Sarah stared at the empty Aldi shelf where the paczki should have been, her heart sinking a little. She’d driven twenty minutes out of her way, hoping to grab a box of those Polish donuts her neighbor had raved about. “Sold out again,” the employee shrugged apologetically. “They go so fast we can barely keep them stocked.”
This scene plays out countless times across America during paczki season. These traditional Polish donuts, filled with sweet custard or fruit preserves, have become the holy grail of grocery store bakery items. One week they’re there, the next they’re gone—leaving disappointed shoppers empty-handed.
But here’s the plot twist that’s making waves in grocery circles: Costco has swooped in with the same beloved treat that Aldi can’t keep on shelves. And shoppers are losing their minds over it.
When Costco Becomes Your Paczki Hero
The warehouse giant is currently stocking Stan’s Donuts Paczki in 12-count boxes for just $8.99, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. These aren’t just any donuts—they’re authentic Polish paczki made in Chicago, arriving just in time for Fat Tuesday celebrations.
Unlike Aldi’s notorious one-week limited runs that leave customers scrambling, this Costco bakery item seems to have better staying power. Though that might not last long given how quickly word is spreading among devoted paczki fans.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw them,” says longtime Costco member Jennifer Walsh. “I grabbed two boxes immediately because I learned my lesson at Aldi—you snooze, you lose with these things.”
The boxes come with two classic flavors: strawberry and custard. Each paczki is generously filled and dusted with powdered sugar, staying true to the traditional Polish preparation that makes these donuts so special.
What Makes These Donuts Worth the Hype
Paczki aren’t your average grocery store donuts. These Polish pastries carry deep cultural significance, traditionally eaten during the week before Lent as families prepare for the upcoming period of fasting and reflection.
Here’s what sets authentic paczki apart from regular donuts:
- Richer, denser dough made with eggs, butter, and sometimes alcohol
- Generous filling that goes all the way to the edges
- Traditional flavors like plum, apple, custard, or strawberry
- Powdered sugar coating rather than glaze
- Slightly larger size than typical donuts
Stan’s Donuts has built a reputation for authentic Polish pastries, and their Costco partnership brings bakery-quality paczki to the masses. Food enthusiasts on social media are already comparing them favorably to treats from specialty Polish bakeries.
“These taste like something my grandmother would have made,” posted one Reddit user. “I honestly ate four in one day and regret nothing.”
| Store | Brand | Price | Count | Availability |
| Aldi | Various | $3.99-$4.99 | 6-8 count | Limited weekly runs |
| Costco | Stan’s Donuts | $8.99 | 12 count | Limited time seasonal |
The Great Paczki Migration
Reports suggest these Stan’s Donuts paczki are primarily showing up at Midwest Costco locations, which makes sense given their Chicago origins. However, some eagle-eyed New England shoppers have spotted them too, suggesting Costco might be testing broader distribution.
This geographic rollout mirrors how many specialty items work at warehouse stores. Unlike Aldi’s nationwide limited-time offers, Costco often tests regional favorites before deciding on wider availability.
“We’re seeing them here in Wisconsin, and my sister found them in Michigan,” reports frequent Costco shopper Mark Rodriguez. “But my cousin in Texas hasn’t seen them yet. It’s like a treasure hunt.”
The limited regional availability actually adds to the excitement. Costco members are sharing location updates and photos across social media, creating a buzz that money can’t buy.
Food retail experts point out this strategy works particularly well for seasonal items with strong cultural connections. “Paczki have that perfect combination of tradition, limited availability, and social media appeal,” notes grocery industry analyst Lisa Chen. “Costco knows exactly what they’re doing.”
For shoppers tired of missing out on Aldi’s quick-selling paczki, this Costco alternative offers hope. The larger package size means better value, and the warehouse store’s inventory management typically provides more consistent availability during the sales period.
But don’t wait too long. Even Costco’s seasonal items disappear once the season ends, and with Fat Tuesday approaching, these authentic Polish treats won’t stick around forever. Smart shoppers are already stocking up, with some buying multiple boxes to freeze for later enjoyment.
The beauty of finding your favorite hard-to-get item at an unexpected store never gets old. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you’re just shopping for bulk paper towels and stumble across something that makes your whole week better.
FAQs
How long will Costco carry Stan’s Donuts paczki?
Costco hasn’t announced an end date, but these are seasonal items tied to Fat Tuesday and Lent, so they’ll likely disappear after the traditional paczki season ends.
Can I freeze these paczki for later?
Yes, paczki freeze well for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and they’ll taste almost as fresh as the day you bought them.
Are these available at all Costco locations?
Currently, they seem to be primarily in Midwest locations with some Northeast sightings. Call your local Costco to check availability.
How do these compare to Aldi’s paczki?
Many shoppers report Stan’s Donuts version has more generous filling and better texture, though taste preferences vary. The Costco version also offers more pieces per box.
What’s the difference between paczki and regular jelly donuts?
Paczki have richer dough with eggs and butter, denser texture, more filling, and are traditionally made for specific cultural celebrations rather than everyday treats.
Can I order these online from Costco?
These appear to be in-store only items, not available for online ordering or delivery through Costco’s website.
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