Costco Rotisserie Chicken Lawsuit Explained: Does It Really Contain Preservatives?
Costco’s famous rotisserie chicken is inexpensive, convenient and consistently juicy. But in 2026, the popular $4.99 chicken became the subject of a proposed class-action lawsuit over one short advertising claim: “No Preservatives.” The U.S. product discussed in the lawsuit contains sodium phosphate and carrageenan . The plaintiffs argue that these ingredients perform preservative functions and that Costco’s former advertising could therefore have misled reasonable consumers. Costco disputes that interpretation. The company says the ingredients are used for moisture retention, texture and cooking consistency—not as preservatives. So, does Costco rotisserie chicken actually contain preservatives? The ingredients are not illegal, and the lawsuit does not establish that the chicken is unsafe. The unresolved question is whether Costco’s former “No Preservatives” advertising could have misled reasonable consumers. Has Costco settled the lawsuit? Key Facts at a Glance T...