Costco has introduced a new addition to its food court menu: the Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad. This salad is notable for its high protein content, boasting 59 grams of protein. However, a registered dietitian advises that shoppers look beyond this figure when assessing their dietary choices.

The Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad, available for $7.99, offers a combination of rotisserie chicken, hard-boiled eggs, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and a base of romaine lettuce. It is topped with tomatoes and creamy peppercorn ranch dressing. At 840 calories, it is a substantial meal that provides a significant amount of protein.

Jamie Lee McIntyre, a dietitian from Florida, emphasized that while the protein content is important, other nutritional factors should not be overlooked. “A food can be high in protein, but it can also be high in sodium, saturated fat, or calories,” she explained. She noted that the salad’s calories might be excessive for those considering a lighter lunch option.

While the Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad leads in protein content, other options are close behind. The Chicken Caesar Salad contains 58 grams of protein, and the Chicken Bake includes 53 grams.

Reactions to the new salad on social media have varied. Some users on Reddit criticized it for having too many toppings and not enough lettuce, calling it salty and awkward to assemble. However, others praised it, particularly enjoying the peppercorn ranch dressing. One user mentioned returning to purchase the salad again after trying it.

The discussion around this menu item shows consumers’ varied preferences and nutritional priorities when dining at Costco’s food court.