12 Unexpected Costco Products Superfans Say They Would Never Buy Again

While Costco offers many products and deals fans love, not everything at the famous bulk retailer is a hit.

Costco superfans will tell you that the store's rotisserie chicken is a safe bet or that a lot of the snacks are worth it. 

But some Costco items can be a miss. Here are a few that some superfans will tell you it may be better to avoid buying to unlock the true value of your membership.

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

Costco replaced its berry smoothie at food courts nationwide with a mango smoothie. However, many customers urged others to avoid wasting money and skip it altogether, so much so that Costco discontinued the drink.

Some described it as tasting like spoiled baby food, and even kids rejected the less-than-tasty treat from the food court.

So, lesson learned: Stick with the traditional hot-dog-and-drink deal at the Costco food court.

When you're trying to get the most out of your membership, there's no reason to spend money on a food court item that doesn't appeal to your taste buds. Skipping an unpopular menu item can help you avoid wasting money on something nobody wants to finish.

Keeping your dishes sparkling clean may not be the easiest thing to do if you buy the Kirkland Signature Dishwasher Pacs.

Some superfans have complained that the dishwasher pods don't get their dishes as clean as the name brands Costco carries, making this a product you can skip.

Dishwasher detergent is one household essential where performance matters. If the pods leave behind food residue or spots, you could end up running another cycle, using more water and electricity, and wasting detergent. That can eat into any savings you hoped to get from buying in bulk. Before committing to a large package, consider how well the detergent works with your dishwasher and water conditions. You can also compare the cost per load with alternatives, including name-brand detergents that go on sale at other retailers. A slightly higher upfront price may be worth it if the product cleans your dishes properly the first time.

Produce can be hit-or-miss at Costco, depending on what you're looking for or how much you plan to use.

You may want to avoid Costco's produce section if you live alone or won't finish it quickly, because it could spoil before you get through a bulk amount of bananas or pears.

Buying fruits and vegetables in larger quantities can be a smart way to stretch your grocery budget, but only if you eat them before they go bad. Tossing spoiled produce means throwing away money along with food. Before filling your cart, think about how many meals you'll prepare and how quickly your household goes through fresh ingredients. You can also freeze suitable produce for smoothies, baking, or cooking later. If you only need a few pieces of fruit for the week, a regular grocery store may offer a better value by letting you buy just what you need.

You may like picking up new books from Costco's book table, but books are one item where you may not save much by buying them at the warehouse retailer.

Most Costco locations only carry books for a limited time during the holiday shopping season, but around 100 of their stores still carry books year-round. 

Before you pick up a new book at Costco, compare the price with online retailers such as Amazon or Target. You might find you can get a better deal online than at Costco.

If you're shopping for gifts, comparing prices across several retailers can help you stay within budget without sacrificing the title you want. A few minutes of research could leave extra cash for your next Costco trip.

Like other grocery stores, Costco has its store-brand version of milk that you can buy.

But you might be surprised that Kirkland Signature milk is more expensive than other retailers nearby. Compare the costs at Costco with those of stores like Walmart or Target to see if you can get a better deal.

Milk is a grocery staple for many households, so even a small difference in price can add up over time. Check the price per ounce rather than comparing package prices alone, and make sure you're comparing similar types and quantities of milk. Store-brand milk at a nearby supermarket could cost less, particularly when a retailer runs a weekly special.

You may think toilet paper is toilet paper, but some superfans think you should ditch the Kirkland Signature stuff for other alternatives.

Toilet paper may be one of those items at Costco where it's better to spend a little more and get the name brand that will hold up better than the less popular store brand.

A package with a lower sticker price may not be the better bargain once you account for how much paper you're getting. It's also worth considering softness and durability, since comfort and performance can vary by preference. If you're unsure whether a bulk package will work for your household, try a smaller package of an alternative before committing to a large purchase. That way, you can avoid wasting money on a product you don't like.

You might think buying soda in bulk at Costco will save you money, but keep an eye on the per-unit cost.

Costco's prices may seem expensive because you're buying in bulk, but breaking down the price into a per-unit cost can make comparing costs with other stores easier.

For example, a 24-pack of Coca-Cola at Walmart costs $.62 per can, while a 35-pack of Coke at Costco costs $.60 per can. Not much difference.

Check competing stores for sales, too, since a discounted multipack could beat Costco's regular price. Just remember to compare the same can size and account for any differences in package quantity. Buying more only makes financial sense if your household will drink it before it goes flat or gets forgotten in the pantry.

Like produce, Costco's bread can go bad quickly, so you'll want to make sure you use it all soon before it gets stale or moldy.

One of the issues with Costco's bread options is that you may have to pick two loaves and not one, so consider grabbing one loaf at the local grocery store instead.

Buying a single loaf at a nearby grocery store may be the smarter choice. Compare the price per loaf, but don't forget to factor in waste. The goal is to pay less for bread you actually eat, not stock up on food that goes bad.

Medications can have an expiration date just like food, so consider that when buying a bulk-size version of medication at Costco.

You may also want to do some comparison shopping when it comes to certain drugs, as you may be able to find the same amount for a cheaper price at another retailer.

Don't assume you'll automatically save money on essentials just because you're buying them from Costco.

Before purchasing a large package, check the expiration date and estimate how much you'll realistically use before it expires. Buying more than you need can tie up money in products that eventually go to waste. Compare the price per tablet or dose with other pharmacies and retailers, including their store brands. Also, check the active ingredient and dosage to ensure you're comparing equivalent products.

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Kirkland Signature has its own line of protein bars in different flavors, such as chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate peanut butter, or brownie.

However, some superfans complained that the bars are hard compared to chewier name-brand versions or that the texture may differ from box to box.

Texture and flavor preferences vary, so consider whether these bars suit your tastes before stocking up. Compare the cost per bar with other brands, especially when grocery stores offer discounts on smaller multipacks. It's also worth checking the nutrition label to see how much protein, sugar, and other nutrients each bar provides. A lower price per bar can help your budget, but only if the product fits your routine and doesn't sit untouched in the pantry.

A highlight for some shoppers is the chicken bakes at the food court, including chicken, cheese, bacon, and other ingredients stuffed in a pastry shell and toasted at Costco.

On the other hand, the box of Kirkland Signature Chicken Bakes you can buy in the frozen foods section may not be up to the same food-court standards.

Instead, grab a fresh one on your way out the door and leave the frozen ones in the Costco freezer.

Convenience foods can be a helpful way to save time on busy days, but the value depends on whether you'll enjoy what you bring home. For shoppers who love the food-court version, the fresh option may be the safer bet, while the frozen box is worth skipping if it doesn't meet your expectations.

Another potential perishable is Costco's muffins from its bakery selection.

The muffins can be delicious and come in a variety of flavors. But superfans complain that if you don't eat your dozen muffins quickly, they'll go bad, and you'll have to toss them.

Bakery treats can be tempting when you're shopping hungry, but a large package isn't automatically a smart buy. If your household won't finish the muffins in time, you could end up throwing away part of your purchase and losing the savings you expected. Consider sharing them with family or friends, or freezing extras if you have the space.

One of the great things about shopping at Costco is the store's generous return policy. If you don't like it, simply return it, and you'll get a refund.

And though Costco is a great place to save money on groceries, you may want to make a list before you go in to stick to your budget. 

Remember to try Costco's store label, Kirkland Signature, which can also help you keep some extra cash in your pocket.

The best way to make your Costco membership pay off is to focus on products your household will actually use. Bulk packages can deliver savings, but spoiled food, disappointing purchases, and products that cost less elsewhere can chip away at your budget. Compare unit prices, check package sizes, and plan meals before shopping to avoid unnecessary spending.