14 Sam's Club Products That Have Quietly Gotten Worse (Longtime Members Are Noticing)

Sam's Club shoppers know a good value when they see it. And while this warehouse club is known for budget-friendly bulk buys and can't-miss deals on everything from smart TVs to sandals, some of Sam's staples have quietly gone downhill.

Not sure which items make a Sam's membership worth it and which ones to avoid? We scrolled through social media posts to see what the store's loyal customers have to say. If you're ready to start shopping, here are 14 supposed bargain buys that former fans recently panned.

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

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Price: $20.93

For under $21, Sam's generic paper towels seem like a must-have deal. And while shoppers used to rave about the 15 individually wrapped rolls (150 sheets each), it looks like this store-brand buy has taken a turn for the worse.

In a post about product quality changes, Redditor Y000S3RNAM3 wrote, "Up until the most recent package of their paper towels I've bought, I had no issue tearing off full or half sheets, and when folded over, you could feel a "thickness" that was there compared to the new ones coming out. Now they end up tearing mid-sheet."

Paper towels are a household staple, so getting less usable material from each sheet can chip away at the savings. Before stocking up on a bulk pack, consider how well the towels hold together when wiping up spills and whether you need to double them up for everyday messes. A lower price per roll doesn't always mean better value if you end up using more sheets. If you already have a pack you like but want to compare its performance, buy a smaller pack of a different brand before committing to another large bundle.

Price: $22.97

Reviews on this frozen food are mixed. Recently, shoppers have taken issue with the texture and flavor. One Sam's customer wrote (in a three-star review), "Quality has gone down. These are extremely greasy!"

Frozen meatballs can be a convenient shortcut for weeknight dinners, from spaghetti and meatballs to meatball subs and hearty soups. Buying them in bulk can also help reduce the need for pricier takeout when you're short on time. However, value depends on whether your household enjoys the taste and texture enough to finish the package. If you're unsure about this product, consider comparing the cost per pound with other frozen meatballs before stocking up. You can also use a smaller serving in a sauce-heavy dish, where the seasoning and sauce help bring the meal together, rather than making the meatballs the star of the plate.

Price: $24.76

Customers aren't happy with recent changes to Sam's Member's Mark TP. Reddit user holdontilmay16 complained, "Now is almost shredding and leaving "dust" on the sides of the cabinet," while Emily7014 wrote, "I found this thread because I looked up Sam's Club toilet paper quality went down. I swear it used to be softer."

Toilet paper is one of those essentials that can make a bulk purchase worthwhile, especially for a busy household. But softness, strength, and how well the paper holds together matter just as much as the price. If you need extra sheets to get the job done, a seemingly cheap package may not stretch as far as you expect. Before buying another large pack, compare the cost per roll and sheet with alternatives, and consider whether a smaller package would let you test the quality first. Saving a few dollars isn't much of a win if the product doesn't meet your household's needs.

Price: $0.98 per pound

Shoppers think Sam's strawberries lack the quality they're used to. But that's not all. Some also complain about other fresh produce. Take it from Redditor Acomplished_Ice7073, "Anyone getting bad quality produce lately? My club has been getting bad strawberries, romaine hearts, and lemons."

Fresh produce can be a smart grocery budget buy, but only if you can use it before it spoils. A large container of strawberries may look like a bargain, yet soft, bruised, or moldy fruit can leave you throwing money away. Check the container carefully before buying, including the berries near the bottom, and choose fruit that looks firm and evenly colored. If your household can't finish a large batch quickly, freeze extra strawberries for smoothies or use them in oatmeal and desserts. The same approach works for other produce: buy enough to match your meal plan, rather than letting a bulk purchase go to waste.

Price: $16.98

Prepared foods, like these baby back ribs, offer time savings and convenience. But recently, shoppers don't think this pick is up to par.

Redditor greengirl4475 wrote, "I was expecting fall off the bone goodness and was just so disappointed."

Ready-to-eat ribs can save you the time and effort of preparing meat from scratch, making them tempting for a quick dinner or casual get-together. However, convenience only goes so far if the texture doesn't live up to expectations. Before choosing prepared ribs, consider how many people you're feeding, and whether the price makes sense compared with raw ribs you can cook at home. Cooking from scratch takes more time, but it may offer better control over tenderness, seasoning, and portion sizes. If you do buy the prepared option, pairing it with inexpensive sides such as baked potatoes, coleslaw, or corn can help stretch the meal without adding much to your grocery bill.

Price: $9.14 per pound

This party-ready product used to be a fan favorite. But now customers are panning the pick. Sam's Club shopper Mike gave the tray a one-star review, writing, "The shrimp used to be larger and firmer. They were actually so bad I asked for a refund and threw them in the trash. 0 stars. The cocktail sauce has gone downhill, too."

A ready-made shrimp tray can save time when you're hosting guests, since the seafood and dipping sauce are prepared for serving. It's also one less appetizer to assemble before a party. But if the shrimp aren't firm or the sauce disappoints, the convenience may not justify the cost. Before buying one for a gathering, inspect the packaging and check the serving size to determine whether it will feed your guests. You could also compare the cost of buying cooked shrimp separately and adding your own cocktail sauce. Preparing a simple platter yourself takes a little extra effort, but it gives you more control over the quality and quantity you're serving.

Price: $11.98

While Sam's generic 10-pack of sport crews may cost less than most brand-name buys, they aren't the bargain they used to be.

One shopper gave the socks two stars in the product's review section, explaining, "These used to be my favorite, every-day socks. I have no idea why Sam's Club decided to change them. Now they're thinner and go higher on my calf, not nearly as cushioned or comfortable. Very disappointing after loving the originals for years."

At first glance, a 10-pack of socks seems like an easy way to save on everyday essentials. The value becomes less convincing, though, if thinner fabric wears out quickly or the fit isn't comfortable enough for daily use. Socks take plenty of wear from walking, working, and washing, so durability matters when you're comparing prices. Before buying a multipack, look at customer feedback about cushioning, fit, and how well the socks hold up over time. A slightly more expensive option could offer better value if it lasts longer. If you already have a favorite pair, compare its comfort and durability with the bulk pack before replacing your whole sock drawer.

Price: $5.98 per pound

Shoppers recently raised concerns about changes to the chicken salad recipe.

Redditor worthwhile_conundrum posted, "I checked the label before buying it because it looked so different. After eating some, I checked the label again, cause it actually tasted like nothing and felt so wrong for being their chicken salad."

Prepared chicken salad can make lunch easier without requiring you to cook a separate meal. Spoon it onto sandwich bread, pile it into a wrap, or serve it with crackers and vegetables for a quick lunch at home. Buying it by weight also lets you choose an amount that fits your plans, but that flexibility only helps if you enjoy the flavor. If the recipe doesn't appeal to you, the money spent on a large container can go to waste. Compare the cost per pound with other prepared options, or make a simple batch at home using leftover chicken. Homemade chicken salad takes more preparation, but you can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste.

Price: $4.78

While some customers still seem to enjoy the blend, others have a very different view. Reddit user SKYERIM wrote, "It tastes like chemicals," and one shopper wrote this scathing review on the retailer's website: "Tasting it reminded me of PineSol cleaning products. Will not buy again."

Seasoning blends can be a budget-friendly way to add flavor to chicken, vegetables, rice, and other everyday meals without buying several individual spices. But a large container isn't a bargain if you dislike the taste and leave it sitting in the pantry. Before adding a new blend to your cart, consider whether its flavor profile fits the dishes you regularly make. If you're unsure, try a small amount on a single serving before seasoning an entire meal. You can also mix familiar pantry staples, such as cilantro, lime zest, garlic, and salt, to create a similar flavor at home. That approach lets you adjust the balance to your liking and avoid wasting money on a seasoning you won't use.

Price: $16.67

Customers recently took to Sam's product page, complaining about this summertime selection. While earlier reviews were mostly positive, customers have recently found fault with the scent.

One shopper wrote, "Not too greasy, but the smell is extremely overpowering. I don't understand why it has to be so strong," and another questioned, "Of all scents, why?"

Buying a multipack may help lower the cost per bottle, but only if everyone in your household is comfortable using it. Before stocking up, review the product details and customer feedback, especially if you prefer fragrance-free options. Also, check the sun protection factor (SPF), broad-spectrum labeling, and water-resistance information to make sure the sunscreen fits your needs. A product that works well for your outdoor plans is a better value than a discounted bottle that stays unused in the cabinet.

Price: $14.98

Like paper towels and TP, shoppers have also noticed a change in Sam's generic tissues. A recent Reddit post pointed out, "They're thinner and rougher/scratchier now."

Tissues are another everyday household staple where buying in bulk can help cut costs. A large multipack means fewer trips to the store and a ready supply for cold season, allergy flare-ups, and everyday spills. However, thinner or rougher tissues may not be as comfortable to use, especially for people with sensitive skin. Before buying a large box of them, compare the cost per box and consider how soft and durable the tissues feel. If you find yourself using multiple tissues at once, the savings may not be as impressive as they first appear. A smaller package of a preferred brand may be worth the extra expense if it lasts longer and feels better to use.

Price: $8.98

Cafe pizza is a staple of the Sam's experience. But lately, shoppers have questions about the quality. Club customer Tina gave it two stars: "Normally, I love this pizza. However, this time the toppings are chewy … so sad and disappointing."

A quick stop at the club cafe can be an easy way to grab a meal without paying restaurant prices. Pizza is especially convenient for families who want something filling after shopping, and sharing a pie can help keep the cost per person down. But disappointing toppings or an inconsistent texture can make even a budget-friendly meal less appealing. If you're planning a pizza night at home, compare the cafe price with frozen pizzas or a homemade option before deciding where to spend your money. Frozen pizza can be stored for another meal, while a fresh cafe pie is ready to eat. The best value depends on how many people you're feeding and whether the quality meets your expectations.

Price: $14.36

The 8-count box of breaded chicken breast fillet sandwiches is a freezer section find that shoppers used to call a Chick-fil-A dupe. But now customers find fault with the buns' texture, fatty patties, and an overwhelming pickle taste.

The appeal of a freezer-friendly chicken sandwich is easy to understand. With eight sandwiches in a box, you have a convenient option for quick lunches and dinners without making a separate trip for fast food. The portions can also help simplify meal planning for a busy household. However, if the buns, chicken, or flavor don't meet your expectations, the savings may not feel worthwhile. 

Before buying a full box, compare the per-sandwich cost with other frozen chicken options and consider which ingredients your family enjoys. You can serve the sandwiches with inexpensive sides such as oven-baked fries, a salad, or frozen vegetables to make a more complete meal without paying restaurant prices for everyone's dinner.

Price: $16.67

Have you noticed a change in the freshly baked cupcakes? Redditor Big-Stage1468 shared, "I ordered a custom cake and cupcakes this month, and it seems totally different to me … Dry but moldable and very sweet."

Bakery cupcakes can save time when you're preparing for a birthday party, office celebration, or family gathering. Buying a larger quantity from one retailer may also simplify shopping compared with purchasing individual treats elsewhere. But texture and sweetness matter, particularly when you're ordering desserts for a special occasion. If the cupcakes don't taste as expected, the convenience may not make up for the disappointment. Before placing a large bakery order, consider customer feedback and ask about the available flavors and decorating options. You can also compare the total cost with baking at home, especially if you already have basic ingredients on hand. Homemade cupcakes take more effort, but they let you control the sweetness and prepare exactly the quantity you need.

Even though some of Sam's products have gotten worse in recent years, your membership is still worth the annual fee. Between the club's store-brand generics and constantly revolving stock of new deals, we still found a bevy of high-quality bargains.

Are you looking for more ways to save? Make your next Sam's haul work for you. Use the top travel credit cards to earn airline miles, points, and other perks on eligible purchases.

The key to getting the most from your membership is knowing which bulk buys genuinely save you money. Compare unit prices, pay attention to product reviews, and think about how quickly your household will use each item before filling your cart. Buying more doesn't automatically mean spending less if products go unused or need to be replaced sooner than expected. Focus on the staples you rely on, and be willing to skip a deal when the quality isn't there. A little comparison shopping can help you make your membership fee go further without sacrificing the products you enjoy.