14 Costco Products That Have Quietly Gotten Worse (Longtime Members Are Noticing)

Low prices on high-quality generics and bulk buys are among the top Costco membership perks that shoppers enjoy. But lately, some of the warehouse club's customers have noticed a disappointing trend.

While most of the store's products are on point, some have quietly gotten worse. Not sure what to buy and what to skip? We scoured social media sites and the retailer's reviews sections for the most helpful information on what items to avoid.

So before you waste money on a supposedly subpar selection, here are 14 picks members find fault with (and a few affordable alternatives).

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

Price: $6.80 per pound

The convenient Yakisoba stir-fry noodle kit is an affordable alternative to takeout. And while shoppers have always enjoyed this prepared deli selection, some members think it's gone downhill.

Redditor twitchx133 notes, "They changed the sauce, and it is terrible now. Way saltier than it was and just tastes off." But don't worry. If you're in the mood for Asian-inspired cuisine, you can still pick up Ajinomoto's Yakisoba with Vegetables in the store's frozen food section ($14.99 for six nine-ounce packs).

Price: $12.49

Do you use this non-dairy oat beverage to make your morning cup of cappuccino? You may want to switch. Customer KellyIsEverywhere reported on Reddit, "The most recent box I bought is acting differently than before. I used to be able to froth it, and it won't froth at all, it seems a little thinner."

Price: $14.49

Yes, it's an inexpensive bulk buy that will save you money. Compared to the cost of name-brand soap, this deal is a steal. But, according to some members, it's lost its luster.

Costco subreddit user Nesquik44 wrote, "I actually had problems with this clogging my drains. I've never had that problem with any other soap, but it left a lot of residue."

$3.72 per pound

The freshly baked, mega-sized pies are holiday-gathering staples that shoppers absolutely adore. That said, some members aren't thrilled about recent changes.

Take it from Reddit user theworkingcollegekid, who asked, "Did Costco pies get worse? We've been buying Costco Apple and Pumpkin pies for over a decade. This year tastes...different. It tastes like they went with worse ingredients."

If you're looking for an entree to serve at a family dinner, skip this formerly well-liked ham. According to Redditor Reputation-Final, "Been buying it for decades. Bought two for Easter this year. First time it has been so salty to the point that it was nearly inedible."

Looking for another option? Reddit user Tym4FishOn suggests, "Go spiral. It's easier. I just had one, and it's very good."

Price: $14.74 per pound

Something changed about this fishy find, and shoppers aren't happy with the meal deal. It's not the salmon, it's the pesto butter as Redditor WanderingDirtyPawz explains, "The deli used to make their own pesto butter balls…This process takes a lot of time, and corporate decided to switch the in-house-made pesto butter with a pre-made frozen that comes shipped to them."

Price: $24.99

Low-priced TP is a bulk buy bargain that can keep your budget on track. And while Costco shoppers used to rave about bathroom tissue, Redditor mnocket noticed, "It's thinner, lighter weight, and doesn't tear cleanly."

Price: $15.88

These generic breaded filets are an easy option to make a quick chicken parm or a savory sandwich. While the affordable alternative to brand-name buys used to get plenty of praise, that's changed. Reddit user Gloriathewitch warned other members, "They used to be great, but I get weird bits often like chewy, grisly, and uneven sizes."

Some shoppers suggest swapping this item for Just Bare's Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast. While it costs more, the crunchy texture is worth the extra few dollars.

Price: $11.91

Members are disappointed with the once-sumptuous blend of chicken and veggies. One Costco shopper wrote on Reddit, "Chicken Corn Tortilla Soup changed recipes and I'm no longer able to eat my favorite soup."

Of course, this isn't the only option. Kirkland's prepared deli rotisserie chicken noodle soup is still a 10/10.

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Price: $22.69

Former fans of this freezer section fave now take issue with this seafood selection. Reddit user kicking-chickens-jk wrote, "The flavor of the breading wasn't the same and the quality of the shrimp was lacking."

Price: $15.31

Warehouse club shoppers complain that this breakfast basic is fattier than before. Redditor WorldlyElderberry posted, "I noticed that it fried up oddly, too. It released a lot of liquid that had to evaporate first…It also seemed extra salty."

Price: $23.99

Mopping up messes shouldn't break the bank. And that's why shoppers rely on Kirkland's generic paper towels. But in recent years, members have noticed a decline. One Costco Redditor offered a money-saving alternative: "Bounty is noticeably better and when on sale, about the same price."

Price: $4.99

Members still praise this pick's succulent flavor and enjoy the low $4.99 price.

When the packaging changed, shoppers had something to say. Redditor citznfish wrote, "New rotisserie chicken bags are terrible…they have ruined the chicken."

Price: $6.99

The colossal bakery muffins got a downgrade last year, leaving members wondering why. Costco Redditor hunty complained about the change, "They no longer have their 12 big muffins for $10…instead they have these eight packs of smaller muffins in weird flavors."

Some of your favorite Costco finds may have gone from distinguished deals to total duds in recent years. But that doesn't mean your membership isn't worth the annual fee. Even though Costco customers have some complaints, you can still find plenty of premium picks.

Searching for more ways to cut costs? Here's a money-saving hint to tackle high grocery costs: Look for items with an asterisk. These soon-to-be-discontinued products are priced low to go.