What Hot Dogs Does Costco Use in 2024? (Your Full Guide)
Costco sells over 100 million hot dog+soda combos globally each year, making it one of their most iconic and popular products. But what‘s behind the famous $1.50 Costco hot dog that keeps customers coming back? This full guide has all the details.
Steady Popularity Over 30+ Years
The Costco food court hot dog and 20 oz drink combo has cost just $1.50 since 1985, over 30 years now. Impressively, Costco sells on average 60 million combos per year in the US – that‘s 175,000 combos per day!
So why has this iconic snack maintained such steady popularity over decades? A closer look at the juicy Kirkland Signature-branded hot dogs reveals why customers continually crave them.
Kirkland Signature Beef Hot Dogs
Costco uses its private-label Kirkland Signature all-beef hot dogs, produced at Costco‘s own manufacturing plant. These plump beef franks contain:
- 100% Beef
- Water
- Sea Salt
- Sodium Phosphates
- Spices, Sodium Erythorbate
- Natural Flavors
- Sodium Nitrite
Let‘s compare the key specs of a Costco hot dog versus Oscar Meyer, a top national brand:
| Specs | Costco Hot Dog | Oscar Meyer Hot Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1/4 lb | 1.6 oz |
| Meat | 100% Beef | Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey |
| Preservatives | Sodium Nitrite | Sodium Nitrite |
| Price | $1.50 (combo) | $~3.00 (package) |
The table shows why customers love Costco‘s offering – more meat, less fillers, and 3x cheaper!
Premium Meat + Unique Preparation
Further driving quality and taste, Costco sources whole beef muscle cuts rather than trimmings to achieve better texture and flavor. The hot dogs contain no poultry, pork, or byproducts.
Costco then uses a proprietary hot-water bath preparation method rather than frying. This soaking process allows the franks to absorb more moisture and seasoning for a signature juicy, plump profile. The food court finishes them by steaming to perfection.
Price Unchanged for Decades
Shockingly, despite three decades of inflation, Costco has never raised the $1.50 price. Most food courts place the grills outside the warehouses so anyone can purchase this iconic combo without needing a membership.
While Costco likely loses money on each hot dog sold, the consistency and quality continue enticing return customers and cementing brand loyalty. The combo price remains part of Costco‘s identity.
Why So Popular?
In summary, here‘s why nearly 60 million customers per year flock to Costco food courts for a hot dog and drink:
- All-beef 1⁄4 pound dog
- Proprietary whole muscle meat
- Juicy, plump texture
- Never-changed combo price
- Accessible to all shoppers
Indeed, the numbers speak for themselves – Costco has perfected a mighty fine hot dog!
