Costco's 2026 Food Court Pivot: Ice Cream Dominates as Apple Pie Sundae Debuts

Key points

• Costco released eight new food court items in 2026, with sundaes comprising the majority of the additions.
• The new Apple Pie Sundae, priced at $2.99, features vanilla soft serve, apple pie filling, and cinnamon crust.
• The Twisted Churro returned in September after a two-year absence but received negative feedback regarding texture and flavor.
• The Mixed Berry Smoothie is a rebranding of a previous poorly received fruit smoothie, aiming to improve customer satisfaction.
• Chicken strips, the only new savory item, debuted in July but faced criticism for being dry and overly salty.

Background

This release follows a trend of seasonal menu rotations at Costco, including the 2026 introduction of global appetizers and the return of the Twisted Churro in September. The focus on frozen treats aligns with broader retail strategies to drive foot traffic through limited-time offers.

How outlets are covering it

Tasting Table and Yahoo highlight the Apple Pie Sundae as a top performer, with Yahoo noting its resemblance to apple pie a la mode. USA Today confirms the $2.99 price point and notes social media excitement, though it clarifies that availability may vary by location. Tasting Table contrasts this success with the Twisted Churro, which many customers found dry and flavorless compared to the discontinued straight churro. While Yahoo focuses on the sensory appeal of the new sundae, USA Today emphasizes the logistical aspect of regional availability and the uncertainty of the seasonal timeline.

Why it matters

The success or failure of these limited-time items impacts Costco's food court revenue and customer engagement. The polarizing reception of the Twisted Churro versus the popularity of the Apple Pie Sundae indicates that customers are increasingly discerning about product quality and consistency, even for low-cost impulse buys. This dynamic influences how retailers like Costco plan future seasonal menus and pricing strategies.

What to watch

Costco has not confirmed the duration of the Apple Pie Sundae's availability, but it is listed as a seasonal item. The chain may reintroduce popular past items like the Double Chocolate Mint Sundae if demand persists. Customers should monitor local warehouse menus for the return of the Strawberry Shortcake Sundae, which is being phased out in some locations.