Sam's Club beat Costco on a familiar grocery metric: rotisserie chicken. Consumer Reports named Member's Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken its top overall pick after tasting birds from 10 grocery chains, warehouse clubs and big-box retailers.
The result gives shoppers a direct comparison between two warehouse-club staples. Costco's Kirkland Signature bird still landed among the top picks, but Sam's Club took the lead on flavor, seasoning and juicy texture.
10 retailers in one tasting
Consumer Reports bought between 10 and 13 chickens from each retailer across multiple store locations and shopping trips, then split the birds into two buckets: those flavorful enough to serve on their own and those better suited for soups, salads and sandwiches. Sam's Club and Costco were both placed in the top group.
BJ's Wholesale Club, Hannaford, ShopRite and The Fresh Market were placed in the second category. For shoppers, that leaves the choice between a chicken judged ready for dinner as sold and one better used as an ingredient base.
Costco's $4.99 bird
$4.99 is still the price on Costco's rotisserie chicken, and the company has kept it steady for years despite inflation. That long run helped make the bird one of Costco's signature products, which is why losing the top spot lands with extra force.
In 2024, loyal Costco customers also voiced frustration over the switch from plastic clamshell containers to bags. The price stayed put, but the packaging change showed how closely shoppers watch even small shifts in a product that has become part of the chain's identity.
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For shoppers choosing between the two chains now, the sharper question is not price alone but which bird delivers the better balance of seasoning and texture. Consumer Reports said Sam's Club won that test; Costco's chicken stayed competitive, just not first.
