Costco customers sound off on unexpected price hikes at food court: ‘Shrinkflation is evident’

Another day, another Costco controversy.

Shoppers at the wholesale retailer have once again noticed a change in price for certain items — this time, the sandwiches at the food court.

At some locations, the sandwiches have reportedly gone up in price from $3.99 to $6.99.

One shopper even claimed that the cost of multiple items has significantly increased compared to previous years.

On Reddit, someone claimed that at their local Costco, the chicken bake went up by $1.50, drinks went up $0.10, salads went up by $1, and the roast beef sandwich that was added to the menu just this year went from $9.99 to $10.99.

They also noted that the churro was missing from the menu, and when they asked about it, the employee said that “they removed it because of price and felt that since it was a staple item it was better to remove then raise the price significantly.” The churro was allegedly replaced by a $2.50 cookie and $4 flavored ice creams.

“Pizza is supposed to eventually go up if the new items don’t offset the costs,” the user continued. “Sad Day.”

Others added that it’s not just the food court items that are raising prices.

“The price of everything at Costco has gone up,” someone commented. “The prices of the Kirkland Lasagna has went from $9.99 in 2020 to $13.99 in 2024. The size of the lasagna has decreased by 25 percent, too. Inflation and shrinkflation is evident on other products, too.”

“I saw that paper plates were $22. I don’t remember what they used to cost but it wasn’t close to $22,” another chimed in.

Last month, eagle-eyed customers noticed that their new cookie flavor had fewer in the package than usual.

Food blogger @costcobuys shared a video on Instagram of Costco’s new brown butter sugar cookies, which includes 21 cookies for $7.99 — but fans were quick to note that their cookies used to be sold in packs of 24.

Another big change Costco made to its food court this year was replacing Pepsi products in its soda fountains with Coca-Cola beverages.

However, one thing fans don’t have to worry about is the beloved hot dog and drink combo. The wholesale store famously hasn’t changed the price since 1985.

That price isn’t likely to go up any time soon since it’s such an appeal to the brand, and the store makes a bulk of its profit from other areas, such as grocery sales and membership fees.

However, if the retailer did increase the price for inflation, that $1.50 hot dog and soda combo would cost you $4.55.