The Confirmed Muffin Makeover
For decades, the jumbo-sized Costco muffins were a staple of the warehouse club's bakery. The 12-pack, featuring two different flavors, was a legendary bulk buy. However, towards the end of 2024 and continuing into early 2025, a dramatic change began rolling out across locations. The old muffins were phased out and replaced with a new 'Blueberries & Cream' variety. This wasn't just a simple name change; it represented a complete overhaul of the muffin's size, recipe, and packaging.
The update caused an uproar among loyal fans, who immediately noticed and tasted the difference. Online discussions across platforms like Reddit and Facebook filled with passionate pleas to bring back the original, as well as arguments for the new version.
The Recipe Reformulation: Old vs. New
Perhaps the most significant and debated change was the muffin recipe itself. A Costco baker reportedly confirmed that the new version uses 'better ingredients'. The old, famously cake-like muffin was rumored to be based on a simplified cake mix recipe. In contrast, the new 'Blueberries & Cream' version is said to incorporate more premium elements like butter and sour cream, resulting in a denser, richer texture.
The Ingredient Controversy
One of the most notable recipe differences involves the filling. Some reports suggest that the new recipe contains a blueberry-flavored cream cheese swirl instead of the frozen blueberries of the past. This ingredient shift could be attributed to various factors, including supply chain issues or a desire to improve texture and flavor. However, the change has disappointed some purists who miss the straightforward, fruit-forward taste of the original.
A Tale of Two Muffins: Size, Price, and Packaging
Beyond the ingredients, every aspect of the Costco muffin experience was altered. The most noticeable differences for shoppers were the new size and packaging.
Changes to Packaging
- Old: Two mix-and-match 6-packs, totaling 12 giant muffins.
- New: A single, non-interchangeable 8-pack of smaller muffins.
The Shift in Value
While the total cost per package may seem lower, the value proposition has changed. The new 8-pack is a classic example of 'shrinkflation'—when a product's size or quantity shrinks while its price remains stable or even increases.
Comparison of Old vs. New Costco Blueberry Muffins
| Feature | Old Jumbo Muffins | New 'Blueberries & Cream' Muffins |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Jumbo, larger than standard muffins | Smaller, closer to standard grocery store size |
| Pack Size | 12 muffins (2x6-packs) | 8 muffins (1x8-pack) |
| Ingredient Quality | Reputedly from a mix, simpler recipe | Reported to use richer ingredients like butter and sour cream |
| Fillings | Mostly frozen blueberries | Blueberry-flavored cream cheese swirl reported |
| Mix & Match | Possible to choose two flavors per dozen | Not possible, only one flavor per pack |
| Price Per Muffin | Lower on a per-unit and per-ounce basis | Higher on a per-unit and per-ounce basis |
| Texture | Generally described as moist and cake-like | Denser, more buttery, with mixed reviews on moisture |
The Aftermath: Customer Reactions and Reasoning
Customer reactions to the muffin change were deeply divided. Some, especially those who found the original muffins too large and often prone to going stale, welcomed the change. The new, smaller portions were praised for being more manageable and reducing food waste. Some also genuinely preferred the richer taste of the updated recipe. Others, however, felt betrayed. The smaller size, higher relative price, and altered flavor profile left a segment of long-time fans feeling that Costco had compromised on a beloved classic.
Possible motivations for the change include:
- Ingredient Cost: Rising costs for ingredients like blueberries may have prompted a recipe adjustment.
- Supply Chain Resilience: Shifting to more readily available or stable ingredients to avoid future shortages.
- Consumer Trends: Responding to consumer demand for smaller, more portion-controlled baked goods.
- Ingredient Quality: A genuine effort to upgrade the bakery's offerings with higher-quality ingredients, as mentioned by an employee.
Conclusion: A New Era for a Kirkland Signature Staple
The answer to "Did Costco change their blueberry muffins?" is a definitive yes. In late 2024 and early 2025, Costco completely reformulated and repackaged its famous muffins, introducing a smaller, denser, and richer version called 'Blueberries & Cream.' The shift sparked a heated debate among members, with some mourning the loss of the original and others appreciating the upgrade in portion size and ingredient quality. While the iconic jumbo muffin is gone, the new version reflects evolving market factors and consumer preferences. The controversy proves just how much members care about the seemingly simple details of their favorite warehouse treats.
Read more about the muffin makeover on the food news site Delish: Costco Muffins Aren't As Good As They Used To Be—Here's Why
