FOOD NEWS
The Costco Bao Buns Shoppers Weren't Impressed With At All
By Arianna Endicott
Costco offers many beloved products at bargain prices, but, unfortunately, some shoppers have been displeased with one particular item: the Okami Garlic BBQ Chicken Bao.
These steamed buns contain chicken coated in a garlic BBQ sauce. A package of 12 costs $8.69 in the refrigerated section, and they can be steamed or microwaved before eating.
A major complaint is that the buns don't have enough filling. One Reddit user writes that the "ratio of filling to bun is not great," and critics note that the dough is too sweet.
Shoppers claim the filling itself is also quite sweet and lacks a depth of flavor. According to the package's nutrition label, one bao contains around 8 grams of sugar.
Aside from the sugar content, some didn't care for the choice of protein in the buns. "Bao needs to be made with pork," writes one commenter. "Chicken just isn't that flavorful."
Others point out that chicken may have been chosen to account for religious dietary restrictions to make them more accessible, as the brand also has a well-received pork variety.
Despite the criticism, some customers enjoy the chicken bao and note that they are more enjoyable when steamed or air-fried and can taste better with dipping sauce.