busy families. It rehydrates quickly and holds flavor well. Fried, powdered, and frozen tofu: These variations are delicious, versatile, and easy to cook. Photo: Michiko TomiokaTofu is a great source of protein, without any of the cholesterol. It’s also very versatile; you can add it to soups or stir fry!One of my go-to recipes involves soaking koya tofu, cutting it into cubes, then simmering with kombu, dried shittake mushrooms, carrots, peas, and ginger. I finish it with homemade miso paste for a satisfying, balanced dish.
3. Seasonal Japanese produce
I always encourage my clients to incorporate a wide range of vegetables, roots, and herbs into every meal. Greater plant variety means more fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients for a long life.
Photo: Michiko TomiokaThe Goldstar is the basic membership level, and it gets you into any Costco location around the world — all for less than $40 a year.I was excited to see all kinds of produce that are a little harder to find in American supermarkets:
Japanese eggplants and cucumbers Mushrooms like enoki and shimeji Leafy greens like, mizuna, komatsuna, and hakusai (Napa cabbage)Even the potatoes from Hokkaido, known for their high quality, were available in bulk.
Photo: Michiko TomiokaI grew up eating lots of Japanese sweet potatoes! They’re subtly sweet and have a nutty flavor with chestnut-like undertones. I love baking them, but you can also throw them in soups.DON’T MISS: How to Build a Standout Personal Brand: Online, In Person, and At Work
4. Ready-to-eat Japanese meals
Photo: Michiko TomiokaA box of assorted “onigiri,” Japanese rice balls made of steamed rice. They are often compressed into triangular, ball, or cylinder shapes and wrapped in seaweed.I love to cook, but sometimes life gets busy and I need fast, healthy options for myself and my clients.
Photo: Michiko TomiokaI love multigrain rice balls with tuna wrapped in seaweed, which is packed with important minerals such as iron, calcium, folate and magnesium.Costco Japan offered a smart range of ready-to-eat items, including (my favorite) microwavable multigrain rice bowls, pickled vegetables, instant miso soups in both powdered and paste form (just add hot water and throw in some seaweed and tofu), Japanese-style cooked fish, and many unique condiments.
Photo: Michiko TomiokaWe saw lots of ready-to-eat brown rice selection. These are so convenient to have on busy days when you don’t have time to cook.Of course, you can find some of these items in American stores, like Whole Foods, but they’re often pricier.
5. Traditional rice crackers (senbei)
Photo: Michiko TomiokaThere are over 35 Costco locations in Japan. We visited the one in Kyoto.Rice crackers (soy-flavored rice crisps) are one of my favorite snacks. At Costco Japan, I saw kakino-tane, crescent-shaped crackers often mixed with peanuts. Other rice crackers were made with sesame seeds, seaweed, soy powder, nuts, and even some herbs.
6. So many different brands of green tea
In Japan, green tea is more than just a beverage — it’s a daily ritual. You’ll find it in vending machines, restaurants, and pretty much in every home.
Photo: Michiko TomiokaWe saw boxes and boxes of bottled matcha green tea. There are countless health benefits! Studies have shown that matcha can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.At Costco Japan, I saw bottled green teas, tea bags and loose-leaf options, and powdered teas in family-sized packages. Almost every shopper had a green tea product in their cart.
Green tea has been associated with better heart health and longer life in many studies. I always recommend swapping it in place of soda for a low-calorie, antioxidant-rich alternative.
Michiko Tomioka, MBA, RDN is a certified nutritionist and longevity expert. Born and raised Nara, Japan, her approach focuses on a plant-based diet. She has worked in nutritional roles at substance recovery centers, charter schools and food banks. Follow her on Instagram @michian_rd.
Want to stand out, grow your network, and get more job opportunities? Sign up for Smarter by CNBC Make It’s new online course, How to Build a Standout Personal Brand: Online, In Person, and At Work. Learn from three expert instructors how to showcase your skills, build a stellar reputation, and create a digital presence that AI can’t replicate.
Hence then, the article about landlord who fatally stabbed 6 year old palestinian american boy dies in prison was published today ( ) and is available on NBC Chicago ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Landlord who fatally stabbed 6-year-old Palestinian American boy, dies in prison )
Also on site :
- Anycubic Opens Deposits for Kobra X, Following Formnext Debut of Its Next-Generation Entry-Level Multicolor FDM Printer
- AR Accessibility Research Wins AIS Impact Award 2025 with Support from LLVision Smart Glasses
- How Peso Pluma and Tito Double P Made ‘Dinastía,’ and Changed the Sound of Corridos