Craving a churro after you save money shopping on your next Costco run? While the $1.50 hot dog and drink combo remains, those sugary treats are no longer on the food court menu.
But, fear not. Here are some alternative options to satisfy your craving, including where to find the same brand Costco used to offer.
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J&J Snack Service
Head right to the brand for your best access to the Tio Pepe churro. The company is a wholesaler, so you may have to have an “in” with someone in the restaurant industry or with a business license to help you make a purchase.
If that’s an option, the good news is you can buy the minis in cases up to 200 pieces or the traditional version in a 100-count case.
Gordon Food Service
Some Gordon Food Service (formerly known as GFS) stores also sell the same brand. If there's a location nearby, you can pick them up today (make sure you check the company’s website to see if your location carries them).
They are the same brand, sold in 25-count packages for around $12.
Kroger
Stop into your local Kroger to find out if they stock Tio Pepe’s. Some carry a box of 100 of the regular-sized churros, perfect for munching on at home.
They can be a bit more expensive, at $130 for a case, but they will ship to you. That’s just $1.30 per tasty treat.
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Amazon
If you don’t want to leave the house, check out Amazon. You can buy directly from the J & J Snack Food brands on Amazon.
The good news is that this is the Costco churro you love. The bad news is that it can be expensive, with a 100-piece case costing around $120. They also ship frozen, which can prove to be challenging in some areas.
Walmart
While Walmart doesn’t stock these products in-store, you may find them available on its marketplace, sold by J&J Snack.
Costs vary based on demand but expect to spend around the same as you would on Amazon. When we checked, a 200-count version of the mini churros was selling for about $130.
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Sam's Club
It may be time to switch to a new wholesale warehouse membership to get your Tio Pepe’s Churros. Sam’s Club (in some areas) carries them.
Far more affordable and sold in a package that will fit into your freezer, Sam’s Club is a logical choice for those with a membership.
HRS.com
HotelRestaurantSupply.com is another resource for those desperately searching for their favorite treat. If you’re hoping to open a churro pop-up shop locally, this is the go-to place to find everything you need.
You may be able to save money on your purchase if you buy $500 or more. A case of 100 10-inch Tio Pepes is about $103.
Smart & Final
Your favorite churros can be delivered right to your door for those with a Smart & Final store nearby or who are willing to have them shipped.
There’s even a discount when you buy more than one 100-count package at a time. They sell the king-size version for about $70 when it is not on sale.
Instacart
If you're not sure you can find your favorite treat locally, check Instacart. You can find out which retailers near you have them in stock and then have an Instacart driver pick them up for you.
That's an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth craving without leaving home. However, keep in mind that availability depends on your location.
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Go with an alternative
If you can't find Tio Pepes, there are alternative versions that might trick your tastebuds. Sabor Nuestro offers a similar product on Amazon, for example.
Another option is to purchase a kit to learn how to make them yourself. The Global Grub DIY Churro Kit is a solid choice. Once you get the supplies, you can replenish them over time without purchasing another kit.
Bottom line
There’s just something about that Costco churro that makes it special — it was definitely one of the best Costco membership perks.
The good news is if you’re headed to Disneyland in California or Disney World in Florida, you’re in luck — they sell the same brand, fresh, hot, and ready to satisfy your craving.
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