Costco's New Buttermilk Biscuits Divide Shoppers as Bakery Launch Goes Viral
Costco has rolled out a new Southern-style buttermilk biscuit in its bakery department, and the internet is split. Priced at $6.99 for a pack of 10, the biscuits (item #208379) are baked fresh in-house with real buttermilk and are being touted as the latest must-try item. But an August 2 Instagram post from a Costco influencer, @costcohotfinds, quickly triggered a wave of skepticism, with several commenters describing the biscuits as "drier than the desert" and even suggesting they look "dry enough to use as car tires."
Despite the hype from the influencer, who called the biscuits "buttery, fluffy, and taste just like homemade," many shoppers are holding back. "Biscuits look like I can scrub my feet with them… I'll pass!!" one commenter wrote. Another added a graphic warning about using the biscuits as a foot scrubber. The mixed reaction comes as Costco continues to expand its bakery lineup with viral items like the blueberry caramelized cheesecake and the lemon raspberry fruit loaf, both of which drew crowds earlier in the summer. Now, the question is whether the new biscuits will follow suit or end up as a shelf warmer.
The Backlash: Dryness and Ingredients Under Scrutiny
The primary criticism revolves around the biscuits' texture. A few commenters echoed the influencer's praise, but a vocal contingent couldn't get past the visual dryness. One person went as far as to say the biscuits "looked dryer than the desert," while another joked about needing to scrub their feet with them. The debate also touched on ingredients, with some shoppers expressing concern about artificial additives, and others noting that biscuits are easy enough to make from scratch at home.
But not everyone is convinced the criticism is fair. One commenter clapped back, saying, "If your biscuits are super moist, you ain't eating a biscuit." Indeed, a drier crumb is often a hallmark of traditional Southern biscuits, which are meant to soak up gravy, butter, or honey without turning to mush. The new product's packaging even suggests serving them warm with sausage gravy, a classic pairing that could benefit from a sturdier base.
Why It Matters: The Price and Convenience Factor
At just under 70 cents per biscuit, the new offering is an affordable addition to any meal. For shoppers who don't have the time or energy to mix dough, the biscuits offer a fresh-baked option that can be ready in minutes. "Ohhhhhh with some sausage gravyyyy 😋😋😋," one enthusiastic shopper commented on the viral post, while another planned to make chicken sandwiches with hot honey.
Costco's bakery has become a destination for shoppers looking for value and novelty, and the chain has a track record of creating cult favorites. The blueberry caramelized cheesecake, launched in June, sparked a rush of social media posts, and the lemon raspberry fruit loaf followed in July. The buttermilk biscuits continue that trend, but the early reception suggests that the warehouse giant may need to address the texture concerns to win over the doubters. Still, the price point and convenience are likely to attract a segment of shoppers who prioritize ease over artisan quality.
Beyond the Hype: Are Dry Biscuits a Bad Thing?
Dry biscuits, when used correctly, can be a culinary asset. For instance, a drier biscuit holds up better when smothered in sausage gravy or topped with juicy strawberries and whipped cream for a summer shortcake. It's also a good candidate for bread pudding or a breakfast casserole, where the biscuit absorbs liquid without disintegrating. One commenter even suggested that the biscuits might be perfect for those who like to build a hearty breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon, and cheese.
On the other hand, some shoppers are simply not willing to take the risk. The skepticism is part of a larger trend of consumers being more critical of prepared foods, especially when it comes to bakery items that claim to be "homemade." The visual appeal of a biscuit is often as important as its taste, and if the photos don't sell it, no influencer praise will change that.
The Bigger Picture: Costco's Bakery Strategy and the Southern Food Trend
Costco's decision to launch a Southern-style biscuit reflects a broader food trend: comfort food is having a moment. From fried chicken sandwiches to pimento cheese, Southern cuisine has been moving beyond its regional roots and into mainstream grocery aisles. The biscuits are a natural fit for a warehouse chain that prides itself on offering both value and nostalgia. By baking them in-house, Costco is also trying to position the product as fresher than the pre-packaged alternatives.
But the launch also highlights the challenges of scaling a regional favorite for a national audience. Biscuits are deeply personal, and everyone has a preferred texture—some like them tall and flaky, others prefer them dense and crumbly. Costco's version seems to fall into the latter category, which might explain the backlash. The company has been known to take customer feedback seriously, and if the negative comments continue, it could tweak the recipe or adjust the baking process.
What This Means for Shoppers and the Future of Bakery Items
For now, the biscuits are available in stores, and early buyers are sharing their experiences. One shopper on Instagram noted that they were "very fresh," though that doesn't dispel the dryness concerns. If the biscuits are indeed dry, they can still be salvaged with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a generous ladle of gravy. And if you're not a fan, there are always other bakery items to try.
The launch also signals that Costco is willing to experiment with regional comfort foods, which could open the door for more Southern-inspired items in the future. The company's ability to generate buzz, even negative, is a testament to its cultural influence. Whether the biscuits become a permanent fixture or a fleeting trend will depend on how they perform in the long run. But if the comments are any indication, the debate is far from over.
In the meantime, consider this: if you're planning a big brunch and need a quick, affordable shortcut, the Costco biscuits might be worth a shot—just bring your own gravy. And if you're still on the fence, you can always take the advice of one commenter who suggested using them as a base for a cobbler, where their sturdiness would be an advantage.
As the news cycle turns, the biscuit story is a reminder that not every viral food moment translates into a stampede. But for true biscuit lovers, the convenience and price may be enough to give them a second look. After all, in the world of comfort food, a little dryness can be forgiven when the price is right.
For more on how to handle back-to-school breakfasts with ease, check out our guide on 5 Costco Food Finds That Take the Stress Out of Back-To-School. And if you're curious about other food trends making waves, our coverage of the Commonwealth Games 2026: Athletes Reported Missing After Glasgow Event offers a different kind of twist—though not one you'd want on a plate.
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