Costco’s cult-favorite food court just got a price shock—and members aren’t taking it lightly

Something’s stirring in the land of bulk bargains—and it’s not the rotisserie chickens.

Across the country, loyal Costco members are sounding the alarm after a quiet but dramatic shift hit one of the store’s most beloved traditions.

For many, it’s not just about what’s on the shelves anymore—it’s what’s happening in the food court.



Long praised for its no-frills prices and comfort-food staples, Costco’s food court has been a sanctuary for members seeking quick, cheap eats.

But that reputation took a hit this week as frustrated shoppers began reporting steep and unexpected price increases on some favorite menu items.

Sandwiches that once rang up at $3.99 are now listed for $6.99 at certain stores.

Chicken bakes have jumped by $1.50. Even the salads and drinks haven’t been spared.


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Costco has not yet officially responded to reports of the price hikes. Image Source: Marcus Reubenstein / Unsplash


The backlash was swift online. “Chicken bake went up by $1.50, drink went up .10c, salad went up by $1.00,” one user wrote, adding that their location had also bumped the price of roast beef sandwiches from $9.99 to $10.99.

“My worry is that hot dogs are next,” another commented, echoing a growing anxiety that the iconic $1.50 hot dog-and-soda combo—a symbol of Costco’s price consistency for decades—may finally be on borrowed time.

Costco’s food court has long been one of its most cherished perks—so much so that the hot dog combo has famously never increased in price since the 1980s.



But now, amid rising costs, tariff-driven inflation, and mounting frustration, some shoppers say the food court is no longer immune.

The backlash is magnified by other recent changes. Last fall, Costco raised its membership fees for the first time in seven years.

That move was followed by a beverage switch—replacing Pepsi with Coca-Cola in its US food courts—and a few new menu additions like the strawberry banana smoothie.

But none of those changes provoked quite the uproar that food court inflation has.


It’s not just the food court feeling the heat. Members have also noticed price increases and shrinking portions on warehouse staples.

One shopper pointed out that the Kirkland lasagna rose from $9.99 in 2020 to $13.99 in 2024—while quietly shrinking by 25%.

Another cited $22 paper plates as a jaw-dropping example of creeping prices.

“Bye bye Costco,” one user wrote. Others lamented the loss of value the store once offered, blaming rising global tariffs and domestic economic policies for the change.

Some Costco members in Canada reported feeling the squeeze weeks before US shoppers did, raising questions about whether more price hikes are coming.



Costco has not yet officially responded to reports of the price hikes, leaving shoppers to speculate—and worry.

If the legendary hot dog price ever goes up, it may not just mark the end of a deal—it could signal a cultural shift for a brand that built its name on loyalty and savings.

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Key Takeaways

  • Costco members are reporting surprise price hikes on food court items like sandwiches, chicken bakes, and drinks, sparking outrage online.
  • The famous $1.50 hot dog combo remains unchanged—for now—but some shoppers fear it could be next.
  • Tariff-driven inflation and membership fee increases may be contributing to higher prices on food court and in-store items.
  • Many longtime members say they’re reconsidering their loyalty as both food court value and product sizes change.
Have you noticed prices creeping up at your local Costco? What’s the one item you'd be most upset to see go up? Share your thoughts in the comments.
 
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Reactions: Tree-C-Cup
Prices are inevitably going to increase. In addition to the examples mentioned in this article, Kirkland toilet paper & paper towels, and bulk Kleenex has increased in price in recent years; as has Ice Mountain waters, Kirkland butter, eggs (obvioisly) and a host of other products.
You're still getting a good deal for your membership; we, as consumers, are just going to have to bite the bullet as companies continue to have rising costs and raise prices in response, and as long as we have to deal with and suffer as a result of moronic, no, retarded tariffs.
 
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I belong for gas. I can save enough on that to pay for the membership I also buy the pizza and that is usually cheaper than anywhere else. I feel that anything else I buy is just gravy as we are not a large family. Not much else is actually cheaper than just shopping around town. As long as I save my $65 on gas I am happy.
 

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