Yes, we know the muffin man
Here’s What Costco Really Does with Its Unsold Muffins and Other Bakery Items
Published on Apr. 11, 2025
Of all Costco’s departments, my favorite just might be its bakery section. While there are old standbys, like croissants, it typically offers new Kirkland products seasonally that satisfy my sweet tooth. Lately what’s always in my cart is the 8-count package of Kirkland Signature Blueberries & Cream Muffins for $6.99. So good, and less than $1 a muffin.
As much as I love these, I can’t help but wonder, What does Costco do with unsold muffins? I mean, there are so many packages at my local warehouse. Delicious as they are, can Costco really sell all of them before the expiration date?
Turns out, what Costco does with leftover muffins and other bakery items is even sweeter than the pastries themselves. Read on to find out how the muffins get a second life.
Get Reader’s Digest‘s Read Up newsletter for more Costco news, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
What does Costco do with its unsold muffins and other bakery items?
It’s quite simple: Costco donates unsold muffins and other bakery items nearing their expiration date to nonprofit groups, including Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries and local meal programs.
While Feeding America is among the better-known nonprofits Costco works with, it isn’t the only organization to which the big-box retailer donates. Costco has a whole page on its website dedicated to charitable giving, and it accepts applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofits year-round. But here’s why you may not know that your local warehouse donates to other charities—Costco explicitly states that it does “not seek recognition for our contributions to our communities.” That means many donations are made under the radar.
What other perishable foods does Costco donate?
It isn’t merely muffins that Costco donates to food banks local to each of its warehouses. The company also donates Kirkland Signature breads, produce, proteins (like Costco beef and chicken) and dairy products.
According to the USDA Economic Research Service, 13.5% of U.S. households experience food insecurity, a percentage that equates to 18 million people. That’s a lot of folks whose lives are positively impacted heavily by food donations made by companies like Costco to food banks and other community-driven nonprofits.
Does Costco ever sell day-old muffins or food near its expiration date for less?
Unlike traditional groceries that may sell bakery items or other foods at a discount, when an item is nearing or beyond the best-buy date, Costco does not sell day-old pastries at a percentage off. Instead, those items go to the local food banks and other nonprofit community resources mentioned above.
However, there are some instances where Costco repurposes items to eliminate food waste. Like, for example, its infamous $4.99 rotisserie chickens are only allowed to remain for sale for two hours once they’re out of the oven. After that, they’re removed from display and turned into filling for chicken pot pie or used in chicken salads and the like. Similarly, if beef is nearing its sell-by date, that will instead be used for meatloaf or other premade meals sold at the store.
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Costco: “A Commitment to Communities”
- Feeding America: “Our Donors and Partners”
- USDA Economic Research Service: “Food Security in the U.S. – Key Statistics & Graphics”
