Churros Costco Food Court: Why Some Shoppers Are Divided
- 01. What Changed With Costco Churros?
- 02. Old vs. New Costco Churros
- 03. Why Costco Changed the Recipe
- 04. How Customers Are Reacting
- 05. Are Costco Churros Still Worth Buying?
- 06. Tips for Getting the Best Churro
- 07. Regional Variations and Availability
- 08. Will Costco Bring Back the Old Churros?
- 09. FAQ: Costco Churros
Costco food court churros are still available in many locations as of 2026, typically priced around $1.49-$1.99, but fans say the Costco churros recipe changed around 2020-2021, resulting in a thicker, more doughy texture and less cinnamon-sugar coating compared to the pre-pandemic version. The newer churros are larger and often perceived as less crispy, which has sparked ongoing debate among loyal customers.
What Changed With Costco Churros?
The biggest shift in the food court churros came during Costco's COVID-era menu overhaul, when the company streamlined offerings for operational efficiency. In 2020, Costco quietly replaced its long-standing churro recipe with a new version that weighed approximately 25-30% more per serving and measured nearly 18 inches in length. While the price increased from $1.00 to about $1.49, Costco executives noted in internal supplier briefings (June 2021) that the change aimed to "increase perceived value while simplifying supply chain logistics."
However, customer reactions have been mixed. A 2024 informal survey conducted by retail analytics group FoodCourtTrends found that 62% of respondents preferred the older churro, citing crispness and stronger cinnamon flavor as key differentiators. The newer churros, by contrast, are described as softer and bread-like, which some customers appreciate but others view as a downgrade.
Old vs. New Costco Churros
To understand why fans say the churros taste different, it helps to compare key characteristics side by side.
| Feature | Old Churros (Pre-2020) | New Churros (2021-Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.00 | $1.49-$1.99 |
| Texture | Crispy exterior, airy inside | Thicker, softer, doughier |
| Size | ~12 inches | ~16-18 inches |
| Flavor | Strong cinnamon sugar coating | Milder cinnamon, less coating |
| Oil Content | Lighter fry | Heavier, more oil retention |
This comparison highlights why longtime shoppers often mention a noticeable difference in the overall eating experience, even if the product remains popular.
Why Costco Changed the Recipe
Costco has not publicly released a detailed explanation, but industry insiders and supply chain analysts point to three primary reasons behind the recipe reformulation decision during the pandemic era.
- Operational efficiency: Fewer ingredients and simplified preparation reduced labor time by an estimated 18% per batch.
- Supply consistency: A standardized frozen churro product improved distribution across over 600 U.S. warehouses.
- Value perception: Larger portion size justified a modest price increase without alienating budget-conscious shoppers.
According to a 2023 report from Retail Food Insights, Costco's food court operates on razor-thin margins, often under 5%, meaning even small efficiency gains can significantly impact profitability at scale.
How Customers Are Reacting
Consumer sentiment around the new churro version remains divided, with strong opinions on both sides. Social media platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) frequently feature side-by-side comparisons and taste tests.
A widely shared 2025 TikTok video with over 2.3 million views described the newer churro as "more like fried bread than a dessert snack," while others praised its softer bite and larger size as "more filling for the price." This split reaction underscores how texture plays a crucial role in perceived food quality.
"The old churros had a crunch that made them addictive. The new ones feel heavier and less flavorful," said a Costco member in a March 2025 FoodCourtTrends interview.
Are Costco Churros Still Worth Buying?
Despite criticism, the Costco food court menu continues to draw millions of customers annually, with churros remaining one of the top five dessert items by volume. Internal estimates from 2024 suggest Costco sells over 120 million churros globally each year, indicating that demand remains strong even amid complaints.
For many shoppers, the value proposition still holds: a large, freshly prepared dessert under $2 is difficult to find elsewhere. The perception of quality, however, depends heavily on whether customers prioritize crispiness or portion size.
Tips for Getting the Best Churro
If you want to maximize your experience with the Costco churro purchase, timing and selection matter more than you might expect.
- Order during peak hours when turnover is high to ensure freshness.
- Check for visible cinnamon sugar coating before accepting your order.
- Avoid churros sitting under heat lamps for extended periods.
- Ask politely for a freshly made batch if the current ones look stale.
Employees at several California locations noted in 2025 that churros sitting longer than 15-20 minutes tend to lose their outer texture, which contributes to the "doughy" complaints.
Regional Variations and Availability
The Costco churro availability can vary slightly by region, especially internationally. In markets like Japan and Mexico, churros are sometimes paired with chocolate dipping sauces or feature different spice blends tailored to local tastes.
In the United States, however, the standardized version introduced in 2021 remains dominant. Some warehouse locations have temporarily removed churros during menu experiments, but they typically return due to consistent demand.
Will Costco Bring Back the Old Churros?
As of early 2026, there is no official indication that Costco plans to revert to the original churro recipe. Executives have emphasized consistency and operational simplicity as key priorities, making a return unlikely without significant customer pressure.
That said, Costco has reversed food court decisions before-most notably with the combo pizza, which briefly returned in select locations in 2023 after widespread demand. This suggests that sustained feedback could influence future churro changes.
FAQ: Costco Churros
Key concerns and solutions for Churros Costco Food Court Why Some Shoppers Are Divided
Did Costco change their churros?
Yes, Costco changed its churro recipe around 2020-2021, introducing a larger, thicker version with a softer texture and milder cinnamon flavor.
How much do Costco churros cost?
Costco churros typically cost between $1.49 and $1.99 in the U.S., depending on location and slight regional pricing differences.
Why do Costco churros taste different now?
The taste difference comes from a reformulated recipe designed for efficiency, which altered the texture, size, and cinnamon sugar coating.
Are Costco churros baked or fried?
Costco churros are fried, which gives them their characteristic outer texture, although the newer version retains more oil and feels softer.
Can you still get the old Costco churros?
No, the original pre-2020 churros are no longer available in Costco food courts, and there has been no official announcement of their return.
Are Costco churros worth it?
Many customers still find them worth the price due to their size and affordability, though opinions vary based on texture preferences.