Costco members are voicing their dissatisfaction following recent price hikes on popular food court items and beyond.
These increases, coupled with a shift from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products and rising tariffs from President Trump, have added to consumer unease, Daily Mail reported.
Across various US locations, Costco members have reported noticeable increases in prices at the warehouse's food courts. This includes sandwiches, chicken bakes, salads, and beverages, affecting the affordability of these quick dining options.
For instance, chicken bakes have seen a price adjustment of $1.50, while the cost for beverages has risen by $0.10. Salads have not been spared, witnessing a $1.00 spike in price.
One particular change observed was the cost of a roast beef sandwich, which escalated from $9.99 to $10.99. These price changes impact the overall shopping experience for Costco members.
Amid these price hikes, Costco's staple—the hot dog and soda combo—remains priced at $1.50, serving as a small consolation for members facing increased costs elsewhere.
Additionally, membership fees have climbed for the first time in seven years, aligning with a broader trend of rising prices at Costco. These developments occurred simultaneously with President Trump's imposition of global tariffs this past fall, which have heightened concerns about a potential recession among consumers and investors alike.
Inflationary pressure affects more than just the food court. Shoppers have seen notable price increases on products like Kirkland Lasagna and paper plates, extending the inflationary trend across various product categories.
In an effort to refresh their food court menu, Costco introduced a strawberry banana smoothie, now a standard beverage offering at most U.S. locations since earlier this year. Nevertheless, this addition has done little to quell the dissatisfaction among members over the general uptrend in prices.
A contributing factor to this dissatisfaction is the replacement of Pepsi products with Coca-Cola in at least one significant location in California since March 7, 2025. This switch has been a subject of speculation and mixed feelings among consumers who prefer the former brand.
Reaction among Costco shoppers has varied, with some expressing intent to cease shopping at Costco. Comments such as "Bye-bye Costco," and concerns that even favorites like the iconic hot dog might next see a price increase illustrate a deeper frustration.
The community feedback extends online, with Reddit serving as a hotbed for consumer sentiment. Posts detailing specific price changes for items such as the Kirkland Lasagna, which not only increased in price from $9.99 in 2020 to $13.99 in 2024 but also decreased in size, have sparked discussions about 'shrinkflation.'
Another member pointed out the alarming new price of paper plates, "I saw that paper plates were $22. I don't remember what they used to cost, but it wasn't close to $22," capturing the surprise and discontent with the rising costs.
The sentiment that tariffs are beginning to impact pricing was echoed by another consumer who said, "Tariffs are having their effect already." This reflects broader economic pressures that retail consumers are starting to feel more acutely.
The breadth of discussions concerning Costco's recent changes underscores a critical juncture for the retailer as it adapts to macroeconomic forces and shifts in consumer preferences, all while trying to maintain its reputation for value and convenience.
As these discussions continue, Costco may need to balance its pricing strategy with maintaining the loyalty of its vast member base, particularly if economic conditions tighten further.
Ultimately, Costco's responses to these challenges and the adjustments they make in the coming months will likely be closely watched by consumers and industry analysts alike, signaling potential shifts in retail strategies amid uncertain economic times.
