Costco Meatball Sub Sandwich: Pros and Cons According to Fans and Critics

Costco’s new Meatball Sub Sandwich is sparking a lot of conversation online. Priced at $14 to $16, this hefty sandwich features large meatballs, melted cheese, and ciabatta bread. It comes ready to bake at home, making it a convenient option for a quick meal. However, opinions are split on whether it’s worth the price. Let’s break down the pros and cons based on feedback from a recent massive Facebook thread.

Costco Meatball Sub

Pros: Why People Love the Costco Meatball Sub

  1. Generous Portions
    Many customers praise the size of the sandwich, with some noting that it’s big enough to feed two or even more people. One commenter said, “It’s easily enough for three meals.” Others compared it favorably to similar subs from competitors like Jersey Mike’s, stating that Costco’s version offers more value for the price.
  2. Convenience
    The sub is a convenient meal option, especially for those looking for a quick and easy dinner. Instead of spending hours making homemade meatballs, you can simply pop this sub in the oven, and it’s ready in about 30 minutes. One customer noted the ease of baking it in their air fryer, saying it came out “super delicious” and perfectly crispy.
  3. Great for Sharing
    Customers love that the sandwich is perfect for splitting between multiple people, making it a great value when you consider how many servings you can get. Some even shared that it makes an affordable meal when paired with a side, working out to around $4 per person.
  4. Flavor and Texture
    Several people commented on the great taste, especially when baked to perfection. One person recommended using parchment paper to keep the cheese from sticking and getting crispy, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.

Cons: What Some Customers Didn’t Like

  1. Price Concerns
    A number of customers felt the price—ranging from $14 to $16—was too high for what is essentially a pre-made sub. One commenter argued that it’s overpriced for something they could make themselves for less, using Costco’s own frozen meatballs and hoagie rolls from another store.
  2. Lack of Flavor
    Not everyone was impressed with the taste. Some customers felt the sandwich lacked bold flavors, with one person describing it as “bland and disappointing.” The provolone cheese was also criticized for being greasy, and a few felt that the marinara sauce didn’t elevate the dish.
  3. Bread Complaints
    A couple of commenters weren’t fans of the ciabatta bread, describing it as too dense. One person mentioned they prefer lighter bread, and another commented that the bread made the sandwich feel heavy and difficult to eat.
  4. Competing Options
    Some Costco members felt they could get a better deal elsewhere. They pointed out that local sub shops, like Publix or Subway, offer comparable sandwiches at a lower price, often made fresh to order. This made the Costco sub feel less competitive for those looking for a freshly prepared option.

Final Thoughts: Is the Costco Meatball Sub Worth It?

The Costco Meatball Sub has its share of fans and critics, but it ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for. If you value convenience, large portions, and the ability to serve multiple people with one purchase, this sub could be a great fit for you—especially at a price that many still consider a good deal. However, if you’re after bold flavors or prefer freshly made sandwiches, you might be left wanting more.

As always with Costco, you get what you pay for in size and convenience, but whether it’s worth the price depends on your personal preferences.