Over 94 million people shop at Costco and we bet you are one of them! The bulk-store offers prices that justified its annual membership cost, starting at $60 plus its free samples in every aisle.
The best part is that shoppers get both deep discounts on bulk items plus a seemingly endless row of products from TVs to produce to boats. However, there are certain things you should never buy at Costco – these might seem to be cost-effective but in fact, cost more than a regular grocery store, while there are some products which are a complete steal. We go through all of them, click Next and see for yourself!
1. Don’t Buy: Kirkland Laundry Detergent
It would seem logical to think that buying detergent in bulk is a good idea. Yes, you will definitely save some money buying this bargain brand in bulk but might not be the smartest option.
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But it might surprise you to learn that detergent has a shelf life. Experts say after six months of being opened, detergent begins to lose its effectiveness. So unless you have a large and very messy family, you’re probably better off skipping this purchase.
2. Buy: Maple Syrup
Real maple syrup is expensive but worth it and while most stores would have theirs selling for an arm and leg, Costco finds the perfect balance. Its own brand syrup is certified pure and has no artificial maple flavoring and corn syrup.
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Honestly, there is no substitute for the real stuff and it turns out Kirkland’s pure maple syrup is a great deal. Expect to pay almost half the price of what you would pay for pure maple syrup at your local grocery store.
3. Buy: Uncooked Cookies
Hardly anyone knows this, but at Costco, you can buy cookies, croissants and other uncooked pastries for a lot less! Just go to the bakery counter and ask them for a box that they will gladly give you.
Courtney LaValley
This buying alternative will save you a lot of money. For example, a box of 21 cookies would usually cost you $7.99 on the shelf, but if you go get a box of uncooked cookies, you can get 120 for $22.99! That’s a great value for your money!
4. Don’t Buy: Books
If you have ever entered a Costco then you know, It’s impossible to miss the giant tables of books in the middle of every Costco. And books don’t exactly qualify for the normal bulk discount.
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Turns out the despite the big flashy signs of savings, they don’t add up and you can usually find better discounts online (Amazon) or during sales in bookstores. Plus, you will have a much bigger selection.
5. Buy: Toilet Paper
Unless you are the kind to take your quadruple layer quilted ultra-soft and strong toilet paper in your weekender whenever you leave the house for more than 24 hours, you should add one of those enormous Kirkland bags of toilet rolls to your cart.
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Sure, you must find or make some storage space. But if you have a mortgage to pay every month, you’ll be glad to sacrifice a little more room to save a few bucks. The same goes for paper towels.
6. Buy: Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple in most kitchens these days. So why not purchase a few big containers at a time, especially since it will allow you to save money. The key to shopping at Costco is that it usually has great deals on staples rather than specialty items.
Costco Business Center
Besides being a total bargain, Costco’s olive oil is high quality, extra virgin and even organic. This one is a definite buy for everyday cooking which will allow you to splurge on a small bottle of fancy olive oil for special occasions.
7. Don’t Buy: Ground Coffee
Most Americans drink coffee every day so it might seem logical to purchase coffee in bulk. And yes, you will save some money for doing this but again, sometimes buying extra coffee might do more harm than good.
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The problem is that once ground, coffee beans lose their strength and flavor through contact with air. Therefore, stick to smaller containers of ground coffee or better yet grind your own beans for the best flavor.
8. Buy: Gas
If Costco suddenly decided to close all of its warehouses and only keep their gas stations, owning a membership would still be worth it for those who fill their tanks up a lot and that is why there is always a line at their gas station!
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You don’t even have to spend your days on the road to enjoy the price of this brand’s gas. So next time you need to fill your tank, don’t just take out your credit card, take out your membership card as well!
9. Don’t Buy: Kirkland Light Beer
Beer lovers should stick to their favorite brands whether it be Guinness, Molson, Budweiser, Corona, etc because no matter how much they advertise their discounted prices, at the end of the day Costco’s beer just doesn’t cut it. Sure you can save a little money buying the Costco brand.
A Dan for All Seasons
Sure you can save a little money buying the Costco brand but some consumers actually said the beer tasted like “urine,” gross. So it’s only natural to learn Costco discontinued Kirkland Signature Light beer at the end of 2018.
10. Buy: Frozen fruits
It’s widely regarded that buying frozen fruit at Costco is a great bargain and many of the fruit is organic, too. They even come in resealable bags, unlike the smaller bags you find in your local grocery store.
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The only catch is a very obvious one which is that you may need to clear out some space in your freezer or even invest in a separate appliance or start drinking more smoothies! To fully use up.
11. Don’t Buy: Fresh Fruits and Veggies
This one is tricky because in some cases, purchasing your fresh fruits and veggies in bulk stores can be a good idea, especially if your family eats a lot of it. The prices are reasonable and so is the quality.
Happy Gourmand
However, if you opt for fruits and veggies that are in season, you can often find better deals at the grocery store. Also, if you can’t eat them all before they spoil, did you really save money by buying the larger portion?
12. Don’t Buy: Spices
Much like ground coffee, spices do not have an indefinite shelf life. Although your giant jar of Italian seasoning won’t show signs of moldiness, it will lose flavor over time and that is why bulk spices aren’t the most economical option.
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Unless you regularly cook up your infamous spaghetti sauce to feed your whole Italian family, which can barely fit into your dining room, and that your secret ingredient is a Kirkland mix of dried herbs, purchasing a smaller jar of spices would be smarter for more flavorful meals.
13. Buy: Vanilla Extract
Unlike spices, prepared vanilla does not lose its flavor over time. So as long as you are not the fancy type that only uses fresh vanilla beans, purchasing a Costco size bottle of vanilla extract is a good investment.
You can hide it in your pantry and use it for all those last-minute and late night baking cravings you. We know the bottle is a bit cumbersome but you can also use it to fill up a regular size version to make for easy use.
14. Don’t Buy: Tissues
For a simple sneeze, most brands of tissues can be suitable. However, when a cold strikes, the quality of the tissues you have on hand is important, yes we know all about you picky tissue users!
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Tissues sold in large quantities are always financially advantageous, but they are rarely the best to relieve our irritated nose. Kirkland tissues may not be the best option for you because what you save in price, you have to pay for in quality.
15. Buy: Tires
Not only people even know this but Costco sells tires and that too great ones. Besides getting a great low price when you buy your tires, you will also receive high-quality service for free.
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Costco’s Tire Centre is, therefore, the number one stop to change your tires. No wonder people who aren’t even members chose to get a remember for Costco when it’s time for a new set.
16. Don’t Buy: Soda
Buying soft drinks at the same time as the rest of your food is normal. It’s much easier to put it in the basket with the rest but with a little more preparations and a larger freezer you can get the best price.
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If you really want to save money, check the specials elsewhere! Why? Soft drinks are one of the most popular specials in all stores, so big stores will not always offer the best discount!
17. Buy: Breakfast Cereal
Do you have kids who love cereal for lunch? Or well, you love it? Whether it is for your children or for yourself or your two roommates, Costco is one of the best places to make this purchase!
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Cereals at Costco are often at a discount and the quantities are difficult to beat! They can be kept for a very long time in a cupboard without ever losing their flavor. However, do not open all the bags at the same time, you will lose the crunchiness after a few weeks.
18. Buy: Plastic wrap
If you have the space at home, buying bulk plastic wrap makes a lot of sense. It’s actually easier to work with since the weight of the box holds it in place on the counter and you don’t end up dragging along the poor box, every time you need to wrap a sandwich.
Costco Wholesale
Not only will you save a good amount of money over buying the small ones, but you also may never need to purchase plastic wrap again! Since its “normal” bulk quantity is 3000 square feet! That’s more plastic wrap then entire houses!
19. Don’t Buy: Shampoo or soap
This one again is more than just about the sticker price. As with soft drinks, soaps and shampoos are two products that are often on special in all stores! You should never pay full price for these products.
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So don’t worry about buying these products in bulk, just wait until they go on sale at your local supermarket and we bet, you can end up getting your favorite brand of shampoo at a quarter of the price.
20. Buy: Oatmeal
If you are a big oatmeal eater, which we all owe to be then this one should be a no brainer. The bulk size is certainly cheaper and apart from eating it as a breakfast, you can use oatmeal in virtually every meal, including dessert!
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If you buy 60 individual packets in a traditional supermarket, you will end up paying nearly $10 more each time. It’s a bargain that is easy to calculate and once you shouldn’t opt out off.
21. Buy: Healthy bite-sized snacks
There is a common myth that eating healthy had to be very expensive and not accessible to everyone. Fortunately, that is completely untrue and you now find some exciting and healthy options at Costco.
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Particularly, these healthy snacks are sold for only $12 for 32 bites. That is a very competitive price, considering the price of its unhealthy alternatives. These are more filling and are full of powerful ingredients that will allow you to snack without the guilt.
22. Buy: Cashews
We are going to control our urge to make a pun or two about nuts here! Lookup any healthy salad or snacking options and Cashews will be on that list but they can be rather expensive at the local grocery store.
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But by buying in bulk you will be able to save a few dollars in a very short time. In addition, with its reclosable lid, these roasted cashews can be kept for a very long time. You can even freeze them if you want to buy large quantities.
23. Don’t Buy: Condiments
Yes, condiments have a rather long shelf life and unlike coffee or spices, they don’t lose taste over time. But they do need to be kept in the fridge after opening and who really has the space for a giant bottle of ketchup?
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Did you think about that? Knowing that most people already lack some fridge space, try fitting those giant ketchup and mustard jars in your refrigerator door. Good luck with that. So unless you are hosting a major garden party or have a backup fridge for all things Costco sized, we suggest you skip it.
24. Don’t Buy: Salsa
People at Costco sure know that salsa and chips mean party. And it is clear that when Costco people don’t do things halfway when it comes to throwing a fiesta, at least judging by the size of their salsa jar. Or should we say bucket?
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Consequently, if you are indeed hosting a pool party for the whole neighborhood, by all means, get that Costco salsa jar. Otherwise, you might want to consider saving some fridge space and some money and get that family size jar at the grocery store that will provide a good amount and won’t go bad before you get halfway through it.
25. Buy: Snacks
If you have kids, and especially if they are in school, or simply if you are a kid at heart. Plan a stop in the snacking aisle to stuck up on all your favorite crunchy, sweet and salty goodies.
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Those big boxes filled with individually wrapped snacks are super practical and financially profitable if you usually spend a lot of money on crackers, nuts, cookies, and other lunch box friendly treats.
26. Buy: Vitamins
Too often when purchasing drugs or vitamins, you are paying extra just because the brand is well renowned when the actual product is exactly the same as some other no-name ones.
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By buying large format Kirkland brand vitamins, you will get the same vitamins, but at a really cheaper price. In addition to getting value for your money, you won’t have to head to the store as often.
27. Buy: Batteries
If you’ve still got some gadgets at home that run on batteries, you’ll know that these little guys are not cheap. Next time you head to Costco, it’d be wise to stack on them because there is nothing more frustrating than needing a battery or two and not being able to find one!
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One pack should be enough to power your electronics for some time and you will find them to be a lot cheaper than in other stores. Don’t shy away from purchasing the Kirkland brand as they are actually made by Duracell.
28. Buy: Milk
Most websites advise not to purchase this product at Costco but to buy it at any other market instead. Their only reason? The big quantities! And while yes, this is true unless you are a big milk drinker, Costco’s milk isn’t cost-efficient.
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Still, if you are certain to use it all, you will be saving a lot of money by going for the Kirkland brand. This is the best bet for a large family, you can use the milk in smoothies, desserts and anything else good under the sun.
29. Buy: Coffee cups
Even if it is not recommended to buy coffee in single portions, we understand that the product can be a viable option for small households, plus who can say no to all those flavors and brews?
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If you have a coffee machine that is compatible with this product, the individual formats sold at Costco will be very beneficial for you. You will get much more for your money’s worst compared to name-brand options.
30. Buy: Rotisserie Chicken
This one has been a cult favorite for years. Considered to be a loss leader, at $4.99 it might be the best deal on this list. The options for this item are endless and are a must-have for lazy cooks around America.
The Daily Meal
For a very low price, you will have a good meal for the whole family and you may even have some leftovers. Fun fact: Costco sells an average of 157,000 chickens every single day!
31. Don’t Buy: Toothpaste
There are products that are very often on sale in local grocery stores and Toothpaste is one of them! Whether or not you buy it in a large format, it is the final price that really matters and this one isn’t worth it.
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So, rather than having to store 20 tubes of toothpaste in your bathroom, keep an eye out for sales which will actually save you more than Costco! Plus the grocery store has an endless amount of options while Costco only has a few famous brands.
32. Buy: Peanut Butter
What would a list about Costco be without adding Peanut Butter to it? It is a staple in almost every home and whether you have a large family or not, buying a family-size jar of peanut butter is always a good idea to save money.
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It also has a generous expiry date but we are sure, you will run out of it months before you ever see it! And with the versatility of peanut butter, you can use it in practically every meal and of course, in the classic PB and J!
33. Buy: Bagel
There are the New York bagels, the Montreal bagels…And the Costco bagels. Whenever you hit the warehouse, grab two bags (they are sold in twos) of these perfect-for-breakfast-and-lunch cream cheese vessels.
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You can pick any two flavors you want and easily freeze whatever won’t be eaten in the first week to save money. These are totally worth it for the price and the taste! Believe us, they taste like gourmet ones from a downtown bakery rather than a big bulk store.
34. Buy: Kirkland Almond Milk
With the recent popularity of ethical and health-conscious foods, this one is a win-win. Also unlike buying dairy milk, almond milk has a great shelf life and will last longer but we doubt you will resist it for that long!
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Almond milk is great for smoothies, coffee and even to use in baking, basically a great substitute for regular milk. Kirkland’s brand tastes just like the name brands at a fraction of the cost.
35. Buy: Tahini
If you love to cook and make your own hummus at home or use a lot of tahini in salad dressings and home-cooked meals, you know that it is not cheap. It is, therefore, a great idea to purchase it in bulk size at Costco.
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You will, of course, save a lot of money for this 100% pure sesame paste and with the bulk, quality might even finally try that crazy experimental recipe you have been meaning to make without the fear of wasting away food! Just make sure to keep it in the fridge.