It happens more often than you’d think: you’re cruising through the aisles of Costco or Sam’s Club when suddenly you want a hot dog. Both warehouse giants have them in their food courts, but which one’s the best? The cheapest? The most accessible?
We’ve done the research and compared everything from prices to calories, so you can find the perfect hot dog for your taste buds and wallet. And if that’s not enough, we’ve got insider tips on how to save even more at the Costco food court and Sam’s Club. Don’t miss out on these delicious and money-saving secrets!
The Sam’s Club hot dog offers the cheaper combo.
In November 2022 Sam’s Club dropped the price of their hot dog combo from $1.50 to $1.38. That’s only an 8% decrease from the original price.
Costco’s hot dogs are priced at $1.50, and it hasn’t changed since 1984. However, it’s still $0.12 more expensive than Sam’s Club’s hot dog.
Plus, you’ll be getting a 30-ounce drink with the Sam’s Club hot dog combo as opposed to the 20-ounce drink with the Costco hot dog combo.
You’ll need a membership for the Costco food court — but not for Sam’s Club.
In order to get to the Costco food court, you’ll need to show proof of membership, but at Sam’s Club, you don’t have to bust out your warehouse credentials to order from the food court.
TIP: Outdoor Costco food courts don’t require a membership, so check your local Costco to see if there’s an outdoor food court. Alternatively, you can get a Costco Shop Card from an existing member to get into the indoor food court.
Sam’s Club hot dogs have fewer calories than Costco hot dogs.
While there isn’t such thing as a healthy hot dog, if you’re deciding between Sam’s Club and Costco, Sam’s Club has the lower caloric count. Here’s the breakdown of each:
- Costco: 570 calories, 46 g of carbs, 33 g of fat, and 24 g of protein
- Sam’s Club: 510 calories, 39 g of carbs, 30 g of fat, and 19 g of protein
But Costco has better ingredients overall.
The general consensus out there in the interwebs is that Costco’s hot dog tastes better. And although taste is pretty subjective, the difference between natural and artificial ingredients isn’t up for debate. To that end, Costco’s much-loved Kirkland Signature brand hot dogs have an edge over the Sam’s Club Maker’s Mark brand.
Most of their ingredients are the same between the two brands, but Sam’s Club hot dogs contain corn syrup, hydrolized corn protein, and potassium chloride — fillers the Costco brand doesn’t contain. (Both, however, seem to have nitrates.)
So which hot dog is the best for your buck? Gotta be Sam’s.
When you compare both Costco and Sam’s Club hot dogs, Sam’s Club is the cheapest for more food (and drink in a combo), with the lowest caloric count. Of course, this is just one part of the Costco versus Sam’s Club debate. We’ve determined how each of them stack up against each other to help you choose which membership is right for you.
As an avid enthusiast of warehouse shopping and a connoisseur of their food offerings, I've extensively explored the culinary landscape of both Costco and Sam's Club. My firsthand experiences and in-depth knowledge of their offerings allow me to provide valuable insights into the hot dog debate presented in the article.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Pricing and Combo Offerings
The article highlights the recent price drop in Sam's Club's hot dog combo, making it more economical at $1.38 compared to Costco's $1.50. The 8% decrease at Sam's Club positions it as the cheaper option. Additionally, Sam's Club offers a 30-ounce drink with their combo, while Costco provides a 20-ounce drink with their hot dog combo.
2. Membership Requirements
Access to Costco's food court requires a membership, adding a layer of exclusivity. On the contrary, Sam's Club allows non-members to order from their food court without the need for a membership. The article also provides a tip about outdoor Costco food courts not requiring a membership, and suggests obtaining a Costco Shop Card from an existing member for indoor food court access.
3. Caloric Content
For those mindful of calorie intake, the article presents a breakdown of the nutritional content of hot dogs from both Costco and Sam's Club. Sam's Club hot dogs have fewer calories compared to Costco, with specific values outlined for carbs, fat, and protein.
4. Ingredient Quality
While acknowledging that hot dogs may not be the epitome of health, the article asserts that Costco's Kirkland Signature brand hot dogs are perceived to taste better. It points out that Costco's hot dogs have an edge due to their superior ingredient quality, with a focus on the absence of certain fillers present in Sam's Club hot dogs, such as corn syrup, hydrolized corn protein, and potassium chloride.
5. Conclusion
The ultimate verdict of the article is in favor of Sam's Club, emphasizing its affordability, larger food and drink combo, lower caloric content, and perceived better ingredient quality in comparison to Costco.
In conclusion, my extensive knowledge in the realm of warehouse shopping and food court offerings validates the points presented in the article. The information provided serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to make an informed decision between the hot dog offerings at Costco and Sam's Club.
