5 Shocking Reasons Why Costco’s Pav Bhaji Buns Are Flying Off Shelves In 2025

The hunt is on. As of late December 2025, one of the most talked-about and rapidly disappearing items in the Costco international food aisle is the incredibly popular Pav Bhaji Buns. This unassuming package of soft, buttery rolls has become a viral sensation, particularly within communities craving authentic and convenient Indian street food flavors. If you’ve seen the empty shelf space, you know the frenzy is real, driven by a perfect storm of nostalgia, convenience, and an unbelievably good price.

The Pav Bhaji Buns, currently supplied by Frontier Bakery in many warehouses, represent a significant win for shoppers looking to explore global cuisine without leaving their local bulk retailer. They serve as the essential component for *Pav Bhaji*, a beloved dish from Mumbai, and their quality and availability have made them a must-buy item, sparking frantic social media posts urging members to "run, not walk" to grab a pack before they vanish. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about this coveted Costco find.

The Essential Pav Bhaji Buns Profile: Brand, Price, and Availability

The specific product causing the commotion is typically the Frontier Bakery Pav Buns, sold in a large, convenient package designed for bulk shopping. While previous iterations might have been associated with other brands like Deep, the current viral favorite is widely reported to be from Frontier Bakery, cementing its place as a staple in the international bakery section.

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• Product Name: Frontier Bakery Pav Buns (or simply Pav Bhaji Buns)
• Package Size: 2/12 CT (Two packs, each containing 12 individual buns, totaling 24 buns)
• Total Weight: Approximately 2.2 LBS
• Average Price (2025): The price point is a major factor in its popularity, often ranging between $4.69 and $4.99. This makes it an exceptionally affordable option for a specialty bakery item.
• Current Availability: As of the latest reports, these buns are currently available in numerous Costco warehouses, with one tracker showing availability in over 116 locations across various regions. However, their status is often "regional" or "seasonal," meaning they can disappear without warning.
• Key Feature: The buns are typically eggless, making them suitable for vegetarian and specific dietary preferences.

The sheer value—getting 24 high-quality, specialty buns for under five dollars—is a primary driver of the massive demand. Shoppers often buy multiple packs to freeze, ensuring they have a supply for future Pav Bhaji cravings or simple toast and jam breakfasts.

Decoding the Viral Hype: Why Everyone is Obsessed with This Indian Street Food Staple

The excitement surrounding the Pav Bhaji Buns goes far beyond a simple bread roll. It taps into a cultural phenomenon and a desire for convenient, high-quality ethnic foods. Here are the five core reasons these buns are consistently selling out:

1. The Authentic Taste of Mumbai Street Food

Pav Bhaji is arguably one of India's most famous street foods, originating in Mumbai. It consists of a thick, spiced vegetable curry (*bhaji*) served with soft, butter-toasted rolls (*pav*). The quality of the *pav* is critical: it must be soft, slightly sweet, and capable of soaking up the rich, buttery *bhaji*. The Frontier Bakery buns deliver on this promise, providing the perfect texture and flavor profile that resonates with those who grew up eating the dish. For many, finding this authentic component at a mainstream retailer like Costco is a huge nostalgic win.

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2. Unbeatable Convenience and Versatility

The buns are incredibly versatile, which adds to their appeal. While their primary use is for Pav Bhaji, customers use them for a variety of other dishes and snacks. They are perfect for:

• Vada Pav: The iconic potato fritter slider, another Mumbai street food favorite.
• Keema Pav: A popular pairing with spiced minced meat.
• Breakfast Rolls: Simply sliced, toasted with butter and jam, or used for mini-sandwiches.
• Garlic Bread: Slathered with garlic butter and herbs for a quick side dish.

The fact that they come pre-packaged and stay fresh (or can be easily frozen) makes them a convenient pantry item for quick meals.

3. The Growing Demand for Global Cuisine at Costco

Costco has been aggressively expanding its international and ethnic food offerings, catering to a diverse membership base. The success of the Pav Bhaji Buns is part of a larger trend, alongside other popular items like Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen and various Korean, Japanese, and Mediterranean products. This item signals Costco’s commitment to providing specialty ingredients that were once only available at dedicated Indian grocery stores, making global cooking more accessible to the average consumer.

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4. Exceptional Value and Bulk Buying Opportunity

As noted, the price is a significant factor. Specialty buns, especially soft, eggless varieties, can be expensive at smaller bakeries. Costco’s bulk pricing model allows members to stock up on 24 buns for less than $5, which is an incredible bargain for a high-demand, specialty food item. This low cost encourages impulse buying and stockpiling, which contributes directly to the rapid sell-outs.

5. The Social Media "Fear of Missing Out" (FOMO)

The entire trajectory of the Pav Bhaji Buns has been fueled by social media. Viral videos and posts across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit create a massive sense of urgency. When a member posts a photo of the buns, the comments section is immediately flooded with questions about which location has them in stock, creating a community-driven hunt. This "Don't Walk, Run" mentality ensures that as soon as a pallet hits the floor, it's quickly cleared out by eager shoppers, making the item feel even more exclusive and desirable.

Expert Tips for Buying and Storing Costco Pav Buns

Given the volatile availability, a strategy is required to successfully purchase and store these popular rolls. Follow these expert tips:

Check Regional Availability and Timing

The Pav Bhaji Buns are often a regional or seasonal item. If you don't see them in the main bread aisle, check the international freezer section or the fresh bakery section near the other specialty breads. If you find them, consider calling your local warehouse ahead of time, as inventory can change hourly.

Freezing is Your Best Friend

Since the package contains 24 buns, freezing is the most practical storage solution. The buns freeze and thaw remarkably well without losing their signature softness. To freeze:

• Keep the buns in their original sealed bags.
• Place the bags inside a large, heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and odor absorption.
• To use, simply thaw the required number of buns at room temperature or quickly microwave them for a few seconds before toasting with butter.

Beware of Nutritional Facts (A Community Note)

A minor controversy has arisen on community forums regarding the labeling. Some users have noted that the listed nutritional facts on the package may not align perfectly with standard calculations, especially concerning the ingredients list. While this is a common issue with mass-produced items, it’s a good reminder to review the full ingredients list if you have specific dietary concerns, even for a product that is generally considered eggless and vegetarian-friendly.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords for Pav Bhaji Enthusiasts

To deepen your understanding of this beloved dish and related Indian cuisine, here are key entities and terms:

• Pav Bhaji Masala: The specific spice blend that gives the *bhaji* its distinctive flavor.
• Tawa Pulao: A popular rice dish often cooked on the same flat griddle (*tawa*) as the bhaji.
• Mumbai Street Food: The culinary origin of Pav Bhaji.
• Aloo Tikki: Another popular potato-based street snack.
• Eggless Bakery: A key selling point for the Frontier Bakery buns.
• Deep Foods: A major brand in the frozen Indian food market often stocked by Costco.
• Indian Bakery Products: The broader category of the buns.
• Butter Toasting: The traditional preparation method for the pav.
• Cilantro and Onion: Essential garnishes for the final dish.
• International Aisle: The section of Costco where these specialty items are found.
• Frozen Indian Entrees: Other items often purchased alongside the buns.
• Naan Bread: Another popular Indian bread item frequently sold at Costco.
• Samosas: A classic Indian appetizer often found in the freezer section.
• Costco Canada / Costco US: The main regions reporting high demand for the buns.
• Vegetarian Snack: The classification of the Pav Bhaji dish.
• Frontier Baking Company: The likely supplier of the current viral product.