Costco has introduced an option for customers to substitute bottled water for soda in its popular $1.50 hot dog combo at participating locations. This change allows consumers to reduce their sugar intake, though its effect on the meal's overall health profile is debated.
Months after the warehouse club began offering the swap, a discussion on Reddit highlighted consumer interest in the change. Some shoppers expressed a preference for the hot dog itself, viewing the drink as secondary. The option to choose a 16.9-ounce bottle of Kirkland Signature water instead of the traditional 20-ounce fountain drink, which still includes free refills, has provided a new consideration for those balancing nutrition and value.
South Carolina-based registered dietitian Lauren Manaker told Fox News Digital that the switch to water can lead to a "significant savings in terms of sugar intake." However, she cautioned that "a hot dog is not what I would consider to be the healthiest choice out there," suggesting the swap alone does not render the combo healthy. For consumers who occasionally purchase the food court item, Manaker stated that the beverage choice is unlikely to have a "profound impact on your overall health."
The value proposition of the combo also remains a point of discussion. While the fountain soda offers free refills, bottled water provides a distinct alternative. Despite the beverage choice, the price of the hot dog and drink combo has remained at $1.50.
