10 Costco Items Shoppers Say You Should Skip

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 Costco membership say a few purchases simply aren't worth it.

Here are 10 Costco items that frequently draw complaints, and why you may want to think twice. Prices below reflect what Costco lists online or at its Seattle warehouse, and the star ratings come from member reviews on Costco's website.

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

Price: $14.99

This freezer staple looks like an easy dinner solution, but many shoppers say the taste doesn't match the size. The box holds four 21.52-ounce pizzas, and the pizza has a 2.5-star average rating from more than 60 reviews on Costco's website.

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.

Price: $14.99

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 about $15 on chicken that ends up in the trash isn't much of a bargain. 

The 4-pound bag contains fully cooked, boneless and skinless chicken breast portions with 16 grams of protein per serving, according to Costco. The chicken is raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones or steroids, and you can heat it in an air fryer or oven. The chunks have a 2.9-star average rating from 81 reviews.

Price: $10.79

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.

The package weighs 3.5 pounds, and Costco lists the sausage as gluten-free with no preservatives, MSG or artificial colors or flavors. It has a 3-star average rating from 25 reviews on Costco's website. If you're curious, check the nutrition label for the sodium count per link before you buy.

Price: $26.49

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 $3.50 more. 

The Kirkland Signature variety pack includes 10 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and 10 Chocolate Brownie bars, each weighing 2.12 ounces, which works out to about $1.33 per bar online. The Pure Protein variety pack has 25 bars for $29.99, though each bar is smaller at 1.76 ounces. Costco also lists the Kirkland bars for $23.99 at its Seattle warehouse.

Price: $12.99

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. The ravioli comes in a two-pack of 22-ounce packages, which Costco says is about 12 servings. 

It's USDA organic, made with no preservatives and ready in about four minutes. It has a 3-star average rating from eight reviews on Costco's website. Toss it with brown butter, marinara or pesto for a quick weeknight dinner, or bake it with sauce and extra cheese for an easy casserole.

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. 

The online-only pack includes 12 16.9-ounce bottles, which works out to about $1.92 per bottle. Each bottle has 20 calories and no added sugars, plus electrolytes like sea salt, potassium chloride and magnesium and a blend of B vitamins, according to Costco. It's kosher and gluten-free, and Costco also sells Classic, Mango and Watermelon Lemonade flavors at the same price. The Strawberry Lemonade has a 3.4-star average rating from 19 reviews.

Price: $229.99

With just 3.1 stars rating this product, it's no wonder you'll find lots of complaints on the review page. 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. The 3.1-star rating comes from 75 reviews on Costco's website. Costco's online price includes free shipping, a three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support, and the $229.99 price is valid through Nov. 30, 2026.

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. 

The cordless helmet uses lasers at a 680-nanometer wavelength, and Theradome recommends 20-minute sessions four times a week, according to Costco's listing. It's sold online only, and the price is visible only to members who sign in. Overall, it has a 3.8-star average rating from nearly 3,500 reviews. The listing also says it's FDA cleared for use by both women and men.

Price: $15.49

Feta lovers expect bold flavor, but shoppers like bobbette87956 describe this version as "very low quality feta." At $15.49 for a large container, it's disappointing if the taste is cheap for your salads or Mediterranean dishes. The 28.2-ounce container is USDA organic and kosher, and the feta is made with 100% sheep's milk and imported from Greece, according to Costco. 

It has a 3.5-star average rating from 13 reviews on Costco's website. At $15.49, it works out to about 55 cents an ounce. Keep it refrigerated, and try it crumbled over Greek salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls or baked pasta.

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Price: $8.18

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. 

Costco doesn't list produce prices online, so check your local warehouse for the current price and pack size. Before you buy, look through the clear container for soft spots, and store the cucumbers in the refrigerator once you get home. Cocktail cucumbers work well in salads, on veggie trays or sliced into water. They're small and thin-skinned, so there's no need to peel them before eating.

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. Star ratings and review counts can shift over time, so check the latest reviews on Costco's website before you buy.

You can also stretch your budget further by exploring proven ways to save money on groceries, from smarter meal planning to comparing unit prices. These are small habits that add up over time. Costco's return policy also covers most items, so keep your receipt in case something doesn't work out.