40 of the Worst Products to Buy at Costco

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So many products at Costco seem like a good idea, but then you get home and wonder what on Earth you’re going to do with them. There’s nothing wrong with the items per se. It’s just that there are often better ways to spend your money. Some of the items can be very unhealthy while others simply come in quantities that are too large for many households. 

Before you find yourself strolling through Costco thinking, “I’m sure it won’t hurt to stock up,” we want to share with you some of the bulk products that are unhealthy or not worth your money. They may be cheap and convenient, but these items take up a lot of space and might even cost you more in the long run. By the end of the article, you’ll have all the inside information you need to make better decisions next time you go to Costco.  

Bread and Pastry Products

Let’s start with some breakfast favorites – bread and pastries. Some shoppers in Costco love to buy bread in bulk to save money per unit. However, if you only have two to three members in your household, buying in a small retail store is still best. 

Bread only lasts a few days, so when you buy in bulk, there’s a tendency for this product to get stale or moldy before you can consume it. Having large quantities can also push you into overeating, which can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Mayonnaise and Other Condiments

While the thought of saving money is exciting, you still need to consider the longevity of the products. Buying gallons or boxes of mayonnaise is not a wise choice.  Why? Store-bought mayonnaise only lasts a month if unopened. 

Unless you have a large, mayonnaise-loving family, these huge jars are likely to expire before you can get even halfway through. Furthermore, eating too much mayonnaise can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure and a rise in blood sugar. If you want to gain some weight, eating mayonnaise every day can help you!

Packs of Soda

Costco’s prices on soda are indeed competitive with those of grocery stores. However, soda from a regular supermarket usually costs $2.50 for a 12-pack when it’s on sale, while at Costco, it cost 10$ for a 36-pack.

Clearly, soda can be cheaper in grocery stores than in Costco if you keep an eye out for sales. So, if you want to save money, it’s better to stock up whenever you see those sales. It’s also worth keeping in mind that too much soda is not healthy.

Giant Trays of Eggs

Once again, unless you’re buying for a large family, it’s not the greatest idea to purchase 3-5 dozen eggs at a time. Eggs have expiration dates, and they will go bad before you can use the whole carton. 

The longer an egg is stored, the more its quality declines, and this makes it less springy and runny. Eggs don’t last long, even when refrigerated, and the last thing you want is to be at risk of them going rotten. If you’ve ever cracked open a bad one, you’ll know the smell alone can put you off eggs for life. 

Bacon Crumbles

Bacon crumbles add a blast of flavor to breakfast dishes, salads, and baked potatoes, but they aren’t very healthy. Still, for many people, bacon is synonymous with breakfast. Tasty though it may be, this product contains approximately 2 grams of fat per tablespoon and a high amount of salt.

If you want a healthier option, try buying uncured bacon because it doesn’t contain too much sodium nitrate. Cured or uncured, bacon will never be healthy to eat on a daily basis as it still packs a big punch of fat and salt that can increase the risk of heart disease. If you love it, your best bet is to enjoy it in moderation.

Baby Diapers

While this can be a good option for some parents, there are some caveats. Never bulk buy diapers until you’ve tried the brand first with a smaller packet. That way, if your child develops a rash, you won’t have a mountain of unusable diapers. It’s also important to be mindful of your child’s growth so you don’t stock up on one size just as they need to transition to the next size up.

If you’re a new parent who has been running to the store every other week for diapers, then a good option is to buy in bulk. Purchasing diapers in bulk saves time because you can find them all in one place. You don’t have to go out hunting for diaper discounts that may or may not be a good deal in the end.

Gallons of Cooking Oil

Cooking oils can be derived from a number of plant sources and are used in a variety of dishes, including our favorite fried, deep-fried, and sautéed delights. According to studies, you can only keep olive or vegetable oil in the pantry for four months. This means it is not a good move to buy gallons of cooking oil at a time.

Buying gallons of olive oil can be wasteful and costly as it goes stale fast, especially if it isn’t stored in the ideal environment. Purchasing smaller amounts and using up every drop in the bottle before buying another is still an efficient way to save money. Leave the gallon bottles for businesses and big families. 

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit is always on our grocery list. Regardless of your favorite kind, fruit is an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, and high fiber. That’s why people love buying fresh fruit in bulk at Costco because they think they can save money while boosting their health.

However, buying too much often ends up being wasteful and expensive as you cannot store fruit for long periods before it goes bad. In fact, most products bought end up getting thrown out, which equates to about 25% of your purchase going in the trash! Only buy in bulk what you can freeze in bulk and use in smoothies.

Laundry Detergent

When it comes to buying laundry detergent, a large bottle may be tempting, but hold off unless you do a lot of washing. Before you buy gallons of detergent, keep in mind that this product can expire.

Detergents are less effective over time, so a large bottle of laundry soap may not be as cost-effective as one might think at first glance. Buying in bulk also can lead to excess packaging that ends up in landfills where it takes hundreds of years to degrade.

Lotions and Personal Care Products

Purchasing in bulk can help consumers save money. This holds true for personal products like lotions or soap that you buy at wholesale prices.  Bulk skincare products might be a great deal, but their long-term use can have an impact on your skin.

While you may save money per ounce when purchasing bulk sunscreen, beauty products, and moisturizers, these items may cause health risks such as allergic reactions or dry skin over time. If you buy too much, it may also expire before you have a chance to use it all. So, only buy something in bulk if you know your skin tolerates it and you use it all the time.

Branded Clothing

Many people love wearing branded clothes because it boosts their self-esteem or feels like a reward for hard work. However, buying branded clothing in Costco might not be worth your money. 

Contrary to Costco’s claims that well-known brands bring unsold merchandise to their store, an investigation found that Costco purchases branded apparel from factories that use cheap materials and poor stitching to cut costs. Costco’s clothes certainly are a great deal for shoppers. However, other stores have lower prices, more options, and more eco-friendly materials and practices.

Foam Mattresses

Along with appropriate nutrition and regular exercise, getting enough sleep is one of the three foundations of a healthy lifestyle. Therefore it is essential to choose a comfortable place to get your rest each night. A good mattress can help you increase your chances of enjoying a sound sleep.

If you’re thinking of buying a new mattress from Costco, save your cash and gas. Better deals can be found online or at other stores. Buying online is more convenient as you can have it delivered to your door and even carried all the way into your bedroom.

Coffee

If you’re a coffee addict, then buying bulk ground coffee may sound like an excellent idea. However, buying it in bulk has its pros and cons. Most coffee remains fresh for approximately a week after it has been ground.

Since ground coffee has a short shelf life, you should aim to consume it within two weeks to get the fresh and delicious coffee you desire. So regardless of the size of your household, it’s best to buy coffee in a size that can be consumed within a week. Also, keep in mind that a large amount of caffeine is not good for your health.

Printer Paper

Is it really necessary for you to buy thousands of sheets of printer paper? If you use it a lot, it may be reasonable. However, you may be able to find a more affordable ream of printer paper if you look in other stores.

For example, Staples often has sales on printer paper that bring the cost down to just 0.01$ per ream. That’s a lot more inexpensive compared to Costco, right? Regardless of the brand, their use and purpose are still the same. 

Flour

Flour is an excellent thickening agent for soups, sauces, and baking. Therefore, if you’re planning to buy a large bag of flour, whether it’s all-purpose or whole wheat, keep in mind that it soaks up moisture in the air.

The longer you keep it, the more time it has to soak in moisture, and the closer it is to going bad. If you don’t cook and bake every day, you won’t use up a whole bulk bag of flour. All-purpose white flour may last for a few months, while whole-wheat and gluten-free varieties spoil sooner.

Spices

Spices like pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, chili powder, and more, can only last six months if ground. Even if a spice doesn’t literally go bad, it will lose its strength. If you only use a pinch here and there, why bother buying in bulk?

Although buying in bulk appears to be a good deal, it isn’t necessary unless you’re powering through a certain spice. For most smaller households, these bulk spices will spoil before you can consume them all. 

Paper Towels

Paper towels are important for hygiene, and you can also use them to clean stains in your house. Many people regularly add paper towels to their grocery list, and Costco is their haven for this handy product. However, Costco’s Kirkland Paper Towels are easy to tear and not so effective.

According to a test conducted on paper towels, if you have to clean up spills, Kirkland performs poorly compared to other brands. For this reason, it may be worth looking for a more durable and absorbent paper towel brand.

Batteries

If you have a lot of devices around the house, such as wall clocks, remote controls, toys, and flashlights, buying bulk AA batteries from Costco could be a good option. Costco Kirkland batteries are less costly than brand-name competitors.

However, several people have complained about the Kirkland brand of AA batteries. Their main concern is leaking and corrosion caused by poor quality. Although cheap batteries might seem like a good option, they may damage your devices and cost you more money in the long run.

Razors

Many people are buying bulk disposable razors at Costco because they seem like a good deal. However, you can only use them for three to ten shaves, and they become dull and need to be replaced.

Buying disposable razors in bulk at Costco may seem like a great way to make big savings at first glance, but you can often find better quality options in drug stores or online. These will work better, be kinder on your skin, and last you a lot longer, thus reducing the cost overall and cutting down the waste you’re putting out into the environment.

Electronic Devices

Is it worth buying electronics at Costco? If you’re looking for a great deal on the latest gadgets, then maybe. However, if you want something that’s going to last and is of high quality, then this may not be your best bet.

Such low prices come with sacrifices: either poor service or cheaply made products (usually both). In addition, there are stores out there that offer excellent customer service and higher quality products. You can also find some pretty unbeatable deals online that come with free delivery.

Name-Brand Alcohol

Why shouldn’t you buy name-brand alcohol at Costco? This may seem like an attractive option when you’re shopping for your home bar; however, if you’re looking to save money on booze, there are better ways. 

While top-shelf brands do offer a great flavor, smooth experience, and a level of quality that can save you from hangovers, the best way to avoid hangovers is still to drink responsibly, limit your alcohol intake, and consume plenty of water. As a bonus, doing this will naturally save you money on alcohol. 

Canned Goods

A lot of people love to shop at Costco and grab a can or two of their favorite food off the shelf. However, is this a good idea? You may be surprised to learn that you can often get a better deal on canned goods at the grocery store when they’re on sale.

If you keep an eye out for sales, you may save money by purchasing canned tomatoes and beans at your local grocery store, especially if you combine an in-store deal with a coupon.

Shoes

Some of you may believe that buying running shoes from Costco is a great deal.  However, according to some consumers, the soles of Costco shoes reveal the low quality and lack of durability. These shoes don’t even have an arch cut out.

Costco shoes are unlikely to provide the comfort and support you’re seeking. You may end up spending more money on these shoes if you sustain injuries or have to get rid of them and buy another pair elsewhere.

Bikes

We can’t deny the fact that there are many cheap bikes in Costco. However, when you use a bike daily to go to work or school, it is still better to buy from a store that specializes in bikes.

Bicycles must, first and foremost, be made of high-quality material. Your bike should also be constructed by experienced and skilled bicycle mechanics and adjusted in-store to ensure that it fits you right. Throwing together a Costco bike at home could be a recipe for disaster if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Books

If you’re a bookworm looking for your next great read, Costco isn’t your best bet. Although they have an impressive selection of books – over 100,000 titles and counting – it’s difficult to find one specific title amidst such a vast collection.

Additionally, there are better deals online for new releases or popular reads, so it may be worth browsing online book stores before making any purchases at this retail giant. There’s also something to be said for enjoying the ambiance of a small book store and supporting a local business.

School Supplies

Making sure you have all the necessary school supplies is essential for an easier start to the new semester. There are many options for buying your pencils, glue, scissors, and notebooks other than Costco.

If you’re up for trying something different, you can buy in local retail stores or online because they offer lower prices on stationery items while maintaining good quality. As mentioned in the last slide, it always feels good to support local small businesses that are offering excellent products and friendly customer service.