Markets 
This may be tough for some chowhounds to swallow.
Costco, a members-only warehouse club, oft-praised for its $1.50 hot dog combo, which offers shoppers the meaty treat and a 20-ounce refillable fountain soda for a steal, is altering the deal to be more inclusive.
But, thankfully, not more expensive.
Frugal fans of the Costco food court are now able to pair its a quarter‑pound all‑beef hot dog with a 16.9‑ounce bottle of Kirkland Signature water, rather than the soda, at no additional cost, per reports. It’s a seemingly minor modification that caters to foodies who either prefer resealable bottles, don’t drink soda or folks looking for lower‑sugar, no‑calorie ways to quench their thirst.
The beverage swapping option marks the first and only change to the budget-friendly combo since its debut, over 40 years ago, in the 1980s.
It’s a palatable update aimed at helping cash-strapped grubbers keep their heads above water amid the ongoing inflation crisis.
The tweak, too, comes as a black eye to the “shrinkflation” fad — a trend that sees fast-food joints reducing their bites to bite-sized portions while charging premium prices.
Ron Vachris, Costco CEO, vowed that the $1.50 fee of the to-go-goody will “not change as long as I’m around,” in a viral vid shared during the recent beef wars between greasy spoons such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s.
Still, Costco faultfinders are not pleased with its new Kirkland water bottle alternative.
“The bottle of water costs less than just that paper [soda] cup. It’s a quasi [Make America Healthy Again] move, too,” ranted a critic on X.
“Do you think small menu changes like that actually matter to customers?” another less-than-thrilled eater tweeted, in part.
Equally irked detractors blasted the big box retailer for allegedly duping its members into thinking they’re scoring a tasty bargain.
“As a Costco member…You walk through basically every aisle, trying samples as you go [and] end up with at least 5 other items… Then you’ll get hungry & end up at the food court getting a $1.50 hot dog combo,” wrote a whistleblower. “Costco makes more money from membership fees.”
Despite the groans and grunts, a number of the chain’s foodies are cheering on its new watery wonder.
“I hate soda and would give it away before drinking it. So this new option is amazing,” raved a hot dog combo junkie beneath a trending clip announcing the Costco shakeup.
“That’s awesome! I hate their drink selections!,” applauded another rejoicer, whose glee was echoed by a similarly tickled TikToker who wrote, “I needed some good news!”
The bad news, however, is that the shop’s $1.50 hot dog combo is exclusively available to its members — meaning, outsiders can’t just belly up to the food court counter with a buck and two quarters hoping to be served.
To chomp the cheap eats, noshers need either a Gold Star membership, costing $65 per year, or the $130 for Executive membership, which includes annual rewards benefit for frequent shoppers.
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