Sarah rushed into Aldi last Tuesday morning, hoping to snag a box of their famous paczki before they disappeared again. She’d been checking for weeks, ever since her Polish grandmother mentioned how much these traditional donuts reminded her of childhood. But like clockwork, the shelves were empty. “Sold out again,” the cashier said with a sympathetic shrug. “They went within hours of us putting them out.”
Sound familiar? If you’ve been on the hunt for these coveted Polish treats, you’re not alone. Aldi’s paczki have become legendary for their disappearing act, leaving countless shoppers disappointed and craving that perfect combination of fluffy dough and sweet filling.
Here’s the good news: Costco has swooped in to save the day with their own version of this beloved bakery item, and early reports suggest they might even give Aldi’s version a run for its money.
What Makes This Costco Bakery Item So Special
Just in time for Fat Tuesday, Costco warehouses are stocking Stan’s Donuts Paczki in convenient 12-count boxes for $8.99. These aren’t your average grocery store donuts—Stan’s Donuts has built a reputation in Chicago for creating bakery-quality treats that rival what you’d find at authentic Polish bakeries.
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“The texture is absolutely perfect,” says longtime Costco shopper Maria Kowalski, who grew up eating her grandmother’s homemade paczki. “They’re light and fluffy on the inside, just like they should be, and the filling doesn’t taste artificial at all.”
Unlike the brief one-week window that Aldi typically offers for their special finds, this Costco bakery item appears to have slightly more staying power. However, warehouse shoppers know that popular seasonal items can vanish quickly once word spreads on social media and shopping forums.
The Stan’s Donuts boxes currently come in two classic flavors that honor the traditional Polish preparation:
- Strawberry filling with powdered sugar coating
- Custard filling with powdered sugar coating
- Made fresh in Chicago using traditional methods
- Available primarily at Midwest locations, with some New England sightings
The Details That Matter Most
For shoppers comparing options or planning their warehouse run, here’s what you need to know about Costco’s paczki offering versus what you might find elsewhere:
| Feature | Costco Stan’s Donuts | Typical Aldi Offering |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8.99 for 12 count | Around $3.99 for 6 count |
| Availability | Limited time, multiple weeks | One week only (Aldi Finds) |
| Flavors | Strawberry and Custard | Varies by year |
| Quality | Bakery-made in Chicago | Mass-produced for retail |
“I was skeptical about the price difference at first,” admits regular Costco member Jake Patterson. “But when you break it down per donut and consider the quality, it’s actually a better deal. Plus, I don’t have to worry about missing out because they sold out in two hours.”
The timing aligns perfectly with traditional Polish customs. Paczki are traditionally eaten during the week leading up to Lent, particularly on Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras), as a way to use up rich ingredients before the fasting period begins. This cultural significance has helped drive demand far beyond Polish-American communities.
Food enthusiasts on Reddit have been sharing photos and reviews, with many comparing these directly to authentic bakery versions they’ve tried in Polish neighborhoods across Chicago and Detroit.
Why This Matters for Your Shopping Strategy
The paczki phenomenon represents something larger happening in warehouse club shopping. Both Costco and Sam’s Club have been expanding their bakery selections to include more artisanal and culturally specific items that traditionally required trips to specialty shops.
“We’re seeing customers really respond to authentic, high-quality bakery items,” explains retail analyst Jennifer Martinez. “It’s not just about convenience anymore—shoppers want products that feel special and connect them to traditions or experiences they value.”
For immediate shoppers, availability seems concentrated in Midwest locations where Polish-American populations are larger, though some East Coast members have reported finding them as well. The geographic rollout makes sense given Stan’s Donuts’ Chicago base and the cultural significance of these treats in Great Lakes region communities.
One enthusiastic fan on social media claimed they “ate four in one day” after discovering the Costco version, describing them as “dangerously good” and noting that the custard filling reminded them of authentic Polish bakeries they’d visited in Chicago’s old neighborhoods.
The seasonal nature means this window won’t last forever. Unlike Costco’s year-round bakery staples like their famous chocolate cake or muffins, specialty items like paczki typically disappear after the relevant season passes.
Smart shoppers are already stocking up, with some freezing portions of their boxes to enjoy later. The traditional preparation method means these freeze and reheat well, maintaining their texture and flavor when properly stored.
Whether you’ve been chasing Aldi’s elusive version or you’re new to the paczki craze entirely, Costco’s current offering provides a rare opportunity to experience these traditional treats without the usual hunt-and-miss shopping adventure that has frustrated so many bakery enthusiasts lately.
FAQs
How long will Costco carry Stan’s Donuts Paczki?
Costco hasn’t announced an end date, but seasonal bakery items typically remain available for several weeks around the relevant holiday, which is much longer than Aldi’s one-week window.
Are these available at all Costco locations?
Currently, they appear to be primarily available at Midwest locations, with some scattered sightings in New England warehouses.
How do they compare to authentic Polish bakery paczki?
According to customers with Polish heritage, Stan’s Donuts version closely matches traditional bakery quality, with proper texture and authentic-tasting fillings.
Can you freeze leftover paczki?
Yes, paczki freeze well and can be thawed and slightly reheated to restore their original texture.
Is $8.99 for 12 a good deal?
At about 75 cents per donut for bakery-quality paczki, this pricing is competitive with what you’d pay at specialty Polish bakeries.
Do you need a Costco membership to buy them?
Yes, like all Costco purchases, you need an active membership to shop at the warehouse.
