Costco Shoppers: 15 Items You Should Think Twice About Buying

Additional Coverage:

15 Items That Aren’t Really Worth the Trip to Costco (financebuzz.com)

Smart Shopping: What Not to Buy on Your Next Costco Run

For many savvy shoppers, a trip to Costco is synonymous with savings. Buying in bulk can undoubtedly cut down on household expenses, but not every warehouse deal is a golden ticket. To truly maximize your savings, it’s crucial to distinguish between smart bulk buys and items better left on the shelf.

Before you load up your cart, consider these items that might not be the best value at your local Costco:

1. Fruits and Vegetables

While the sheer volume of fresh produce at Costco is impressive, perishable items bought in bulk can quickly turn into wasted money. Unless you’re feeding a large family or hosting a big event, those economy-sized bags of apples or bananas might spoil before you can enjoy them all. Opt for smaller quantities from your local grocery store or farmer’s market to ensure freshness and minimize waste.

2. Baked Goods

The aroma of freshly baked muffins and croissants can be tempting, but like produce, these items have a limited shelf life. Large packages of bread and pastries can quickly go stale, leading to food waste. Stick to smaller portions that you’re certain to consume before their “best by” date.

3. Condiments

That giant jar of mayonnaise might seem like a good idea, but once opened, the clock starts ticking on its freshness. While sealed condiments can last for months, their shelf life significantly decreases after the seal is broken. Reserve bulk condiment purchases for large gatherings or parties where they’ll be consumed quickly.

4. Diapers

Despite the apparent convenience of bulk diaper purchases, a per-diaper cost comparison often reveals that local stores or online retailers can offer better prices. Furthermore, children grow quickly, and you could find yourself with a large stash of diapers in the wrong size if your little one has a growth spurt.

5. Gel Dishwasher Detergent

While Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand often delivers value, their gel dishwasher detergent may be an exception. Consumer Reports has rated it among the lowest for cleaning effectiveness. Investing a little more in a name brand or finding a better per-ounce deal elsewhere could save you from re-washing dishes.

6. Coffee

Coffee aficionados know that coffee begins to lose its flavor and potency shortly after grinding. Buying a large container of pre-ground coffee from Costco means you might be sacrificing freshness for quantity. For the best flavor, consider purchasing whole-bean coffee and grinding it at home, which Costco does offer along with affordable grinders.

7. Toilet Paper

While the idea of never running out of toilet paper is appealing, a per-roll cost analysis might show that grocery stores offer competitive, or even better, prices. Additionally, some Kirkland Signature toilet paper products have received lower ratings from Consumer Reports compared to leading brands, suggesting that quality might be compromised for the bulk price.

8. Mattresses

When it comes to something as crucial as a mattress, a limited selection and the inability to properly test it in-store at Costco can be a drawback. Local mattress stores often provide a wider variety, specialized sales, and the opportunity to lie down and assess comfort, which is essential for an item you’ll use for a third of your life.

9. Soda

Surprisingly, your local grocery store often runs sales on soda that can beat Costco’s bulk prices. If you’re looking for a wider selection of brands beyond the basics, your local grocer is also likely to offer more variety.

10. Spices

Spices lose their potency and flavor over time. Those large containers of cinnamon or sea salt might seem like a good deal, but if you don’t use them frequently, you could end up tossing out flavorless leftovers, negating any initial savings. Smaller containers are often a more economical choice.

11. Something New

Resist the urge to experiment with new foods or products in bulk. If you’ve never tried an item before, buying a giant quantity is a risky move. While Costco has a generous return policy, it’s more efficient to try smaller quantities from other stores before committing to a bulk purchase.

12. Books

Costco’s book selection is typically limited to popular titles and bestsellers. For specific books, niche genres, or a wider array of authors, you’ll likely find better options and potentially better deals at online retailers or local independent bookstores.

13. Deli Meat

Deli meats have a short shelf life once opened. For everyday use, purchasing smaller, fresh quantities from your local grocery store or butcher can help prevent waste and save you money in the long run.

14. Flour

Flour, especially whole wheat or almond varieties, doesn’t last indefinitely and can attract moisture. Unless you’re a prolific baker, those large bags of flour from Costco might expire before you can use them all, leading to wasted product and money.

15. An Executive Membership

Costco’s Executive membership ($120/year) offers a 2% annual reward, but to recoup the $60 price difference from the standard Gold Star membership ($60/year), you need to spend at least $3,000 annually at Costco. For many individuals or smaller families, this spending threshold isn’t met, making the Executive membership an unnecessary expense.

The Bottom Line

Costco can be a fantastic resource for certain bulk purchases, but it’s not a universal money-saver. Always compare unit prices with other retailers and consider the shelf life of perishable items. Smart shopping means understanding when bulk buying truly benefits your budget and when it might just lead to unnecessary waste.