Sam’s Club and Costco both sell hot dog and soda combinations for under $2.
Sam’s Club has better condiments, with sauerkraut and cheese in addition to ketchup and mustard, and a lower price.
Costco still wins though, thanks to a more flavorful hot dog and better bun.
Costco is well known for its food court, which is beloved by members.
Hollis Johnson
Costco is especially famous for its $1.50 hot dog and soda deal, which has stayed at the same price since 1985.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Source: Insider
Sam’s Club, Costco’s biggest competitor, just cut the price of its identical hot dog and soda combo to $1.38.
Sam’s Club
Source: Insider
I decided to try both to see how they compare.
Charles Krupa/AP Images
Even though I’ve had Costco hot dogs before, I was still shocked at how big it was.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It’s quite hearty, and it comes wrapped in a paper bag.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The bun was soft and warm, substantial enough to stand up top the hot dog without getting soggy.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The condiment section was less impressive. There was mustard, ketchup, and relish, but it was messy.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Even though it wasn’t pretty, a little ketchup was just what the hot dog needed.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Costco used to have onions out as a topping too, before the pandemic, but they haven’t returned yet at my location.
Gary W./Yelp
The hot dog is already so flavorful, though, it doesn’t need more than the condiments Costco has available.
Hollis Johnson
I was especially impressed by the texture of the hot dog, which wasn’t too wet or mushy which can sometimes happen.
Hollis Johnson
Costco’s hot dogs are 100% beef, made in the company’s Kirkland Signature hot dog factories in Los Angeles and Chicago. The hot dog was a great deal, more than enough for a meal.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Next up I want to Sam’s Club, which has the slightly cheaper $1.38 hot dog and soda combination.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
At first glance it looked similar to the Costco hot dog and came in the same paper bag, though it seemed a bit smaller.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The bun was more plain and softer than the Costco bun.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
However, I was impressed by the variety of condiments, like these large sauerkraut packets.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The hot dog wasn’t bad, but it was much better topped with sauerkraut, ketchup, and cheese.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The hot dog itself was bland compared to Costco’s, and slightly soggy.
For just $1.38, the Sam’s Club hot dog is definitely a great deal, but it doesn’t compare to Costco’s. Costco’s hot dog is so impressive that it doesn’t need them. It’s great with nothing but ketchup.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
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