Costco’s food court is legendary for its affordable, tasty, and generously portioned meals. From pizza slices to hot dogs, chicken bakes to smoothies, these items are a staple for many shoppers. But how do these favorites stack up in terms of calories and nutrition?
This guide dives deep into the calorie content of Costco’s food court menu, helping you make informed choices.
Overview of Costco Food Court Popularity and Menu
Costco’s food court has been a beloved stop since 1985, known for its value and consistency. The menu includes:
- Pizza (Cheese, Pepperoni, Combo [discontinued])
- Hot Dogs (with and without buns)
- Chicken Bake
- Sandwiches (Italian Sausage, Roast Beef, BBQ Beef Brisket, Hot Turkey & Provolone)
- Salads (Chicken Caesar)
- Desserts (Churros, Sundaes, Ice Cream, Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie)
- Smoothies and Frozen Drinks (Berry Smoothie, Mango Smoothie, Mocha Freeze)
The menu has evolved, with some items removed (like the combo pizza and churro) and new items added (like the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie).
Detailed Calorie Breakdown of Key Menu Items
| Menu Item | Serving Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese Pizza (1 slice) | 269g | 710 | 27 | 1780 | 78 | 41 |
| Pepperoni Pizza (1 slice) | 243g | 650 | – | – | – | – |
| Chicken Bake | 353g | 770-840 | – | – | – | – |
| Hot Dog with Bun | 203g | 580 | 34.5 | 1620 | 42 | 23 |
| Hot Dog without Bun | 123g | 370 | – | 1250 | – | – |
| Italian Sausage Sandwich | 1 sandwich | 700 | – | – | – | – |
| Roast Beef Sandwich | 462g | 790 | – | – | – | – |
| Chicken Caesar Salad | 21 oz (approx 600g) | 670-710 | 38 | 1990 | 35 | 57 |
| Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie | 5.5 oz (156g) | 750 | 35 | 330 | 106 | 10 |
| Berry Smoothie | 454g | 290 | – | – | – | – |
| Mango Smoothie | 454g | 360 | – | – | – | – |
| Mocha Freeze | 1 order | 320-580 | – | – | – | – |
| Churro | 179g | 470-570 | – | – | – | – |
| Sundaes (Chocolate, Berry) | 326-369g | 650-690 | – | – | – | – |
Note: Calorie values vary slightly by source and serving size. Some items like chicken bake have reported calories ranging from 770 to 840 depending on preparation and portion size.
Top Calorie Items at Costco Food Court
- Chicken Bake: The highest calorie item, approximately 770-840 calories per serving, packed with protein but also high in fat and sodium.
- Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie: A newer addition with a whopping 750 calories, high sugar and fat content, making it a decadent treat.
- Roast Beef Sandwich: Around 790 calories, a hearty sandwich option.
- Cheese and Combo Pizza Slices: Around 700-760 calories each, very filling and high in sodium.
- Hot Dog with Bun: 580 calories, a classic and affordable meal but high in sodium and fat.
Lower-Calorie and Healthier Options
- Berry Smoothie: 290 calories, a fruit-based option with less fat and sugar than many desserts.
- Mango Smoothie: 360 calories, another fruity choice.
- Chicken Caesar Salad: Around 670 calories, with high protein and fiber, but watch the sodium and dressing.
- Non-fat Yogurts (Vanilla, Swirl, Chocolate): 410-450 calories, lighter dessert options.
Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories
- Sodium Content: Many items exceed 1,500 mg of sodium per serving, which is significant given the recommended daily limit of 2,300 mg for adults. For example, the hot dog with bun has 1,620 mg sodium, and the chicken Caesar salad nearly 2,000 mg.
- Fat and Saturated Fat: Items like the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie and chicken bake are high in saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation.
- Protein: The chicken bake, roast beef sandwich, and chicken Caesar salad provide high protein, beneficial for satiety and muscle maintenance.
Tips for Managing Calories at Costco Food Court
- Share Large Portions: Many servings are large enough to split between two people, reducing calorie intake per meal.
- Customize Orders: Ask for dressings on the side, skip cheese, or choose hot dog without bun to lower calories and sodium.
- Choose Water or Unsweetened Drinks: Avoid soda combos to reduce sugar and calorie intake.
- Balance Indulgence with Nutrition: Pair higher-calorie items with salads or fruit smoothies for a more balanced meal.
Comparing Costco Food Court to Other Fast Food
Costco’s food court items are often larger and sometimes higher in calories than typical fast food, but they also use quality ingredients like 100% beef hot dogs and real cheese. The value per calorie is high, and some items like the chicken bake can be a better alternative to other fast food in terms of fat and calorie content.
Seasonal and New Menu Items
Costco occasionally updates its menu with new items and seasonal offerings, such as the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie replacing the churro in late 2023, and new sandwiches or smoothies appearing and disappearing.
Note: Prices and menu items details may vary slightly by location
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Still searching for something? Visit our full Costco Food Court Menu for a comprehensive list.
- Costco Food Court Menu Overview
- Costco Food Court Nutrition & Allergen
- Short Descriptions & Reviews of Menu Items
- FAQ
- Is the Costco food court open to non-members?
- What are the most popular Costco food court items?
- Are there any gluten-free or vegetarian options in Costco Court?
- Is Costco court have $1.99 pizza?
- Are Costco food court menu items healthy?
- Can I customize my Costco food court order?
- What drinks are available at Costco food court?
- Is the food court open during all store hours?
- Do they accept credit cards at Costco food court?
- Are there secret menu items or hacks?
- Can I take food court items to go?
- Are there kid-friendly options in Costco food court?
- Fun Facts and History
- Costco Food Court vs Other Food Courts
- Customer Tips
- Conclusion
Final words
Costco Food Court offers a wide range of tasty, affordable options with calorie counts that vary widely. While many favorites are calorie-dense and high in sodium, there are also lighter choices like smoothies and salads. Being informed about calories and nutrition can help shoppers enjoy their Costco food court experience without compromising their health goals.
