Two New Changes Being Implemented at Costco

I wrote earlier this year about changes that Costco had planned for 2025 (e.g., food court; policies; areas of focus; (Changes Planned for Costco in 2025); (Additional Changes for Costco in 2025)) As the year goes on, other changes are being implemented. Two changes of which I recently became aware are with respect to a food court policy and the free sample policy. I like to share this information as I learn it. Here are two changes that may affect some members.

1. No More Combination Pizza

One former food court favorite that is no longer available is the Combination Pizza (Notable Discontinued Items at Costco). Despite many members attempting to have Costco bring it back, Costco has announced that it will not be returning. The main reason given is that many members were not content with the pizza as offered, instead requesting alterations (e.g., half combination/half cheese; no olives). These customized requests add complications in a food court reliant on efficiency. The solution that Costco found to appease those who want the combination pizza without the inefficiency, is to introduce a calzone with the same ingredients.

I don’t eat at the food court so I have never had the Combination Pizza. I can definitely understand that, the more ingredients involved in an item, the more special requests that are likely to be made. Therefore, from an efficiency point of view, it very makes sense to stick to cheese or pepperoni pizzas. The calzone is a creative middle ground. 

2. No Samples for Children Without a Parent Present 

Another new policy that Costco has recently implemented is that children cannot receive free samples without a parent having approved it. The rule is in place to reduce the risk of children eating food that they should not be eating (e.g., special diet; allergy). Some members have complained that the rule is limiting in that it reduces the fun children may have seeking out samples while parents shop. In addition, despite there not being a limit on the number of samples that a member can have (Information From Costco’s “Sample Givers”), many members may send children to get additional samples for the parents. 

I think that this policy makes sense. I do remember when my family first joined warehouse clubs and finding it fun to walk around trying samples. However, this was before food allergies and intolerance were ubiquitous. It definitely should be the parents’ responsibility to monitor the food for the children to prevent Costco from being liable. 

What do you think of these changes?