Don’t get me wrong, I love Costco. I really do. The smell of fresh rotisserie chicken in the air, the oversized carts, the treasure hunt vibe where you might find anything, it’s like a retail adventure. I’ve been a loyal Costco member for years, and I’ve definitely saved a ton on things like diapers, vitamins, and bulk snacks. But I’ve also made my fair share of mistakes.
Over time, I’ve figured out that not everything at Costco is a great deal, and some items just don’t make sense, at least for me. Whether it’s because of waste, price, quality, or practicality, there are a bunch of things I avoid now. So let me save you the trouble. Here are 20 things I personally never buy at Costco anymore, and why you probably shouldn’t either.
1. Fresh Produce
Every time I walk into a Costco, the produce section calls my name with those shiny grapes and giant bags of spinach. But unless you are feeding a small army or making lots of juices, most of it goes bad before you can finish it. I’ve thrown away more slimy cucumbers and wilted spinach than I can admit. It definitely hurts to waste food and money.
2. Milk
Buying milk in bulk sounds like a good idea until you realize you now have two gallons that expire on the same date. I’m not saying milk isn’t a good deal at Costco, but unless you go through it fast, you are just asking for sour milk. My fridge isn’t even built for those oversized jugs, so now I just grab it at the regular grocery store.
3. Giant Condiment Bottles
I once bought a two-pack of ketchup bottles so big that they looked like they belonged in a restaurant kitchen. Fast-forward six months, and I was still squeezing that same crusty bottle. Unless you are throwing weekly barbecues, Costco-sized condiments will outlive your interest in them.
4. Cereal Multipacks
Hear me out: I love cereal. But Costco cereal comes in massive twin packs that lose their crunch long before I finish the first bag. Especially with kids who change their breakfast preferences every 10 minutes, this one just doesn’t make sense anymore.
5. Bread
This one feels wrong because the price is actually really good. But it’s a lot of bread. Two loaves per pack, and if you don’t freeze one immediately, you are going to end up tossing stale slices. I’ve done the moldy bread dance more times than I’d like to admit.
6. Books
I know it’s weird to say, but Costco’s book selection is not that good. It’s usually a small table of bestsellers or holiday-themed cookbooks. You’ll find better deals online or at local used bookstores. I learned this the hard way after impulse-buying a celebrity memoir I still haven’t opened.
7. Bulk Spices
Unless you are opening a restaurant or prepping for the end of the world, skip the Costco spices. Spices lose potency after a few months, and those industrial-sized containers take years to finish. I still have a Costco-sized chili powder from 2019. It’s just red dust at this point.
8. Electronics Without Doing Research
Costco has some good deals on electronics, but not always. I once grabbed a smart TV from there thinking it was a steal, only to find out later that it had a stripped-down operating system and worse reviews than I expected. Lesson learned: check specs and shop around before pulling the trigger.
9. Giant Bottles of Shampoo & Conditioner
I used to think bigger was always better. Then I got tired of dealing with a shampoo bottle so heavy I had to use both hands to squeeze it. Plus, hair needs change. You might love it now, but after a few weeks, that liter-sized bottle will be staring you down from the shower shelf.
10. Clothing
This one is pretty personal. I’ve bought a lot of Costco clothing, but I end up rarely wearing it. The price might be tempting, but the fit and quality can be hit or miss. I stick to name brands I know now and skip the mystery-brand jackets.
11. Pre-Packaged Baked Goods
Costco’s bakery smells like heaven. But those huge packs of muffins, cookies, and danishes? They’re a sugar trap. Every time I buy them, I eat way too many in a short time, feel gross, and regret it. I’ve decided to just admire the baked goods from afar or split a pack with a friend.
12. Bottled Water
I used to carry those huge cases of bottled water into my car and feel like a hydration hero. But then I realized that I have a water filter at home. Between the environmental impact and the space they take up , I’ve ditched Costco bottled water for a reusable bottle and never looked back.
13. Office Supplies
Some stuff is worth buying in bulk. But a 50-pack of Sharpies? Ten boxes of paper clips? I bought them once and haven’t needed to buy office supplies in five years. Unless you’re running an office, it’s just unnecessary clutter.
14. Laundry Detergent
I once bought a Costco-sized container of detergent that was so big it barely fit in the laundry cabinet. Then it leaked, and it was a mess. I now buy normal-sized containers and refill a smaller, easier-to-use bottle. Trust me, your back and your shelves will thank you.
15. Greeting Cards
I fell into this trap. A giant box of greeting cards seemed smart at the time, until I realized they were all generic, and none of them matched the kind of cards I actually like giving. Most of them just sit in a drawer, and I still end up buying custom ones elsewhere.
16. Diapers
If you’ve got a newborn, Costco diapers can be a great deal. But if your kid is transitioning between sizes, buying a massive box can backfire. I had a whole half-box go unused because my son hit a growth spurt. Now I just buy smaller packs during those in-between stages.
17. Toys
Costco’s toy aisle looks like paradise during the holidays, but be careful. Some of the toys are overpriced compared to deals you can find online or at stores like Target and Walmart. Plus, they’re usually big and bulky, not always great if you’re tight on space.
18. Party Supplies in Excess
I once bought a massive pack of paper plates and cups for a party and thought I was being efficient. Five years later, I still have them. I don’t throw enough parties to justify a restaurant-level stock of plasticware. Now I just buy what I need per event.
19. Pre-Cut Fruit
Convenient? Yes. Worth it? Not really. Pre-cut fruit at Costco is pricey and spoils fast. I’ve opened containers to find moldy pieces way before the expiration date. You’re better off buying whole fruit and chopping it yourself if you’ve got the time.
20. Giant Dessert Cakes
Yes, I know Costco cakes are iconic. But if you’re not feeding at least 20 people, it’s just too much. I’ve tried freezing leftovers, pawning slices off on neighbors, and even turning it into cake pops, but none of it works. The cakes are good, but the portion size is absurd.
Do you want to save some money? We think you should try cash stashing. Here is an amazing activity book!
Read also: 7 Random Things With Great Resale Value
