Costco, the beloved Seattle-based warehouse chain known for its bulk offerings and high-quality products, has recently faced backlash from its loyal shoppers. The reason is the discontinuation of Litehouse Freeze-Dried Garlic, a staple ingredient in many households. Costco operates over 585 warehouses across the United States (being California the state with the most stores, 133). And it’s safe to say that the store’s loyal members will continue to shop there, even though this is such a letdown, since the chain offer these kind of exclusive products.
Shoppers were disappointed to hear that the jars of 45 garlic cloves, priced at just $5.79, will no longer be available in Costco stores starting this spring. The versatile ingredient was a hit among customers who loved to add it to dips, sauces, and soups. “Will miss these food service size jars,” commented a shopper on Reddit.
Costco Is Removing This Product From Its Shelves: Will Other Products Be Discontinued?
Litehouse, however, clarified that it is not discontinuing its entire line at Costco, just the freeze-dried garlic. Its other products like the freeze-dried herbs and blue cheese dressing will continue to be available in stores. But how do shoppers know if a product is about to be discontinued? There are a couple of indicators to watch out for. Firstly, a small asterisk on the price tag is a sign that the item might be on its way out. Additionally, a price ending in 97 cents could mean that the product is nearing its end date.
While the loss of Litehouse Freeze-Dried Garlic has left a bitter taste in shoppers’ mouths, Costco is still introducing new items to its shelves. Recently, the wholesaler added a 4.5-pound pie to its bakery that has garnered widespread praise. The delicious treat features a buttery graham cracker crust and a peanut butter chocolate mousse filling.
And for those who were disappointed by the removal of Costco’s famous half-sheet cakes, there’s good news. Recent reports suggest that the dessert is making a comeback, albeit with a higher price tag of $25 at some stores.
Make Your Own Freeze-Dried Garlic, Like That One From Costco
Making your own freeze-dried garlic is a cost-effective and easy way to add flavor to your favorite dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure that you always have garlic on hand, even if you don’t have fresh cloves available. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade.
First, you’ll need fresh garlic cloves. Peel and chop them into small pieces, around the size of a grain of rice. Spread the pieces out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and leave it there for at least 24 hours.
Once the garlic is frozen, you’ll need a food dehydrator to finish the job. Spread the frozen garlic pieces out in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Set the dehydrator to 125°F and let it run for 12-24 hours, depending on how thickly you’ve chopped the garlic.
When the garlic is completely dry, remove it from the dehydrator and let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in a blender or food processor and pulse it until it’s finely ground. Store your homemade freeze-dried garlic in an airtight container and use it whenever you need a burst of garlicky flavor.