Costco's food court is renowned for its affordable and convenient meal options, appealing to shoppers seeking a quick bite after navigating the warehouse. While the classic $1.50 hot dog combo remains a steadfast favorite, Costco has broadened its menu to include healthier alternatives, catering to the growing health consciousness of its customer base. This article explores the healthier choices available at the Costco food court, offering tips for mindful eating and highlighting the significance of these options in today's market.
Popular Healthy Choices at Costco Food Court
Costco's commitment to providing diverse options extends to those seeking nutritious meals. Here are some of the popular healthier choices available:
Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad: Priced at approximately $6.99, this salad offers a complete meal with a focus on protein and greens. It features rotisserie chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing, delivering a satisfying nutty flavor and a host of beneficial nutrients.
Mango Smoothie: This smoothie is a refreshing and healthy option, especially during warmer months. Made with natural mango puree and without added sugar, it serves as a hydrating and vitamin-rich alternative to sugary drinks or milkshakes. It satisfies sweet cravings while providing essential nutrients. In March, Costco added a new strawberry banana smoothie to the menu. This replaced the previous fruit smoothie.
Cold Brew Mocha Freeze: For coffee enthusiasts seeking a less indulgent cold coffee beverage, the Cold Brew Mocha Freeze presents a suitable option. It features a cold coffee base with subtle traces of chocolate syrup, offering a smooth and slightly bitter flavor profile. While it contains sweetness, it is less heavy compared to other coffee-based desserts commonly found in major coffee outlets and is available at a competitive price at Costco. This mocha freeze is made with cold brew coffee using Kirkland Signature beans, chocolate syrup, and a thick ice blend. It’s smooth all the way through-more like a Slurpee than a chunky iced drink. That part’s a plus. The cold brew flavor is there, but it comes in second after the sugar. The first thing you’ll taste is a big wave of sweetness, which kind of sticks with you. People online are mixed on it. Some of them enjoy it in small amounts, saying it’s tasty and fun to share. But many are saying it’s too sweet and too heavy to drink the whole thing. A few folks miss the older version of this drink, which was simpler and cheaper. As far as Costco food court prices go, it’s not a bad deal for a large blended drink. But if you’re looking for real coffee flavor or something light and refreshing, this might not be it.
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Vegetarian Pizza (Customizable Options): While Costco's regular pizza offerings are rich in cheese and other additions, customers can request a custom-made vegetarian pizza with a focus on vegetables and reduced cheese. This customizable option provides more fiber and flavor, allowing individuals to enjoy the taste of pizza without excessive guilt.
Yogurt Parfait: The yogurt parfait at Costco food court is a light, low-calorie dessert option. It combines the goodness of proteins and calcium with the benefits of antioxidants, especially when complemented with fruits. This simple yet satisfying treat provides a pleasant way to conclude a meal. Costco’s fruit sundaes-available in either berry or strawberry-are a favorite for folks looking for a cold dessert with a little extra flavor. The base is the same soft serve you can get on its own, made from Kirkland Signature’s premium vanilla ice cream. It’s thick, creamy, and not overly airy. The real difference is in the topping. The berry sundae has a mixed berry sauce, while the strawberry version leans sweeter with more of a jam-like texture. Reviews are mostly positive. Many customers say it has the right amount of sweetness without going overboard. One person mentioned it’s “perfect after a pizza,” while another called it their go-to after every Costco run. Unlike other Costco menu items, this one feels like a good value.
Tips for Eating Healthy at Costco Food Court
Even with healthier options available, the generous portion sizes at Costco food court can pose a challenge to maintaining a balanced diet. Here are some practical tips to ensure your choices align with your health goals:
Share Large Items: Given Costco's tendency to serve large portions, sharing meals like pizza or chicken bakes with friends or family can help control calorie intake while still enjoying the flavors.
Modify Your Orders: Requesting salad dressing on the side or opting for less cheese on pizza can significantly reduce calorie consumption.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Make Smart Beverage Choices: Replacing soda with water or unsweetened smoothies, such as the mango smoothie, can promote hydration and minimize uncontrolled hunger stemming from artificial cravings.
Complement Your Meals: Balancing heavier items with lighter sides can prevent overindulgence. For instance, pairing a slice of pizza with a Caesar Salad or yogurt parfait can create a more balanced meal.
The Significance of Healthier Options at Costco
The introduction of healthier options at Costco's food court reflects the evolving eating habits of consumers. As the number of health-conscious individuals grows, so does the demand for nutritious food choices. These new offerings maintain Costco's trademark value proposition. The premium salad and mango smoothie, for example, offer substantial portions at a lower cost compared to similar items at fast-food restaurants or health-focused cafes.
Recent Menu Changes at Costco's Food Court
Costco’s food court has built a reputation for serving quick, budget-friendly meals right after checkout. The menu hasn’t been without changes. In 2020, Costco pared back its offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving only pizza and hot dogs. By 2021, the beloved combo pizza disappeared entirely, sparking backlash from loyal fans. This year alone, Costco introduced a strawberry banana smoothie in March and confirmed the return of the hot turkey and provolone sandwich later in the third quarter. Costco is shaking up its menu in 2025, bringing back fan favorites and introducing fresh twists. After being off the menu for a few years, Costco has brought back the hot turkey and provolone sandwich. It now costs $6.99, which is more than the old price of $3.99. This sandwich is served warm and includes sliced turkey breast, melted provolone cheese, tomatoes, red onions, and a basil garlic mayo on a toasted bun. Another big change was the switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products. Costco has been serving Pepsi since 2013, but starting in the summer of 2025, most locations will return to Coke. Many customers have asked for this, and now it’s officially happening.
A Look at Other Items on the Costco Food Court Menu
To fairly rank Costco's entire food court menu, the only logical approach was to order everything on it and eat it in one sitting. The experiment began at the counter, where employees raised eyebrows at my unusually robust order. A tray was not offered (Costco doesn't believe in trays), so I ferried my food in stages from the counter to my table, its own trial of endurance. Each item was eaten as-is other than the hot dog, which was dressed with some simple Costco condiments. I took notes on flavor, texture, portion size, and overall satisfaction. Cost would've been a factor, but at Costco, almost everything feels like a bargain.
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Cheese Pizza: The cheese pizza is one of the most well-known items on the Costco food court menu, but it ended up at the bottom of our list. To start, the pizza is super greasy. The melted mozzarella looks fine at first, but a thick layer of oil covers the top, which is why the slice feels heavy and unappetizing. When the cheese is pulled back, there’s very little sauce underneath-only on the top third of the slice. The crust is hard and stale, and the flavor is bland. It doesn’t taste fresh, and the texture feels like it has been sitting out too long. These issues have been mentioned in other reviews, too. As for the price, the Costco pizza price is still low. A slice costs $1.99, and a full pie is $9.95. So, if you’re asking, “How much is Costco pizza?” It’s still cheap. The key to Costco's cheese pizza is managing expectations. You're not in Italy or at a Downtown Manhattan pizza joint. You're at Costco. It's a classic American food court slice, with the crust on the thicker side and a chewy, doughy texture that makes it filling even before you get to the toppings. The slice is absurdly, delightfully large for somebody who is used to artisanal thin crust pies, and it's refreshing to get a slice that's an entire meal unto itself. The cheese on Costco pizzas is generous, spread across the entire slice in a gooey, melty layer. It has a mild, satisfying flavor, with the gently nutty mozzarella base giving way to a bit of umami crunch and the gently browned upper layer. The tomato sauce underneath is better than you might expect, and avoids the overly sweet sauce that plagues so many budget slices. It's slightly tangy, providing balance to the richness of the cheese.
Fruit Smoothie: The fruit smoothie on the Costco food court menu looks like it should be a win. It’s colorful, cold, and feels like the “healthy” option among all the cheesy, meaty stuff. Costco brought it back in late 2023 after testing a mango version for a bit. The current one is a berry blend, mostly strawberry, and sells for $2.99. That’s not a bad price, especially when you look at smoothie prices anywhere else. But it just doesn’t taste fresh. The flavor feels kind of flat, like frozen fruit purée that’s been sitting around. The texture is somewhat weird. It starts off cold and thick, but then it separates fast. Halfway through, you’re sipping icy water with a hint of fruit. It’s more of a slushy than a smoothie. While scrolling through Reddit, I noticed that I’m not alone. A few have said it’s “fine,” but the majority say it’s their least favorite drink on the Costco cafe menu. It seems as if people miss the old pink smoothie and the mango version.
Turkey & Swiss sandwich: The turkey & Swiss sandwich is one of the newest faces on the Costco food court menu, and unfortunately, it’s not making the best first impression. Let’s break it down. You get cold slices of deli turkey on a thick ciabatta roll, plus Swiss cheese, lettuce, a sun-dried tomato spread, and a mayo-mustard mix. But as soon as you unwrap it, things go downhill. The turkey has a wet texture (some folks said it was “dripping”), the lettuce is often limp, and the whole thing feels like it sat in a fridge too long. To be fair, the only thing that got decent praise was the sun-dried tomato spread, which adds a little flavor but not enough to save the whole thing. On Reddit, one user admitted they take it home and microwave it just to make it edible. So yeah, while it sounds like a fresh deli option, it doesn’t really deliver. The hot turkey and provolone sandwich at the Costco food court sounds better than it tastes. How hard can it be? Toasted bread, melted cheese, sliced turkey, a tomato, and a swipe of pesto should be a surefire ingredients list for a decent sandwich. But in practice, it just doesn't come together. The turkey is bland and unremarkable, tasting more like filler than the savory, lean taste I expect from this sandwich's titular meat. The cheese does its best work around the edges, where it crisps up into crunchy bits that almost feel like an accidental bonus. Inside the sandwich, though, it disappears into the mix. The pesto, which should be the flavor anchor, and had a decently bright, herby flavor when I was able to isolate it, barely registers among the other ingredients. Sometimes you catch a faint note of basil, but there isn't enough to make a real difference. I could see the onion and was expecting it to add a much needed sharpness to this impossibly dull sandwich, but it never registered on my palate.
Caesar salad: The Caesar salad on the Costco food court menu looks like it should be a safe, healthy choice-and it kind of is. It’s made with romaine lettuce, shredded rotisserie chicken, shredded parmesan cheese, and a packet of Caesar dressing. That’s it. But once you actually dig in, it’s… well, fine. The chicken is probably the best part-it’s pulled from the same rotisserie birds Costco is famous for, and it’s juicy and flavorful. The lettuce is crisp, and the portion is big enough to feel like a full meal. But then you start to notice what’s not there, like the croutons. Sadly, the ones in the food court photo are often missing in real life. And when the salad’s this bare-bones, a handful of croutons actually makes a big difference. People online mostly agree: it’s not bad, but it’s far from something you’d write home about. One reviewer summed it up perfectly-it checks the boxes, but it’s not something you’d go out of your way for. And at $6.99, it’s not exactly a steal, especially when you consider the other Costco food court prices. Green is not the most common color at the Costco food court. Most of the foods pictured on the menu are heavy with bread, meat, and cheese, so the chicken Caesar salad was a refreshing crunch in a sea of calorie-dense foods. And while I appreciate that there's a healthier option, it doesn't live up to the standard set by the rest of Costco's lineup. The romaine lettuce is perhaps the strongest part, with a fresh, crisp texture that provides the crunch you expect from a Caesar. The parmesan also helps, adding a salty, umami note that makes each bite a little more flavorful. The chicken is the biggest drawback. It's pale and flavorless, with a texture that leans more toward canned than freshly grilled. Instead of being juicy or smoky, it feels flat and unseasoned. The dressing, which should be the star of a Caesar, also disappoints. It's thick to the point of being gluey, and the flavor is muted, lacking the depth of anchovy and Parmesan flavor that should be swimming in Caesar dressing. The packet it comes in provides far more than you'd ever need, so it's easy to accidentally overdress the salad and end up with a sopping mess of a dish.
Soft Serve Ice Cream: The Soft Serve Ice Cream at the Costco food court is a nice, cheap dessert. The vanilla is made with Costco’s own Kirkland Signature ice cream, which is thick and creamy because it has less air and more fat than regular soft serve. It’s smooth, not icy, and feels more like real ice cream than the kind you get at fast food places. Many customers say the ice cream tastes great, especially for the price. But some people miss the frozen yogurt Costco used to sell, saying the new soft serve is heavier and a bit too sweet. Still, for a simple dessert under two bucks, it’s hard to complain. The twist ice cream is one of the simplest items at the Costco food court, but with its simplicity comes consistent enjoyability. I've been eating Costco soft serve ice cream since I was a sugar obsessed eight-year-old, and I'm pleased to report it tastes exactly the same as it did in third grade. The vanilla side has a clean, classic flavor that actually tastes like soft, cloudy vanilla instead of just sugar. It's creamy and smooth, but not too heavy or overwhelming. It's still very much a sugar-heavy dessert, but it doesn't feel excessively cloying the way some fast food soft serves can. The chocolate side is subtle, with just a hint of cocoa flavor, but it blends well with the vanilla, making this twist a balanced combination that's the best dessert on the Costco menu. Its beauty is that it's not trying to compete with gourmet ice cream shops. This ice cream sundae takes Costco's already dependable vanilla soft serve and tries to dress it up with chocolate syrup, but the result doesn't quite land. To be fair, the soft serve is creamy, smooth, and balanced in sweetness. It's the same base you'd get in the twist cone, and on its own, it more than holds up. The problem is the syrup which, instead of adding a rich, chocolatey counterpoint, feels like an afterthought. Visually, the syrup streaks along the inside of the cup in uneven swirls, which look fine at first but quickly turn messy as it melts into the ice cream. You'd be better off with a simple twist cone, which is cheaper and more satisfying. The sundae isn't bad, but I ranked it so low because it's annoying to pay extra for an add-on that actually makes something worse.
Pepperoni pizza: Now, let’s talk about the pepperoni pizza. It’s one of the most popular items on the Costco food court menu, and after trying it, it’s easy to see why. First, it’s big. More importantly, the pizza tastes good. The crust is warm and soft, the sauce is spread evenly, and there’s a lot of pepperoni-usually about 11 slices in just one piece-more than most pizza chains give you. The cheese is melted, and the pepperoni adds some nice crisp edges. People online agree. A lot of reviews say it’s the best slice on the Costco menu, and many people pair it with a hot dog or soda. The pepperoni slice takes Costco's base cheese pizza and punches it up with the addition of a generous helping of pepperoni. The slice is big, the crust thick and chewy, and the cheese layered on generously, just like the plain version. The main difference, of course, is the topping and as we know, Costco doesn't skimp. The pepperoni cups up at the edges as it bakes, leaving those familiar little pools of oil that fans of classic American pizza love. The tomato sauce is balanced and not overly sweet, which helps keep the slice from feeling too heavy despite the extra topping. The combination of cheese, sauce, and pepperoni works well, and every bite has enough flavor to make you want another. This isn't an authentic Napolitano pizza or anything - but then again, pepperoni, the most popular pizza topping, doesn't come from Italy anyway.
Chicken and bacon sandwich: The chicken and bacon sandwich on the Costco food court menu looks better than it tastes, but it still has fans. Here’s what you get: three thick slices of deli-style chicken, sandwich cheddar, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and a sweet bacon spread-all served on a cold ciabatta roll. There’s no heating involved. One Costco worker told a reviewer it had been made earlier and kept in the fridge. That cold temperature throws off the sandwich. The bacon spread is sweet and sticky, which some people like, but it doesn’t mix well with the sharp cheddar or plain chicken. Also, because it’s pre-made and refrigerated, the bread tends to get a bit soggy. That said, it’s not the worst pick on the Costco menu. It’s big and filling, and if you’re just looking for something quick, it gets the job done. So, while it won’t win any awards, this sandwich holds its own in the middle tier of Costco menu items. You’re paying more, but you’re also getting more food.
Hot dog and soda combo: The hot dog and soda combo is the one item on the Costco food court menu that basically hasn’t changed in decades. What you get is a large all-beef hot dog and a 20-oz. Fountain drink with free refills. The dog itself is bigger than what most places offer, and it has a solid snap when you bite into it. Taste-wise, it’s simple, salty, and satisfying. Most customers agree it’s worth it for the price alone. People online call it “a classic” and say it’s one of the main reasons they keep coming back. Nothing really competes in terms of value when comparing other items on the Costco menu. Where else can you still get a full lunch and a drink for $1.50? The Costco hot dog is the crown jewel in the food court menu, and for good reason. It's been on the menu for decades, and despite rising food prices everywhere else, it has stubbornly remained $1.50, including a soda. The sausage is substantial, with a satisfying snap when you bite into it. The flavor is smoky, meaty, and salty, a frank that would please the most selective of hot dog aficionados. It's a little fattier than your average ballpark dog, which gives it a richness that works especially well when paired with the lighter, slightly buttery bun. Condiments are, of course, dealer's choice, with offerings of ketchup, mustard, relish, all of perfectly acceptable quality. The hot dog doesn't strictly need to be dressed up because the flavor stands on its own, but I recommend a thick, red line of ketchup and a dainty squirt of mustard. It's no wonder Costco sells more hot dogs than all the stadiums in Major League baseball.
Double chocolate chunk cookie: Costco’s double chocolate chunk cookie is one of the newer additions to the Costco food court menu, and it’s already become a fan favorite. The texture is what people notice first. It has a crisp outside and a soft, melty center loaded with chocolate chunks. Online reviews are full of praise. One person called it “pizookie-sized,” while others said it was better than expected and way more satisfying than the churro it replaced. In comparison to other items at Costco, the cookie feels like a treat you’d expect to pay more for somewhere else. It’s one of the only baked goods still available in the food court Costco, and it fills the gap left by other discontinued desserts. Playing the role of indulgent dessert on the Costco food court menu is this massive chocolate chip cookie. It should come as no surprise that the sheer size of this sweet treat is eye popping. It's at least an inch thick and packed with melty chocolate chunks spread generously throughout. Because it's so dense, the sweetness builds quickly. As somebody who doesn't handle a sugar rush well, there was no way I was going to finish this one on my own. It's the kind of cookie you want to share with someone else, not because you don't like it, but because finishing it solo is a real challenge. Still, it's an impressive option, and it delivers on the Costco promise of being a big, decadent, and fairly priced.
Chicken bake: Topping the list of Costco food court menu favorites is the chicken bake-a hot, handheld meal that’s been around for years and still has a strong fanbase. So, what is it? Reviews are mostly positive, especially when the bake is fresh. People love how filling it is and say it’s easy to eat on the go. Many call it their go-to order; some even split it in half and save the rest for later. That said, not everyone’s thrilled with the current version. Rumors say that the post-pandemic chicken bake isn’t as good as it used to be-it’s a bit drier now, and some think there’s less filling than before. Among everything at the food court Costco, the chicken bake stands out because it checks every box: it’s hot, filling, cheap, and you can eat it without a fork. The chicken bake is one of those Costco food court items that has a loyal following, so if you're a chicken bake lover, don't take this personally. I'd somehow never had a chicken bake before and I had high hopes, but when I actually sat down with it, the flaws were hard to ignore. The outer bread is golden, with a coating of baked-on cheese that gives it an appealing crunch and some savory depth. The filling is extremely heavy and the chicken pieces don't have much flavor on their own. Not to mention they're swimming in a mixture that feels overwhelmingly fatty. There isn't any acidity or brightness to cut through the rich filling, so every bite builds on the last until it feels like too much. The pastry itself is dense and a little stodgy, lacking the lightness that could have helped balance things out.
Calzone: This new Italian food court item was just spotted at Costco for the first time a few months ago. The calzone is the new kid on the block, and it's got something to prove. The exterior is appealing right away, with a golden crust and a layer of baked-on cheese that adds a bold crunch and that slightly burnt umami flavor of crunchy cheese. And the party keeps going inside with a hot, messy mixture of sausage, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, and plenty of cheese. The sausage brings smoky, savory notes, while the pepperoni adds a sharp, salty kick, and the black olive gives the filling just enough acidity to keep it from feeling one-dimensional. The cheese is creamy and plentiful, tying the ingredients together, though it does lean toward the processed side. It's hearty, it's filling, and it's very Costco. The very size of this calzone is intimidating, like a calzone made for Fred Flintstone.