Costco Shoppers Agree on Food Court's Most Overrated Menu Item
The Costco food court has long been a sanctuary for the budget-conscious traveler, but a recent wave of menu changes has sparked a heated debate over "value." While staples like the $1.50 hot dog remain, the introduction of a new "premium" dessert left some shoppers feeling cold.
According to a consensus from frequent flyers and critics at Mashed, the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie is officially the most overhyped and overrated item on the current menu.
Costco Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie Calories vs. Pizza
The first hurdle for many shoppers is the nutritional impact. At 750 calories, the cookie doesn't exactly classify as a snack. For context, that is roughly the same caloric count as a slice of Costco's cheese pizza.
Reviewers at Mashed point out that while the calorie count is high, the satisfaction often isn't. They argue the cookie misses the mark on texture, frequently arriving "overcooked" and dense, lacking the gooey, soft-centered experience that fans of "The Cookie" or other premium bakery brands expect.
Is the $2.49 Price Tag Worth the Hype?
The most significant point of contention is the cost. At $2.49, the cookie is a full dollar more expensive than the churro it replaced in early 2024. More importantly, it is significantly pricier than the store's signature $1.50 hot dog and soda combo.
However, a review from DailyWaffle suggests that the higher price is due to "premium" ingredients. Unlike the 24-pack of cookies found in the warehouse bakery section - which typically uses canola or palm oil -the food court version uses all butter and high-quality chocolate chunks. While tasty, the reviewer admitted it feels like a "two-person affair" due to its sheer size and sweetness.
Costco Cookie vs. Crumbl and Premium Rivals
When compared to the boutique cookie market, Costco's pricing looks like a bargain. Crumbl cookies typically retail for over $4.00, meaning Costco is offering a similar 750-calorie "experience" for nearly half the price.
Experts at The Takeout noted that the cookie is served warm under the food court's heat lamps, which helps keep the chocolate gooey, but warned that "getting through something this sweet can easily turn into a slog." For the average shopper, the question remains: is a single cookie worth more than a full lunch combo? For many, the answer is a resounding "no," making it a flop in an otherwise legendary food court lineup.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Food section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 3:30 AM.