COSTCO had discontinued a beloved food court item years ago, prompting much outrage as members continue to beg for its return.
The diced onions, a free topping fans could pair with the retailer’s iconic hot dog, were discontinued in 2020.
3
3
Costco is frequently switching up its food court offerings for a variety of reasons, including cost-saving measures, customer preferences, and supply chain considerations.
The warehouse club has made many food court switches over the years to the dismay of foodies, including axing the beloved combo pizza, ditching the $1 churro, and getting rid of the cinnamon sugar pretzels.
Another move that disappointed fans was when Costco stopped offering diced onions as a condiment for members to pair with its hot dogs.
At the start of the pandemic in 2020, the free topping was eliminated, with the retailer citing safety and hygiene concerns.
Costco fans on Reddit mourned the loss of the fan-favorite food court item.
“I miss this so much. My Costco hasn’t had onions in a few years. Soooo sad,” said one, while another noted they had not bought a Costco hot dog since the chain got rid of the onions.
Other members on Reddit said they were tired of waiting for Costco to bring back the condiment and would either bring their own diced onions to the food court or take their hot dogs home to add the topping.
3
TOPPING TURMOIL
Costco fans rejoiced when the company confirmed in May 2023 that the diced onions were returning.
“Costco food court bringing back the onions, the earth is healing,” praised one member on X.
“Yeah the world is on fire BUT Costco is bringing back chopped onions for their hot dogs,” beamed another.
Although Costco fans were pleased with the return of the beloved condiment, some noticed a key change – the diced onions were being served in little cups rather than via the classic crank-handle onion grinder.
Instead of being readily available nearby the drink dispensers, the onions became available upon request, served in individually portioned plastic cups.
The change left many fans disappointed.
“Mine has them but only in little plastic cups… I miss the old crank-handle onion dispensers!” cried one shopper.
Others complained that Costco was offering small portions in the plastic cups, with one user claiming they were given just “10 pieces of onion” on recent visits, and another saying their warehouse had cups that were “almost never stocked.”
On their latest trip to Costco, one fan ordered a hot dog and was informed they were out of onions, leading them to reminisce about how the food court used to be.
“I remember the good ol days of the onion dispenser or asking for kraut to put on the hot dog. Even the subtle difference between deli mustard and yellow mustard was a good privilege,” the shopper wrote on Reddit.
Membership and store cards on offer from major retailers
Here is a breakdown of the store cards on offer to customers from various retailers and their benefits
* If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue.
Costco:
- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year, shop all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your household.
- Executive Membership: $130 per year, annual 2% reward, additional discounts and benefits on Costco services, shop online and in-store, and get two additional cards for household use.
- Sign up for a Costco Membership here
Sam’s Club:
- Club Membership: $50 per year, bonus offers, same-day delivery, instant savings, Sam’s Club Mastercard, members-only fuel savings, tire and battery center, complimentary membership, and add-on memberships.
- Plus Membership: $110 per year, all benefits of Club membership plus Sam’s Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, early shopping, and pharmacy and optical savings.
- Sign up for Sam’s Club Membership here
Target:
- Target Circle: A free-to-join reward program allowing users to earn 1% in Target Circle earnings rewards when an eligible purchase is made, access deals and personalized offers, get a birthday gift, and earn a vote to help direct how Target helps out your community.
- Target Circle Card: A credit, debit, or reloadable account card that gives users 5% off in-store and online as well as exclusive offers, free two-day shipping, and an additional 30-day returns window. Formerly Target RedCard.
- Sign up for Target Circle here
Walmart:
- Walmart+: $12.95 per month or $98 per year with a free 30-day trial. Offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum spend, fuel savings, Paramount+ subscription, auto car, Walmart+ travel, returns from home, mobile scan and go in-store, and early access to deals and product releases.
- Sign up for Walmart+ here
ONION OUTRAGE
According to online shopper reports, the method of serving the onions varies by location, with some offering them via the onion grinder and others in plastic cups.
Additionally, not all Costco warehouses have reinstated the condiment.
A Reddit post from early 2024 revealed that some locations still had yet to bring back the beloved hot dog topping.
“Our Costco stopped having onions in the condiment area during Covid. My husband loves the hot dog and had sorely missed the onions. He’s even brought a little baggie of chopped onions occasionally,” began one Costco customer.
The shopper, from Flemington, New Jersey – roughly 40 miles from Newark – explained that their local store offered the cups of chopped onions a few times, but not every time.
A second member from Illinois chimed in, complaining that they were informed that their local Costco no longer offered the onions.
“Definitely a bummer,” they wrote.
“We had little packaged cups of diced onions for a month or two earlier, but not lately,” said another.
Read on these other changes underway at the Costco food court.
Costco added another food court item for $7.99 replacing a cult classic – and it uses the iconic rotisserie chicken.
Plus, members have started a “petition” to bring an “epic” Korean food court item to America – and it was already in LA for a month.
