Costco's High-Protein Salad Comes with a Significant Calorie and Sodium Warning

Costco's food court has introduced a Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad that boasts 59 grams of protein, making it the highest-protein item currently available. However, a registered dietitian nutritionist cautions that the high protein content is not the only nutritional factor shoppers should consider.

According to a dietitian Jamie Lee McIntyre, the protein in the $7.99 salad comes from ingredients like rotisserie chicken and hard-boiled eggs, which are beneficial. The salad also includes bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, romaine lettuce, and tomatoes, topped with a creamy peppercorn ranch dressing. Despite the protein-rich components and vegetables, McIntyre pointed out that the salad contains 840 calories. "For a lot of people, 840 calories might be a bit much for a light lunch," she stated.

McIntyre emphasized that while protein is a key nutrient, it's crucial to examine other nutritional aspects. "A food can be high in protein, but it can also still be high in sodium, saturated fat or calories," she explained.

Other high-protein options at the Costco food court include the Chicken Caesar Salad, which offers 58 grams of protein, and the Chicken Bake, with 53 grams of protein. Both salads also contribute to the overall protein intake for consumers seeking filling meal options.

Customer reception to the Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad has been divided. Some shoppers on platforms like Reddit have expressed dissatisfaction with the portioning of ingredients, particularly the amount of lettuce relative to the toppings, and found it to be overly salty. Others have praised the salad, with one user specifically mentioning a liking for the peppercorn ranch dressing and purchasing the salad multiple times.

Costco was contacted for comment on the food court item.