The Price of Costco's Delcato Japanese Cheesecake
For many Costco shoppers, spotting the elusive Delcato Japanese-style cheesecake is a moment of pure joy. Social media buzz and Reddit threads frequently light up with sightings of this popular dessert. According to multiple reports and posts from early 2025, the standard price for the Japanese cheesecake at Costco is $15.99 for a package that contains two individually wrapped cakes. It is important to note that like many specialty or seasonal items at Costco, this price can fluctuate and is not guaranteed to be the same across all locations.
Factors Affecting Price and Availability
The price of the Delcato cheesecake at Costco is incredibly competitive, especially when compared to similar products from specialty Japanese bakeries. However, this excellent value comes with a major caveat: availability. This item is not a permanent fixture and its appearance is often seasonal or limited to specific regions. A product showing up in a San Jose warehouse in January might not appear in an Orlando location until months later, or not at all. This limited run contributes to its 'cult favorite' status, with shoppers sharing photos and tips on finding it. For those trying to track it down, checking local store inventory directly or consulting online forums like Reddit's r/Costco for recent sightings is often necessary.
What Makes Costco's Japanese Cheesecake So Special?
The Delcato Japanese-style cheesecake stands out from its heavier American counterparts. Its appeal lies in its unique characteristics:
- Light, airy texture: Unlike dense and rich New York-style cheesecakes, the Japanese version is renowned for its soufflé-like, fluffy texture. This is achieved by whipping egg whites into a meringue and carefully folding them into the batter, which is then baked in a water bath.
- Subtle sweetness: The sweetness is much more subdued, allowing the delicate flavor of the cream cheese and eggs to shine through. This makes it a perfect dessert for those who prefer a less sugary treat.
- Jiggly sensation: One of its most famous traits is its 'jiggly' movement, which is a hallmark of a properly made Japanese cheesecake. This quality is a result of its high moisture content and delicate structure.
- Convenience: The Delcato cheesecake is sold frozen, but thaws overnight in the refrigerator into a near-perfect version of its fresh-baked inspiration. Some reviewers even suggest microwaving it for a few seconds to reactivate the jiggly effect.
Comparison: Delcato vs. Other Cheesecakes at Costco
| Feature | Costco Delcato Japanese-Style | Kirkland Signature New York Cheesecake | Other Bakeries (e.g., Uncle Tetsu's) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$15.99 (2-pack) | ~$19.99 for a 4.5lb cake | ~$15+ per single cake |
| Quantity/Size | Two 10.5 oz cakes | One large 12" cake | One single, smaller cake |
| Texture | Very light, fluffy, jiggly | Rich, dense, creamy | Light, fluffy, authentic jiggly texture |
| Location | Frozen dessert section | Fresh bakery department | Specialty stores, mall kiosks |
| Availability | Sporadic, not always in stock | Consistent, always available | Consistent in urban areas with locations |
Pro Tips for Finding the Japanese Cheesecake
- Check Social Media: Follow the #CostcoFinds hashtag on Instagram and search for recent posts on Reddit's r/Costco subreddit. These communities are often the first to report new sightings.
- Ask an Employee: Warehouse employees, particularly in the bakery or frozen sections, can sometimes provide information on whether an item is scheduled to return or if it is currently in stock.
- Use the Instacart App: Even if you don't plan on ordering delivery, the Instacart app can tell you if the item is in stock at your specific local warehouse. Search for "Delcato Japanese cheesecake" to check.
- Visit at Different Times: Because availability can change rapidly, visiting your local Costco on different days of the week may improve your chances of finding it.
- Look in the Frozen Aisles: While most Costco cakes are in the fresh bakery, the Delcato Japanese cheesecake is typically located in the large, standalone freezers with other specialty frozen desserts.
Conclusion
For just $15.99, the Delcato Japanese-style cheesecake offers a remarkable value for a dessert that perfectly mimics the light and airy texture of its original Japanese inspiration. While it may not replicate the exact nuance of a fresh-baked version from a renowned specialist like Uncle Tetsu's, it is an excellent and budget-friendly alternative. The main challenge for fans is its unpredictable availability, which requires a bit of patience and proactive searching. For those who enjoy a less-sweet, incredibly light, and fluffy treat, keeping an eye out for this delicious dessert is definitely worth the effort. Ultimately, the Costco Japanese cheesecake is not just a dessert—it's a shopping adventure.
