14 Ways Costco Has Changed For the Worst, According to Shoppers

In today's iffy economy, warehouse clubs make it easy to keep your budget on track. But some of Costco's customers have complaints. And while shoppers may feel that the club has changed for the worse, we've got you covered with the best ways to get more out of your Costco membership.

What should you avoid when you shop at this store, and what is really a score? We scoured the Internet for real members' opinions and rounded up the most common concerns. So if you're ready to start shopping, consider these critiques before you scan your card at the door.

Price increases

Does it feel like everything costs more in today's economy? Redditor Beneficial_Garlic340 voiced their concerns, "Angry walking out of Costco…Just spent $225, only bought what we needed in the house…I have noticed significant price increases on the majority of the items."

To offset these costs, consider switching to Kirkland generics, waiting for limited-time specials, or comparing in-store prices to what you can score online.

Food court member ID scanners

One of the greatest money-saving hacks is no more. Even though you need to buy an annual membership to access most of the retailer's deals, non-members could get the iconic hot dog-soda combo, under-$10 pizza, or other Food Court faves. That is, until the store implemented food court scanners.

Members debated the convenience factor of the new technology on social media. Redditor Sea_Bear7754 noted, "It already takes long enough for people to figure out the self-order."

Pre-scanners in the self-checkout aisle

While this certainly saves time, some members aren't thrilled about the change. Reddit user KickEffective1209 brought up a valid point, writing, "If they make a mistake, it takes more time…I appreciate the effort to speed things up, but it definitely needs some work."

Produce quality

Most of Costco's bulk buys are high-quality, but some members have noticed a change in the produce. Redditor CreamyHaircut explained, "Starting with cauliflower and broccoli…the quantity of browned or discolored florets was way more than I would expect."

Discontinued items

You're absolutely in love with a face cream, laundry detergent, flavored soda, or type of rice. Then suddenly, without warning, it's gone. What's the solution to this problem? Don't wait to snap up deals when you see them.

One Redditor lamented the loss of the bakery's rosemary garlic bread, "I was at Costco yesterday and walked up to the bread section and went to feed my addiction and grab my monthly loaf of rosemary garlic bread, and…it was gone. Gone."

Store navigation

Changes to the store's layout can make finding your favorite products challenging, at best. Costco subreddit user DMmeYourCheese voiced their concern, "I spent like two hours in the store trying to figure out where anything was. It seemed chaotic."

Are you having this problem? Here's a smart shopping tip: Use the pros. Ask a store employee for directions to make your next trip easier.

Changes to the nitrile gloves

Generic Kirkland nitrile gloves are an everyday essential that shoppers adore. That is, until recently. Redditor ITdirectorguy takes issue with the change: "The new nitrile gloves are a major downgrade. They are thinner, and they smell bad."

The food court soda

The food court soda fountain has undergone several changes in the past year. A switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola brand products and a slight price increase from $0.69 to $0.79 have gotten plenty of negative attention.

One Reddit user also noticed a difference in quality. Taurabora commented, "The Coke has been particularly bad since they switched."

The crowds

An unstable economy has made value shopping a necessity. And that means Costco stores are more crowded than ever.

What can you do about this change? Redditor BarelySimmering explained their family's smart shopping strategy, "My husband will only go on weeknight evenings because of this."

Hit or miss food court pizza

Ah, the Food Court pizza. It's a staple that shoppers rave about. And while many members still adore the under-$10 pie, some are starting to notice a change in quality.

Redditor alwaysinterest9 posted a photo of their prized "browned" pizza. And while they claim the burnt-to-a-crisp cheese is "well done," others disagree.

The bakery's selection

Shoppers report a change in the quantity and quality of the bakery section in some stores. Redditor Genny415 wrote, "The past several years have felt like a downward spiral for the Costco bakery."

But don't worry. You can still snag the iconic tuxedo bar cake any day of the week in most locations.

Puppy pads

Pet parents have noticed a difference in this house training essential. Costco subreddit user Inner-Lie2211 recently posted, "The boxes do seem inconsistent in terms of cut…Sometimes, the pads are also thin and missing the absorbent layer in patches."

Prepared deli chili

Club members don't think the Kirkland prepared chili is the same. Shopper and Reddit user Mr_MacGrubber called the new recipe "Greasy" and noted, "I had to use several paper towels soaking up the grease on each bowl."

Fortunately, fans of Costco's prepared deli section have plenty of other options. Ready-to-heat-and-eat items like the chicken noodle soup and meatloaf are still popular picks.

Kirkland Signature oat beverage

This generic oat beverage is an affordable deal. But fans have recently taken issue with the quality, noting that it no longer froths well. If you need a non-dairy substitute for a homemade cappuccino, try one of Kirkland's almond options instead.

Bottom line

When it comes down to it, Costco still offers budget-friendly bargains that are worth your time. But the next time you browse this store, keep these customer complaints in mind. With a few savvy strategies, you can avoid the pitfalls and save money shopping.

Of course, you don't have to visit your local club just to snag some of the top deals. Here's a helpful hint to cut gas costs: Stay home and use Costco's app or website to score bargains on everything from electronics to home decor.