If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a Costco hot dog without waiting in line, you’re in luck, but it might cost you.
Did you know you can make Costco hot dogs at home? In a trending video with more than 347,000 views, food content creator Adam (@biteswithadam) shares a little-known Costco hack. “A lot of people don’t know this. But you can buy the exact hot dogs and buns that Costco uses in their food court and have Costco hot dogs at home,” Adam says.
In the video, Adam holds up a pack of Kirkland Signature Beef Dinner Franks and a bag of Francisco International Hot Dog Rolls while in the aisle of Costco. This is presumably the same combo that makes up Costco’s legendary $1.50 hot dog combo.
“Still had to get one in food court on the way out,” Adam shares.
Why Is The Costco Hot Dog So Popular?
For years, the Costco food court hot dog has been a cult favorite, not just because of the taste, but because it’s one of the last true inflation-proof deals left in America.
Costco’s famous hot dog-and-soda combo has been priced at $1.50 since the mid-1980s. And the company has no plans to raise it. Adjusted for inflation, the price would be around $4.40 today, NPR reported.
The price has stayed the same, not out of the goodness of the executives’ hearts, but as a business strategy known as a “loss leader.” This is an item that a company may initially break even or lose money on. But its purpose is to draw customers in so that they’ll buy other, higher-margin products once inside the store.
Legend has it that when Costco’s CEO once asked about raising the price, his predecessor allegedly responded, “If you raise the effing hot dog, I will kill you.”
Is It Worth It To Make The Hot Dog At Home?
Let’s do the math.
- Food court deal: $1.50 per hot dog + 20-ounce soda (with free refills and condiments)
- At home: $1.69 per hot dog (before condiments, drinks, and utilities to cook it)
- Kirkland Signature Beef Dinner Franks (14 count, $19.17) = about $1.37 per hot dog
- Francisco International Hot Dog Rolls (12 count, $3.85) = about 32 cents per bun
Pros And Cons
The Costco food court hot dog is still the best deal on paper, but there are pros and cons to getting it in the food court vs. making it at home.
In the food court for $1.50, you not only get a quarter-pound hot dog but also a 20-ounce soda with free refills. It’s already made for you, so there’s no need to cook or clean, and you can pile on free condiments like ketchup, mustard, relish, and onions.
The only catch? You have to make the trip to Costco, and you’re limited to the store’s hours.
At home, the appeal is all about convenience and flexibility. Once you’ve stocked up, you can enjoy Costco hot dogs anytime without leaving the house. You can also customize toppings however you like and even cook several at once for family or friends.
The downsides are that you’ll pay a little more per hot dog, you have to cook it yourself, and you’ll need to provide your own drink.
Commenters React
“The trick to a Costco hotdog is use beef broth instead of plain water to boil them,” a person suggested.
“But it’s like extra super good when you don’t make it yourself,” another pointed out.
“This is true but food court is cheaper and come with a drink,” a comment said.
BroBible reached out to Adam for comment via TikTok direct message and comment, and to Costco via email.