12 Costco Foods Fans Say Aren’t As Good As They Used To Be
Costco shoppers frequently have favorite foods, such as Kirkland Signature, that they claim tasted better “back in the day.” The way a product smells, tastes, or behaves in cooking can change over time due to changes in suppliers, recipes, cost pressures, size, packaging, or simply natural variation. This article examines 12 Costco items that many frequent shoppers claim have declined in quality. We’ll go over what people complain about, what might have changed, and what you could try to avoid disappointment for each.
1. Kirkland Signature Bacon
The bacon’s crispness, consistency between packs, and bacon-like scent used to win praise from many Costco customers. However, a lot of reviews and Reddit posts recently lament the “gamey” flavor, uneven fat content, and inconsistent texture (some strips are too thin, some are too soft). Cost-cutting measures may have resulted in thinner slices or more fat, or suppliers may have switched (different pigs, feed, curing, and smoke methods). If you’re picky, check the thickness of the strips and look for packs labeled “thick-cut,” or read through the most recent reviews from your neighborhood store.
2. Macaroni & Cheese (Packaged / Prepared)
One of the simple staples that Costco carries is this comfort classic, but many people claim that it has lost its flavor, become more bland, or changed in texture (becoming too stiff or watery). The amount of real cheese versus fillers, the cheese blend, or even the proportion of pasta to sauce can all have an impact on how satisfying the dish is. To improve the flavor of prepared or frozen cheese sauce, try making your own or adding spices or grated cheese to the store-bought version.
3. Rotisserie Chicken
Because it was inexpensive, juicy, flavorful, and dependable, this product once had a cult-like following. The chickens are smaller, less juicy, or have strange odors or “chemical” flavor notes, according to more customers. Changes in packing, rotisserie techniques, feed, or bird breed could be the cause. Check the weight and cooking time, or try ones from new batches if you can. Sometimes you can better control the flavor and texture by purchasing raw and roasting it at home.
4. Muffins (Bakery Section)
Large, moist, and flavorful, Costco bakery muffins used to come in a range of mix-and-match flavors. Newer muffins are smaller, drier, have different or less intense flavors, and you can no longer mix flavors in a pack, according to many customers. In many instances, the price per ounce has also gone up. Check weight labels, examine the texture, and if Costco’s version isn’t working for you, try smaller muffins from your local bakery.
5. French Bread from the Bakery
Many loyal customers have complained that Costco’s French bread is less aromatic, less fluffy, and doesn’t hold up as well when toasted or frozen. One accusation is that they now rely on frozen dough or partially prepared bread instead of making more of it fresh. Crust, chew, and flavor can also be impacted by modifications to the yeast, flour, or baking technique. If purchasing, allow it to cool completely before freezing; toast it to revitalize the crust; or combine it with fresh baked goods elsewhere for variation.
6. Kirkland Organic Roasted Seaweed Snack
his used to be regarded as a high-end snack because it was thin, crisp, flavorful, and substantial in size. However, more recent packs are said to be thinner, smaller, and occasionally less crisp. They may also come from different suppliers, which alters the texture and flavor. Certain alterations may be imperceptible on packaging but evident when consumed. If you enjoy this type of snack, you might have a better experience if you purchase small sample packs or try competing seaweed brands.
7. Orange Juice (Kirkland Signature)
Customers complain that the large bottle of Kirkland orange juice doesn’t taste as consistent as it used to—it can be more acidic at times, have a weaker orange flavor at other times, and have a different aftertaste. Alterations in sourcing (different orange varieties, ripeness at harvest), storage/transport variations, or even updates in concentration or pasteurization process could be the cause of these changes. Try purchasing smaller bottles, freshly squeezed varieties, or ones with higher “from concentrate” vs. “not from concentrate” specs if taste is important to you.
8. Popcorn (Kirkland Signature)
In large bulk packs, the popcorn used to pop easily, be crunchy, and taste great. Burned kernels, an oily texture, a large number of unpopped kernels, or uneven flavor are now complaints. For popcorn enthusiasts, think about switching up the heating method (lower temperature for longer duration), trying out different brands, or purchasing smaller quantities to check the quality before settling on a big bulk pack.
9. Ice Cream Bars
In the past, Kirkland’s ice cream bars—vanilla, chocolate shell, almonds, etc.—were rich and creamy. Some customers now believe that bars have less of a wow factor, are less creamy, more icy, and have a thinner or crisper chocolate shell texture. Modifications might include lowering the cost of ingredients (less fat, more air, and less chocolate per bar), or altering the texture due to storage and freeze-thaw cycles. If at all possible, purchase them early in the day when the stock is fresh; to prevent iciness, allow them to soften slightly before eating.
10. Prepared Potato Salad
The large tubs of potato salad don’t taste the same, which is a common grievance. Some claim that the potatoes are mushy or softer, the dressing is too thin, and there is less texture. These issues may be brought on by modifications to the recipe (less fat or seasoning), changes to the ingredients (freshness, type of potato), or simply longer transit or storage. Try smaller containers if you prefer any version, and if you’re making it at home, carefully drain or cook the potatoes.
11. Prepared Sandwiches & Wraps
Convenience is the goal of prepared food counters. However, many customers claim that Costco’s ready-to-eat sandwiches and wraps (such as spinach wraps, turkey and cheese croissants, etc.) used to be fresher, more flavorful, and of higher quality in terms of bread, fillings, and moisture. They now claim that they can be soggy, bland, or a display of shortcuts—less filling, less high-quality bread. If you purchase these, check the ingredients, texture, and scent; eat them right away; or, if you prefer more control, think about making your own wraps.
12. Mixed Nuts (Extra Fancy)
The “Extra Fancy Mixed Nuts” from Costco are marketed as a premium snack that is opulent, full of variety, big nuts, and crisp flavor. However, recent posts claim that there is more “dust” or broken pieces in the bag, some nuts are smaller than before, and some—particularly macadamia nuts—are stale or even rancid. These modifications may result from the batch’s age, sourcing, or packing. If purchasing, check for an even mix, smell before purchasing, and possibly store them properly (cool, airtight) to maintain freshness.
