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, released in February 2021, showed swollen, injured, and deformed chickens living in a crowded, darkened warehouse. 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 asks the poultry industry to change how it raises birds so that the birds are better cared for and the meat sold is safer.
While more than 200 companies—including Whole Foods, BJ’s, Burger King, Chipotle, and Subway—have signed on to that commitment, 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 know about the other chickens that the company sells and some other options from other stores.
Costco’s rotisserie chicken is very convenient. For just $499, you can get a hot, fully cooked chicken on your way home from work. It looks like a quick way to make dinner when you don’t have time to cook. You might want to think twice about getting one of these chickens on your next trip to Costco, though, for a few important reasons.
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 solution containing water, salt, sodium phosphate and various seasonings. This helps keep the meat moist and flavorful. However, some of the additives are questionable from a health perspective.
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 chicken is cooked and left sitting under heat lamps for hours, it creates a potential breeding ground for bacteria. Costco has strict food safety protocols in place, but there is still a risk if the chicken is not fresh or is handled improperly.
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
Costco buys chickens from big poultry suppliers like Lincoln Premium Poultry so they can keep up with the huge demand. The public doesn’t know much 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. But it doesn’t say much about suppliers, standards, or auditing procedures. People who want free-range, organic, or humanely raised chicken will be let down by the lack of information.
Alternatives Are Available
Luckily, it is possible to find tasty and convenient chicken options that are better aligned with 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. But Amy Keating, RD, CR’s resident nutritionist, says a roast chicken can be a simple meal to prepare once you get your recipe down. It can be healthier, too.
“You can roast your own chicken using the oven, multi-cooker, grill, or even convection toaster oven,” she says. “Don’t add salt, or use very little. Instead, season it with dried herbs and spices like garlic powder, pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, and rosemary. 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. Costco in metro New York charged $4.99 per pound for this bird in early November, but only 99 cents per pound for the company’s normally 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. Conventionally raised birds, on the other hand, can be given antibiotics before they get sick to ward off disease, a practice that reduces the effectiveness of those antibiotics over time and can lead to widespread antibiotic resistance. Keep in mind, though, that if organic chickens get sick and need antibiotics, the animals must be treated, but the meat from them cannot be sold as organic.
In addition, chickens with the organic label must be fed organic feed, which means it was produced without pesticides or genetically modified seed.
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
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. Only watch out for the hidden sodium and saturated fat that can be found in both the skin and the dark meat.
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.
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 roasted rotisserie chickens aren’t always good for your health, even though they’re easy to get, tasty, and cheap. 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.