Does Costco Chicken Contain Sugar? An Ingredient Deep Dive

November 29, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the ingredient labels, Costco’s famously affordable rotisserie chicken contains both sugar and dextrose. Many shoppers, captivated by the price and convenience, often overlook the ingredient list and are surprised to learn that this savory product contains sweeteners.

Quick Summary

Costco's rotisserie chicken includes sugar and dextrose as part of its seasoning and brine solution. While the total sugar content is low, the brine contributes to the chicken's flavor and tenderness, along with other additives like sodium phosphate.

Key Points

Yes, it contains sugar: Costco's rotisserie chicken lists both 'sugar' and 'dextrose' in its ingredient list.
Dextrose is a hidden sugar: Dextrose, a simple sugar, is used in the brine solution for flavor and to aid the Maillard reaction for browning.
Low sugar per serving: While the chicken contains sweeteners, the final cooked product contains a minimal amount of sugar, registering as 0g on some nutrition labels.
Sodium is a larger concern: The rotisserie chicken is notably high in sodium due to the injected brine solution, containing approximately 460mg per 3-ounce serving.
Multiple additives are used: Beyond sweeteners and salt, the chicken contains other additives like sodium phosphates, carrageenan, and isolated soy protein to ensure juiciness and texture.
Read labels for healthier choices: Consumers concerned about high sodium or additives can compare ingredient lists with other brands, like Kroger's low-sodium option.

The Answer: Yes, But the Amount Is Minimal

Yes, the Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken sold at Costco contains added sugar. Specifically, the ingredients include both 'sugar' and 'dextrose', which is another form of sugar. These are part of a flavor-boosting brine solution injected into the chicken to enhance moisture and taste. For most consumers, the sugar content per serving is negligible, but it is an important detail for those managing specific dietary concerns like diabetes or sugar intake. A typical 3-ounce serving of the meat contains 0 grams of sugar, according to MyNetDiary, which indicates that while sugar is used in the processing, the final product contains very little of it.

Decoding the Ingredient List

To understand what’s really in the chicken, it’s essential to look beyond the top-level nutrition facts and scrutinize the full ingredient list.

Chicken and Water: The base ingredients are straightforward: whole chicken and water. The water is used for the brine solution, which helps keep the meat juicy during the prolonged cooking process.
Seasoning: This is a broad category that hides several specific additives. The seasonings contain: salt, sodium phosphates, hydrolyzed casein, modified corn starch, sugar, dextrose, chicken broth, and natural flavors. The use of both 'sugar' and 'dextrose' ensures a balanced sweetness while contributing to the signature flavor profile.
Isolated Soy Protein and Lecithin: These ingredients are added to the seasoning and brine to help bind ingredients and improve the chicken's texture.
Carrageenan: This is a seaweed-derived additive used as a thickening and stabilizing agent. It has been a subject of controversy and some people choose to avoid it due to potential links with gastrointestinal inflammation.
Mono- and Diglycerides: These are types of fats used as emulsifiers to help blend ingredients and maintain a smooth texture.

Understanding Sugar's Function in Meat Processing

The addition of sugar and dextrose to rotisserie chicken is not just for flavor; it serves several technical purposes in meat processing.

Flavor Balance: The small amount of sweetness helps to balance the high salt content in the brine. Without a counterpoint, the chicken might taste overwhelmingly salty.
Maillard Reaction: Sugars facilitate the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that creates the rich, golden-brown, and savory flavor on the skin. This is a key reason for the appealing appearance and taste of rotisserie chicken.
Moisture Retention: Sugar, like salt, helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking. Dextrose, being a simple sugar, assists in the brining process to keep the meat from drying out.

How Does Costco's Chicken Stack Up?

Comparing Costco's chicken to alternatives highlights key differences, primarily in sodium levels and added ingredients. While the sugar content is very low, the sodium is a more significant concern for many health-conscious consumers.


Feature	Costco Rotisserie Chicken	Homemade Rotisserie Chicken	Kroger (Simple Truth) Rotisserie Chicken
Sugar	Sugar, Dextrose	Minimal to none, depending on recipe	Minimal to none, depending on variant
Sodium	High (Approx. 460mg per 3 oz)	Controlled by chef	Low (Approx. 40mg per 3 oz)
Additives	Multiple (phosphates, carrageenan, etc.)	Few to none	Few to none (water, sea salt)
Price	Very low ($4.99)	Varies, can be higher	Varies
Brine	Injected solution	Optional, controlled by chef	Injected, likely simple
Flavor Control	Fixed, signature taste	Customizable with spices	Varies by variant, generally simple

The Sodium Elephant in the Room

For those concerned about health, the sodium content in Costco's chicken is a far greater issue than the minimal sugar. The American Medical Association warns against excessive sodium, which can lead to increased blood pressure and higher risk of heart disease. With approximately 460mg of sodium per 3-ounce serving, Costco's chicken is significantly saltier than many alternatives. This high sodium level is a direct result of the brine solution used to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Consumers trying to reduce their sodium intake might find the convenient price isn't worth the trade-off in health.

The Bottom Line for Conscious Consumers

While the fact that Costco chicken contains sugar may be surprising, the amount is so small that it is virtually undetectable in the nutrition information for a standard serving. The real story is the cocktail of other additives, particularly the high sodium, that contributes to its flavor profile and juiciness. Making informed decisions requires reading beyond the headlines and understanding the full ingredient list. For those looking for a cleaner, lower-sodium alternative, preparing your own rotisserie chicken or opting for simpler store-bought versions are excellent options. A great resource for understanding food additives and making healthier choices is available at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Ultimately, a balanced perspective is key: enjoying the occasional convenience of a Costco chicken is fine, but for regular consumption, you may want to consider lower-sodium, less-processed alternatives.

Healthier Alternatives and Cooking Tips

If you want to enjoy the flavor of rotisserie chicken without the additives and high sodium, here are some alternatives and tips to consider:

Buy a Plain Chicken: Opt for an unseasoned, whole chicken and roast it at home. This gives you complete control over the ingredients and seasoning.
DIY Brine: Create your own brine with a fraction of the salt and no sugar. A simple saltwater solution with herbs and spices can be just as effective at keeping the chicken moist.
Read Labels: If buying a rotisserie chicken from another store, check the ingredients list. Some stores, like Kroger, offer low-sodium options.
Skip the Skin: Much of the seasoning and sodium is concentrated on the skin. Eating only the meat can reduce your intake of these additives.
Make Your Own Seasoning Blend: For a savory taste without the additives, mix your own spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper..
Slow Cooker Option: Using a slow cooker can produce a very moist and tender chicken without the need for extensive brining, and you can season it exactly how you like.

Hidden Sugars and What to Watch For

Beyond rotisserie chicken, many processed foods contain unexpected sugars and sweeteners. It’s important to be aware of the many names for sugar on ingredient labels, such as dextrose, corn syrup, maltose, and fruit juice concentrates. This can help you make more conscious decisions about your overall diet. The prevalence of hidden sugars in everything from bread to pasta sauce can make it challenging to monitor intake, so always double-check the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, the minimal sugar content from the brine used in Costco's chicken is not enough to significantly impact blood sugar levels. However, the high sodium content might be of greater concern for individuals with specific health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Dextrose is a type of simple sugar, specifically a form of glucose, that is often derived from corn. It is used in processed foods like rotisserie chicken to provide flavor, aid browning, and assist in moisture retention during cooking.

The primary additives in Costco's rotisserie chicken are salt and sodium phosphate, which are part of the injected brine solution. Sodium is the most prominent concern for many health-conscious consumers due to its high concentration.

While the ingredient list for Costco's rotisserie chicken does not specifically list MSG (monosodium glutamate), it does contain 'natural flavors' and 'hydrolyzed casein,' which can contain free glutamate. However, MSG is not directly declared on the label based on typical ingredient lists.

To find a rotisserie chicken with fewer additives, check the ingredient labels of products from various stores. Some brands, like Kroger's Simple Truth, offer lower sodium and simpler ingredient options, or you can roast a plain chicken yourself.

Sugar and dextrose are added to rotisserie chicken as part of the brine to enhance the browning and flavor of the skin and balance the high salt content. This helps create the appealing golden color and juicy, savory taste that consumers expect.

While a lean source of protein, Costco's chicken is high in sodium, which is a significant health consideration for many. For individuals with high blood pressure or those monitoring their salt intake, it is not the healthiest option. A homemade version would provide more control over salt and additives.

Based on common ingredient lists, Costco's rotisserie chicken does not contain gluten. However, it does contain isolated soy protein and modified corn starch, and cross-contamination is always a possibility in a store environment. For those with severe allergies, it is always best to exercise caution.