Seasonal products usually have a special impact on the market, especially when they connect with cultural traditions. Major chains know this and adapt their strategies to capture consumer attention. In this context, a Mexican food proposal has sparked both enthusiasm and debate.
Since July 17, Costco has offered its own version of chile en nogada at several of its stores, starting in Mexico. This traditional dish, originally from Puebla and declared Intangible Cultural Heritage, is available in the Service Deli area. The company has opted for an adapted recipe, packaged and ready to heat, at an affordable price of 399 Mexican pesos (about $21.37).
A poblano classic in an accessible format
Chile en nogada is a dish that is usually prepared with fresh, specific seasonal ingredients, such as Castile walnut, pomegranate, and native fruits. In traditional restaurants, its preparation requires time, technique, and products that are difficult to find outside Mexico. For this reason, it is usually sold at high prices during August and September.
Costco offers its version in a package with three chiles stuffed with picadillo, covered with nogada, and garnished with red pomegranate, according to Mundo Deportivo. Although the presentation aims to respect the appearance of the dish, its content has caused discussion. Among the ingredients identified by users on social media are ground beef, tomato paste, candied fruit, pecan, and cream cheese.
The controversy arises here: the original recipe uses Castile walnut and goat cheese, which give it a more authentic flavor. In addition, it is not specified whether the filling includes specific fruits such as panochera apple or milk pear. Costco's version, therefore, strays from the traditional canon, although it keeps the visual essence of the dish.
Between enthusiasm and criticism
This adaptation has not been free from criticism by experts in Mexican gastronomy. Carlos Azomoza Alacio, president of Canirac in Puebla, has been one of the most critical, describing this proposal as "unfair competition" for restaurants. According to him, selling chiles en nogada in supermarkets undermines the cultural and craft-made value of the dish.
Even so, many consumers have welcomed this more affordable alternative. Social media are full of reviews from those who appreciate the flavor and price of Costco's version, especially in a season when spending on traditional food can be high. For some families, paying more than 400 pesos for a single chile in a restaurant is not always possible.
Costco, meanwhile, doesn't intend to replace Poblano cuisine, but to offer an accessible option to a broader audience. Although it doesn't meet all the requirements of the classic recipe, its proposal responds to a real demand. In the end, the decision to support tradition or opt for practicality is in the hands of the consumer.