Costco’s bakery section has long been home to some of the best bulk-buy deals around, and their iconic muffins have been a staple for years. Known for their huge size, rich flavors, and unbeatable value, these muffins have been a go-to treat for families and Costco fans alike.
However, Costco has recently made big changes to its muffins, and not everyone is thrilled. The muffins are now smaller, more expensive per ounce, and sold in different packaging. Many shoppers are wondering—are Costco muffins still worth buying, or is this a classic case of shrinkflation?
Let’s break down exactly what changed, why Costco made these adjustments, and whether these muffins are still a good value.
What’s Different About Costco’s Muffins?
Longtime fans of Costco’s muffins will immediately notice a few key differences.
- Smaller Size: The old muffins were 5.5 ounces each, while the new ones are 3.85 ounces. This is a significant size reduction that makes the muffins noticeably smaller than before.
- Higher Price Per Ounce: The old muffins were $9 for 12, while the new ones are $7 for 8. That means you’re now paying over 50% more per ounce.
- Packaging Change: Previously, you had to buy two six-packs (12 muffins total), but you could mix and match flavors. Now, the muffins are only sold in a single-flavor eight-pack, limiting variety.
- New Flavors: Some classic flavors have disappeared, making room for new options. While some customers love the fresh selection, others miss their favorites.
These changes have left many shoppers frustrated, especially those who relied on the mix-and-match deal to get their favorite flavor combinations. But why did Costco make these changes?
Why Did Costco Change Its Muffins?
Costco has not provided an official explanation for the muffin overhaul, but there are a few likely reasons behind the change.
1. Health-Conscious Portion Control
One possibility is that Costco is responding to changing consumer preferences. The original muffins were huge, containing around 700 calories each. By reducing the size, Costco may be catering to customers who want smaller portions without feeling guilty about eating an entire muffin.
For shoppers looking for a more moderate treat, the new muffins might actually be an improvement.
2. Rising Ingredient Costs & Shrinkflation
Over the past few years, the cost of ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and labor has increased. Instead of dramatically raising the price of the old muffins, Costco may have chosen to reduce the size as a way to manage costs while keeping the overall price increase less obvious.
This strategy—known as shrinkflation—has become more common across the food industry, with many companies opting to reduce portion sizes instead of raising prices outright.
3. A New Sales Strategy?
There’s also the packaging change to consider. Before, customers had to buy 12 muffins at a time, but they could mix and match two flavors. Now, shoppers can only buy a single-flavor eight-pack.
While this may seem like a small change, it could be a strategic move to increase sales. If a customer wants multiple flavors, they now have to buy multiple packs, leading to a higher total purchase.
By limiting variety and reducing portion sizes, Costco may be encouraging customers to buy more overall, which would boost sales despite offering smaller muffins.
Are the New Costco Muffins Still Worth It?
At first glance, the new muffins seem like a worse deal—you’re getting less product for more money, and the loss of mix-and-match options is frustrating. However, there’s one important factor to consider: waste.
Many Costco shoppers have admitted that, when buying 12 of the old oversized muffins, they often couldn’t finish them before they went bad. That meant throwing away stale muffins and wasting money.
With the new smaller portion size and eight-pack format, it’s easier to finish the muffins before they go stale, which might actually save money in the long run. If you were previously throwing away two or three muffins per pack, you might now be getting better value per muffin that actually gets eaten.
Do the New Costco Muffins Taste the Same?
Taste is a huge factor in whether these muffins are still worth buying. While the core recipe appears unchanged, some customers have noticed subtle differences in texture and overall experience.
- Smaller muffins may have a slightly different texture because of the new portion size.
- The eating experience has changed—the old muffins were dense and filling, while the new ones are lighter.
- New flavors vs. old favorites—some longtime customers miss discontinued flavors, while others are excited to try new options.
For many, the muffins still deliver great flavor, but the size difference makes them feel less satisfying. If you loved the larger muffins as a filling breakfast option, you might find the new ones less substantial.
Final Verdict – Are Costco Muffins Still a Good Deal?
Costco’s muffin changes have sparked a major debate among shoppers. Some see this as a classic case of shrinkflation, while others appreciate the smaller portions and reduced food waste.
For those who loved the old giant muffins, this change may feel like a disappointment. The higher price per ounce and loss of mix-and-match flavors make it hard to see this as an upgrade.
However, for shoppers who struggled to finish the old 12-pack before the muffins went bad, this smaller format might actually be more practical. If you’re wasting less food, the actual cost per muffin eaten might not be as bad as it seems.
Should You Still Buy Costco Muffins?
- If you loved the old massive muffins, you might feel like these aren’t worth the price anymore.
- If you like the idea of a smaller portion size, the new format could actually be an improvement.
- If you miss your favorite flavors, the loss of variety could be a dealbreaker.
- If you often threw away muffins before finishing them, the new 8-pack might help reduce waste and make more sense financially.
Ultimately, whether Costco’s new muffins are worth it depends on how you used to buy and eat them. While some customers will see this as a major downgrade, others may actually appreciate the smaller portions and less waste.
What Do You Think?
Are you Team “Old Muffins Forever”, or do you think this was a smart change? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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