But before you chow down on another delicious slow-roasted chicken from the retail giant, be aware of some potential downsides for your stomach.
Reddit users have been sharing their experiences, and it seems like the famous rotisserie chicken is wreaking havoc on tummies. The big question is, what's causing this reaction?
Some point fingers at the fat or seasoning, but the most likely culprit is an ingredient called carrageenan. It's a food additive made from seaweed and is used as a stabilizing and emulsifying agent.
From Eat This, Not That:
Carrageenan is a food additive derived from seaweed that is sometimes used as a stabilizing and emulsifying agent, according to Lisa R. Young, Ph.D., RDN, nutrition consultant and author of Finally Full, Finally Slim and The Portion Teller Plan. Young explained that people have reported side effects like bloating and cramps after ingesting carrageenan, and "found relief when they discontinued carrageenan-containing products."
"However, no studies on carrageenan's effect on digestion have been conducted on humans," Young said.
While it can't be said for certain that the carrageenan in Costco's chicken is to blame, Young advised people experiencing stomach issues to limit their consumption or cut the poultry out of their diet altogether. She also noted that Costco's chicken is high in salt, which is another factor that "may be problematic" for the people who consume it.
"If it bothers you, avoid it or have a small amount. Many people overeat chicken thinking they can eat as much as they want. This is problematic," she said.
This isn't the only time that Costco's rotisserie chickens have received considerable attention for a negative reason this year. Back in March, the popular birds came under intense scrutiny after customers began reporting an off-putting "chemical" taste in the poultry.
Good grief, why do they even have to add all these extra ingredients to the chicken in the first place?
Sure, maybe these extras help with preserving the product, but wouldn't a shorter shelf life and simpler ingredients be a better option?
