If you’ve ever wondered about Costco food court nutrition, what’s new on the menu heading into 2026, how the ice cream options stack up calorie-wise, or what time the food court closes — this guide has all the answers. Costco’s food court has quietly become one of the most talked-about dining deals in America, and for good reason. With prices that barely budged in decades, a rotating menu that keeps regulars on their toes, and fresh updates rolling out this year, there’s a lot to unpack.
Bookmark this page and share it with your fellow Costco fans — this is the complete breakdown you’ve been looking for.
What Makes the Costco Food Court So Popular in 2026
There’s something almost legendary about the Costco food court. Walk into nearly any warehouse location across the United States and you’ll find a line forming at the food court kiosk — not just because the prices are unbeatable, but because the quality has remained consistent for years. In a time when fast food costs have skyrocketed and a combo meal elsewhere can easily run $12 to $15, Costco has held the line on affordability.
The $1.50 hot dog and soda combo remains untouched. That price has been the same since 1984 when the item debuted at a San Diego location. Costco’s leadership has been very public about keeping that price exactly where it is, and as of early 2026, nothing has changed. At 550 calories for the hot dog alone, it’s not a light meal, but the value is undeniable.
The Full Costco Food Court Menu 2026: What’s Available Now
The Costco food court menu 2026 carries a mix of longtime classics and a few newer additions that have been rolling out since late 2024. Here’s what U.S. members are currently finding at most locations:
The Hot Dog & Soda Combo remains at $1.50 — a quarter-pound all-beef frank served in a soft bun with free condiment options. Calorie count runs around 550 for just the dog, more when you factor in the bun and toppings.
Pizza is still a go-to. A full 18-inch pizza runs $12.99, while individual slices are priced at $1.99. Whole pies come in cheese, pepperoni, and combo varieties. A single cheese slice clocks in at roughly 700 calories, while a pepperoni slice is slightly higher depending on toppings.
The Chicken Bake continues to be a crowd favorite. This golden-crusted wrap is stuffed with chicken breast, mozzarella, bacon, and Caesar dressing. It runs around $4.99 and carries approximately 770 calories.
The Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad is the lighter option on the menu, featuring sliced rotisserie chicken breast, romaine, Parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing.
The Roast Beef Sandwich is another newer addition that’s picked up fans — oven-roasted beef on an artisan roll with onion relish, mayo-mustard blend, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onions.
In place of the churro — which was discontinued in early 2024 — Costco rolled out a Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie that weighs 5.5 ounces and sells warm for a very competitive price per ounce.
Costco Ice Cream Food Court: Prices, Flavors, and Calories
The Costco ice cream food court section may be small, but it draws serious attention. There are currently two main options for ice cream lovers:
The Ice Cream Cup ($1.99) gives you 10 ounces of soft-serve in vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. At 550 calories, it’s the simpler of the two dessert options — no toppings, just pure soft-serve in a cup.
The Ice Cream Sundae ($2.49) takes things up a notch with a generous scoop of vanilla soft-serve topped with either strawberry or chocolate sauce. This option runs between 650 and 690 calories depending on the topping.
The newest addition to the dessert lineup is the Double Chocolate Mint Sundae, which Costco quietly dropped in mid-February 2026. Priced at $2.99, it features chocolate mint sauce and chocolate chunks layered over vanilla ice cream. It replaced the Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae that had launched in October 2025 at the same price point — making this the second specialty sundae Costco has released in under six months.
For context, a comparable sundae at McDonald’s runs $3.49 to $3.59 and comes in a smaller size. Costco’s $2.49 classic sundae is roughly 30% cheaper and noticeably larger.
There’s also the Cold Brew Mocha Freeze ($2.99), a 16-ounce frozen drink made with Kirkland Signature Colombian cold-brew coffee and chocolate. You can request it without chocolate if you’d like a straight cold-brew freeze.
Costco Food Court Nutrition: The Full Calorie Breakdown
Understanding Costco food court nutrition is important, especially if you’re trying to manage your diet while still enjoying one of America’s best food deals. Here’s a quick rundown of the calorie counts for the most popular items:
The hot dog sits around 550 calories before condiments. A slice of cheese pizza runs about 700 calories. The Chicken Bake comes in near 770 calories. The Caramel Brownie Sundae (still available at some locations) reached about 810 calories. The ice cream cup is 550 calories, and the classic sundae falls between 650 and 690 calories.
Costco does not post full nutrition facts on its website, which frustrates a lot of members. However, in-warehouse nutrition information is displayed on a board near the food court area at most U.S. locations. If you’re tracking macros or managing a health condition, it’s worth taking a photo of that board during your next visit.
Sodium is another consideration. The hot dog and bun combo is relatively high in sodium, and so is the Chicken Bake. The salad is a better option for those looking to keep sodium in check, though the Caesar dressing adds up quickly.
When Does Costco Food Court Close?
One of the most searched questions among Costco shoppers is: when does Costco food court close? The answer depends on your location, but most U.S. food courts follow similar patterns.
On weekdays, most Costco food courts open around 10:00 AM and close at 8:30 PM. On Saturdays, hours tend to shift to an earlier opening around 9:30 AM with closing around 7:00 PM. Sundays typically run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
It’s worth noting that the food court may close slightly before or after the warehouse itself, and hours at Costco Business Centers are different — many of those locations don’t have a food court at all. If you’re planning a trip specifically to hit the food court, it’s smart to check your local warehouse hours on the Costco website before heading out. Hours can also vary around holidays.
Membership Required to Order
As of April 2024, Costco began enforcing a membership requirement to order from the food court. Non-members can still access the food court if they have a Costco Shop Card (essentially a gift card), which a member can purchase on your behalf. So if you’re planning to bring a non-member friend along for that $1.50 hot dog run, make sure they’ve got a Shop Card ready.
Why the Costco Food Court Keeps Winning
In an era where dining out feels increasingly expensive and fast food has lost much of its “fast value” reputation, Costco’s food court punches well above its weight. Whether you’re grabbing a pizza slice after shopping, splitting a warm cookie with the kids, or treating yourself to a brand-new chocolate mint sundae, the food court consistently delivers on taste, portion size, and price.
The new Double Chocolate Mint Sundae is the most exciting 2026 addition so far, and if history is any guide, Costco will likely continue testing seasonal or limited-run items throughout the year. The food court isn’t trying to compete with fine dining — it’s simply delivering reliable value, and it’s very good at that.
Have you tried the new Double Chocolate Mint Sundae yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let us know what Costco food court item you’re loving most in 2026 — or what you wish they’d bring back.