Costco is beloved for its bulk deals and quality products, but not everything on its shelves is worth your hard-earned money. Some items fall short in terms of value, taste, or quality, leaving shoppers wishing they had passed them by.
Here’s a closer look at seven Costco products shoppers regret buying, so you can make smarter choices on your next trip.
1. Ribeye Steaks $44.99/lb
While Costco is known for its meat selection, some shoppers have found the ribeye steaks to be overpriced for the quality offered. Reports of inconsistent marbling and tougher-than-expected cuts make this product a questionable buy.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 300
Total Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Sodium: 75mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 24g
Ingredients
100% beef
Preparation Instructions
Allow the steak to reach room temperature.
Season with salt and pepper.
Sear in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.
Finish in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes for medium rare.
2. Muffins $9.99/12 ct, 5 oz
Costco’s muffins may look tempting, but their oversized portions and high calorie count make them less appealing for health-conscious buyers. Many shoppers also complain about the overly sweet taste.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 690
Total Fat: 38g
Carbohydrates: 79g
Sodium: 590mg
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 48g
Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Enriched wheat flour
Sugar
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Artificial flavoring and coloring
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat.
Optionally, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.
3. Fresh Produce $6.99/5 lb bag of apples
Buying produce in bulk may seem economical, but many shoppers regret purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at Costco due to spoilage. Unless you have a large family, the quantities often exceed what can be consumed before expiration.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 95
Total Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sodium: 2mg
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 19g
Protein: 0.5g
Ingredients
100% fresh fruit
Preparation Instructions
Rinse thoroughly before consuming.
4. Kirkland Signature Drinking Water $4.99/40-pack, 16.9 oz
While inexpensive, Costco’s bottled water has been criticized for its bland taste and environmental impact. Shoppers often regret the purchase when factoring in quality and sustainability concerns.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 0
Total Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Purified water, minerals added for taste
Preparation Instructions
Ready to drink.
5. Filet Mignon $49.99/lb
Costco’s filet mignon has received mixed reviews, with some shoppers reporting lackluster flavor compared to local butchers. The price tag doesn’t always match the quality.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 190
Total Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Sodium: 50mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 22g
Ingredients
100% beef
Preparation Instructions
Season with salt and pepper.
Sear on high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
Bake at 400°F for 5-6 minutes for medium rare.
6. Stonefire Mini Naan $5.99/10-count, 7 oz
These mini naan breads are convenient but often criticized for their dry texture. Many shoppers regret the purchase, noting that they taste stale even when fresh.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 170
Total Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sodium: 260mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 4g
Ingredients
Enriched wheat flour
Water
Yogurt
Sugar
Salt
Preparation Instructions
Heat in a skillet or oven for 1-2 minutes until warm.
7. Chef Ramsay Beef Wellington Bites $29.99/24-pack, 1 oz
Despite the gourmet branding, these Beef Wellington Bites often disappoint with their dry pastry and bland filling. Shoppers frequently feel the price doesn’t justify the quality.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Sodium: 290mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g
Ingredients
Beef
Puff pastry
Mushroom duxelles
Butter
Seasonings
Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Conclusion
While Costco offers incredible deals on many items, these seven products often leave shoppers disappointed. Knowing what to skip can help you avoid buyer’s remorse and make room in your cart for true value items. Happy shopping!
