Out of sight but not out of mind, these products live on in our memories.
For a Costco member, there’s no worse feeling than spotting the “death star” symbol on your favorite warehouse find. The tiny asterisk seems to come with a lot of anxiety while it’s giving you a hint to stock up while you still can. Sometimes it’s just temporary, but other times it’s forever gone.
Step into the vibrant aisles of Costco, where adventure awaits at every turn. Surrounded by shelves and bustling crowds, every product has its own story—stories that remained—so this about those products once gracefully enlightened the shelves only to disappear into the annals of Costco history.
Come along with us on a journey of nostalgia for discontinued treasures, where memories come alive along with cravings for lost flavors.
1. Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream Bars
Costco’s food court holds a special spot in our hearts. We already dealt with the absence of chocolate frozen yogurt, which left fans yearning for more. Among the missed traits are now the delightful chocolate-dipped ice cream bars that were generously sprinkled with toasted almonds, with a wallet-friendly price of $1.50 each.
Unfortunately, our scrumptious delights disappeared due to the changing times. A 2013 report shed light on the increasing cost of dairy products and almonds. The loss of these experiences leaves us with a bittersweet reminder of the fact that the flavors we love are influenced by the twists and turns of economic realities, leaving us with a taste of nostalgia.
2. COMBO PIZZA
One of the most significant losses felt in Costco’s food court was the beloved combo pizza. This happened in the wake of pandemic-era restrictions. Numerous petition drives have been held by loyal customers, and they managed to urge the reinstatement of the iconic menu item.
The petitions have been held with a lot of absolutely touching declarations from the fans: “It is a delectable combination of meaty goodness and vegetable crunchiness,” or more lamented ones: “What’s the alternative? Just pepperoni pizza? I need my vegetables to stay a healthy boy.”
Even with all the inquiries in 2021, the company didn’t do anything about the pizza status. Currently, the cherished combo remains absent, leaving many gourmands disappointed.
3. Polish Dogs
The decision to remove the Polish dog from its food court menu in 2018 was so hard that the company was put in a position to release an official statement on their website addressing the matter. The move was met with fervent opposition, despite the assertion that more patrons favored the all beef hot dog instead of the Polish variety.
Costco defended their decision by claiming they needed to prioritize healthier options and create space for them in the menu. The loyal customers of the Polish dog expressed, of course, their disappointment, making it clear that the savory snack had become a soul staple in their Costco dining experience.
4. Chocolate Soft-Serve
Once upon a time, you could have found both vanilla and chocolate soft-serve ice cream in Costco’s food court. It was the definition of a delightful swirl of both flavors. However, this is the only fairytale without a happy ending, as it suffered a change of essence with the introduction of the acai bowl to the menu.
Trying to accommodate the new item in U.S. warehouses, they needed to say goodbye to the chocolate soft-serve option, and the situation couldn’t be changed by the disappointed fans. Shifting the menu shows the commitment to diversifying the menu in order to cater to evolving tastes and dietary preferences. However, despite the fond memories of the beloved dish, the acai bowl marked a new chapter in Costco’s culinary journey.
5. Kirkland Signature Mini Peanut Butter Cups
The enthusiastic connoisseurs of the sweet delights passionately argue about having surpassed Reese’s standard. They highlight the flavor, the texture, and the perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate. However, as Costco discontinued them, shoppers needed to explore alternative options from various retailers, like Trader Joe’s.
There is a never-ending disappointment felt by those who loved the Kirkland version, as they are left with the task of finding a non-existent substitute.
6. Kirkland Signature Light Beer – A Costco Legend
Another legendary item Costco decided to discontinue is their in-house brand of light beer.
Costco’s beer found unexpected fame thanks to a tribute posted on YouTube by a die-hard fan, that went viral. The item might have been panned by most, and as a response to negative reviews, the company took the decision to stop production. This is probably a rare instance when the product is hardly missed by anyone.
The dedicated video shows a niche appreciation for the brew that failed to secure a spot in the market anyway. However, the discontinuation reflects Costco’s fast customer feedback and the will to maintain high-quality offers.
7. Kirkland Signature Dark Chocolate Chips
Kirkland Dark Chocolate Chips is another subject of lament for fans who are unable to find their perfect recipe for baking chocolate chips. Customers shared their opinions and appreciation for the item on Reddit, concluding that they were ideal for all types of cookies, pancakes, or muffins, not being too sweet and offering an incredible flavor—all this in a generous-sized bag.
They have been a staple for many home bakers, coming with a rich taste and flavor. Since then, shoppers have found it hard to find an alternative that satisfies all of their wants and needs. The absence of these chocolate chips continues to be a sore spot for Costco members who miss their value and quality.
By the way, if you’re looking for bake-at-home tools, this is where you can find them.
8. Turkey Burgers
Another petition? Well, remember the Kirkland Signature frozen turkey burgers? I think most of us do, but one passionate fan launched a Change.org petition to have them back. Despite the fact that they do have a new brand of turkey burgers, the feeling of nostalgia for the original version only grew.
Of course, Reddit comments stating that the new burgers don’t measure up didn’t stop flowing while raving about the superiority of the old ones and their clean taste. Apparently, they left a lasting void that the alternatives can’t fill. I don’t know what this is if it’s not a reflection of the discerning tastes of Costco’s customers.
9. Kirkland Signature Frozen Four-Cheese Ravioli
For more than a decade, fans have been petitioning on Costco’s Facebook page in a fervent manner for the revival of frozen pasta. Even if their pleas have gone unanswered, there are still recent commenters voicing the sentiments of the pasta-lovers collective.
The social media team confirmed that the ravioli would remain discontinued, but they managed to offer a glimpse of hope, assuring them that their interests were communicated to the appropriate channels.
This is a testament to the power of customers and their relentless quest for the flavors they hold dear. With each comment, a community becomes stronger, and any individual gains the feeling of being able to get their wish heard.
Although these treasures are short-lived, there is a fantastic camaraderie among fans and their endurance to get a return. This is quite a nice bond between Costco and its members.
If you like our article, here is one about Costco Membership: 5 Things That Will Pay for It in Discounts.
