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

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

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.

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

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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.

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.

Even though I've had Costco hot dogs before, I was still shocked at how big it was.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
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It's quite hearty, and it comes wrapped in a paper bag.

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.

The bun was soft and warm, substantial enough to stand up top the hot dog without getting soggy.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
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The condiment section was less impressive. There was mustard, ketchup, and relish, but it was messy.

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.

Even though it wasn't pretty, a little ketchup was just what the hot dog needed.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
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Costco used to have onions out as a topping too, before the pandemic, but they haven't returned yet at my location.

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.

The hot dog is already so flavorful, though, it doesn't need more than the condiments Costco has available.
Hollis Johnson
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I was especially impressed by the texture of the hot dog, which wasn't too wet or mushy which can sometimes happen.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

However, I was impressed by the variety of condiments, like these large sauerkraut packets.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
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The hot dog wasn't bad, but it was much better topped with sauerkraut, ketchup, and cheese.

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.

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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.

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.