COSTCO has discontinued two popular Kirkland jerks after warning members last month with its famous “Death Star.”
The warehouse club has pulled its beloved chocolate chips from shelves, and other products may soon follow suit.
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Costco is famous among shoppers for its private label, Kirkland Signature.
Members often prefer Costco dupes over more well-known brand products, so discontinuing these products could be a disappointment to customers.
This was the case when Costco discontinued its popular Kirkland Signature chocolate chips, including its semi-sweet chocolate chips and premium 51% semi-sweet chocolate chips.
A member pointed out the change on a Reddit publish on Wednesday, noting that the retailer replaced its chocolate chips with the Nestlé brand.
Costco shoppers were alerted to the product discontinuation when the retailer added the famous “Death Star,” or discontinuation asterisk, to both chocolate chip signs a few weeks ago.
The warehouse club also launched a internal memo about the decision to remove chocolate chips from its shelves, which circulated on Reddit.
Costco shared that the decision resulted from rising cocoa costs.
“Cocoa costs have increased almost 200% compared to last year and this is impacting all items in this category, including items from brands such as Nestlé Tollhouse,” the memo says.
The warehouse club noted that the high price of cocoa would make it impossible for Costco to price its chocolate chips competitively against Nestlé.
“For perspective, estimated Q3 and Q4 sales for the KS Red Bag would be $16.99 versus our competitors’ Nestle $15.48,” the memo continued.
The retailer likely anticipated customers’ consternation, sharing plans to potentially bring chocolate chips back as soon as it was feasible to do so.
“We are likely to be out of KS for at least 12 months, but our long-term plan is to offer the item again in the future,” the memo said.
CHOCOLATE MANIA
Many fans of Costco’s Kirkland Signature chocolate chips were disappointed by the news of its discontinuation.
“They really are the best chocolate chips ever,” began one customer.
“I use them for chocolate fondue, chocolate pudding, brownies, cc cookies, drinking chocolate. Anything chocolate – it’s my only option!
“Nothing else compares and I tried to find something as good when they were discontinued a few years ago.”
Another shopper called the chocolate chips “the best on the market” and called customer service about the change.
They were told to get as many people as possible to leave reviews on the Costco website to bring chocolate chips back.
“They tried this several years ago, but there was such an outcry that they brought them back. Please help all of us home bakers do it again! Nestlé is disgusting!!!” wrote the Costco insider.
NOT SO SWEET FUTURE
Considering that several Costco products contain chocolate, it is unknown whether they will be changed or discontinued after the chocolate chips are discontinued.
For example, Costco’s S’Mores Clusters, milk chocolate almonds, double chocolate muffins, and food court chocolate chip cookies all contain chocolate.
Costco Membership Levels
Costco customers can choose from three membership cards.
Gold Star Membership:
- $60 annual fee
- Includes a free domestic card
- Valid at all Costco stores worldwide
Executive Member:
- $120 annual fee
- Includes a free domestic card
- Valid at all Costco stores worldwide
- 2% Annual Reward on Qualifying Costco Purchases
Business Association:
- $60 annual fee
- Includes a free domestic card
- Add affiliate cardholders for $60 each
- Valid at all Costco stores worldwide
- Purchase for resale
Some members have already pointed out a difference in the retailer’s muffins.
“I bought a package of chocolate chip muffins last week after not buying them for a month or two and they tasted different than usual,” wrote one customer on Reddit.
“Does anyone know if they’re using different chocolate now?” they asked.
In related news, a Costco shopper was overcharged $27 for a $9.99 item — the store said the high price was fair.
Plus, Costco shoppers are furious about the new “blocky” carts and insist they’re missing a crucial element.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
