Bulk buys make it easy to save money at Costco, but that doesn't mean every multipack, gallon jug, or quart container is a bargain.
Some of these supposed budget-friendly finds backfire, leaving shoppers with more food than they could possibly eat, rotten products, or serious storage issues.
From bakery cookies to chicken bakes, we've rounded up the top bulk buys at this warehouse club that aren't worth the hype.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Kirkland Signature Chicken Bakes
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Price: $13.59
Costco's chicken bakes are a Food Court gem that customers flock to. Shoppers who expect the frozen six-count to match the quality of the piping hot prepared pick are in for a disappointment.
Reddit user whopty noted that while this pick is better than a Hot Pocket, "If you compare them to the chicken bakes in the food court, they don't hold a candle to them."
Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon
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Price: $21.99
This shelf-stable seafood could last months (or longer) in your pantry. And while that may make it seem like a sensible purchase, the problem lies in the price per six-ounce can.
The six-count pack breaks down to $3.67 each. Starkist's five-ounce size is only $1.97 at Walmart. Even though you get more salmon per can at Costco, you'll pay $1.70 for one extra ounce.
Kirkland Signature Cookie Tray
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Price: $22.99
No one debates the decadently delicious taste of these assorted cookies. But the bakery bulk buy won't stay fresh for long. While 60 sweet treats for under $23 may seem like a deal, it's only a bargain if you plan a party or other large group get-together.
Kirkland Signature Organic Flour
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Price: $19.99
Two 10-pound bags of organic unbleached flour for under $20? This bulk buy is a bargain for bakers. That said, if you don't use this pantry product daily, it isn't worth the storage space.
If you're looking for a manageable size, Target sells a five-pound bag of Good & Gather All-Purpose Flour for $2.59. While it's not organic, it's a more affordable, high-quality alternative.
Kirkland Signature Unsalted Butter
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Price: $11.99
Four pounds of unsalted butter for $11.99 may seem like a steal. According to information from Oregon State University, once opened, butter only has a refrigerated shelf-life of a few weeks.
Even though you could pay a few cents more per ounce for a smaller one-pound pack, you won't have to worry about spoilage.
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Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt
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Price: $7.79
Shoppers disagree on the quality of this three-pound tub. In a name-brand versus Kirkland Signature comparison, take it from a Redditor who weighed in, "Kirkland is very watery…In my opinion, Fage is better in every way, period."
Kirkland Signature Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
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Price: $15.69
One pound of shredded Parm is the perfect pasta topping for a party-sized pan of baked ziti. Families who only sprinkle this cheese on top of dinner occasionally may need to toss part of the perishable product.
Swap this bulk buy for a five-ounce tub of Target's Good & Gather Parmesan for $3.29. Not only is the size a better fit, but the price per ounce is lower than Costco's larger quantity.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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July is in full swing, bringing the height of summer. That also means peak season for hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:
- Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
- Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
- Swimwear and summer fashion
- For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes
While you're enjoying the sunshine, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That makes July a prime opportunity to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.
Kirkland Signature Southwest Chicken Wrap
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Price: $6.99 per pound
Are you having a party? Well then, this $6.99 per pound refrigerated deli bulk buy may make sense. But if you're looking for a quick, ready-made lunch, you won't finish the massive 2.5-plus-pound sandwich before it goes bad.
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Kirkland Signature Sausage and Beef Lasagna
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Price: $17.99
Unless you have extra freezer space or a large family, this two-pack of three-pound trays is a waste of storage. Six pounds of meaty lasagna can easily feed a party of people. But empty nesters or anyone who only needs to feed one or two people won't get their money back from this bulk "bargain."
Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties
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Price: $42.99
A 40-count of frozen burgers is the ideal option for a backyard BBQ bash, but it is not the perfect pick for a small family searching for an economical meal deal.
Plus, if you do need 10 pounds of patties, a similar product from Sam's Member's Mark brand can still save you $1.
Kirkland Signature Sea Scallops
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Price: $54.99
Kirkland's two-pound bag of raw scallops can easily max out your monthly grocery budget. The $54.99 price you'll pay could get you several less expensive meals.
Craving seafood? Instead of investing in one bag of scallops, trade this pricey purchase for three pounds of KS Tilapia ($21.06) or KS Garlic Butter Shrimp ($16.79).
Kirkland Signature Breakfast Sandwiches
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Price: $16.49
Does eight egg, cheese, bacon, and croissant sandwiches for $16.49 sound like a great deal? Not when you compare it to a brand-name buy. Target sells an eight-count box of Jimmy Dean's sausage-stuffed version for $11.69. Getting the Costco option isn't really a deal, is it?
Kirkland Signature Organic Orange Juice
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Price: $14.99
At $14.99, this KS deal equals almost $7.50 per 59-ounce bottle. If an organic option isn't essential to you, conventional OJ is a better choice. You can snag a larger 89-ounce size of Simply Orange's Pulp Free Juice at Target for $7.19.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Kirkland Signature Rosemary Parmesan Cheese Bread
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Price: $7.99
Costco's warm, crusty, rustic rosemary Parmesan bread is a fan favorite. While taste isn't an issue, the massive loaf could go stale if you don't eat it within a couple of days.
Kirkland Signature Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
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Price: $2.99 per pound
With most packs weighing in at over eight pounds, this bulk buy is a chore to store. The USDA recommends refrigerating fresh chicken for no more than one to two days. Shoppers without a separate freezer may waste money on poultry that quickly goes past its prime.
Bottom line
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Costco is known for bulk bargains, and while these deals help the store's members save money on groceries, the wrong buys could break your budget.
Before you toss pounds of products into your cart, consider your personal preferences and needs to avoid wasting your hard-earned money.
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