News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

15 Costco Items I Confidently Skip Every Time I Go

There's a lot to love about Costco, but it's not a one-size-fits-all shopping experience.

trolley outside costco store
Updated May 15, 2025
Fact checked

It's not difficult to save money at Costco, which is why so many of us are avid fans of the big box juggernaut. Thanks to bulk items and competitive pricing, it seldom takes long for me to recoup the cost of my Gold Star membership.

However, not all Costco products mean I'll get the best price or that it makes sense for my household. From limited space in my freezer to finding better-priced deals at other stores, here are the Costco products I always skip — and why maybe you should, too.

Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco. New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable).

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.

Soft drinks

Courtesy of Costco 35 can pack of Coca-Cola

Costco sells a variety of soft drinks, from Coca-Cola products to sparkling water and more. The prices aren't bad, either.

But my local supermarket has BOGO sales on a regular basis, so I often can get a better price on these items.

Fresh produce

mandritoiu/Adobe Fresh produce cold room

If you have a large family, buying fresh produce in bulk is a great way to ensure everyone eats their fruits and vegetables. But if you're not feeding a crowd (and I'm not), chances are something is going to spoil.

Plus, Costco's produce has, at times, been known to wilt faster than what I can get at the farmer's market.

Baked goods

mandritoiu /Adobe Costco bakery

Unless I'm going to a large potluck or hosting a party, I feel absolutely fine skipping the baked goods section at Costco. It's not to say they aren't delicious; plenty of people love these treats.

But fresh baked goods in bulk are perishable, and freezing them defeats the purpose of fresh.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings
Compare car insurance rates in Ohio
See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes
Check Rates

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Mayonnaise

tab62/Adobe real mayonnaise on plastic bottle

Some condiments can last longer in your fridge than others, such as mustard and ketchup. However, mayonnaise, which is made from eggs, has a much shorter shelf life — about 4 months after opening as opposed to 1 year for the others.

Buying it in bulk (in this case, a 46-ounce container) means I'll no doubt end up wasting the majority of the product.

Books

Adriana/Adobe bookstore in san bruno california usa

Like many Costco shoppers, I'm an enthusiastic reader who loves books. And I enjoy perusing the book section to see what's new and popular.

But there's only one place I go to get books, and for a good reason: the library, which, as we know, is free.

Cat litter

Courtesy of Costco Two purple boxes of Scoop Away cat litter

The Scoop Away cat litter that Costco sells is a good deal; 42 pounds for $27.99 is especially cheap. However, the product is overhyped, something plenty of reviewers have pointed out.

Many lament the dusty, smelly formula that later turns muddy, adding that the quality used to be far superior.


Canned goods

Bigc Studio/Adobe various canned food in metal cans

This doesn't apply to all canned goods, as Costco has great deals on canned albacore tuna, for example.

However, you can get better deals if you're willing to do some price comparison at stores like Aldi and Walmart. For example, Walmart sells canned corn for $0.68 per can, whereas Costco's option costs $1.08 per can ($12.99 for a 12 count).

Frozen meals

Tijana/Adobe woman in frozen section of store

Frozen meals are a convenient way to eat a relatively healthy lunch during the work week, and many have come a long way in terms of quality.

The issue is that Costco sells bulk packs of the same meal (like Amy's Lasagna), which leaves something to be desired in terms of variety.

Spices

images and videos/Adobe spices

Did you know that spices have a shelf life? That means you should be switching out your stock regularly to ensure they're fresh and potent.

So unless you're buying for a restaurant or have a very large family, you can skip buying bulk spices at Costco, as I do.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill

Gorodenkoff/Adobe male cashier scanning groceries at store

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.

Clothing

artursfoto/Adobe reading the clothing label

I'm not especially picky with regard to my fashion choices. But my issue with Costco clothing, even though it's popular for its style and affordability, is that it's often fast fashion made with synthetic materials — even Costco's pajamas.

If they offered other materials like cotton, wool, linen, etc, I might be more inclined to add clothing to my Costco shopping list.

Flour

Brebca/Adobe Spelt flour sugar with baking ingredients

Let's face it: 20 pounds of flour is a lot, even at Costco's great price of $19.99 for a two-pack of 10-pound bags from its Kirkland Signature brand.

I'm not an avid baker, so a smaller bag is all I need for use in my kitchen. Only a hardcore baker needs as much as Costco sells.

Gift cards

Kenishirotie/Adobe Gift card variety on the store's wall shelf

I seldom feel seduced by Costco's selection of gift cards, even if they do appear to be a great deal at face value.

There's a big chance the card will sit in a drawer until it expires. Plus, there's always fine print to get through and potential restrictions.

Pet food

AnnaStills/Adobe woman giving pet food to dog

The pet food at Costco is generally well-reviewed and popular with members. The prices are also extremely competitive.

However, I'm willing to pay more to feed my pets the formula recommended by my veterinarian, which Costco doesn't sell.

Frozen produce

brozova/Adobe frozen berries

Yes, really! I feel confident skipping the frozen produce section at Costco, and it's not because I'm not a smoothie aficionado.

It's that giant bags of frozen fruits and vegetables are susceptible to freezer burn unless you use them up within a few weeks. Plus, they take up a lot of space.

Cereal

EvgeniiAnd/Adobe colorful cereals spilling out of white bowl

If you have a large family who loves having cereal for breakfast, bulk can be the way to go. But it would go stale in my home before the box is finished.

Plus, local supermarkets often have BOGO sales on cereal, which can be a better deal than Costco's offerings.

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

Ihor/Adobe housewife enjoying shopping for home goods

July is here, and with Independence Day on the horizon, it’s the peak of summer. That also means peak season for red-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

As fireworks fill the skies, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That means July is your chance to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.

Bottom line

Tada Images/Adobe man with large grocery haul

Shopping strategically at Costco is a smart way to save money, and few would be willing to argue that assertion. But not every product the bulk king sells is a fit for your kitchen, bathroom, or living room.

That's why it's best to include a variety of stores in your shopping agenda. No one store can do it all, but with some legwork, you'll get the best deals that suit your needs.

Financebuzz awards badge

2025 award winner Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card

Benefits

Card Details

  • Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
  • Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
  • Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
  • Apply Now
  • Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Wells Fargo Active <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>Cash<sup>®</sup></span> Card
5.0
info
Apply Now

on Wells Fargo’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

+

Why we like it


Must-Read Buzz

Financebuzz logo

Thanks for subscribing!

Please check your email to confirm your subscription.