Shopping at Costco can feel like a win for your household budget, especially if you're feeding a family, hosting grandkids, or simply stocking up to avoid extra trips.
However, not every buy lives up to the hype, and some items generate a surprising number of negative reviews. Even seasoned members who know the best ways to unlock the true value of your membership say a few purchases simply aren't worth it.
Here are 15 Costco items that frequently draw complaints, and why you may want to think twice.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Kirkland Signature Pepperoni Pizza
Price: $16.45
This freezer staple looks like an easy dinner solution, but many shoppers say the taste doesn't match the size.
One Costco reviewer named aahlynnicole724 described it as tasting "like someone dumped a can of tomato soup or canned raviolis on a piece of thin, stale bread and then put dried out old pepperoni on top." Plus, if you're just cooking for one or two, the large size can also be inconvenient. If the flavor disappoints, that's a lot of leftovers to work through or toss.
Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks
Price: $18.15
These chunks are marketed as a convenient protein option, but many customers complain about the saltiness. Multiple reviewers say the pieces are "WAY too salty," even when prepared carefully. When you're budgeting carefully, spending nearly $20 on chicken that ends up in the trash isn't much of a bargain.
Felina Women's Lurex Plaid Top
Price: $7.97
The low price is tempting, but several buyers like Boo22 note that the fabric feels "low quality and poorly made." Even at under $8, clothing that falls apart quickly or doesn't fit properly may not be worth closet space.
Vigoss Women's Wide Leg Trouser Jean
Price: $16.97
These jeans receive mixed feedback, with complaints about stiff denim and an awkward fit through the waist. Some reviewers, like myreview123, say the "material feels cheap and scratchy." Trying denim in bulk-store lighting without a fitting room can make finding the right fit tricky.
Kirkland Signature Mild Italian Sausage
Price: $12.47
Italian sausage should be flavorful and juicy, yet a reviewer named GreyPilgrim said this version is a "weird consistency, too salty, not enough flavor, and when fully cooked have a weird 'uncooked' pink coloration." If you're watching sodium intake, a common concern for those over 50, this product may not match your health goals.
Kirkland Signature Protein Bar
Price: $24.99
Protein bars can be a handy snack, but this variety often gets criticized for taste and texture. Some buyers say that they have a "chemically and slightly bitter" aftertaste. For better macros and taste, the Pure Protein Bars at Costco are an excellent alternative; you get five extra bars for five dollars more.
Kirkland Signature Organic Spinach & Cheese Ravioli
Price: $14.74
Spinach and cheese ravioli is usually great, but complaints frequently target this version's filling quantity. One Costco shopper named basil97 said that "6 ravioli were completely empty" in the package, and many more were not filled enough.
Ready Sports Drink Light Strawberry Lemonade
Price: $22.99
While marketed as a lower-calorie hydration option, many shoppers say the flavor misses the mark. Some reviews, like T Clark's, bluntly label it as a "horrible drink" that tastes flat, making this Costco buy not worth your money.
Samsung 4K Smart TV
Price: $229.99
This affordable TV draws shoppers in, but this Samsung TV has more negative reviews than positive ones. One customer named switz even says that the TV's "colors appear washed out". For retirees who rely on streaming for entertainment, dealing with tech headaches isn't worth modest upfront savings.
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Theradome EVO Laser Hair Growth Device
Price: $499.99
This high-ticket item has accumulated over 500 1-star reviews, despite some positive feedback. Many dissatisfied customers report that the mask "cannot be charged" due to a faulty charging port. At nearly $500, that's a significant investment, especially for those on a fixed income, with no guarantee of success.
Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Feta
Price: $16.67
Feta lovers expect bold flavor, but shoppers like bobbette87956 describe this version as "very low quality feta." At over $16 for a large container, it's disappointing if the taste is cheap for your salads or Mediterranean dishes.
Organic Cocktail Cucumbers
Price: $7.37
Produce complaints often focus on freshness, and these cucumbers are no exception. Shoppers on Reddit report finding them with growing mold. Bulk quantities can be risky if quality isn't consistent. For couples or singles, that's a lot of cucumbers to eat quickly.
Bottom line
Costco remains a favorite for many households, but even loyal members agree that not every bulk buy is a good value. Reading reviews carefully and considering your household size can prevent costly mistakes.
You can also stretch your budget further by exploring proven ways to save money on groceries, from smarter meal planning to comparing unit prices are small habits that add up over time.
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