The Costco Food Court Items We Miss Most (and Probably Always Will)
A few things soften the blow of bulk shopping, such as the promise of a food court treat at the end. Over the years, Costco has built a following for its limited but beloved lineup of affordable comfort foods. But over time, some longtime favorites disappeared, phased out in favor of streamlined options or shifting trends. And while a few have resurfaced in slightly altered forms, most haven’t returned at all.
These retired items left a bigger mark than expected.
Combo Pizza Lost Its Oven-Fresh Magic
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The combo pizza was Costco food court royalty, featuring sausage, pepperoni, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and a slightly greasy cardboard tray underneath. Discontinued during the pandemic, it resurfaced in 2024 as a take-and-bake item, but fans weren’t fooled. For most, it only counts if it’s hot and straight from the food court oven.
The Polish Dog Left a Hole in the Menu
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The Polish dog was juicier than the standard hot dog and had just enough bite. So when Costco axed it in 2018, people noticed—loudly. The company cited a desire to streamline the menu and focus on healthier options. Unfortunately, the critics weren’t buying it.
Churros Couldn’t Survive Their Redesign
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Before 2020, the churro was $1 of cinnamon-coated joy with a texture somewhere between crispy and chewy. Then it disappeared, only to come back chunkier and less satisfying. By 2024, it was officially gone again, quietly swapped out for a cookie. For many, that was the final betrayal in the battle for Costco dessert supremacy.
Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream Bars Were One of a Kind
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Long before plant-based protein bars took over carts, the hand-dipped vanilla ice cream bar stood its ground. It was drenched in chocolate and optionally rolled in almonds. But it couldn’t survive and vanished in 2013. This chocolate-dipped ice cream bar was just pure satisfaction.
Hot Turkey Sandwich Earned a Quiet Following
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This toasted sandwich didn’t make waves at first, but those who loved it really loved it. Affordable and filling, it was one of the few hot deli-style options on the menu. When it disappeared, many fans started replicating it at home.
Brisket Sandwich Left a Mess and a Legacy
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The BBQ brisket sandwich wasn’t offered at every location, but where it showed up, it made an impact. It also left employees with complaints about prep time and clean-up. Discontinued in 2018, it still pops up in nostalgic Reddit threads.
Calzones Were a Bargain Comfort Classic
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Sold in generous portions — two for $6.99 — Costco’s calzones were comfort food done right. They were hearty, reliable, and a solid fallback for anyone skipping pizza. Around 2015, they were discontinued, leaving regulars without their go-to comfort snack. Since then, nothing quite filled the very specific void of “affordable mall-calzone energy” in the menu.
Cinnamon Pretzels Made Shopping Bearable
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For a stretch of time, Costco’s food court sold oversized pretzels dusted in cinnamon sugar. These snacks provided a reason for some kids to agree to tag along on long warehouse trips. When churros replaced them, the switch felt personal to loyal fans, a few of whom still admit they never gave the churros a chance.
Acai Bowl Tried to Go Healthy, Then Vanished
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Costco rolled out the acai bowl in 2018 during its “healthier menu” push. At $4.99, it looked like a solid option, but the taste told a different story. More sugar than fruit, it left most people underwhelmed and didn’t last past the pandemic. Only a small group of fans still talk about it, usually with the tone of someone remembering a guilty pleasure.
Gelato Disappeared Without a Trace
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Three scoops for $1.50 in a waffle cone was a real deal. Gelato wasn’t available in all locations, but it managed to gain some loyal followers where it did appear. The discontinuation was sudden and never explained. Fans still reference it wistfully in online forums.
Carne Asada Bake Had Strong Opinions on Both Sides
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Replacing the turkey wrap in 2010, the carne asada bake was filling and divisive. Some disliked the texture of the meat or the warm guacamole, but others saw it as the most ambitious thing the food court ever attempted. By 2012, it was gone and has never returned in any form.
Roast Beef Sandwich Priced Itself Off the Menu
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In 2023, a $9.99 roast beef sandwich landed on the menu and was left less than a year later. It looked fine on paper: quality meat, decent roll, generous portions. But customers balked at the price. Some even thought that the taste didn’t close the deal.
Chicken Caesar Salad Returned With Less Impact
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Once a solid go-to, the original chicken Caesar salad vanished during the pandemic and came back different. Rotisserie chicken replaced strips, and the whole thing felt just a bit smaller. Some welcomed its return anyway, clinging to routine. Others quietly moved on, sensing that the salad they remembered wasn’t really coming back.
Cheeseburger Came and Went Quietly
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Costco’s attempt to branch out into burgers was brief and geographically limited. Featuring an organic beef patty and a low price, the cheeseburger had potential, but mixed reviews kept it from becoming a favorite. Some people loved it, others not so much. It quietly disappeared in 2020.
Canada’s Chicken Wings Are Gone, Not Forgotten
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In 2023, Costco Canada dropped its food court chicken wings, and the reaction was swift. Not just a snack, these wings had worked their way into parties and potlucks. Rumors pointed to rising poultry prices, but the decision stung. Some still check the menu hoping for their return, others just swapped in rotisserie chicken and tried to move on.