12 Costco Desserts That I Would Honestly Not Buy Again

Budget-friendly prices on sweet treats are among the top Costco membership perks. But not every store-brand dessert lives up to the hype. While I certainly have a few go-to desserts I always add to my Costco cart, some of Costco's selections don't fit my needs.

Whether you don't have five or more people to feed, or dietary restrictions that make high-fat and high-sugar foods a no-go, avoid wasting money on Costco treats that look tempting but aren't worth it.

Here are some Costco desserts that I've tried and won't be buying again.

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

Price: $5.99

A three-pound pumpkin pie sounds like the top find of the fall. This massive dessert is ideal for a large family gathering, Thanksgiving dinner, or a family of four or more. 

Not planning on sharing this Costco buy with several friends? You'll likely get tired of the taste of this pie before you have the chance to finish it, and end up throwing away at least half of the pie like I did.

Price: $9.99 for two

Costco's $9.99 mix-and-match deal for two packs of muffins is an almost unbeatable bargain. But I'm not a big fan of the taste of the latest double chocolate chip recipe. Other shoppers agree.

Reddit user lavenderandlilacs10 noticed a change in the usual flavor and asked, "Does anybody know if they are using different chocolate in them now?" 

Alive_University_234 responded, "It was the worst muffin from Costco ever. It looks like dark chocolate color but the taste isn't chocolate at all."

The bakery's All-American Fudge Mini Cakes are a popular alternative if you're craving a decadent chocolate dessert.

Price: $7.99

There's no dispute about the taste of these enormous cupcakes. The flavor has a not-so-subtle sweetness many Costco shoppers savor. However, these mini cakes could pose a problem if calories are a concern. 

As Redditor Ram130 put it, "Don't get if you value your waistline and want to test your control."

Swap out Costco's mini cakes for a French Vanilla Creme Power Crunch energy bar. With 14 grams of protein and five grams of sugar per serving, it's a more nutritious option.

Price: $8.99

Are you hosting a brunch-time baby shower or other late-morning event? If not, this nine-pack of extra-large raspberry buns might get stale before you eat them. Like some of Costco's other bulk buys, this freshly baked treat isn't made to serve one or two.

And while the fluffy pastry has an enjoyable taste, it won't when it's stale. Plus, it doesn't freeze well.

Price: $8.99

This newer Costco treat is an instant fave among seasoned shoppers. Redditors like FinnDool rave about the "tender, delectable cookies." But if you're on a low-sugar diet or have diabetes, skip these cookies. 

Another Reddit user noted the high-calorie count. According to xoRomaCheena31, "Three cookies is 180 cals."

Price: $9.99

A pack of 24 cookies is a steal for less than $10 if you enjoy the flavors. This mixed box includes half a dozen chocolate chunk-packed sweets and 12 double-nut oatmeal raisin cookies. 

True chocolate connoisseurs may want nothing to do with the breakfast-like dried fruit treats. So, if you're not a fan of oatmeal raisin, this mega-pack is a waste of money.

Pro tip: for less than $15, you can also splurge on Costco's 60-cookie (30 packs of two) box of Pepperidge Farm's Milanos.

Price: $9.99 for two

These dessert-like blueberry muffins won't stay fresh for days. And it could take that long for one person or a couple to finish this pick. 

Even though six in a pack may seem like a small quantity compared to other Costco bulk buys, each oversized baked good is more than a single serving. If you can't eat all six, you'll waste money on the cost of these muffins.

Price: $17.99

The sweet sponge and caramel mousse make the tres leche cake a popular pick. But don't get too attached. You'll likely be disappointed when you learn that this Costco dessert isn't a store staple, meaning you may need to wait months or longer to get another slice.

Price: $17.99

You won't hear many complaints about the taste of Costco's iconic tuxedo cake. While shoppers enjoy the indulgent layers of chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, white chocolate and vanilla mousse, plus chocolate ganache, this beloved buy is almost too good.

Reddit user iforgothowtohuman wrote, "Warning! Do not buy the tuxedo cake!! Unless you're prepared to eat the whole thing yourself in maybe two to three days. Because you will."

The disappointment here is that you could end up with a horrible stomachache if you overindulge.

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Price: $15.99

Costco's celebration cake is perfect for parties. And while the $15.99 price tag is less than what you could pay at a specialty bakery for a 10-inch chocolate cake, other superstores may still have better deals for the same taste.

Walmart's Freshness Guaranteed brand's 26.8-ounce chocolate iced cake sells for $14.64. That's over $1 less than this Costco dessert.

Price: $22.99

Orange vanilla batter, graham crust, and creamy whipped topping make this cake a dream. It's Costco's bakery take on the summertime treat, which is popular with shoppers. 

While the taste isn't bad, it isn't as good as the price suggests. At almost $23, the orange dreamsicle cake is one of the most expensive desserts at the members-only warehouse club, so you may not be able to keep more cash in your pocket.

Price: $9.99 for two

Muffin may not be the right name for this Costco dessert. Costco Redditor OCR10 notes, "These are just miniature cakes disguised as breakfast food. But they do taste good. Just consider them dessert and consume appropriately."

If you're looking for light muffins for breakfast, you'll be disappointed by these.

From a mega-sized pie that could feed an entire family of five to iced cakes with sugary sweet frosting, you may want to cross some of Costco's desserts off your shopping list. But don't worry — the warehouse club has affordable alternatives that may meet your needs.

Before buying a treat you won't eat, consider which sweet selection is the best match for each occasion, activity, or family member. This can help you save money on groceries and stick to your budget.