Costco is making a rare change to one of American retail's longest-lasting bargains by quietly introducing a bottled water alternative to its legendary $1.50 hot dog combo. The change gives shoppers a new choice without altering the price that has defied inflation for 40 years.
The nation's second-largest retailer is now offering its members the option to pair its quarter-pound, all-beef hot dog with a 16.9-ounce bottle of Kirkland Signature water in place of the traditional 20-ounce refillable fountain soda—all for the same $1.50 price that has been in place since 1985.
A representative for the retailer did not immediately respond to NTD News seeking comment on when the change officially went into effect.
The hot dog itself remains unchanged—the same beef frank on a soft bun, with condiment stations offering ketchup, mustard, relish, and chopped onions. What's changed is what customers can wash it down with.
The new combo is already drawing attention inside Costco's famously loyal fan base. Reactions have been predictably mixed. Some shoppers say the bottled water option is a welcome upgrade—more convenient for people on the go roaming the sprawling warehouse aisles, better suited for those who avoid soda, and more practical thanks to its resealable cap. Others insist the original fountain soda remains the better deal, pointing to its larger size and free refills.
Another alleged that since the change, their local store removed the vending machine with 25-cent waters.
“My Costco took away the vending machine with 25 cent water after doing this, so that sucks. Other than that, good idea,” that user wrote.
Despite the addition, Costco has not removed anything from the menu. The classic hot dog and refillable fountain soda combo remains fully available, and members can still order it exactly as before.
For a deal that has remained virtually untouched for four decades, even a small update qualifies as major news, another Reddit user said.
Costco's CFO has previously sworn the price would never change, and the chain has kept that promise through years of economic turbulence and soaring food costs.
Access to Costco's food court now requires an active membership at most U.S. locations. For shoppers considering joining, the chain and third-party platforms occasionally offer promotional deals to help offset the membership cost.
Last summer, the retailer made a major change to its soda fountain lineup, switching back to Coca-Cola products from Pepsi beverages. The change represented the end of a 12-year partnership with Pepsi, returning to Coke products for the first time since 2013.