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Costco and Sam's Club both sell $1.50 hot dogs, but here's why I'd pick Costco every time

Costco and Sam's Club both sell $1.50 hot dogs, but here's why I'd pick Costco every time

Mary Meisenzahl

Irene Jiang / Business Insider

Sam's Club and Costco both sell hot dog and soda combinations for just $1.50
Sam's Club had better condiments, with sauerkraut and cheese in addition to ketchup and mustard.

Costco is well known for its food court, which is beloved by members.

Hollis Johnson

Costco is especially famous for its $1.50 hot dog and soda deal, which has stayed at the same price since 1985.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Source: Insider

Sam's Club, Costco's biggest competitor, offers the same deal, also at $1.50. I decided to try both to see how they compare.

Charles Krupa/AP Images

Even though I've had Costco hot dogs before, I was still shocked at how big it was.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It's quite hearty, and it comes wrapped in a paper bag.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The bun was soft and warm, substantial enough to stand up top the hot dog without getting soggy.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The condiment section was less impressive. There was mustard, ketchup, and relish, but it was messy.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Even though it wasn't pretty, a little ketchup was just what the hot dog needed.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Costco used to have onions out as a topping too, before the pandemic, but they haven't returned yet at my location.

Gary W./Yelp

The hot dog is already so flavorful, though, it doesn't need more than the condiments Costco has available.

Hollis Johnson

I was especially impressed by the texture of the hot dog, which wasn't too wet or mushy which can sometimes happen.

Hollis Johnson

Costco's hot dogs are 100% beef, made in the company's Kirkland Signature hot dog factories in Los Angeles and Chicago. The hot dog was a great deal, more than enough for a meal.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Next up I want to Sam's Club, which has its own $1.50 hot dog and soda combination.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

At first glance it looked similar to the Costco hot dog and came in the same paper bag, though it seemed a bit smaller.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The bun was more plain and softer than the Costco bun.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

However, I was impressed by the variety of condiments, like these large sauerkraut packets.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The hot dog wasn't bad, but it was much better topped with sauerkraut, ketchup, and cheese.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The hot dog itself was bland compared to Costco's, and slightly soggy.

For just $1.50, the Sam's Club hot dog is definitely a great deal, but it doesn't compare to Costco's. Costco's hot dog is so impressive that it doesn't need them. It's great with nothing but ketchup.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.

Costco and Sam's Club both sell $1.50 hot dogs, but here's why I'd pick Costco every time

Mary Meisenzahl

Costco is well known for its food court, which is beloved by members.

Costco is especially famous for its $1.50 hot dog and soda deal, which has stayed at the same price since 1985.

Sam's Club, Costco's biggest competitor, offers the same deal, also at $1.50. I decided to try both to see how they compare.

Even though I've had Costco hot dogs before, I was still shocked at how big it was.

It's quite hearty, and it comes wrapped in a paper bag.

The bun was soft and warm, substantial enough to stand up top the hot dog without getting soggy.

The condiment section was less impressive. There was mustard, ketchup, and relish, but it was messy.

Even though it wasn't pretty, a little ketchup was just what the hot dog needed.

Costco used to have onions out as a topping too, before the pandemic, but they haven't returned yet at my location.

The hot dog is already so flavorful, though, it doesn't need more than the condiments Costco has available.

I was especially impressed by the texture of the hot dog, which wasn't too wet or mushy which can sometimes happen.

Costco's hot dogs are 100% beef, made in the company's Kirkland Signature hot dog factories in Los Angeles and Chicago. The hot dog was a great deal, more than enough for a meal.

Next up I want to Sam's Club, which has its own $1.50 hot dog and soda combination.

At first glance it looked similar to the Costco hot dog and came in the same paper bag, though it seemed a bit smaller.

The bun was more plain and softer than the Costco bun.

However, I was impressed by the variety of condiments, like these large sauerkraut packets.

The hot dog wasn't bad, but it was much better topped with sauerkraut, ketchup, and cheese.

The hot dog itself was bland compared to Costco's, and slightly soggy.

For just $1.50, the Sam's Club hot dog is definitely a great deal, but it doesn't compare to Costco's. Costco's hot dog is so impressive that it doesn't need them. It's great with nothing but ketchup.

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