Costco shoppers hit out at seafood boil 'scam'

Costco customers across the United States are seemingly unhappy about how much a pre-made Seafood Boil is selling for in-store.

Loyal warehouse shoppers and fishy feast purveyors should already be acquainted with a seafood boil. If not, then you should know that shellfish, including shrimp, snow crab and crawfish, are seasoned and cooked in a single large pot with the likes of potatoes and corn on the cob.

Designed to be fun and messy, a seafood boil portion is usually poured directly onto a paper-lined table; guests are expected to dig into the dish and pick out their favourite bits.

The cult item, deeply tied to Cajun and Creole cultures, has recently popped up in Costco stores.

The warehouse club’s version features the usual ingredients, with the addition of Dungeness crab, mussels, and clams.

Southern-style seafood boil from Costco is going viral for all the wrong reasons (Getty Stock Image)

According to signage, it takes just six minutes to heat the dish up—making it an easy dinner option.

However, some customers have complained that while Costco have made it simple enough to get your seafood fix, they haven’t made it inexpensive.

As per social media posts, the seafood boil was given a $11.99-per-pound price tag.

One Redditor claimed that they bought two boils in store - one for $56, and the other for $64.

The pretty hefty cost has sparked debate online, with one Facebook user typing: “It was exciting to see the seafood roadshow return for Mother’s Day at Costco, but it seem pretty expensive for mostly potatoes.

“Unfortunately, selling this by the pound means you’re paying a lot for potatoes and corn,” said another Reddit user.

Another claimed the price was ‘more expensive’ than their local seafood boil restaurant, while a fifth simply alleged: “You're not getting a good deal."

The Takeout reported that someone else called it 'a scam'.

Others have not been deterred by the price. “We tried the seafood boil yesterday and was pleasantly surprised,” said someone else.

“It was very easy to reheat and only took about 6 minutes. Each bag was about 5 pounds.

How much would you be willing to fork out for a seafood boil (Getty Stock Image)

“We would buy again. Seems like it was a part of their Seafood Roadshow at select locations this weekend.”

A second gushed: “This is a great f-ing idea. Interesting, easy, customisable and affordable. I LOVE it. Costco just gets it.”

FOODbible has contacted Costco for comment.

The seafood boil price debate comes amid news that Costco was slashing some products from its Kirkland Signature line.

CEO Ron Vachris said on an earnings call: “Against the backdrop of ongoing macro uncertainty, our focus is providing quality goods and services at the lowest possible price continues to resonate strongly with our members.”

The report, made during a company call on 28 May, explained that four Kirkland Signature brand items had been reduced by at $1 to $10.

Kirkland Signature Crispy Wings can now be purchased for $14.99, rather than $16.99.

Kirkland's Signature Milk Chocolate Almonds have been reduced (Costco)

Meanwhile, Kirkland Signature Milk Chocolate Almonds are now priced at $18.99, rather than $19.99.

Kirkland Signature Golf Balls (previously priced at $32.99) and King Size Sheets (formelry $89.99) have experienced a price reduction, too.

The pair can be picked up for $29.99 and $79.99, respectively.