This Fan-Favorite Costco Summer Treat Is Back—and Selling Out Quickly

Every Costco shopper seems to have their favorite seasonal items that come and go at the popular warehouse supplier—from the Heavenfull Brownie Skillet with Vanilla Ice Cream to the decadent Pumpkin Cheesecake that shows up every autumn. But when looking at summer in particular, one of the brand’s most noteworthy treats takes the form of a seasonal fruit that shoppers can’t wait to get their hands on.

According to recent posts across social media, the viral Cotton Candy Grapes have once again returned to Costco, giving fans plenty of reason to celebrate as the new season officially arrives. One of Costco’s best-selling summer snacks, the returning fruit offers the refreshing taste of the iconic carnival staple–except it’s free from all the empty calories and dizzying sugar of actual cotton candy.

What exactly are Cotton Candy Grapes–and why do people love them so much?

In theory, Cotton Candy Grapes might sound like a marvelous invention out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but they’re actually a natural delicacy initially created in the early 2000s. The product of careful cross-breeding between various species of grapes, Cotton Candy Grapes serve as a unique spin on the beloved fruit that enhances the flavor profile of normal grapes until they’ve achieved a much sweeter taste. Many fans liken the flavor to a blend between vanilla and caramel, hence its well-deserved comparisons to cotton candy.

Due to its lack of genetic modification and all-natural production process, Cotton Candy Grapes are filled with the nutritional value of actual grapes, including a hearty supply of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and plenty of antioxidants. For this reason, the viral snack has proven incredibly popular among shoppers, many of whom are drawn to the fruit by its sugary taste and lack of artificial ingredients.

As one shopper shared on Reddit, “These are really unique tasting, unlike any green grapes I've had. They're sweet, with a vegetal, wild aftertaste. Extremely hard to describe, [but] really good. Highly recommended. I wish I had bought more boxes.”

Another social media user hyped up the item’s return by posting on Instagram, “They are sweet, juicy and literally taste like cotton candy. Perfect snack for the kids.”

Get them while you can

Given Cotton Candy Grapes’ remarkable popularity among shoppers, it should hardly come as a surprise that the fruit tends to sell out incredibly fast whenever it returns for the season. Because of its short growing season, the grapes are also only around for a very limited time throughout the warmer months of the year, further impacting availability at retail chains like Costco, Walmart, or Sam’s Club.

Fortunately, Costco seems to have gotten an early jump on the season with their resupply of Cotton Candy Grapes earlier this year. While most shoppers might want to stock up on the fruit as fast as they can, it is worth noting that availability depends on each store’s location. Some Instagram users have reported seeing the grapes sell out within 48 hours of their return to their local Costco.

With that in mind, it’s recommended that you search for the item through Costco’s official website or app to make sure your warehouse is stocked up on the treat. It’s also worth remembering that the Cotton Candy Grapes are only around for a very limited time, so you might want to purchase your supply sooner rather than later!