Costco’s Famous Food Court
Costco’s food court is so famous because it offers a wide variety of delicious menu choices, all of which are far more affordable than any fast food restaurant in the country.
Source: Reddit
For just $1.50, Costco members can get a jumbo hot dog and a fountain soda, which is almost unbelievable in today’s economic climate. They can also purchase a fruit smoothie for just $2.99, a vanilla ice cream sundae for $2.50, and the perfect chicken bake for $3.99.
Only Costco Members Can Enjoy the Food Court
With inflation as it is, Costco cannot possibly make money on these sales. However, the company has a business model that ensures it doesn’t lose money with its ridiculously low prices.
Source: iStock
Costco only allows customers with an annual membership to eat at the food court, and those members pay $130 every year. While $130 may not seem like a lot, Costco has over 132 million members, so it’s safe to say the company is making enough money to sell a hot dog for just $1.50.
Costco’s Coffee Mocha Freeze
In addition to these many beloved menu items, most Costco members also adore the company’s Cold Brew Mocha Freeze.
Source: Reddit
Like a Starbucks Frappuccino, the mocha freeze is a frozen coffee with milk and chocolate, and it’s dangerously delicious. However, Costco’s version is only $2.99 compared to Starbucks’, which is between $3.75 and $5.25.
The Secret Costco Menu Item
Of course, not everyone likes chocolate in their coffee, and members have been long disappointed that the Costco food court doesn’t offer a non-mocha freeze.
Source: Reddit
But it turns out you can just order a Cold Brew Latte Freeze without the chocolate, although it’s only available on the electronic kiosks at some locations.
The Mystery Behind Costco’s Cold Brew Freezes
The secret Cold Brew Latte Freeze is definitely a fan favorite for those in the know. But what’s even more interesting about this delectable treat is that no one knows how much caffeine it actually contains.
Source: Shutterstock
Costco provides very little information in the Cold Brew Mocha Freeze description. The company only notes that it’s made with Kirkland Signature coffee beans, so one can assume the Cold Brew Latte Freeze is made in the same way, but no one knows just how much coffee is in either one.
None of Costco’s Coffee Drinks Include Caffeine Information
In fact, none of Costco’s food court coffee drinks specify how much caffeine is in them. According to Healthline, a medium to large cup of coffee contains anywhere between 145 and 180 milligrams of caffeine.
Source: @Costco Bear/Facebook
But while one could assume Costco’s coffee drinks have about the same amount, for those who need or want to watch their caffeine intake are hesitant to simply estimate what’s inside.
Costco’s Cold Brew Freezes Are Full of Sugar
Even though no one really knows how much caffeine is in these drinks, Costco has shared the various other nutritional facts one might need to know.
Source: iStock
The Cold Brew Mocha Freeze contains 580 calories, eight grams of fat, 160 milligrams of sodium, 116 grams of carbohydrates, and 111 grams of sugar. In contrast, the Cold Brew Latte Freeze contains 470 calories, six grams of fat, 140 milligrams of sodium, 96 grams of sugar, and 90 grams of carbohydrates.
Costco Members Weigh In on the Cold Brew Latte Freeze
Many Costco customers have weighed in on the mysterious secret menu item, the Cold Brew Latte Freeze, saying it’s absolutely amazing.
Source: iStock
One Reddit user wrote, “Better than a Frappuccino,” and another said, “[The] Latte Freeze is my go-to food court item every Costco trip!”
Some Customers Say the Freezes Used to Be Better
However, there are also many Costco members who don’t enjoy either the Cold Brew Mocha Freeze or the secret Latte Freeze. One wrote on Reddit that they are the “current worst food court item[s].”
Source: Freepik
Although most responses still favored the freezes, one wrote, “Not too much of a fan of it. It tastes like a White Russian.” Another said, “I loved and was addicted to the previous version of this. Then, they changed it up (for the worse).”
Going to Costco? Try a Cold Brew Latte Freeze
There will always be a few bad reviews, but overall, the secret Cold Brew Latte Freeze is a big hit among members.
Source: Reddit
So, unless you track your caffeine intake, you may want to try one next time you visit the wholesale retailer. You never know how long they’ll be available or when the price will jump up.
Costco Food Court Prices Can’t Stay the Same Forever
Speaking of prices, many people wonder just how long Costco will be able to sell its food court menu items for less than any other fast food restaurant. Although some products have slowly increased in price, others, like the hot dog, have stayed the same for decades.
Source: Reddit
Although the company hasn’t commented on all its prices, former Costco CEO Richard Galanti told the world earlier this year that the hot dog will stay at $1.50, possibly “forever.”