Costco isn't just known for offering a shockingly wide array of products at unbeatable prices. The membership-only warehouse club is also a favorite shopping destination for all kinds of foods.
The infatuation among shoppers arguably began back in 1984. That year, the iconic hot dog and soda combo, which costs just $1.50, was first added to its food court menu, and it's been history ever since.
Today, people don't just frequent Costco; they're loyal fans of the store. So, when certain products disappear from shelves or the food court, outrage can ensue.
These are eight of the most popular foods that Costco has stopped selling, sparking a lot of upset.
Scroll to find out which popular Costco foods you can't find on shelves anymore!
1. Barbecue Beef Brisket Sandwich
Valeria Boltneva
The barbecue beef brisket sandwich is one past food court favorite that was sadly discontinued. It featured shredded brisket smothered in tangy barbecue sauce and topped with sweet coleslaw on a soft bun — similar to the sandwich pictured — for only $4.99.
While it was a hit with a decent amount of Costco members, there wasn't enough consistent demand to keep this sandwich on the menu. It also reportedly required more time and effort for employees to construct than other simpler options.
2. Kirkland American Cheese
Kirkland
You can no longer find Kirkland American cheese in Costco's deli section. This favorite for burgers and sandwiches was removed from stores in 2019, and it's unclear why.
However, some people speculate that the growing demand for other types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar and mozzarella, might've led Kirkland American cheese to become less of a priority. It seems like the above pictured American cheese slices are only available in Australia now.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Auntie Anne's
Costco's cinnamon sugar pretzel was warm, chewy, and popular among shoppers looking for a sweet pick-me-up. But you can't find it at the food court anymore.
The exact reasons for this treat's removal haven't been confirmed, either. Nonetheless, it's thought that cinnamon sugar pretzels got the boot due to a combination of low sales and Costco's shift toward offering healthier menu options.
If you're missing that Costco sweet treat, you can't go wrong with a cinnamon sugar pretzel from Auntie Anne's (pictured above)!
4. Kirkland Signature Turkey Burgers
Costco
Kirkland Signature turkey burgers were a convenient frozen food option packed with protein. In fact, each patty only had 200 calories yet carried 25 grams of protein.
Despite that, the turkey burgers were discontinued in 2018, and the reason remains a mystery. Some fans were so disappointed that they actually started a petition to get the product back in Costco freezers, but the store reportedly hasn't responded.
Instead, you can get a 32-pack of Rastelli’s Antibiotic-Free Turkey Craft Burgers (pictured above), if you're looking for a similar fix!
5. All American Chocolate Cake
Reddit/r/Costco
With multiple layers of rich chocolate cake that could easily feed a group of 20, this product was a go-to for countless shoppers. However, it was surprisingly pulled from shelves in 2020, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Costco's exact reasoning is still unclear. Thankfully, though, chocolate lovers can now find mini versions of this dessert being sold as cupcakes.
6. Kirkland Signature Light Beer
Reddit/r/Costco
This product was Costco's attempt to enter the beer market. Unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the mark.
Kirkland Signature Light Beer received harsh criticism, with people online saying it "stinks" and has a "rubber smell." So, regardless of the fact that it was sold at a low price of around $0.50 per can, the beer was ultimately discontinued in 2018.
7. Polish Hot Dog
Costco
Despite Costco's Polish hot dog having a dedicated fanbase, it wasn't large enough to sustain this food court item. Low sales pushed it to be taken off the menu back in 2018.
In the wake of its removal, Costco shared a statement detailing how the Polish hot dog was discontinued to make room for healthier options, like the all-beef hot dog.
8. Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream Bar
Costco
One final ghost of Costco's food court past is the chocolate-dipped ice cream bar. This dessert disappeared from the menu in 2013, but even a decade later, fans are still upset about it.
Sold for just $1.50, it featured vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate and rolled in toasted almonds. It's believed that the rising costs of dairy and almonds pushed Costco to take it off the menu, and it's unclear if this product will ever make a comeback.
If you're looking for something similar, I'd grab these Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars — and they come in a pack of 18!
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