Costco’s food court is famous for a $1.50 hot dog combo, but the dessert case has been the real drama this year. Fans have been loading up on soft serve, and a few new items have left them cheering or groaning.
Tasting Table counted eight new food court items released in 2026 so far. The best and worst of the bunch tell a story about what members really want.
The details come from a Tasting Table report published October 25 by Angeline Stratz.
The Apple Pie Sundae Is Taking Over For $2.99
The new fall star is the Apple Pie Sundae, priced at $2.99. It layers vanilla soft serve with cinnamon apples and pie crust.
It is gradually replacing the Strawberry Shortcake Sundae, which debuted in June as a limited-edition item. Some Costco locations still sell the strawberry version.
Another new arrival is the Mixed Berry Smoothie, also $2.99. It follows a fruit smoothie the article did not recommend, which had a faint flavor and a watery texture.
The Foot Long Churro That Disappointed Fans
Not every release won applause. The Twisted Churro returned in September as a foot-long, cinnamon sugar-dusted treat.
Many fans wanted the original straight-shaped churro, which was discontinued during the pandemic. When the twisted version arrived, many customers found it dry and flavorless.
One Redditor called it a “sorry excuse for a churro.” The article names it one of the year’s most disappointing additions.
Chicken Strips Split The Crowd
The only new savory item of 2026 so far is the chicken strips, which debuted in July at $6.99. Reception was mixed.
The author praised the meat, the breading and the zesty dipping sauce. Some critics found them dry and overly salty.
That kind of split is typical for a food court meal, where timing and fry batches can change the result from one visit to the next.
Sundaes Came And Went Through The Year
The food court has been rotating its soft serve sundaes all year. A few have already left the menu.
- Double Chocolate Mint Sundae: mint soft serve with crumbled chocolate cookies and chocolate sauce, described as one of Costco’s best-loved ice cream releases of 2026. It has left the menu.
- Caramel Churro Sundae: released in April with salted caramel sauce and churro chunks. Critics said it was too sweet, though some liked the cinnamon sugar flavor. Its limited run has ended.
- Vanilla Cookie Crunch Sundae: released in July with plenty of chocolate sauce and Oreo-style crumbles, called basic but tasty. Its limited run has ended too.
The author hopes the mint sundae returns, and suggests Costco could add more to the cookie one.
Why Limited Items Keep Showing Up
Limited-edition food court treats create buzz. They get members talking and bring people back to see what is new.
They also let Costco test ideas without a permanent commitment. When a flavor takes off, it may stay longer, and when it flops, it quietly disappears.
How To Get The Most From The Food Court
If you spot a new dessert, try it early. Limited items can vanish before you get a second chance.
Ask for a fresh item if the soft serve looks melted or the churro looks old. Staff would rather give you a hot product than a disappointing one.
Share a sundae with a friend if you want to try more than one. At $2.99, you can split a few flavors without spending much.
And if a favorite has left the menu, say so. Members who speak up in surveys and on comment cards help shape what comes back.
The food court may be a place for a quick bite, but it is also where Costco learns what its members love, and what they would rather forget.
Food Court Etiquette And Money Saving Tips
The food court is one of the best deals in retail, so a little planning goes a long way. Visit at off-peak times, such as mid-afternoon, when lines are shorter and the soft serve machine has fresh product.
A membership is the ticket in. If you shop at Costco only occasionally, a quick lunch there can help you feel you are getting more from the fee.
Bring a friend and split items. A sundae at $2.99 makes for a sweet, inexpensive date, and sharing keeps sugar and calories in check.
What The Comments Tell Us About Costco Fans
Reading what fans say, it is clear they care deeply about the food court’s menu. They remember what was there before and they are quick to notice a change.
That attachment is why a churro can start a debate. A snack that costs a couple of dollars becomes a symbol of what people expect from a place they trust.
It also shows why limited items are a smart move. A new flavor gives members a reason to stop by, and a good one gets talked about on social media for weeks.
If you are curious, make a point of trying each new item once. You may find a favorite, and at these prices a miss will not hurt much.
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