How many calories does Costco soft serve have?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Costco's iconic food court soft serve has seen its calorie count change significantly over the years, primarily due to a product update in mid-2020 when the company swapped out its lower-calorie frozen yogurt for a richer ice cream. Today, a standard serving of Costco soft serve can contain over 500 calories, and much more with toppings.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Costco's food court soft serve varies based on the version (ice cream vs. former yogurt) and toppings. A plain cup or cone can have over 500 calories, while a sundae with sauce pushes the total higher, typically into the 650-690 calorie range. The specific nutrient information depends on the flavor and added extras.

Key Points

Current Calories: A standard, plain soft serve (ice cream) from the Costco food court contains around 510-550 calories.
Sundae Calories: Adding toppings like chocolate or strawberry sauce increases the total calorie count to approximately 650-690 calories per serving.
Yogurt vs. Ice Cream: Earlier versions of the Costco soft serve (frozen yogurt, discontinued around mid-2020) were significantly lower in calories, around 410-450 per serving.
Portion Size: The massive, generous serving size of the Costco soft serve is a primary factor in its high calorie count.
Smart Indulgence: To reduce calories, consider sharing the large portion or forgoing the high-sugar sundae toppings.
Calorie Source: The current soft serve contains more fat and sugar than the previous frozen yogurt, contributing to its higher caloric density.

The Great Soft Serve Swap: Yogurt to Ice Cream

For years, Costco patrons enjoyed the inexpensive and massive servings of the food court's frozen yogurt, which was perceived as a lighter treat. The calorie counts for this era's soft serve, particularly the non-fat vanilla and chocolate versions, were significantly lower, with some reports citing 410-450 calories. However, in mid-2020, Costco officially made a major change, discontinuing the frozen yogurt and introducing a full-fat ice cream instead. This switch fundamentally altered the product's nutritional profile, increasing its calories, fat, and richness.

Current Calorie Counts for Costco Soft Serve

With the shift from frozen yogurt to ice cream, the current soft serve contains more fat and sugar, resulting in a higher calorie density. Information found online reflects this new reality, though numbers can differ based on serving size estimations and toppings.

A 2023 review reported the soft serve alone contained 550 calories, while a sundae version topped with chocolate or strawberry sauce was estimated at 650-690 calories. Another calorie-tracking site cited an older entry for a Kirkland Signature vanilla and chocolate swirl soft serve at 620 calories per serving, while a 2024 YouTube video mentioned a cone with 510 calories. The size of the serving is notoriously large, which contributes to the higher overall calorie count compared to typical fast-food dessert servings.

Nutritional Breakdown

The composition of Costco's current soft serve goes beyond just calories. Based on the product's classification as full-fat ice cream, the macronutrient profile is different from the former non-fat yogurt.

Total Fat: Expect a higher fat content, with some estimates putting it around 16 grams for a cone and 29 grams for a cup. This is notably higher than the previous yogurt version. Saturated fat is a key component, with one estimate showing 18g or 90% of the daily value.
Sugar: The total sugar content is also substantial. The 2024 YouTube video mentioned 39 grams of sugar for a cone. While potentially lower in sugar than some versions of the old frozen yogurt, the richness of the ice cream means it is still a sugar-laden treat.
Protein: The protein content is moderate, derived from the dairy base. The 2024 YouTube video suggested 9 grams of protein for a soft serve cup.
Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate load is mostly from the sugar content, contributing a significant portion of the total calories. One source cited 61 grams of total carbs.

Flavor and Topping Impact

The classic vanilla flavor is a staple, and any special seasonal flavors will have their own specific calorie breakdown. For instance, a temporary strawberry soft serve flavor was reviewed as being 550 calories for the soft serve alone. The additional toppings offered for sundaes, such as chocolate or strawberry syrup, add another 100-140 calories, pushing the final total closer to 650-690 calories.

A Calorie Comparison: Soft Serve vs. Sundae

For those trying to manage their calorie intake, understanding the difference between a plain soft serve and a sundae is critical. The massive size of the Costco serving means even the simplest option is a significant treat.


Item	Estimated Calories	Notes
Soft Serve Cup/Cone (Ice Cream)	510–550	The base amount for the standard, large serving.
Soft Serve Sundae (Ice Cream)	650–690	Includes the base soft serve plus chocolate or strawberry syrup topping.
Soft Serve (Former Frozen Yogurt)	~390–450	Historical figures for the product discontinued in 2020.

Tips for a Healthier Costco Food Court Experience

While the soft serve is a high-calorie treat, it's possible to enjoy the food court while making more health-conscious choices. Here are some options:

Split your treat: The easiest way to reduce your intake is to share the massive serving with a friend or family member. This immediately cuts the calorie count in half.
Opt for the base: Forgo the high-sugar syrups in the sundae. The base soft serve is already sweet and satisfying, and avoiding toppings saves 100+ calories.
Choose other menu items: Consider other food court options that might offer a better nutritional balance. The berry smoothie, for instance, was listed at 290 calories in a 2016 ranking. While recipes may change, it's generally a better option.
Bring your own water: The high calorie counts for combo meals at Costco often include a sugar-sweetened soda. Choosing water instead saves a substantial number of empty calories.

Conclusion

While Costco’s soft serve remains a beloved and incredibly affordable treat, its nutritional profile has changed dramatically since the switch from frozen yogurt to ice cream around mid-2020. A standard serving today is a significant, high-calorie indulgence, easily exceeding 500 calories for a plain cone or cup and pushing towards 700 calories for a sundae with toppings. It is best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a frequent indulgence. For those watching their calorie intake, sharing a serving or opting for other menu choices are effective strategies. Understanding these nutritional facts empowers consumers to make informed decisions and still enjoy the famous Costco food court experience in moderation.

For more information on the specific food court change, you can read articles detailing the switch from yogurt to ice cream, such as one from Mashed mentioned in a Reddit discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Costco officially switched its food court soft serve from a lower-calorie frozen yogurt to a richer, higher-fat ice cream sometime around mid-2020. This significantly changed the nutritional profile.

Based on recent estimates, a standard, plain cup or cone of Costco soft serve ice cream contains between 510 and 550 calories. The exact count can vary slightly.

A Costco soft serve sundae, which includes the ice cream base plus chocolate or strawberry sauce, is estimated to contain between 650 and 690 calories. The sauce adds a significant number of calories and sugar.

The toppings for the sundaes, such as chocolate or strawberry sauce, typically add an extra 100-140 calories to the soft serve base. The sundae version is therefore substantially higher in calories than the plain version.

No, given the high calorie, fat, and sugar content of the current ice cream, it is not considered a healthy food item. It is best enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation.

The exceptionally large serving size at Costco is a major factor contributing to the high calorie total. The nutritional information is for the full, large portion, not a smaller serving size found at other fast-food establishments.

The discrepancy in calorie counts is likely due to different sources referencing either the older frozen yogurt recipe or the current ice cream recipe. It's important to confirm the date and item to ensure you have the most accurate information.