The $7.99 Legend: Costco Canada’s Rotisserie Chicken Holds Firm in 2026
As of 03 February 2026, the rotisserie chicken at Costco Canada remains one of the most resilient fixtures in the Canadian retail landscape. Despite fluctuating food costs over the last year, the warehouse giant continues to offer its seasoned, 1.2kg birds for the stagnant price of $7.99 CAD. This “loss leader” strategy remains central to Costco’s membership retention, drawing foot traffic into warehouses from coast to coast, from Halifax to Vancouver.
Current Pricing and Value Proposition
While competitors have raised prices on prepared poultry to upwards of $12.00, Costco has maintained its price point through vertical integration. By owning its supply chain—including processing plants—the company absorbs the rising costs of grain and transport to keep the “Kirkland Signature” chicken affordable for Canadian families.
Product Specifications
- Price: $7.99 CAD
- Weight: Minimum 1.2 kg (approx. 2.7 lbs)
- Preparation: Seasoned and rotisserie-roasted daily on-site.
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free (as per standard Kirkland Signature labeling in Canada).
Recent Changes: The Move to Sustainable Packaging
The biggest update for regular shoppers this winter has been the full national rollout of the flexible “poultry bags.” Replacing the traditional hard-shell plastic domes, these new bags use approximately 75% less plastic. While some members initially voiced concerns regarding leaks, the 2026 reinforced seal design has largely mitigated these issues, marking a significant step in Costco’s environmental commitment in Canada.
Knowledge vs. Rumours
In the world of retail journalism, it is vital to separate confirmed corporate policy from social media speculation. Here is the current breakdown for February 2026:
Confirmed Knowledge
- The price remains $7.99 CAD at all Canadian locations.
- Chickens are processed without added hormones or steroids, in accordance with Canadian federal regulations.
- The “sell-by” window is strictly two hours; chickens not sold within this timeframe are pulled and repurposed for deli items like chicken noodle soup and chicken salad.
Unverified Rumours
- Price Hikes: There is currently no internal data suggesting a move to $8.99 in the first half of 2026.
- Recipe Changes: While some online forums claim a change in sodium levels, Costco Canada has not officially updated the seasoning profile since the 2024 sodium reduction initiative.
FAQ
Why is the Costco rotisserie chicken so cheap?
It is a “loss leader.” Costco intentionally loses money or breaks even on the chicken to ensure members enter the warehouse, where they are likely to purchase higher-margin items like electronics, clothing, or bulk dry goods.
Is the Costco rotisserie chicken gluten-free in Canada?
Yes, as of February 2026, the Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken in Canadian warehouses is labeled as gluten-free. However, shoppers should always check the specific label on the bag for the most current ingredient list to avoid cross-contamination risks.
What time are the chickens freshest?
Costco staff typically begin putting out the first batch of chickens shortly after opening (usually 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM). New batches are rotated every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day until approximately one hour before closing.