15 Costco Purchases Dave Ramsey (Incorrectly) Thinks Are a Waste of Money

Dave Ramsey is a financial expert who knows a lot about how to spend — and save — money. But one of the great Costco membership perks is being about to buy up in bulk, and that is something he advises the public to be careful about.

He advises against buying anything in bulk that you truly will not use before its expiry, and that list is, honestly, rather long.

Here are some things Dave Ramsey doesn’t want you to buy at Costco that might actually be a great purchase.

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

Price: $3.99

Dave Ramsey doesn’t think spices are a great bulk buy, as they have an expiration date that often passes before you can finish the entire bottle.

But salt is a core ingredient in many baked goods, cooked meals, and more, so you will absolutely be able to get through this 30 ounce bottle before it expires, no issue.

This 100% natural, fine grain sea salt is just 13 cents per ounce.

Price: $12.99

Dave Ramsey is under the impression that you can’t use condiments quickly enough to buy them in bulk, especially this pack of three 44 ounce ketchups.

But this condiment has a pantry shelf life of up to a year, and can easily be used within the suggested six months after opening. 

Use it in marinade recipes, meatloafs, on burgers and steaks, as a dipping sauce, and sometimes even in Italian pasta recipes to add flavor to the final product.

Plus, Costco’s nine cents per ounce price point beats Target’s twelve cents per ounce.

Price: $12.19

Another delicious dairy item that you can use in baking to add a tangy flavor or creamy texture, or as a dip or spread, is cream cheese. It should be used within ten or so days of opening the tub.

There are so many different things you can do with it that this 48-ounce tub is absolutely worth the purchase. Make a cheesecake from scratch with 32 ounces of it, and grab it before you host people for breakfast to spread on bagels, toast, and crackers. 

Cream cheese can be delightful — taste and texture-wise — added to grilled cheese and paninis or hot sandwiches, and can make homemade baked goods more moist when added to recipes, among other practical functions.

You can get it for 23 cents per ounce at Costco, about half the 44 cents per ounce price at Target.

Price: $22.19

While Costco has been known to sell up to 30 dozen eggs in bulk, Dave Ramsey doesn’t suggest stocking up.

But this package of five dozen is not only cost-effective, but it comes in handy for people who love to bake and enjoy protein in their meals.

According to the USDA, eggs can stay good for 3-5 weeks when refrigerated properly.

Price: $12.25

Regular milk seems to spoil within a week or two of purchase, while organic milk can last around a month.

So this three pack of organic half gallons is totally manageable, especially if multiple people live in the household. At $4.08 per carton, it’s less expensive than Target’s $4.89 option.

Price: $6.29

While you won’t save as much on Greek yogurt at Costco as you will on other items — it is just under 16 cents per ounce, which is comparable to Target’s 17 cents — this 40-ounce tub can easily be consumed within the recommended one to two weeks. 

It is another instance where Ramsey might be incorrect regarding dairy.

Use it in parfaits, smoothies, baked goods, and even skincare. If you are nearing the expiry, throw your yogurt in the freezer to extend its life.

Price: $4.99

Mr. Ramsey thinks that people don’t consume produce quickly enough to purchase in bulk. But this four pound bag of romaine lettuce is just $1.25 per pound, and can make about eight nice-sized salads.

Romaine lasts in the fridge about 10 to 20 days, so a salad a day — or a few side salads here and there — is totally manageable.

Price: $6.89

Grape tomatoes tend to last about seven to ten days in the refrigerator once purchased. But the packages at the store rarely have enough for more than one salad, so Ramsey might not be totally correct.

Grab them two pounds at a time for a reasonable $3.44 per pound to make multiple salads, dips, and dinners in that stretch of time.

Price: $1.89

There are some incredible recipes for banana breads, cakes, and puddings. The darker or more bruised the skin, the better they are for freezing. 

That is when bananas are best for baking and processing into a vegan ice cream option. You can also freeze sliced bananas and add them to smoothies.

Even though the finance mogul advises against buying fruit in bulk, especially if you have a small family or live alone, this three pound batch of bananas is worth the purchase on your next trip in. At 63 cents per pound, you can’t beat the price either.

Price: $12.39

Applesauce can last about 12 to 18 months on the shelf unopened, but only about seven to ten days once opened. This is why Ramsey isn’t sure about perishables like applesauce.

To get around the expiry, grab organic pouches, which come in 3.17 ounce servings. You can eat them or use them in recipes, and they’re pre-measured for your convenience.

They’re 47 cents each at Costco, and 72 cents a piece at Target.

Price: $9.69

Another easy way to buy fruit in bulk at Costco is to purchase it frozen. This way, you can overstep the regular shelf life of the superfood, which is why Dave Ramsey advises against this purchase in the first place.

Add frozen fruit like these berries to parfaits, salads, smoothies, muffins, and more. Let them thaw in the fridge to enjoy them on their own, as close to fresh as possible. These berries are also great to incorporate into baked goods.

Price: $8.29

Five pounds of lemons — despite the affordable $1.66 per pound price — can be a bit much. 

But they can be used to make so many things that if you’re committed to incorporating them into beverages, baked goods, dressings, and more, this purchase is worth it.

Plus, lemons can last up to a month in the fridge, so we strongly disagree with Ramsey on this produce item.

Price: $10.39

If you like pasta dishes and marinades, this three-pack of fan-favorite Prego is a budget-friendly 8 cents per ounce. Target sells the same sauce for 11 cents per ounce.

You can store this item unopened for up to 18 months, but make sure to enjoy it within three days once open and refrigerated. This can be easily done with each jar on its own, especially if lasagna is involved.

Price: $8.29

Grapes might not seem like the best option to purchase in bulk from a big box store, especially if you have a small family, so we understand why Ramsey would vote this out.

But if you freeze half of your three pound container upon purchase, you’ll be able to enjoy them for a long time as a refreshing dessert. They taste so much like popsicles.

Price: $53.99

The workaround when it comes to fish, poultry, and other meat sources is to purchase them flash frozen. The process freezes them at their freshest, so they keep forever.

The same option is $8.99 per pound at Publix, while this option is just $5.39 per pound. If you can fit ten pounds of fish in your freezer, this deal is worth it.

Not every financial professional has the best shopping hacks, so make sure to trust your own specific needs.

Costco went from zero to $3 billion in sales in just over five years and treats their customers well, so it’s a tried and true way to help you save more on everyday essentials.