Costco slashes price of popular holiday treat after shoppers balked at last year's hike

While most grocery prices continue to climb, one seasonal Costco favorite is back at a lower price than last year.

The Kirkland Signature Peppermint Bark has returned to shelves even earlier in the season than usual, according to shoppers on social media and recent reports.

The holiday treat, which features layers of dark and white chocolate topped with crushed peppermint candy, is sold in a 21-ounce container for $12.99 at some locations, or less than $1.75 per serving, though availability and pricing can vary. The same container sold for $16.99 in 2025, according to reports, up from $9.99 in 2023.

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Either way, the sweet and minty dessert costs far less than some specialty alternatives, like Williams-Sonoma's version, which costs about $35.

Kirkland Signature Peppermint Bark has returned to Costco warehouses ahead of the holiday season. (Peter Burke/Fox News Digital)

There was an outcry from shoppers last holiday season when the 21-ounce package jumped from $9.99 to $16.99. One Reddit user wrote that it was "good, but not for $16.99," while others said they skipped it after the increase or preferred the pricier Williams-Sonoma bark.

This year's reported $12.99 price brings the treat closer to its former value, even if it remains above its 2023 price.

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Fans have long praised the candy cane-topped treat as a holiday staple that complements dessert platters, makes for an easy hostess gift or elevates a mug of hot cocoa.

Shoppers are spotting Kirkland Signature Peppermint Bark at Costco stores earlier than usual this year. (Peter Burke/Fox News Digital)

"The Kirkland brand peppermint bark in the bakery is absolutely fire," one Reddit user wrote, adding that it was "way better than" Ghirardelli's individually wrapped version.

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In the comments section of a recent Instagram video from @discovering_costco, which shares Costco finds, other Costco-focused accounts celebrated the peppermint bark's return. "Peppermint bark!!" wrote @costcobayareafinds with heart-eye emojis, while @momcartfinds added, "Omg yess the peppermint bark."

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Beyond peppermint bark, Costco is already stocking other holiday-ready treats and gifts, including Toblerone Biscoff truffles, Lindt Teddy Advent calendars, assorted Lindor truffles, Ferrero gift boxes, Kirkland Signature European cookies in festive tins and traditional and chocolate-filled panettone.

In addition to peppermint bark, Costco's holiday selection also includes chocolates, Advent calendars and seasonal bakery items. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Costco has also begun restocking Kirkland Signature organic Madagascar vanilla beans, which give home bakers 20 whole pods for $9.69. The seasonal baking find works out to roughly 48 cents per bean and can be used in holiday desserts or to make homemade vanilla extract, according to reports.

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Meanwhile, fall bakery offerings still line shelves, including a pumpkin bar cake, the 4-pound pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake and caramel apple strudel bites.

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Fox News Digital reached out to Costco for comment.

Deirdre Bardolf is a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital.