14 Costco Foods That Look Way Better Than They Actually Taste

Do cute containers and pretty packaging influence your grocery purchases? Some popular products may look good from the outside, but that's where the promise ends.

Shoppers in the know have the best Costco hacks for finding deals on items that taste as good as they look. 

So, if you're not sure which gourmet goodies and foodie finds are actually worth the cash, read on to learn more about which picks you should avoid and the affordable alternatives that customers rave about.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $14.49

The picture on Costco's store-brand pulled pork package makes it look like a mouthwatering meal. When one Costco subredditor asked whether the KS pulled pork or Del Real Carnitas are better, user 138Crimson_Ghost831 replied, "Carnitas for me. The pulled pork tastes like cured ham smothered in bag BBQ sauce."

Del Real's 2.5-pound pack costs $18.99 ($7.60 per pound), while the Kirkland pork costs $7.25. The added $0.35 per pound is worth it based on customer preference.

Price: $9.99

Dark chocolate and oatmeal combined into one organic snacking treat? The description sounds as good as these "hunks" look. But savvy shoppers aren't thrilled with the taste. Redditor Mypetdolphin posted, "I was really disappointed! Now I have 2 ½ bags that I won't eat."

Kirkland Signature's soft and chewy granola bars are only $12.59 for a 64-count box if you're looking for a low-cost chocolate-oat option.

Price: $9.99

The $9.99 bag of sweet potato sticks may look like a snacking sensation. But according to Redditor lazarus902, "SnakYard sweet potatoes…nope. 100 percent do not recommend. Weird texture and taste."

Swap this potato pick for another produce-packed snack like Soleley Organic Fruit Jerky ($16.99).

Price: $11.99

This eight-count pack of organic burritos costs $11.99 — which seems like a lot for what Redditor Skyfather87 called "Plain and boring, pretty flavorless and tiny."

At $1.50 per burrito, this less-than-tasty frozen food is a miss. Instead, get more for your money and try El Monterey Burritos 30-count variety pack for $23.19 ($0.77 each).

Price: $17.99

Costco shoppers couldn't believe their eyes when the retailer introduced these fancy new take-and-bake pizzas. But the expectations didn't match the reality of this refrigerated meal. Reddit user rainmeterhub noted, "They are just okay…in most areas, you can get a real pie for that price." So save your money and your taste buds, and hit up your local pizzeria instead.

Price: $12.79

You aren't alone if this box grabs your attention. One shopper wrote on Reddit, "These look freaking affordable." So what did customers who did more than just look at this have to say? Buyer Aemont commented, "They're okay but not a very pronounced flavor, a bit disappointed by how not-chewy the mochi filling is."

Price: $6.79

Snazzy packaging is one of the only pluses shoppers point out about this snack. Redditor umbabyum commented, "They taste like worse cheese balls. Really not gonna get them again. Utz are better." If your local store doesn't have Utz cheese balls, a 40-bag box of Pirate's Booty is another affordable alternative ($15.99).

Price: $16.79

The food photography on the box makes this look like a gourmet find. And while some shoppers do enjoy the taste, others are disappointed. Redditor Mohican83 wrote, "I do not suggest, unless you like flavorless shrimp."

Make your own seafood meal and try Kirkland Signature's Farm-Raised Raw Shrimp ($15.69 for two pounds) instead.

Price: $9.99

Overnight oats are a popular product, and this eight-count variety pack looks promising. Shopper winkraine didn't exactly praise this pick, "It has a weird taste. You might as well make your own. Takes one minute and is much tastier."

Price: $9.99

An artsy graphic on this crab dip makes it look like a must-have foodie find. Some customers rave about the taste, while others have nothing good to say. Costco Redditor gvlakers complained, "I thought it was disgusting. Zero flavor."

La Terra Fina's Spinach, Artichoke, and Parmesan ($11.09) or Smoked Gouda and Peppers ($10.99) spreads are top options if you're willing to give a non-seafood dip a chance.

Price: $13.99

The 2.13-pound pack of crispy shredded chicken tacos looks absolutely amazing. That said, it has mixed reviews from Costco's shoppers. Redditor GardenGnomeOfEden wasn't impressed, "They were so greasy that they got the no-go from my family."

Crush your taco craving and save money. Swap this so-so selection for Don Miguel Mini Chicken and Cheese Tacos ($13.59 for 3.15 pounds).

Price: $14.99

Sesame ginger paired with protein-rich prepared chicken may seem like a delicious deal you can't pass up. Like other Costco buys, this one has fans and haters. 

Reddit user GolfMikeTango wrote, "I might be an outlier, but I returned one of the two packs of these because I could not get past the texture, and the smell reminded me of dog food."

Price: $6.99

The warehouse club's beloved mega-sized muffins recently got a makeover — and customers are not happy. The new eight-count may look delish, but as Redditor CaitlynZ14 puts it, "Why would they ruin a good thing."

Price: $15.59

Costco's shoppers adore the Food Court's chicken bakes ($3.99). What do they think about the pre-packaged frozen version? "These are terrible. I bought a box and could not even finish it," according to Reddit user GrumpyInTheM0rning.

Avoid wasting your money on food that only looks good. Choosing items based on appearance only is a common mistake you don't need to make. Instead, use shopper reviews, nutrition labels, and your own research to make an informed decision.

Even though the picks on our list won't give you the most bang for your buck, Costco still has plenty of delicious deals. With some smart shopping, you can stretch your budget further at this warehouse club store.