Costco Just Released a Brand-New Seasonal Cake—and It’s Sparking an Age-Old Debate

Costco shoppers have a reputation for having strong opinions. Whether it’s about changes to the food court menu or rumors that Costco tweaked its beloved bacon, customer chatter never stops.

So, naturally, every new Costco bakery item stirs up a bit of controversy. Sometimes, it’s the price. Other times, it’s the exorbitant size. And occasionally, it’s something unexpected. With Costco’s latest seasonal dessert, opinions are split—some shoppers say they’d eat the “whole thing,” while others are “upset” over one distinct element.

Costco Just Launched a Brand-New Carrot Bar Cake—With a Twist

Costco shoppers recently spotted a new addition in the bakery section: the Carrot Bar Cake, which adds a new artisanal twist on the warehouse’s ever-popular carrot cake.

In the past, the seasonal specialty was a round, double-layered cake with fluffy cream cheese frosting and a coating of chopped walnuts along the sides, often finished with a ring of tiny, colorful frosting carrots.

This cake was so beloved that customers could be seen eating it by the mouthful—yes, not forkful—with some even calling it their “last request meal.” Costco also released extra-large cupcake versions of the cake, which shoppers rated a “10/10.”

So, it’s no huge surprise that customers had strong reactions when this beloved cake returned in a completely new form. The bar-style cake features three layers of moist, warmly spiced carrot cake, each separated by a layer of tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s topped with an additional layer of frosting and a sprinkling of chopped walnuts.

But the shape and design aren’t what’s causing the uproar. The real controversy? Raisins. And Costco may not have anticipated just how many raisin haters were shopping its aisles.

“Wait, what is this? Oh, no. It’s a raisin,” one popular Costco reviewer shared on Instagram. “I don’t think carrot cake should have raisins in it.”

“Totally agree on the raisins, kind of ruins it,” a commenter followed up. “Hard no on the raisins,” added another.

But not everyone is against them. Some rushed to the defense of the dried fruit, saying, “I think carrot cake should have raisins!” and, “It has to have raisins!” Others went so far as to say raisins are the “best part of the cake.”

So, what’s the official answer? Well, in our collection of the 15 Best Carrot Cake Recipes of All Time, only five include raisins, meaning they’re far from a requirement. Do raisins make it better? That’s entirely up to the eater, and it doesn’t look like we’re any closer to settling this debate today.

The 41-ounce cake is available for $18.99 this spring at most Costco locations. Whether you’re pro-raisin or firmly against them, many shoppers agree on one thing: “If Costco makes a bar cake, it’s never a bad idea to buy one.”