Costco is celebrated for its bulk bargains, but not every item in the warehouse lives up to its reputation for savings. Superfans of the store have flagged certain products as overpriced or not worth the bulk buy. If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, here are 12 items to avoid at all costs.
1. Milk $4.99/gallon
Why It’s Overpriced
Milk at Costco often costs more per gallon compared to local grocery stores, especially when there are sales or discounts at competitors.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 120
Fats: 5g
Carbs: 12g
Sodium: 120mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Whole milk
Vitamin D3
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled. Shake well before use if purchasing non-homogenized varieties.
2. Shredded Cheese $15.99/5 lbs
Why It’s Overpriced
The large quantity often leads to waste before the expiration date, making it less cost-effective than smaller, on-sale packages elsewhere.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 110
Fats: 9g
Carbs: 1g
Sodium: 180mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Pasteurized milk
Cheese cultures
Salt
Enzymes
Preparation Instructions
Sprinkle on tacos, pizza, or casseroles. Store in an airtight container to prevent clumping.
3. Fresh Vegetables $9.99/6 lbs
Why It’s Overpriced
The bulk packaging often leads to spoilage before you can use it all, making it more wasteful than smaller packs.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 25 (average per ½ cup)
Fats: 0g
Carbs: 5g
Sodium: 10mg
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Assorted fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, bell peppers)
Preparation Instructions
Rinse thoroughly before use. Store in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
4. Sugar $12.99/25 lbs
Why It’s Overpriced
Unless you’re an avid baker, such a large amount may go unused for months, making smaller bags from other stores more practical.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 16
Fats: 0g
Carbs: 4g
Sodium: 0mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Granulated sugar
Preparation Instructions
Use in baking, cooking, or sweetening beverages. Store in a cool, dry place.
5. Cooking Oil $28.99/3 gallons
Why It’s Overpriced
The sheer volume makes it difficult for the average household to use before it goes rancid.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 120
Fats: 14g
Carbs: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients
100% pure vegetable oil (canola, sunflower, or soybean)
Preparation Instructions
Use for frying, baking, or salad dressings. Store in a cool, dark place.
6. Diapers $49.99/192-count
Why It’s Overpriced
Bulk packs of diapers may not always be the best deal compared to online promotions or store-brand alternatives.
Ingredients
Absorbent materials
Polypropylene
Elastic fibers
Preparation Instructions
Use as needed for diaper changes. Dispose of responsibly.
7. Books $12.99 to $25.99/each
Why It’s Overpriced
Books at Costco are often priced higher than online retailers like Amazon or local bookstore sales.
Preparation Instructions
Store books in a dry place to avoid damage. Enjoy during leisure time.
8. Bananas, Avocados, and Peaches $8.99/8 lbs
Why It’s Overpriced
These fruits ripen quickly and can go bad before you’re able to consume the entire bulk quantity.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 100
Fats: 0.5g
Carbs: 27g
Sodium: 1mg
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Fresh bananas, avocados, and peaches
Preparation Instructions
Store in a cool place. Refrigerate ripe avocados to extend freshness.
9. Diamond Engagement Rings $2,999 and up
Why It’s Overpriced
Costco’s jewelry selection doesn’t offer significant savings compared to specialized jewelers, who may also provide customization options.
Preparation Instructions
Store in a secure jewelry box. Clean with a soft cloth or jewelry cleaner.
10. Holiday Décor $99.99/large wreaths or ornaments
Why It’s Overpriced
Seasonal items can often be found for much less during post-holiday clearance sales at other retailers.
Preparation Instructions
Store in a dry, temperature-controlled area to avoid damage.
11. Spices and Seasonings $14.99/1 lb
Why It’s Overpriced
Spices lose potency over time, and the large containers at Costco may not be used quickly enough to retain freshness.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 5
Fats: 0g
Carbs: 1g
Sodium: 0mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Ground spices (varies by type)
Preparation Instructions
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
12. Ground Coffee $19.99/5 lbs
Why It’s Overpriced
Coffee begins to lose its freshness after being ground, and the bulk size often leads to stale brews by the time you finish the bag.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 2
Fats: 0g
Carbs: 0g
Sodium: 5mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients
100% Arabica coffee
Preparation Instructions
Brew using your preferred coffee maker. Store in an airtight container.
Avoiding these overpriced items can help you make the most of your Costco trips while staying budget-conscious. Focus on the real deals, and you’ll maximize your savings!
