Costco Enhances Food Court Strategy with New Double Chocolate Mint Sundae

2026-02-22 companies

Issaquah, Sunday, 22 February 2026.
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) has strategically refreshed its food court lineup by introducing the Double Chocolate Mint Sundae, priced at $2.99. Rolled out nationwide in mid-February 2026, this seasonal item replaces the standard chocolate soft serve, aligning with St. Patrick’s Day trends. While the dessert features mint soft serve, cookie crumbles, and chocolate sauce, its introduction serves a broader economic purpose: acting as a high-value member benefit to drive warehouse foot traffic and retention. Interestingly, this menu expansion coincides with reports of the retailer tightening its return policies, highlighting a dual approach to managing operational costs while maintaining member satisfaction through affordable luxuries.

Market Positioning and Pricing Analysis

The Double Chocolate Mint Sundae features a base of mint soft serve—which has temporarily replaced the standard chocolate option on the menu—topped with chocolate sauce and chocolate cookie crumbles [1][2]. Priced at $2.99, the item commands a premium over the food court’s traditional offerings; for comparison, a standard cup of soft serve retails for $2.00, while a vanilla sundae with strawberry or chocolate syrup is priced at $2.50 [2][3]. This pricing structure represents a 19.6 percent price increase over the standard sundae, suggesting Costco is testing price elasticity for specialized seasonal items. The launch timeline, occurring during the week of February 16, 2026, appears strategically calculated to capture early demand ahead of St. Patrick’s Day [2][5]. Notably, this release closely followed the return of McDonald’s Shamrock Shake, which reappeared on menus during the week of February 12, 2026, indicating a competitive move to secure market share in the seasonal mint-flavor category [2].

Consumer Sentiment and Product Diversification

Initial member reactions to the new offering have been polarized, a common occurrence when legacy menu items are displaced [1]. While some customers have lauded the “top notch” quality and the balance of the mint profile—describing it as not overpowering—others have expressed disappointment regarding the texture or a preference for the retailer’s iced coffee [1][2]. Beyond the food court, Costco is simultaneously expanding its prepared food sector with a new “heat-and-serve” deli kit featuring grilled cheese and tomato basil soup [6]. This expansion into nostalgic comfort foods suggests a broader initiative to increase the utility of the warehouse for convenient meal solutions during the colder months [6].

Operational Shifts and Policy Controls

The introduction of these new member perks coincides with a significant tightening of operational policies regarding merchandise returns reported around February 17, 2026 [3][5]. Facing billions of dollars in industry-wide losses due to fraudulent returns, the retailer has begun requiring stricter proof of purchase and is monitoring the frequency of returns by individual members [3][5]. These measures aim to curb abuses of the famous “no-hassle” policy, such as the return of Christmas trees well after the holiday season [3]. By balancing the allure of new, high-value food court items with stricter fiscal controls, Costco appears to be recalibrating its operational model to maintain profitability while keeping member engagement high.

Sources

Retail Strategy Costco Wholesale