Costco shoppers are notoriously loyal to the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, but another food court staple is getting fresh attention for all the wrong reasons.
The warehouse giant's churros have quietly undergone a makeover in recent years, and not every member is happy about it.
What used to be a long, twisted, cinnamon-sugar rope is now a shorter, thicker, filled pastry — and the switch has sparked plenty of debate online.
Costco rolled out a new churro at many locations, swapping the classic straight stick for a chunkier version stuffed with a cinnamon or caramel-style filling.
The price has hovered around $1.49 to $1.99 depending on the warehouse, which still makes it one of the cheapest desserts you can grab anywhere.
But regulars say the texture and size feel different, and some locations have reportedly gone back and forth on which version they stock.
Here's the practical takeaway for your wallet.
If you're stopping at the food court to feed a family, the churro is still one of the least expensive treats on the menu.
A single churro won't wreck your grocery budget the way a $6 coffee-shop pastry will.
The catch is that food court prices and menus vary by warehouse, so what you loved at your local Costco last month might not be there next month.
The bigger lesson is about how Costco manages costs.
The company famously keeps the hot dog combo at $1.50 as a loss leader to get you in the door, knowing you'll likely leave with a cart full of bulk goods.
The churro plays the same role — a cheap impulse buy near the exit.
When a recipe changes, it's usually about ingredient costs, supply, or simplifying prep, not about squeezing a few extra cents out of you.
If you want the nostalgic cinnamon-sugar twist, you may be disappointed.
If you just want a cheap, warm, sweet snack while unloading a flatbed cart, it still does the job.
Either way, it's a reminder to check the actual price and portion at your specific warehouse before assuming it matches what you saw online.
For budget-minded shoppers, the food court remains one of the best deals in America.
A whole pizza, a hot dog, and a drink can feed a small group for under $15 in most stores.
The churro drama is mostly about nostalgia, not value.
Our take: don't let a recipe change ruin a good thing.
If the new churro isn't for you, skip it and pocket the $2.
Final Thoughts
But if you're already at Costco buying paper towels in bulk, a cheap dessert on the way out is still a small win for your grocery run.