Costco’s bakery section is famous for its delicious, oversized muffins, which have been a staple for many years. These massive muffins have become a favorite treat for shoppers, known for their soft texture and rich flavor.
However, a recent change to one of Costco’s popular muffin varieties has dissatisfied many customers.
The Muffin Shrink: What’s New?
Earlier this year, some Costco bakeries started offering smaller versions of their well-loved muffins, including the blueberry and triple chocolate muffins. The muffins, previously sold in six-packs, are now available in eight-packs.
At $6.99, these smaller packs are sold individually, unlike the original muffins, which are sold in sets of two six-packs for $9.99 at some Costco locations.
While this change might sound like a good deal to some shoppers—more muffins for a similar price—the reduced size has not been well received by everyone.
Mixed Reactions From Customers
The new muffin rollout has triggered a variety of reactions among Costco members. Some have welcomed the smaller size, appreciating the lower calorie count and price. Others, however, are disappointed, especially with the Triple Chocolate Muffins.
One Costco shopper took to Reddit to voice their frustration, saying, “The new chocolate muffins are bad. They’re tiny, expensive, overly thick, dry, and have an off-putting taste. The wrappers are annoying, too. It hardly even tastes like real chocolate.”
This comment resonated with many, quickly gaining attention and sparking more than 300 responses, with others sharing their experiences and criticisms.
One user echoed the sentiment, stating, “I thought the same thing. I literally couldn’t even finish ONE. They are very dry and don’t taste good at all.”
Another shopper even questioned whether their pregnancy cravings were to blame, saying, “I thought my pregnancy was making these give me the ick. These tasted so awful and…fake?”
What’s Behind the Decline in Quality?
Interestingly, a Costco employee called on the Reddit thread to explain why these new muffins might fall short of expectations. According to the employee, the new chocolate muffins have different ingredients and a more complicated preparation process than the old ones.
They explained, “If these muffins are mixed and baked properly and allowed to cool properly before being packaged, they are amazing.”
However, they noted that some Costco bakery employees might still be adjusting to the new baking process, which could lead to quality inconsistencies.
This more labor-intensive method might explain why some batches turn out dry and flavorless while others are dense and moist.
Not All Reviews Are Negative
Despite the wave of criticism, it’s worth noting that not every Costco shopper dislikes the new muffins. Some people have had a positive experience with them, and a few comments on Reddit praised the new recipe.
One fan wrote, “I like the muffins more than the original. [Thought] mine were dense, moist, and super chocolatey.”
So, while the new Triple Chocolate Muffins seem like a flop for many, some loyal customers still enjoy them. However, with such a significant amount of negative feedback, it’s clear that Costco’s new muffins are far from universally loved.
A Journey No Longer?
For many Costco members, the old oversized muffins were more than just a snack—they were an experience. One Reddit user reflected this sentiment: “The old “big muffins were a journey and an experience.
Large enough to feel satisfied. Sweet enough, and still soft and bready.”
The new chocolate muffins’ smaller size and drier texture have removed that sense of indulgence. As another disappointed shopper remarked, “I bought “ome this weekend, and I’m extremely disappointed.”
Will Costco” Bring Back the Old Muffins?
It’s unclear whether Costco plans to return the original, larger muffins or if the new, smaller version will stay. However, the strong backlash against the new Triple Chocolate Muffins suggests that many customers hope to return to the previous recipe and size.
Costco has a long history of listening to customer feedback, so the company may make adjustments based on the widespread disappointment.
For now, however, shoppers looking for that classic Costco muffin experience might need to seek alternative options.
Conclusion
Costco’s Costco’s chocolate muffins have stirred up quite a controversy among loyal members. While some appreciate the smaller size and find the new recipe enjoyable, the overwhelming response has been negative.
Many customers have expressed disappointment in the new muffins’ taste, texture, and overall quality, with some calling them “inedible.”
As the “debate continues, it’s clear that Costco is a miss for many shoppers. Whether or not Costco will address these concerns and bring back the beloved original muffins remains to be seen.
Still, one thing is certain customers are not shy about sharing their opinions, and the future of these muffins may depend on it.
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