Costco is more than a warehouse; it’s a community icon, merging value, variety, and convenience in one gigantic roof. Having lived in Seattle for years, I take local pride shopping here, with Costco having its origins in nearby Issaquah and its Kirkland brand named after a suburb. From patio sets to baby attire, books to mixing bowls, and innumerable food choices, Costco’s aisles are a treasure hunt. But retail is dynamic, and popular items periodically disappear without notice, making consumers long for the good old’ days. Let’s travel down memory lane to look back at 12 favourite Costco items no longer consistently offered, each a reminder that even a behemoth like Costco changes.
1. Croissant Sandwich Platter
The croissant sandwich platter was a party lifesaver. Ten. Butter croissants filled with turkey, ham, or roast beef were sliced into thirds and served alongside tubs of mustard and mayo. This dish is great for holiday parties or cookie swaps – it made entertaining effortless. For at least two years, though, it’s been missing from the platter lineup, replaced by less convenient options like pinwheel or deli platters that require extra bread purchases. Consumers from Ballard to Issaquah still long to see it back, a sign of Costco’s ability to make parties easy.
2. Kirkland Chocolate Chips
Every snacker and baker requires chocolate chips, and Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand had a loyal base, voted the best on Reddit. Discontinuing them, citing cocoa prices increasing more than 200% since 2023 as a result of climate problems, was devastating. Costco sells Nestle morsels now, but they do not bring the same enthusiasm. The fans, particularly mothers, greatly miss them, with fingers crossed to resume if prices normalize. For the moment, these chips are a poignant reminder of the quality of Costco.
3. Roast Beef Sandwich
Costco’s food court is legendary for cheap eats, but its menu does change frequently. The $9.99 roast beef sandwich, more expensive than the $1.50 hot dog, polarized shoppers. Many considered it dry, without sauce, and not worth the money. Its demise, mentioned in a Wisconsin Reddit thread, was welcomed by some who liked cheaper alternatives such as hot dogs. Succeeded by the $6.99 Turkey Swiss sandwich, it illustrated not every food court offering wins everyone over.
4. Churros
Churros infused state fair magic at Costco’s food court until 2024. These fried dough sticks coated in sugar, originally a dollar, were an after-shopping indulgence. They disappeared during the pandemic, coming back in 2021 with a wrapped shape and $1.49 price, but complaints about them being dry surfaced. In 2024, a $2.49 chocolate chip cookie took their place, and complaints ensued about the loss as well as the cookie itself. Despite rumours of lingering in some places, churros are mostly a memory.
5. Berry Smoothie
Berry smoothie was a revitalizing food court treasure, enjoyed for its fruity kick. Its elimination, verified by The Takeout and Reddit, saddened enthusiasts who regarded it as the ideal shopping buddy. A strawberry-banana variant replaced it, but it is less attractive. Although explanations for its disappearance perhaps ingredient prices or menu overhauls are unknown, its loss highlights how deeply Costco’s food court offerings are ingrained in consumers.
6. Kirkland Country French Bread
Costco’s bakery steals the show with quality, and the Kirkland Signature Country French Bread was a crusty favourite for dinner or sandwiches. Its unannounced disappearance, verified by a Reddit poster at a Costco bakery, had enthusiasts looking for a substitute. Most probably due to manufacturing or ingredient changes, its disappearance is indicative of Costco’s volatile product rotations. This bread, once a standard household item, is a pleasant memory for its enthusiasts, who enjoyed its artisanal twist.
7. Polish Hot Dog
The Polish hot dog, thicker and kielbasa-like cousin to Costco’s $1.50 hot dog, also had a cult following. Its 2018 elimination, cited on Costco’s customer service site as a decision to streamline the menu for healthier foods, irked fans. The all-beef hot dog sold more, but enthusiasts still miss its distinctive taste. Kirkland Polish sausages can be found in the aisles, and some Canadian stores are even said to still offer it, keeping the dream alive.
8. Combo Pizza
The 18-inch combo pizza that Costco offered, packed with pepperoni, sausage, olives, peppers, and mushrooms, was a food court favourite. Its discontinuation in 2020, most likely due to increased cost of ingredients, devastated fans who even went so far as to petition for its return. Though cheese and pepperoni pizzas are still available, whispers of a take-and-bake combo version bring joy. In the meantime, the pizza exists as a memory of Costco’s bountiful, inexpensive slices.
9. All American Chocolate Cake
The All American chocolate cake was a chocolate fan’s fantasy, a huge, fudgy cake serving 20 or more. It had deep sponge, brownie-textured frosting, and shaved chocolate, a party favourite. Sailed away in 2020, perhaps because of fewer gatherings during the pandemic, it gave rise to petitions for its revival. There are mini cupcake versions, but those can’t hold a candle to the majesty of the original, making fans remember its decadent grandeur.
10. Barbecue Beef Brisket Sandwich
The barbecue beef brisket sandwich, available at limited outlets, had tender brisket, zesty sauce, and coleslaw on a soft bun for $4.99. Though popular, it didn’t sell as much as anticipated and was phased out by spring 2020, perhaps to prioritize healthier or easier-to-prepare items. A Reddit staffer mentioned its extensive prep, which probably detracted from its profitability. Replaced by chili, it’s a lost treasure for those who enjoyed its bold flavors.
11. Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream Bar
The chocolate-coated ice cream bar, which has been extinct since 2013, was an easy yet ideal dessert: almond-coated, chocolate-coated ice cream for $1.50. Its hand-dipped, time-consuming method and increasing milk prices probably contributed to its demise. People still bitch online, some willing to shell out $5 for its resurrection. Simple enough to make at home, it’s one of Costco’s most dearly departed food court desserts.
12. Turkey Provolone Sandwich
The turkey provolone sandwich, a pandemic-time food court staple, consisted of oven-roasted turkey, provolone, basil, garlic aioli, onions, and tomatoes served on a torta roll. Its elimination, which could have been due to preparation expense too high or profitability too low, saddened enthusiasts who described it as the ultimate rainy-day meal. A new $6.99 Swiss and sun-dried tomato spread-topped turkey sandwich hit stores in 2024 but lacks the original’s magic.
Looking Back at Costco’s History
Costco’s shifting stock is a reflection of retail’s ebbs and flows, determined by costs, taste, and efficiency. Some, such as the roast beef sandwich, departed quietly, while others, such as the croissant platter or chocolate cake, departed leaving a void. All are a reflection of their time, from party favourites to snack bites. As Costco introduces new offerings, these discontinued favourites remind us to savor what’s on the shelves today and hope for a surprise comeback on our next visit.
