11 Sam’s Club Items That Seem Like Great Deals (But Really Aren’t)

Wholesale retail chains like Sam's Club are great places to score household items and food products at reasonable rates, effectively helping you combat inflation. Though you may be looking to get the most out of your Sam's Club Membership, some items just aren't worth grabbing in bulk, no matter the price or quality.

Skip these items during your next shopping trip to Sam's Club.

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

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Price: Varies

Unless you are excellent at meal planning regularly or have a large family, buying produce in bulk isn't always the best idea. Plans can pop up unexpectedly, and some of that produce will probably go to waste.

With all that in mind, it makes sense that produce is one of the most returned items at Sam's Club.

Price: $5.46/lb

While most items at Sam's Club perform well against other stores in terms of pricing, ground beef is not one of them.

While each warehouse location charges slightly different prices in its deli section, the 90/10 ground beef roll at Sam's Club is $5.46 per pound, while Costco's is often cheaper.

Price: $16.96

If you're on your way to a vacation that will require more sunscreen than usual, or are committed to a life of daily sunscreen use, then stocking up at Sam's Club can seem like a great option.

The problem is that most sunscreen comes in packages of two and three with the same expiration date, making it difficult for one person to use them all up before then.

Price: $12.98

If you happen upon a multi-pack of America's favorite soup, you might be inclined to stock up on it, but make sure you do some price comparison first.

Walmart regularly has sales on canned goods like Campbell's soups, making them come out to less per can than Sam's Club. 

Price: $21.98

While five cents per ounce sounds incredible, getting through this much grain in a reasonable amount of time is almost impossible without a large family or a rice-heavy diet.

Price: $7.98

While the price of five cents per ounce sounds low, loyal customers of this product are displeased with the decreasing quality of this aloe vera hand soap.

One customer laments: "The last [two] bottles I bought, they are definitely watering down the product now," while another admits, "The quality isn't that good."

Price: $7.86

Though you may want to save money on groceries, and 20 cents per ounce seems like a great deal for bulk seasoned salt, you must be committed to using a spice this size frequently if you want to finish it before it is no longer potent.

Price: Varying

It's ideal to stock up on gift cards when you have the funds. Plus, some retailers like Sam's Club host discounts on multipacks from the same brands. But buying things in bulk that you won't use until later in the year, or possibly even forget about, is usually a bad idea.

Price: $5.98

As handy and versatile as white vinegar can be, you absolutely don't need two gallons of this stuff lying around, especially for as little as is normally used, not to mention the storage space something this size would require.

Price: $24.98

Buying batteries in bulk seems like a good idea, but batteries can overheat, freeze, or leak contaminants if they're not stored properly or if they expire.

Instead, buy smaller packs when needed to ensure you get more fresh batteries with a better shelf life.

Price: Varies

While lotion is a fantastic bulk purchase if you're stocking up for multiple people or purchasing it as a gift, buying giant vats of popular lotions like CeraVe, Vaseline, and Jergen's doesn't make sense for just one or two people.

Once opened, the shelf life of lotion is between six and 12 months, so giant bottles may very well end up in the trash, turning this into a wasteful purchase.

Most bulk purchases will save you money on essentials in the long run. However, it is just as important to keep the expiration date and contents of your item in mind.

Just as you wouldn't want bleach left in a thin plastic tub for too long, some items are better purchased and stored in smaller quantities.