Costco Makes A Major Change to the Iconic Hot Dog Combo

Changes are coming to a Costco near you. At least, according to the online buzz. Shoppers can't stop talking about this shakeup, and it's something every fan of the Food Court needs to know about.

The warehouse club's legendary hot dog combo just got a modern makeover. But don't worry, the iconic $1.50 price tag isn't changing. And that means you can still save money at Costco on your favorite post-shopping treat.

So what's different about Costco's hot dog combo? Keep reading for details on the affordable updated option.

What is the Costco hot dog combo?

Whether you're a brand-new bargain-hunting warehouse club member or you've just never tried this classic mini feast, the Food Court combo is something shoppers rave about. The hot dog and 20-ounce soda one-price pairing started in the early 1980s. With over four decades of adoration, it's a staple that many customers absolutely need to get on every trip.

Has Costco ever changed the hot dog combo's price?

No, Costco has no current plans to increase the cost of the delicious duo. The warehouse club has made a point of keeping the legendary $1.50 price for this item on the Food Court menu. If you're wondering whether the iffy economy and inflation will affect this item's price, Costco's CEO, Ron Vachris, has something to say on the matter.

The head honcho recently appeared in an Instagram clip (on the warehouse club's page), enjoying the Food Court dog and answering one of the top customer questions, "Is the price of the hot dog going up?"

And what does Vachris have to say? The CEO looks into the camera, a hot dog in hand, and states definitively, "The hot dog price will not change as long as I'm around." Fingers crossed that the warehouse club doesn't shake up its corporate structure anytime soon.

Are Costco's hot dogs a good value?

Given the price has remained the same for the past four decades, the $1.50 hot dog combo is a pretty phenomenal value. In comparison, Sonic charges $3.29 just for an All-American Dog. Add on a medium soda, and you could pay $2.79 more.

What do shoppers think about Costco's hot dogs?

When asked to describe the dogs in one word, the company's CEO calls them "Amazing." Of course, Vachris isn't the only one who enjoys this menu item. Shoppers regularly take to Reddit and other social sites, praising the Food Court feast.

One Redditor joked, "I am pretty sure the membership agreement has fine print that states a member must consume a certain number of hot dogs per membership year or risk the membership being revoked." And another admitted her husband can't stop eating the combo, sarcastically asking other Redditors, "Is there a support group available?"

How is Costco's hot dog combo changing?

If the price isn't going up, what will change? According to shoppers, Costco is switching up the drink options. While a 20-ounce soda has historically been the only choice, now some local warehouse clubs also offer a bottle of Kirkland Signature water.

Reddit user Krimsonviper recently posted a photo of the self-service kiosk screen with two selections — "Hot dog and water" or "Hot dog and soda combo." Both options feature the retailer's low $1.50 price.

What do members think about the hot dog combo change?

The new deal may appeal to shoppers who want a healthier alternative to sugary soda. In response to the photo of the water add-on option, Redditor WayRevolutionary8454 mused, "Is this somewhere that has a sugar tax?" While Costco has not confirmed this reason as the rationale behind the change, it would make sense.

When it comes to whether members actually like the Food Court switch-up, Reddit user PugLove68 raved, "This is awesome, please every Costco do this," and Artisticsoul007 added, "I wish more Costcos did this. I'd rather have the bottled water than the soda for sure."

Can you get the new hot dog combo in every Costco club?

No, this deal isn't currently available in all Costco locations. Per social media posts, the retailer began quietly rolling out the change earlier in the year.

If your Costco doesn't have this option, we've got you covered with a workaround. Nab the $1.50 hot dog-soda combo and buy a case of water. A 40-count from Kirkland Signature costs $3.99. That equals just under $0.10 per bottle.

Bottom line

When it comes down to it, this change won't impact your wallet. So, don't panic. Even though you may hear about the "new" hot dog combo deal that's rolling out across the country, the price will stay the same. That means you can still fill your belly for $1.50. And as a bonus, now you have a healthier option that isn't filled with chemicals, sugar, or other additives.

Are you looking for more ways to save at Costco? Try one of our favorite smart shopping strategies: Use the best cash back credit cards to earn perks or points on eligible items. This makes it easy to put your haul to work and make money on bulk buys.