Costco’s food court is a beloved stop for shoppers seeking affordable and satisfying meals after navigating the warehouse aisles. While famous for its budget-friendly prices and generous portions, understanding the nutritional content of Costco food court items is crucial for making informed dietary choices. This guide breaks down the nutrition facts for the current Costco food court menu in 2024, helping you navigate your options with clarity.
Pizza
Nutrition: Cheese Pizza (Per 1 Slice) Calories: 710 Fat: 27 g (Saturated Fat: 14 g, Trans Fat: 1 g) Sodium: 1,780 mg Carbs: 78 g carbs (Fiber: 9 g, Sugar: 5 g) Protein: 41 g
Costco’s pizza is a food court staple, known for its large size and low price. A single slice of cheese pizza packs a significant calorie punch at 710 calories. It’s also high in fat, particularly saturated fat, and sodium. While it offers a substantial 41 grams of protein, the high sodium and fat content should be considered, especially if you are watching your intake of these nutrients. Choosing pepperoni pizza will likely add slightly more calories and fat.
Hot Dog
Nutrition: Hot Dog w/Bun (Per 1 Order) Calories: 580 Fat: 34.5 g (Saturated Fat: 12.5 g, Trans Fat: 1 g) Sodium: 1,620 mg Carbs: 42 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 7 g) Protein: 23 g
The iconic Costco hot dog combo, a deal at $1.50 including a drink, is another popular choice. Nutritionally, it contains 580 calories and is high in fat and sodium. With 34.5 grams of fat and 1,620 mg of sodium, this meal contributes significantly to your daily recommended intake. While it provides 23 grams of protein, it’s important to be mindful of the overall fat and sodium content, especially if consumed frequently. Toppings like ketchup, mustard, and relish will add minimal calories, but diced onions can add a touch of fiber and flavor without significantly altering the nutritional profile.
Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie
Nutrition: (Per 1 Cookie) Calories: 750 Fat: 35 g (Saturated Fat: 20 g) Sodium: 330 mg Carbs: 106 g (Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 65 g) Protein: 10 g
For those with a sweet tooth, the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie is a massive indulgence. At 750 calories per cookie, it’s a high-calorie treat. It’s also very high in sugar, with 65 grams per cookie, and contains a significant amount of fat, especially saturated fat. While it might be tempting, this cookie is best considered an occasional treat due to its high sugar, fat, and calorie content.
Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad
Nutrition: (Per 1 Order) Calories: 710 Fat: 38 g (Saturated Fat: 11 g, Trans Fat: 0.5 g) Sodium: 1,990 mg Carbs: 35 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 11 g) Protein: 57 g
The Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad is often perceived as a healthier option at the Costco food court. However, it still contains 710 calories and is surprisingly high in fat and sodium. While it boasts a substantial 57 grams of protein, the 38 grams of fat and nearly 2000 mg of sodium are considerable. The creamy Caesar dressing is a major contributor to the fat and calorie content. To make it a slightly healthier choice, consider using less dressing or asking for dressing on the side.
Chicken Bake
Nutrition: (Per 1 Order) Calories: 840 Fat: 32 g (Saturated Fat: 11 g) Sodium: 2,650 mg Carbs: 83 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 2 g) Protein: 52 g
The Chicken Bake is another long-standing favorite, but it’s one of the more calorie-dense items on the menu with 840 calories. It is very high in sodium, containing a whopping 2,650 mg per bake. While it offers a good amount of protein (52 grams), the high sodium and carbohydrate content, along with a significant amount of fat, make it a less nutritionally balanced choice.
Chicken Bacon Sandwich
Nutrition: (Per 1 Sandwich) Calories: 920 Fat: 45 g (Saturated Fat: 16 g) Sodium: 2,490 mg Carbs: 79g (Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 18 g) Protein: 50 g
The Chicken Bacon Sandwich is among the highest calorie options at the Costco food court, with 920 calories per sandwich. It is also the highest in fat with 45 grams, and very high in sodium. While it provides a substantial 50 grams of protein, the high fat and sodium content, along with a notable amount of sugar, make it a less healthy choice overall.
Ice Cream
Nutrition: Berry Sundae w/Vanilla Ice Cream (Per 1 Order) Calories: 650 Fat: 30 g (Saturated Fat: 19 g, Trans Fat: 1.5 g) Sodium: 190 mg Carbs: 86 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 77 g) Protein: 10 g
Costco’s ice cream options, including vanilla and chocolate soft serve, are popular desserts. A Berry Sundae with Vanilla Ice Cream contains 650 calories and is high in sugar, with 77 grams. It also has a significant amount of fat, particularly saturated fat. The plain vanilla or chocolate ice cream cones, at around 550-570 calories, are slightly less calorie-dense but still sugary treats.
Fruit Smoothie
Nutrition: Fruit Smoothie (Per 16-oz. Serving) Calories: 230 Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g) Sodium: 200 mg Carbs: 54 g (Fiber: 6 g, Sugar: 46 g) Protein: 2 g
The Fruit Smoothie stands out as one of the lower-calorie and lower-fat options at the Costco food court. At 230 calories and 0 grams of fat, it seems like a healthier choice compared to other items. However, it’s still relatively high in sugar, with 46 grams, although these are natural sugars from fruit. It does provide 6 grams of fiber, which is beneficial. While better than many other options, portion control is still important due to the sugar content.
Cold Brew Mocha Freeze
Nutrition: Cold Brew Mocha Freeze (Per 16-oz. Serving) Calories: 580 Fat: 8 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g) Sodium: 160 mg Carbs: 116 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 111 g) Protein: 12 g
The Cold Brew Mocha Freeze is a caffeinated and sugary beverage. It contains 580 calories and a very high amount of sugar, with 111 grams per serving. While it has a moderate amount of fat and some protein, the extremely high sugar content makes it more of a dessert than a beverage. The Cold Brew Latte Freeze, without chocolate, is slightly lower in calories and sugar, but still a sugary drink.
Soft Drinks
Nutrition: Pepsi (Per 20-oz. Serving) Calories: 260 Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g) Sodium: 50 mg Carbs: 64 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 64 g) Protein: 0 g
Soft drinks at Costco are very affordable and offer free refills. However, nutritionally, they provide empty calories and are high in sugar. A 20-ounce serving of Pepsi contains 260 calories and 64 grams of sugar with no nutritional benefit. Diet options are calorie-free but may contain artificial sweeteners. Water is always the healthiest and calorie-free beverage choice.
Making Informed Choices at the Costco Food Court
While the Costco food court offers budget-friendly meals, many items are high in calories, fat, sodium, and sugar. Being aware of the nutritional content allows you to make more informed decisions.
Tips for Healthier Choices:
- Opt for the Fruit Smoothie: It’s one of the lower-calorie and lower-fat options, though still mindful of sugar content.
- Choose Pizza and Hot Dogs in Moderation: Enjoy them as occasional treats due to their high fat and sodium content. Consider sharing pizza slices.
- Be Mindful of Dressings: Caesar salad can be high in fat and sodium due to dressing. Use dressing sparingly or on the side.
- Limit Sugary Drinks: Choose water or diet soda instead of regular soft drinks or sugary freezes to reduce calorie and sugar intake.
- Consider Portion Sizes: Many Costco food court items are large. Consider sharing with someone or only eating part of the meal.
By understanding the Costco Food Court Nutrition facts, you can enjoy your food court experience while making choices that align with your dietary goals. Enjoy your next Costco trip!
