Costco is reportedly getting rid of one of its most maligned food court items — replacing it with something just as bad, customers say.
When Costco discontinued the fan-favorite combo pizza at the food court, it was replaced with a combo calzone, which was met with disappointment from shoppers.
Now, the warehouse giant is listening to the complaints — but replacing them with something else entirely rather than bringing back the combo pizza.
It appears Costco is replacing the combo calzone with chicken strips, and the new menu item has already started to pop up at warehouses in the Chicago area.
The chicken strips cost $6.99 and include five baked chicken tenders with a honey mustard-style dipping sauce that The Takeout compared to Chick-fil-A sauce.
Each order contains a whipping 1,640 calories for just five chicken strips. For comparison, Chick-fil-A’s 10-piece Chick-n-Strips order is 1,020 calories total.
While some members are interested in the new item, others are bashing the calorie count and the value.
“No way they’re 1640 calories if they’re baked. What are they made of?” someone questioned, as another echoed, “Apparently, they’re baked, not fried. What the eff is in that batter? “
“1640 calories?? That’s the amount of calories a person should consume in a whole day,” another noted.
“Costco food courts overseas get adult food like sushi and rice bowls and we just get more ultra-processed kids food,” one person wrote.
“Just strips on their own? Should have fries or a side,” a user commented.
“The calzone was not good I’m glad they are switching it out,” a happy member said.
“7 dollars. Yeah they won’t be on the menu long,” someone wrote.
One Reddit user pointed out that Costco warehouses in Canada sell four chicken strips and fries for $6.99 CAD, which is $5.10 USD, meaning in the US you’re getting one extra tender instead of fries and still paying nearly $2 more.
“And they actually have fryers in Canada,” a user wrote. “The food is so much better.”
Fans were also begging for the original menu item that was taken away.
“BRING BACK THE COMBO PIZZA,” another exclaimed.
Meanwhile, those who have already tried the chicken strips are giving mixed reviews.
“I got them today. They’re huge. Really good,” a Reddit user shared.
“Overrated. Too salty and too much breading,” someone said on Instagram.
“They’re nothing special. Wouldn’t recommend. Long live the chicken bake,” another wrote.
Dennis Lee of The Takeout emphasized how salty they were, writing, “I was only able to eat one strip before my instincts told me eating any more was a bad idea for my health.”
“As it stands, these things are way too salty, in my opinion,” he concluded. “For now, I think they need a recipe adjustment before rolling out nationwide.”
A nationwide rollout of the chicken strips is expected, since they’re already available in the Chicago area.
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