Costco has some great items on its shelves that are always a must for Costco fans.
Sometimes, they're Costco shopping hacks like buying Kirkland Signature products to save money or great bulk buys, so you always have your pantry stocked.
But there are some items that you will never be able to find on Costco's shelves, at least not anymore. Here are 12 items the big box retailer doesn't sell.
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Eggs from caged hens
Check your egg options at Costco the next time you shop at the warehouse retailer. You may notice that the company makes a point of labeling its eggs cage-free.
One reason is that Costco decided to stop selling eggs that weren't guaranteed to be from cage-free farms. Costco's regular and organic eggs note on the label that they're from cage-free farms.
Threatened seafood
You may have noticed that Costco's seafood selection might not have as much variety as it used to.
The retailer discontinued selling endangered fish like bluefin tuna and swordfish as part of an effort to support more sustainable fish options instead.
Kirkland Signature Half Sheet Cake
A half-sheet cake from Costco was easy to pick up for a birthday party or a celebration at your office.
Costco recently brought the half-sheet cake back as an option, but it's not as simple as the grab-and-go option that used to be on the bakery shelves.
Instead, you have to go in person to pre-order one and give Costco time to make it to order.
Cigarettes
Costco removed cigarettes from the shelves of many locations several years ago. A spokesperson at the time cited issues such as low sales margins, higher theft, and the need for extra labor due to local regulations restricting access.
The retailer sells cigarettes through its Costco Business Center for business customers who resell them, but the company has specific restrictions on selling tobacco products. It's also discontinuing the delivery option for cigarettes from its business centers.
Chaokoh coconut milk
Costco pulled Chaokoh coconut milk from its shelves after finding out about questionable labor regulations by the company.
The move came after allegations that the coconut milk company used forced monkey labor to get the coconuts needed for its products.
Combo pizza
Costco has an amazing food court with affordable items like a slice of pizza, churro, or its famous hot dog deal with a drink.
But the food court also used to have a combo pizza, with a pie piled high with veggies and meat.
The move was part of the company's effort to streamline its food court options, but it did leave some fans upset about the combo cut. Now, you'll only find a take-and-bake version as it's unavailable in the food court.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
January is here, bringing fresh starts, clean slates, and a renewed focus on routines. As the new year kicks off, so do savings, making it the perfect time to reset your space and budget with smart seasonal buys. Look for deals on:
- Fitness gear, wellness products, and activewear
- Home organization essentials
- Cold-weather basics, like coats, boots, and cozy layers
- For grocery savings, look for seasonal produce, including citrus fruits, leafy greens, and root vegetables
With post-holiday markdowns and a shift toward fresh priorities, January is a great time to shop smart, stock up, and set the tone for a well-prepped year ahead.
Studded tires
Studded tires may have been a good option if you lived in an area with plenty of snow, but they could also damage roadways, so Costco decided to pull them from its tire and auto department.
Instead, check with Costco's tire department to see if they have better options for different weather conditions you may face as a driver.
Brands that don't sell
Costco's shelf space is scarce, which may be a surprise considering the size of its warehouses. But the warehouse setup means it's harder to stock different brands for one product.
Your typical grocery store could have 40,000 different products, but Costco only has space for about 4,000 options, making it difficult to get on a shelf and stay there.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
MyPillow
Costco used to carry the MyPillow brand along with its other selections of pillows and bedding for customers.
But the retailer quietly stopped ordering new shipments in 2021 after the company's CEO made unsubstantiated remarks about alleged fraud during the 2020 election.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Kirkland Signature Light Beer
Costco has a wide selection of affordable beer and liquor, including a few bottles of Kirkland Signature.
But the company struck out with its Kirkland Signature Light Beer, so you'll have to stick with the name-brand versions at your local Costco instead.
That actually may be a good thing for you, as the Kirkland Signature Light Beer got dinged by customers for its bad taste.
Pampers Diapers
Parents noticed a lack of Pampers Diapers on Costco's shelves beginning in 2021, and the brand hasn't returned.
Instead, customers are limited to Huggies and Kirkland Signature diapers, which are said to be made by Kimberly-Clark.
Bottom line
While some beloved items might be gone, Costco's vast product selection offers opportunities to discover new favorites.
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