Costco is making waves among its loyal customer base after announcing significant changes to one of its most popular bakery items—muffins. Earlier this week, shoppers were taken aback by a notice posted at Costco locations indicating the company would be downsizing its muffins and removing the option to mix and match flavors.
Previously, customers had the option to buy two 35-ounce six-packs of assorted muffins for $9.99. The new offering will consist of one flavor only, sold as 31-ounce eight-pack for $6.99, marking both smaller portions and reduced variability.
Discontent erupted quickly online, especially on platforms like Reddit, where users expressed their frustration over the new changes. Many were particularly displeased with the price hike. One shopper calculated the price per ounce and determined the newer muffins were now 58% costlier than before. Another echoed these sentiments, lamenting the days when they could indulge and mix flavors, reflecting the loss of variety as one person sarcastically remarked, “At this rate, I might as well bake my own muffins!”
The reduction of muffin size also became a topic of contention, with estimates from some customers stating the new muffins are about 70% of the size of their predecessors. Numerous customers took to social media to express their displeasure, mentioning how the new muffins also lacked the same taste. One disappointed customer said, “They’re so dry now compared to the old ones,” and another noted they were left with a strange aftertaste, likening the change to being akin to nostalgia fading.
The chatter about Costco's new muffin representation stirred strong emotions. “I used to share those muffins with my grandmother,” one customer shared, adding depth to the emotional strain people felt following the muffin downsizing. Others pointed out how they relied on the mix and freeze method since their family didn’t agree on just one flavor. The removal of mix-and-match options seems to have caused significant dissatisfaction.
Adding flame to the fire of customer complaints, previous offerings of other products were recalled as people noted decrements, with one customer highlighting how the Kirkland sandwich rolls also underwent changes—having shifted from 18 large rolls sold at $3.69 to now only containing 12 bums priced at $3.29. “The cost to weight ratio is clearly higher,” they stated bluntly.
Customers are now left pondering the value of their Costco membership. One frustrated member brought up the loss of the gas station, saying, “If they ever got rid of the gas station or raised prices compared to others, I’d quit Costco entirely!”
But customers aren’t just hashing it out over muffins. The holiday season is approaching, and with it, Costco has always been stocked with festive items for the family. Shoppers are enthusiastic about the reusable Christmas items available at their local warehouse. For this year, there’s no shortage of spectacular products. Decorations and big-ticket items like the $499.97 Pre-Lit Glitter Flocked Christmas tree are drawing attention with its 1,780 LED lights and multiple lighting functions.
Beyond just trees, cheerful bargains are available for those wanting to deck the halls. The Fitz and Floyd Nutcracker Sugarplum Prince figurine is hand-painted and priced at $68.99, appealing to collectors and holiday lovers alike. Another noteworthy product is the Kirkland Signature Nativity Set, which retails for $114.99, crafted to be shared among families across generations.
Costco's value proposition has never been limited to groceries; it extends to holiday cheer! One can find eye-catching items such as the 5-foot tall LED Penguin with Candy Cane for $99.97 and Mr. Christmas Santa Mugs, each set priced at $26.99, undoubtedly perfect for those festive gatherings.
Adding to its charm, the Disney Holiday Village at $129.99 features illuminating scenes and plays eight classic holiday songs without requiring any assembly. These festive items not only aim to create warmth for the season but provide customers with memorable moments with friends and family.
Yet, the holiday array isn't without its skepticism. A recent viral TikTok video featured user Danny Jones, who raised concerns about the lengthy ingredient list on the packaging of Barton’s Holiday Mingle Snack Mix. The list triggered his incredulity, with its overwhelming number of ingredients seemingly indicating processed foods. But, as commenters pointed out, the lengthy list arises solely from the mix containing multiple food items, each requiring its breakdown.
Despite the mixed reviews of the snack mix, some Reddit users commented on being disappointed by the actual contents versus the packaging based on their experiences. Observations ranged from feeling misled about the amount of candy they received to describing the products as reminiscent of bargain snacks found at lesser-quality stores.
Nevertheless, others had contrasting views, with one person sharing their enjoyment after consuming the entire bag during one sitting, indicating just how subjective these experiences can be. This discussion prompts consideration for consumers who navigate through Costco’s expansive offerings this season.
Costco remains at the intersection of value and quantity, with loyal customers now weighing what goods matter to them amid price changes and shifting product attributes. Will they adapt to the new muffins or seek alternatives? Time will tell how these offerings play out among its large community of shoppers.
