by Costco has quietly reintroduced onions at select food courts across the U.S., delighting some shoppers. However, many longtime fans continue to miss other classic items like sauerkraut, sparking renewed conversations about the evolving food court menu.
What Happened
Costco’s food courts, known for affordable snacks such as hot dogs and pizza, recently brought back onions after a multi-year absence.
A Reddit post from a customer highlighted spotting onions at their local store for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This news quickly gained traction among shoppers.
Key Details
- Onions returned in small, pre-portioned cups instead of the old self-serve dispensers.
- Some locations—Beaverton, Portland, Happy Valley, and Tigard—have offered onions intermittently even during the absence at other stores.
- Customers can often request onions directly from staff at the food counter.
- The self-serve onion dispensers were removed due to misuse, including customers filling soda cups with onions, leading to product loss.
- Staff prepare onions each morning, but supplies tend to run out by midday in busy locations.
Reactions and Statements
The return of onions pleased many Costco food court visitors. Yet, some expressed disappointment that other favorites like sauerkraut have not made a comeback.
- A Reddit user noted that sauerkraut was available for some years after Polish dogs were discontinued but has disappeared in recent years.
- Another shopper urged, “Forget onions, bring back the sauerkraut!”
These reactions reveal a broader desire for Costco to restore more classic food court items alongside recent additions.
Investigation or What’s Next
Costco has not released an official statement about future menu plans or whether items like sauerkraut will return. The reintroduction of onions shows the company is open to bringing back fan favorites, but operational challenges like staffing and food preparation time may influence what items are feasible to offer.
Shoppers and fans are encouraged to provide feedback to their local Costco stores to express interest in specific menu items.
FAQs
Q1: Why were onions removed from Costco food courts initially?
A1: Onions were removed due to misuse of the self-serve dispensers, with some customers filling soda cups with onions, causing inventory loss.
Q2: Are onions available at all Costco food courts now?
A2: No, onions have returned to select locations and are provided in small cups prepared by staff rather than self-serve dispensers.
Q3: Can I ask for onions if they are not visibly available?
A3: Yes, at some locations customers can request onions directly from food court staff.
Q4: Will sauerkraut return to Costco food courts?
A4: There is no official announcement yet, but many customers are requesting its return due to popular demand.
Q5: What other classic food court items are missing?
A5: Aside from sauerkraut and onions, items like Polish dogs have been discontinued and remain absent from the menu.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Costco’s food court onions are back in 2025, a welcome return for many shoppers after a pandemic-related absence.
Still, the comeback has highlighted ongoing customer nostalgia for other beloved items like sauerkraut and Polish dogs.
Whether Costco will bring back these favorites remains to be seen, but the company’s recent moves suggest responsiveness to shopper feedback. Fans hoping for a full revival of classic menu items should keep engaging with their local stores.
