Why Costco’s New Grab-and-go Meal Is The Perfect Comfort Food This Winter; Expert Shares Safety Tips For Reheating Prepared Dishes

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, everyone is busy planning lavish spreads and cosy dinners at home. While some people love to cook, many even like to order food or grab a takeaway. In the US, when it comes to grab-and-go meals, Costco is a reliable and popular option. Ahead of Thanksgiving, Costco has just launched a creamy new deli meal, which is set to give food lovers a fancy comfort on their busy nights. This could also be the ideal comfort food this winter. Let us get to know more about this new launch.

We reached out to our expert, Dr Geetika Chopra, Celebrity Holistic Nutritionist to get expert advice on how to reheat prepared food the correct way. Read ahead. 

Lobster Mac And Cheese: Costco Launches New Grab-and-go Meal

Costco’s new grab-and-go meal options are full of reliable dinner shortcuts. Their latest addition is a boon for thanksgiving meals. The deli has now launched Lobster Mac and Cheese. It’s priced at $6.99 per pound. This means around four pounds of the dish will cost under $30, which is quite a reasonable price to pay for this lobster loaded meal. 

This new meal comes with a big tray of creamy mac and cheese, topped with chunks of lobster, spread across the top. It is enough to feed at least four people, with each serving costing under $8. This mac and cheese is an easy and impressive side dish, which can be served if you are hosting dinner for friends or family, or on special occasions like Thanksgiving. 

Mac And Cheese: Why Is It The Perfect Comfort Food In Winters? 

Come winter, and it’s the season for mac and cheese. Why does this meal feel comforting in the cold weather? Our expert answers. Dr Chopra says, “As temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, families naturally gravitate toward dishes that feel warm, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying. One item that consistently tops the list — especially in American households — is Mac and Cheese, with Costco’s version becoming a cult favorite for Thanksgiving gatherings.”

She adds, “Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food because it provides the perfect combination of warmth, richness, and familiarity — exactly what people crave during cold weather. The creamy cheese sauce, soft pasta, and heartiness of the dish make it physically comforting, offering immediate warmth and satisfaction when temperatures fall. Nutritionally, Mac and Cheese is a carbohydrate-rich and fat-rich dish, which increases serotonin production in the brain and provides a sense of relaxation and contentment. In colder months, the body also tends to crave higher-calorie, energy-dense foods to keep warm — something Mac and Cheese delivers effortlessly.”

The expert explains that the Costco’s version, in particular, is always in demand because it’s convenient, generously portioned, affordable, and consistently flavorful, making it perfect for large Thanksgiving gatherings –where people want to enjoy hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort food with minimal effort.

Also Read: Can You Get Enough Protein on a Plant-Based Diet Without Supplements? Expert Tells

Food Safety Tips For Reheating Prepared Dishes

Prepared dishes like Costco’s Mac and Cheese are convenient, but reheating them incorrectly can increase the risk of foodborne illness — especially when serving big holiday groups. On this note, Dr Chopra shares some essential safety guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Refrigerate promptly

Prepared foods should be refrigerated within 1–2 hours of purchase or after serving. Leaving them out longer increases bacterial growth.

2. Reheat to the correct temperature

Always heat dishes to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures harmful bacteria are killed. A food thermometer is ideal for large trays.

3. Reheat evenly

Stir the dish while reheating to prevent cold spots where bacteria may survive. For oven reheating, cover the tray with foil so heat distributes evenly and the dish doesn’t dry out.

4. Add moisture if needed

Prepared dishes often lose moisture when stored. Add a small splash of milk or water before reheating Mac and Cheese to restore creaminess and prevent drying.

5. Avoid reheating multiple times

Repeated heating and cooling increases bacterial growth. Reheat only the portion you want to serve immediately.

6. Store leftovers correctly

Leftover reheated dishes should be eaten within 24–48 hours. Anything older or smelling ‘off’ should be discarded.

7. Do not mix fresh and leftover portions

Mixing freshly prepared Mac and Cheese with older leftovers can contaminate the entire batch.

“These steps help ensure that holiday favorites — including Mac and Cheese — remain safe, delicious, and enjoyable for everyone at the table,” concludes Dr Chopra.

Also Read: These Foods Could Make You Gain Weight in Just One Week – Expert Explains

The Final Word

Costco’s new grab-and-go has just got a latest addition – a creamy and delicious Lobster Mac and Cheese – which is the ultimate comfort food during winter. Prepared dishes are convenient, but reheating them incorrectly can increase the risk of foodborne illness — especially when serving big holiday groups. Thus, one needs to follow certain safety precautions while reheating such dishes.