Why You Should Think Twice Before Ordering The Chicken Bake At Costco

The Costco food court and its delicious offerings from its in-house brand, Kirkland Signature has many fans. However, if you're someone who cares about both your health and finances, you may want to think twice before lunging for the brand's chicken bake. While it definitely does seem delicious — loaded with cheese, chicken, irresistibly crispy dough and more, it's not great for your waistline.

Costco's manager Christina Polovina advised to simply give the Kirkland Signature Chicken Bake a miss. She wrote on Quora, "Calorically, these bad boys are over 1000 calories. The ultimate hangover meal. Crispy dough, cheese, chicken, bacon and Caesar dressing with a coating of Parmesan cheese on top. A treat once in a while if you are into it, but definitely not a daily go-to." There's more to this than meets the eye, as Polovina explained. The food item is basically a sales trick for the brand.

The manager had more to say on the topic. "Financially for the business, the item itself is probably a 52 percent markup above cost of goods, but they are so labor intensive that it doesn't really make sense," she explained. "But many of the food court items exist just to get you in the door. Come for a chicken bake and buy a TV on coupon that you just can't pass up." So, you may find yourself browsing after getting your chicken bake and feel tempted to buy other available items even though you honestly don't quite need them.

Thus, a better strategy at the chain's food court is to opt for other healthier options such as a good old sandwich and make the chicken bake a very occasional treat that you turn to once in a while when the occasion calls for it.