The company’s rotisserie chicken is much beloved but also controversial. Heres what you need to know, plus some healthful alternatives.
Costco’s rotisserie chickens are a phenomenon. Sold under the franchise’s brand name, Kirkland Signature, the whole chickens are super-tasty, super-popular, and super-cheap. At just $5, in fact, they can be less expensive than a whole uncooked bird.
But they’re also the focus of controversy. Last year the animal rights group Mercy for Animals sent an undercover investigator to work—and film—at one of Costco’s factory chicken farms in Nebraska. The resulting video, which came out in February 2021, showed chickens living in a dark, crowded warehouse that were swollen, hurt, and deformed. A piece in the New York Times wrote about it, and Mercy for Animals used it as the main idea behind their Costco Exposed campaign.
Since then, Mercy for Animals has pressured Costco to sign the Better Chicken Commitment, a petition from the organization and several other animal rights groups. It urges the poultry industry to change how it raises the birds, improving their welfare as well as the safety of the meat that is sold.
Over 200 businesses, such as Whole Foods, BJ’s, Burger King, Chipotle, and Subway, have agreed to that, but Costco and other major chicken producers have not.
A Costco spokesperson told Consumer Reports that the company has “no current plan to adopt in total the requirements of the Better Chicken Commitment” but added that its “internal standards for our dedicated producers . . . enforce appropriate requirements for broiler welfare.”
If you’re wondering what to make of the situation, here’s what you need to know. We also have information about the other chickens the company sells, as well as some alternatives from other retailers.
Rotisserie chicken from Costco is incredibly convenient For just $499, you can pick up a fully cooked, hot and juicy chicken on your way home from work. It seems like an easy dinner solution when you don’t have time to cook. However, there are a few important reasons why you may want to think twice before grabbing one of these chickens on your next Costco run.
High Sodium Content
One of the biggest concerns with Costco’s rotisserie chicken is the high sodium content. Each serving contains around 460 mg of sodium. To put that into perspective the American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to no more than 2,300 mg per day. Consuming just one serving of Costco’s chicken puts you at nearly 20% of your daily recommended limit.
The high sodium is partly what gives the chicken its delicious, savory flavor. However, too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. If you are watching your salt intake for health reasons, the rotisserie chicken may not be the best option.
Questionable Ingredients
Costco injects its rotisserie chickens with a mixture of water, salt, sodium phosphate, and different spices. This helps keep the meat moist and flavorful. Some of the additives, on the other hand, aren’t very good for you.
As an example, sodium phosphate is used to help food hold on to water and stop purge, which is when juices are lost while cooking. Phosphates are useful, but too much of them can be bad for you and has been linked to heart and kidney problems. There’s no way to know for sure how much is being injected into each chicken.
Food Safety Concerns
When cooked chicken is left under heat lamps for hours, it can become a good place for bacteria to grow. Costco has strict rules about food safety, but there is still a chance of getting sick if the chicken isn’t fresh or is handled wrong.
As a consumer, you have no way of knowing how long the chicken you are purchasing has been sitting in the warmer. It’s essential to follow food safety guidelines at home, refrigerating leftovers within 2 hours and reheating to 165°F. However, not everyone follows proper storage procedures, which can lead to increased risk of foodborne illness.
Questionable Sourcing
To keep up with the massive demand, Costco contracts with large poultry suppliers like Lincoln Premium Poultry to provide the chickens. Very little information is shared publicly about where and how these chickens are raised.
Most likely, the chickens come from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Here, chickens are crammed into overcrowded barns where disease spreads quickly. They may also be injected with antibiotics and growth hormones. Those concerned about animal welfare, sustainability and antibiotic overuse may want to avoid unknown sources.
Limited Transparency
Costco is notoriously vague about its rotisserie chicken production. The company states its commitment to responsible farming. However, it provides minimal details on suppliers, standards or auditing practices. Those seeking free-range, organic or humanely raised chicken will be disappointed by the lack of transparency.
Alternatives Are Available
Lucky for you, you can find tasty and easy chicken options that are better for your health and values. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
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Fresh rotisserie chicken from the grocery deli: These are cooked fresh on-site rather than mass produced. You can ask about ingredients and sourcing.
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Whole chicken from a trusted local farm: Support sustainable practices and get superior flavor.
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Organic pre-cooked chicken: Look for brands free from additives and antibiotics.
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Home cooked chicken: Roast your own with olive oil, lemon and herbs for a quick weeknight dinner.
While Costco’s rotisserie chicken has its perks, there are compelling reasons to think twice before adding it to your cart. Concerns about sodium, preservatives, food safety, sourcing and transparency may prompt you to explore other options that better fit your dietary needs and preferences. Don’t settle out of convenience. With a bit of planning, you can find healthy and responsible chicken alternatives to satisfy your weeknight dinner needs.
A Better Option: Cook Your Own
Of course, people buy rotisserie chickens when they don’t want to cook at home. The nutritionist at CR, Amy Keating, RD, says that a roast chicken can be easy to make once you know the recipe. It can be healthier, too.
“You can roast your own chicken using the oven, multi-cooker, grill, or even convection toaster oven,” she says. “But skip the salt, or use just a touch, and season it with a variety of dried herbs and spices, such as pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, and garlic powder. For extra flavor, you can put several garlic cloves and a lemon sliced in quarters in the cavity of the bird. ”.
Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports
A Better Option: Choose Organic
Costco sells a Kirkland Signature Organic whole chicken. You’ll pay more for it: It cost $2. 49 per pound at a Costco in metro New York in early November, compared with 99 cents per pound for the company’s conventionally raised bird. That’s less, on average, than what chickens cost at grocery stores nationwide during that time: $3. 12 per pound for organic vs. $1. 09 per pound for conventional.
Chickens bearing the USDA Organic label differ from conventionally raised birds in several important ways. First, they must be raised without any antibiotics. Birds that are raised in conventional ways, on the other hand, can be given antibiotics before they get sick to keep them from getting sick. This makes the antibiotics less effective over time and can cause widespread antibiotic resistance. Note, though, that if organic chickens do become ill and need antibiotics, organic regulations require that the animals be treated, but their meat can’t be sold as organic.
Also, chickens that have the “organic” label must be fed organic feed, which means that it was grown without using pesticides or GMO seeds.
Finally, any chicken bearing the USDA Organic label is supposed to be raised in slightly more humane conditions. Costco’s spokesperson said the company adheres to the Department of Agriculture’s standards for organic birds—meaning they live in less crowded conditions than conventionally raised chicken—and its organically raised chickens “have access to the outdoors.” Indeed, the USDA’s standards for organic chickens stipulate that the birds should be provided exposure to sunlight, fresh air, shade, and exercise areas.
Still, there are limitations when it comes to animal welfare with the USDA Organic label, and it gets only a Fair rating in CR’s food label analysis on that measure. For instance, while the chickens are supposed to have access to the outdoors, the USDA hasn’t enforced this requirement. Further, the organic label doesn’t prohibit farmers from making physical alterations to the animals, such as trimming the chicken’s beaks, and it doesn’t cover animal welfare requirements en route to the slaughterhouse or while there.
Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken Should Be Called Pestilent Poultry! ☠️
FAQ
Are Costco rotisserie chickens good?
When you think of convenient meals, Costco’s famous rotisserie chickens often come to mind. They are juicy, flavorful, and extremely affordable. However, before you grab one from the deli section, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks.
Does Costco rotisserie chicken taste bad?
Costco’s beloved rotisserie chicken is causing concern again. Initially, customers detected a chemical taste, now shoppers are reporting digestive issues after eating it. Unfortunately, we’ve felt the impact ourselves, too.
Is Kirkland rotisserie chicken a bad thing at Costco?
The popular TikTok creator claimed the food product was one of the worst the store offers. Not long ago, Costco had to take down some frozen meat because of Listeria concerns. Now, the store is being criticized on social media for its Kirkland Rotisserie Chicken.
Does Costco rotisserie chicken have salt?
But while roasted rotisserie chickens are convenient, tasty, and easy on your wallet, they’re often not so good for your health. As CR previously reported, a salt solution is often injected into the cooked chickens to enhance flavor and tenderness. Costco’s rotisserie chicken has 460 mg of sodium per 3-ounce serving.
Should you buy chicken at Costco?
Here’s Why. Don’t Buy Your Chicken At Costco. Here’s Why. When you’re having one of those don’t-even-think-about-asking-me-to-cook days, it can be a lifesaver to swing by your local warehouse store, flash your card, and pick up one of Costco’s famous rotisserie chickens. (They’re so popular, they even have their own Facebook page. ).
Does Costco rotisserie chicken have preservatives?
To maintain freshness and flavor, many commercially prepared foods—including Costco’s rotisserie chicken—are often infused with preservatives and additives. While these substances might enhance taste and shelf life, they could contribute to long-term health complications.
How unhealthy is Costco rotisserie chicken?
Costco’s rotisserie chicken, while convenient and affordable, is relatively high in sodium and may contain certain additives that some individuals might want to limit in their diet.
Where do Costco rotisserie chickens really come from?
In 2019, the grocer established its own massive chicken production complex in Fremont, Nebraska, and partnered with a company called Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP) to manage it.
Why isn’t rotisserie chicken good for you?
The Bottom Line. Rotisserie chicken can be an easy and healthy way to add protein and other important nutrients to your meals with little effort. Just be mindful of the saturated fat found in both the skin and the dark meat, as well as any hidden sodium.
Why is there silica in Costco chicken rotisserie chicken?
Silica is in the spice mixture they season the chicken with. It is extremely common and prevents clumping. Yes it is safe to consume.