I tried cheesecakes from Costco, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Walmart — there's just one I'd buy again
Business Insider
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ivy Carbone recently conducted a taste test of store-bought cheesecakes from four major retailers: Whole Foods, Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe's. After trying all options, she concluded that only Costco’s cheesecake was worth buying again. The author found that while each retailer offered unique features, the quality and flavor varied significantly. For example, Whole Foods’ $27 cheesecake, despite its appealing appearance and vanilla bean flecks, lacked the dense, tangy texture expected in a New York-style dessert. Trader Joe’s frozen option, priced at under $8, was surprisingly bland and lacked richness, while Walmart’s 40-ounce cake had a heavy filling but an unimpressive crust.
Costco stood out as the clear winner due to its dense, creamy, and tangy filling, paired with a classic graham-cracker crust. Priced at $20 for 72 ounces, it offered exceptional value and authentic flavor, despite its sugary frosting. The author noted that while most options fell short of expectations, Costco’s cheesecake delivered the closest approximation to homemade quality, making it a standout choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
This comparison highlights the importance of product consistency in the grocery industry. For businesses, understanding customer preferences and delivering on taste can set a brand apart in a competitive market. Carbone’s findings emphasize that while convenience is key for many consumers, they still expect products to meet their quality standards. Costco’s success in this category underscores how offering a superior product at an attractive price can drive satisfaction and loyalty among shoppers.
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Business Insider on 2/26/2026