The Shocking Truth: How Many Calories Are REALLY In The Costco Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich?
The Costco Food Court is legendary, but its menu items often hide a surprising nutritional punch. As of December 2025, the highly-anticipated Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich has made a triumphant return, quickly becoming a fan favorite. However, before you grab this savory, toasted treat, you need to know the full truth about its calorie count and macronutrient profile, which is significantly higher than many shoppers expect for a 'turkey' item.
The re-introduced sandwich, which now costs $6.99 (up from its original $3.99 price), is a feast of oven-roasted turkey breast, melted provolone, red onions, tomatoes, and a generous slathering of basil garlic mayonnaise on a toasted roll. While delicious, its components contribute to a final calorie count that rivals, and sometimes exceeds, other famously indulgent items on the Costco menu.
Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich: Full Nutritional Breakdown (2025 Update)
The exact calorie count for the Costco Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich has been a subject of debate among food bloggers and nutrition trackers since its return. This is likely due to slight variations in portion sizes, especially the amount of provolone cheese and the basil garlic mayonnaise. However, the consensus places the sandwich firmly in the 730 to 820 calorie range, making it a substantial meal.
Official Estimated Macronutrient Profile (Average of 740 Calories)
Based on the most frequently cited nutritional data for one serving (approximately 12 oz), here is the detailed breakdown:
- Calories: 730–740 kcal
- Total Fat: 34–39 grams
- Saturated Fat: ~12 grams (High, about 60% of daily value)
- Cholesterol: ~100 mg
- Sodium: ~1,710 mg (Extremely High, about 74% of daily value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 49–51 grams
- Protein: 45 grams
The macronutrient breakdown is particularly revealing: the sandwich is surprisingly high in protein (45g), but nearly half of its calories (45–48%) come from fat. This heavy fat content is the key factor pushing the calorie total so high.
The Calorie Culprits: Why Is a Turkey Sandwich So High?
Many people associate "turkey" with a healthy, lean protein choice, leading them to believe this sandwich is a lighter option. The reality is that three main components drive the calorie and fat content:
- The Basil Garlic Mayonnaise: This is the biggest calorie bomb. The creamy, flavorful spread is oil-based and applied generously to the toasted roll. While the exact portion isn't public, mayonnaise is pure fat, and a large dollop can easily add 150-200 calories to the sandwich.
- The Provolone Cheese: Provolone is a fatty cheese. The sandwich uses a substantial amount of melted provolone (likely two or more slices), which is a dense source of saturated fat and calories.
- The Toasted Roll/Bread: The soft, toasted roll is a significant source of carbohydrates (around 50 grams total), which contributes a large portion of the overall calorie count.
The impressive 45 grams of protein comes from the sliced oven-roasted turkey breast, which is a positive, but the high fat and sodium levels make this sandwich one of the less nutritious choices on the food court menu.
Costco Food Court Showdown: Turkey Sandwich vs. Other Favorites
To truly understand the nutritional impact of the Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich, it helps to compare it directly with other iconic, high-calorie items at the Costco Food Court. The comparison shows that the turkey sandwich, despite its name, is far from a diet option.
Comparison of Popular Costco Food Court Items (Estimated Calories)
- Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich: 730–820 Calories
- Chicken Bake: 770–840 Calories
- Pepperoni Pizza Slice: ~710 Calories
- All-Beef Hot Dog (with Bun): ~580 Calories
The data reveals a shocking insight: the Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich has a calorie count that is comparable to, and in some estimates, higher than the famous Chicken Bake. While it offers more protein than the pizza slice or the hot dog, its total fat and sodium content often make it one of the unhealthiest choices on the menu. For instance, some reports place the sodium content at over 1,700 mg, which is nearly three-quarters of the recommended daily limit in a single sandwich.
5 Simple Hacks to Cut Calories and Fat in Your Turkey Sandwich
If you love the flavor of the Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich but want to enjoy it without consuming a full day's worth of fat and sodium, there are simple ways to modify your order. These hacks focus on reducing the high-calorie components—the fat-laden spread and the bread—while keeping the delicious turkey and provolone.
1. Go Mayo-Free or Ask for "Light Spread"
This is the single most impactful change you can make. By eliminating the basil garlic mayonnaise, you could immediately cut between 150 and 200 calories, along with a significant amount of fat. If you can't go completely without it, ask the food court staff for a very light spread.
2. The "Open-Face" Sandwich Hack
Ask for the sandwich to be made on only one half of the toasted roll, or simply remove the top half yourself. This simple trick can eliminate approximately 150–200 calories from the bread alone, significantly reducing your carbohydrate intake while still providing a sturdy base for your turkey and cheese.
3. Split the Sandwich with a Friend
A simple but effective strategy: share the sandwich. A half-portion of the Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich is a much more reasonable 365–410 calories, making it a perfect, high-protein snack or a great addition to a healthy side salad (which, sadly, Costco no longer offers in the food court).
4. Scrape Off Excess Cheese
While provolone is a key part of the flavor, the sandwich often comes loaded with cheese. By removing one-third to half of the melted cheese, you can shave off an extra 50–75 calories and reduce your saturated fat intake. This is an easy way to slightly improve the nutritional profile without sacrificing the core flavor.
5. Pair it with Water, Not Soda
A common mistake is pairing the already high-calorie sandwich with a sugary soda. A 20 oz soda can add another 240+ empty calories. Stick with the famous 25-cent refillable cup of water, or opt for a Diet Coke or unsweetened iced tea to keep your total meal calories in check.
The Final Verdict on the Costco Turkey Sandwich
The Costco Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich is a delicious and highly-craved item that delivers on flavor and protein. However, its calorie count—ranging from 730 to 820—and its high fat and sodium content place it among the most indulgent options in the food court. It is not a "light" alternative to the pizza or chicken bake.
For those tracking macros or watching their caloric intake, the sandwich should be viewed as an occasional treat or a meal that you plan for by using the hacks above to reduce the fat content. While the $6.99 price tag is a change from the old $1.50 hot dog deal philosophy, the sandwich remains a substantial, high-value, and undeniably tasty meal option for hungry shoppers. Enjoy it, but be aware of the nutritional facts!
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