15 Things To Know Before Buying Costco Hot Dogs
A wise person on the internet once said, “Being an adult is spending $500 at Costco because you were craving a $1.50 hot dog.” That would be a reference to the famous $1.50 hot dog and a soda combo at Costco, a deal that puzzles as many people as it delights.
This stalwart part of the Costco shopping experience is not to be missed, but before you drop $501.50, here are 15 things to know before buying that Costco hot dog!
1. Costco Hot Dogs Are Older Than Some Of Your Coworkers
So, the Costco hot dogs aren’t 30 years old. However, the deal has been around since 1985, meaning it’s lasted longer than most college students have been alive.
Costco opened its doors in 1983, and the hot dog-and-a-soda deal began two years later.
According to Eat This, Not That, the deal started as a hot dog stand/Costco collaboration. Hebrew National ran the stand, which sat outside a store in San Diego.
It must have worked so well that the founders decided to formalize the endcap experience to shoppers’ visits and make it part of a food court.
Also, Hebrew National ended up gifting the hot dog cart to Costco.
2. Costco Hot Dogs Are Still The Same Price As In 1985
When Costco started offering its hot dog combo deal, it set the low price at $1.50.
Over 30 years later, that price hasn’t budged! You can still end your Costco shopping trip with a sizable hot dog and a refreshing Pepsi drink for just $1.50.
Moreover, the price for that deal has become iconic, a memorable part of the Costco brand. It’s what many people think of, hungrily, no doubt when they consider making a Costco run.
3. The Founder Hated The Idea Of Raising The Price Of Costco Hot Dogs
Did you know Costco CEO Craig Jelinek considered raising the combo price in 2018? He wanted to adjust the price to bring in more money.
Jelinek was talking it over with one of the founders, Jim Sinegal, and he made his opinions known in the most direct way possible.
“If you raise the price of the hot dog, I will kill you,” Sinegal told Jelinek. As you can see, raising the price was unacceptable to him.
4. You Get ¼ Pound Of Meat With A Hot Dog
A quarter-pound of meat is quite a bit when considering that many burgers contain that much.
So, while the Costco hot dog might not be exactly a foot long, as one fan suggested, it’s certainly bigger than your average ballpark frank (for a fraction of the price!).
Mashed calls it “a hot dog that eats more like a meal.”
5. If Costco Hot Dogs Makes You Thirsty, You’re In Luck
The hot dog combo includes a cheap dog, a 20-ounce soft drink, and—even better—unlimited refills!
If you don’t like Pepsi, you’re out of luck because Costco carries that brand at its fountains.
When Coca-Cola raised its prices in 2013, it would have meant raising the price of the combo.
So, instead, Costco simply switched beverage vendors.
6. The Hot Dogs Get A Nice Bath First
There are a few methods for preparing quick-serve hot dogs (like countertop roller grills), but Costco uses a hot bath and a steam.
The hot dogs go in a bath of 180-degree water to bring the meat temperature to 160 degrees. Then, the hot dogs get steamed in the bun.
7. The Toppings On Costco Hot Dogs Are Free!
You won’t be ordering your Costco hot dogs with toppings; instead, you put them on after you get your order.
While that means slightly more work for you, the modest price of the deal includes unlimited toppings.
Additionally, according to some sources, if you ask nicely at the counter, you can get a side of chopped onions or sauerkraut to dress up your dog!
8. Costco Hot Dogs Used To Be Hebrew National
As I recounted above, selling hot dogs to hungry customers who have just checked out began when a Hebrew National set up shop outside a San Diego Costco.
Then, when Costco began formally selling them as part of its food court, it stuck with the Hebrew National brand for quite a while.
But in 2009, Costco switched it up. Costco built its factories to produce hot dogs (under the Kirkland brand) and began selling them as part of its in-store hot dog deal.
9. The Costco Hot Dogs Are Unexpectedly Delicious
Many people enjoy foods for the nostalgia, despite how sad they might taste.
But Costco hot dogs are not for them. Instead, people genuinely enjoy these cheapie dogs, citing their “smoky flavor” and pleasing texture.
At Business Insider, one writer commented, “The dog is unexpectedly flavorful,” and remarked that the satisfying “snap” is present with every bite.
10. The Costco Hot Dog Deal Loses The Company Money
You read that correctly: Costco makes no money on the hot dog deal. Rather, it’s a loss it takes, and willingly.
However, 30+ years after introducing the combo, $1.50 for a hot dog and soda has become one of the defining characteristics of visiting a Costco.
11. Despite That, The Costco Hot Dog Is Likely Forever
If Costco is reluctant to raise the price of its hot dog deal, do you think the company would ever consider eliminating it altogether?
The answer is no, at least not in the foreseeable future.
Although it’s unknown what would have to occur for Costco to nix the combo, as the fifth-largest retailer globally, Costco can continue to absorb the financial loss.
12. Costco Hot Dogs Aren’t The Healthiest Choice
Hopefully, you didn’t expect Costco’s budget deal to be nutritious.
A Costco dog can add 500-700 calories and 32 grams of fat to your day (plus 1,500 mg of sodium).
So, like a $500 Costco visit, the hot dogs are a splurge.
13. Cheaper Doesn’t Mean Lower Quality
Despite the less-than-nutritious calorie count and the super-low price point, people rave about the taste of Costco’s hot dogs because they’re made with quality ingredients.
Since Costco manufactures its hot dogs, it gets all the say in what goes in. Further, Costco’s opted for a 100% beef recipe with no by-products, corn syrup, or fillers.
14. Even Non-Members Can Get In On The Costco Hot Dog Action
Most Costco food courts are located within stores, and entry is only through a membership.
But, some Costco food courts are outside, which means they’re accessible to the general public.
So, even if you don’t have a membership, you are more than welcome to stop by and grab a hot dog combo if you have an outdoor Costco food court in your area.
15. You Can Buy Similar Costco Hot Dogs In-Store
While Costco doesn’t sell its food court hot dogs in stores, it has a comparable product: the Kirkland Signature Beef Hot Dogs.
Like the food court iteration, they’re 100% beef, with no nasty fillers or by-products.
Also, these are bun-sized, so at 24 ounces per package and 12 dogs, they’re only two ounces (compared to the food court’s 4+ ounces).
Ian Colbeck is a writer for Costco Food Database. Born in Seattle and living in Salt Lake City. Ian enjoys everything outdoors.