This New Costco Food Court Item Is Causing an Uproar. Here’s Why

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Costco shoppers aren’t so happy with the higher-than-usual price point. 

There’s a reason so many people love to shop at Costco. Buying groceries and household essentials there often results in a much lower credit card tab than a traditional supermarket or big-box store.

Not only is Costco known for affordable items on its shelves, but it’s also known for its competitively priced food court. In fact, the warehouse club giant has long upheld its almost ridiculously cheap $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, and has no plans to increase its price anytime soon.

It’s therefore a bit surprising to learn that Costco’s latest food court offering is anything but inexpensive. In fact, you might even go so far as to call it overpriced.

How much would you pay for a roast beef sandwich?

Costco’s food court features a host of delicious items, but the menu is limited at best. Now, the warehouse club giant is mixing things up by adding a new roast beef sandwich into its rotation.

The problem? That sandwich comes with a price tag of $9.99, reports the New York Post.

Not shockingly, many Costco fans are less than happy with the idea of shelling out $10 for a sandwich — not when they can walk away with an entire pizza for a similar price. And also, the move just seems strange on Costco’s part.

While it’s true that Costco’s $1.50 hot dog and soda combo isn’t exactly a big money-maker (if anything, it’s more like a loss leader to get hungry members over to the food court or into the store), it’s hard to reconcile a deal that sweet with a $10 sandwich that doesn’t seem particularly special, despite the artisan roll it reportedly comes with.

In fact, other than a whole pizza, no other individual Costco food court item comes close to the cost of the new roast beef sandwich. So it won’t be surprising to see consumers pass on this new offering — and to see it disappear off food court menus in short order.

Should you eat at Costco’s food court?

Nutrition matters aside, there are some good deals to be had at Costco’s food court if you take the new roast beef offering out of the equation. But you’re generally better off buying your own groceries and making your own food if your goal is to eat as cheaply as possible in an effort to grow your savings balance.

What’s more, while you might end up in a situation where you get hungry in the course of your Costco shopping, don’t forget that the warehouse club giant is quite generous when it comes to free samples. You can frequently find those all over the store, and they’re a good way to cope with hunger pangs until you’re able to get home and whip up a more complete meal.

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t visit Costco’s food court if you have a hankering for a hot dog, slice of pizza, or chicken bake. But if you’re trying to conserve funds, you may want to steer clear of the roast beef sandwich — and if anything, make your own version at home.

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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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