As much as we love to save money at Costco, there are a few items at the wholesale retailer that may not be worth investing in, according to the review we found from savvy shoppers who are always looking for the best deals.
From poorly written reviews to generally low ratings, these items, ranging from clothing to home decor, might be best avoided when you shop at Costco.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable).
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
Fusion Warm Ombre LED Black Wick Candle Set
Price: $31.99
As aesthetically pleasing as this candle set may be, according to customer reviews, it may not be worth its price. This 5-piece remote ombre candle collection has multiple negative reviews, with customers saying the LED lights themselves are not warm.
"They are good looking candles until you turn them on. The LED light is so unnatural and way too bright. The pictures on here are misleading and the description of "warm" is inaccurate. They give off a cold light," wrote one Costco customer, who left the item two stars.
Kirkland Signature Pepperoni Pizza
Price: $16.33
If you want to purchase a 4-pack of frozen pizza, you may want to opt for another wholesale chain. Costco's 4-pound Kirkland Signature Pepperoni Pizza has an average rating of 2.7 stars, with most customers complaining about the taste and texture.
"It's the first and only product I ever bought at Costco that was so bad that I'd go out of my way to raise some red flags so that others can make a smart decision not to buy it," wrote Costco customer Rick.
Dream Plush Cooling Body Pillow
Price: $52.99
Despite its promising description, this cooling body pillow from Costco may not be worth the nearly $53 price tag. This pillow has an average rating of 3.1 stars with over 35 1-star reviews, with most buyers disappointed by the lack of inflation.
One Costco customer wrote, "This pillow comes in an airtight bag and highly compressed - flat as a pancake. The instructions indicate that it will fill out over time; however, ours never filled out beyond 4-5" thick, which when used is like sleeping with a thin pillow between your legs."
Tramontina 3-piece Cast Iron 7-quart Deep Kadai & Flat Tawa Cookware Set
Price: $59.99
While some of the negative reviews on this cookware set from Costco are from customers frustrated that it doesn't come pre-seasoned as advertised, others complain about the pans quickly rusting. This set currently has an average rating of 2.8 stars, with four 1-star reviews.
"First use and shows rust. Not pre seasoned or enamel coated as stated in specs," wrote one Costco customer.
Duralex Lys Stackable Mug
Price: $34.99
While you may love the idea of a stackable mug, Costco might not be the place to purchase one. Some customers received their product broken into small pieces, while others were frustrated by the thin material.
"Item came with broken pieces of glass. Poor packing - no label to handle with care," wrote one customer.
Naturally More Organic Peanut Butter
Price: $11.99
When shopping for organic peanut butter, you should opt for another affordable chain, like Aldi or Walmart. Costco's Naturally More Organic Peanut Butter has an average review of 2.7 stars. Most shoppers are disappointed that Costco switched its Kirkland Signature line to another supplier.
"Please bring back the old Kirkland Signature Organic Creamy Peanut Butter! It was everything a good peanut butter should be. The texture, the taste, the balance — nothing about it needed to change! This new Naturally More version is such a disappointment," wrote Costco customer Nina.
Apache Chenille Area Rug
Price: $129.99
When it comes to purchasing rugs, you may want to avoid the Apache Chenille line at Costco. Most of the size options have low reviews, like the 6-by-9-foot design, which has an average rating of 2.7 stars and 10 1-star reviews.
"I'm disappointed that it is so thin and does stay in place. It was expensive for these issues," wrote Costco customer Mary.
Tramontina ProLine Windsor Dinner Knife
Price: $19.99
Before you pick up an extra set of dinner knives for your holiday and winter parties, you may want to avoid purchasing this 36-count collection from Costco. With an average rating of 2.7, these stainless steel knives apparently typically come damaged or stained.
One Costco customer wrote, "I have ordered this twice in past month. First time the knives had pitted spots on them. 2nd time had pitted spots. Both times the knives were loose in the mailing package. Will be returning both orders."
BergHOFF 4-piece Cheese Knives and Bamboo Board Set
Price: $49.99
Before you purchase this Cheese, Knives, and Bamboo Board Set from Costco, you should know that it has low customer ratings due to one specific detail: the board comes with two logo engravings. These are not shown in the online photos.
"Like: I purchased this item online and was surprised by the 'J22' engraving below the BergHOFF name, which wasn't shown in any product photos. I think buyers should be made aware. It's such an eyesore!" wrote Costco customer Scottie.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
Haagen Dazs Vanilla Milk Chocolate Almond Ice Cream Bars
Price: $11.11 (on sale from $14.11)
While we love the taste of a Häagen-Dazs ice cream bar, customers at Costco have been leaving negative reviews about the specific Vanilla Milk Chocolate Almond bars due to a perceived size change.
"You have been warned !! These are not the same almond bars that you are used to. obviously some major corporate changes have been made," wrote one Costco shopper.
Vigoss Women's Wide Leg Trouser Jean
Price: $24.99
Before you purchase these wide-leg trouser jeans at Costco, you may want to read the reviews. These jeans in particular have an average review of 2.8, with most customers upset by the fit, saying they run much longer than advertised.
One Costco shopper wrote, "Beware: The inseam is NOT 28 - it's more like 32. The material feels cheap and scratchy."
Ottavio Avocado Oil
Price: $28.99
With avocado oil already being an expensive item, you want to ensure you're getting your money's worth. This Ottavio Avocado Oil from Costco may be a skip, as it has an average review of 2.6 stars.
"This product is low quality, and it's clear it's not 100% avocado. Will not buy again," wrote Costco shopper Lauren.
Bottom line
If you want to save money on groceries while shopping at Costco, you may want to avoid some of these low-rated items, like Ottavio's Avocado Oil and Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bars.
According to customer reviews and the Costco product rating system, these products, along with the others on the list, may not be worth your money. However, there is an array of staples you can count on, along with new items worth exploring, that can still make your Costco membership worth every penny, from rotisserie chickens to tech gadgets.
Benefits Card Details on Wells Fargo’s secure website Intro Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
If you love earning cash rewards but prefer to avoid the hassle of tracking spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card could be a good option for you. Card members can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
This card also offers a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable. Those looking for straightforward rewards and an introductory APR will likely find value in this card.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.