The Berry That Tastes Like a Pineapple Is Back at Costco

While they’re known for their budget-friendly food court, rotisserie chicken, and bulk snacks, Costco is also great for unique finds. The warehouse retailer has plenty of space for selling various products that catch customers’ eyes. Frozen food and prepared meals get a lot of attention, but Costco’s product section should not be overlooked.

You’re probably used to seeing vibrant red strawberries this time of year, so finding a clamshell of pale-looking berries might surprise you. But not to worry, these berries aren’t underripe—they’re one of the newest fruits supplied by Wish Farms. The Florida grower sells a variety of berries often spotted in major retailers like Aldi, Sam’s Club, and Walmart.

Now, the multi-generational family farm is filling Costco shelves with a new blush-hued berry with a taste that might surprise you.

Pineberries Have Returned To Costco

Pineberries are a pale pink berry made by cross-breeding two types of strawberries. You can enjoy pineberries in all the same ways you would eat a red strawberry and add them to your favorite dishes like cheesecake in a jar and Strawberry Dream cake.

According to Wish Farms, white strawberries were discovered in South America and later cross-bred with red European strawberries. More recently, however, The University of Florida developed their own Pineberries. Also known as Pink-A-Boo Berries, they were created by crossing Japanese white strawberry seeds with a Florida red variety. The berries are non-GMO and developed by cross-breeding similar to how the University of Minnesota created Honeycrisp apples.

When ripe, the Pineberries turn light pink while the seeds become vibrant red. Pineberries lack the same deep color as red strawberries due to lower levels of anthocyanins, a naturally occurring pigment that gives their color to fruits like grapes, apples, and plums. 

But what about the taste? Pineberries have a higher sugar and acid content than red strawberries and are said to have a flavor reminiscent of pineapple, but not everyone agrees. In a Reddit thread, one commenter said “Tastes nothing like pineapple. It’s a lie. They pretty much just taste like strawberries.”  But another user enjoyed the new variety. “My partner and I must be in the minority. We tried some last year, loved them, and are planning to add them to the growing strawberry patch in the backyard.”

It’s not clear how long we can expect to see Pineberries on shelves but they are in season from May to September, so be sure to give them a try before they’re gone.