Costco Testing New Chicken Menu Item to Replace Calzone Combo

Why It Matters

If the chicken tenders replace the Calzone, Costco could boost food‑court traffic and average spend, while also testing consumer tolerance for higher‑calorie, higher‑priced items that may affect brand perception.

Key Takeaways

• Costco tests 5‑piece baked chicken tenders in six Chicago stores.
• New tenders priced at $6.99, potentially replacing 2025 Calzone combo.
• Baked strips contain about 1,640 calories, sparking health concerns.
• Honey dipping sauce likened to Chick‑Fil‑A’s signature sauce.
• Menu shift reflects Costco’s broader food‑court innovation strategy.

Pulse Analysis

Costco’s food court has long been a magnet for value‑seeking shoppers, offering iconic items like the $1.50 hot dog and $3.99 pizza slice. The retailer periodically injects novelty to keep the menu fresh, as seen with the 2025 Calzone launch that quickly became a fan favorite. By piloting a new chicken tender offering, Costco is testing whether a higher‑priced, protein‑focused item can coexist with its ultra‑low‑cost staples without alienating its core audience.

The five‑piece baked chicken tenders, retailing at $6.99 in the test markets, arrive with a honey dipping sauce that reviewers compare to Chick‑Fil‑A’s signature flavor. While the price aligns with typical fast‑food chicken sandwich offerings, the 1,640‑calorie count raises eyebrows among health‑conscious consumers. Social media chatter reflects a split: some customers appreciate the new flavor profile, while others lament the calorie load and question the value proposition compared to existing options like the chicken bake or pizza. Costco’s decision to bake rather than fry the strips also signals an attempt to balance indulgence with a modest health angle.

If the trial proves successful, Costco may roll the tenders out nationwide, potentially phasing out the Calzone and reshaping its food‑court revenue mix. The move mirrors a broader retail trend where grocery giants experiment with fast‑food‑style menus to capture additional spend per visit. However, the higher price point and calorie content could limit repeat purchases, prompting Costco to fine‑tune portion sizes or pricing before a full launch. Ultimately, the test will reveal how much consumers are willing to pay for a premium‑tasting, yet still affordable, fast‑food option within a warehouse club setting.