Costco has become a staple in American shopping habits, amassing over $250 billion in sales during fiscal 2024, making it the third-largest retailer in the U.S. While many gravitate towards Costco as a primary grocery destination, there are several areas where consumers should rethink their purchases. To help shoppers navigate the aisles smarter, we delved into some items that Americans might want to reconsider buying from Costco.
Fresh Produce (in Bulk)
When it comes to fresh produce, bulk buying at Costco can lead to significant waste. Many shoppers have reported that fruits and vegetables sold at Costco often spoil quicker than expected. This could be problematic unless you’re shopping for a large family or consume fruits and vegetables daily. Instead, consider picking up fresh produce in smaller quantities from local grocery stores or farmers’ markets to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
Milk and Dairy Products
Buying milk or large tubs of yogurt from Costco can also be a hit-or-miss experience. While ChatGPT highlights concerns about spoilage, it omits a critical fact: Kirkland milk often comes with a higher price tag compared to generic brands available at retailers like Walmart, Aldi, and Target. For savvy shoppers looking to save, you might want to skip the dairy aisle at Costco.
Condiments and Sauces
Costco’s jumbo sizes for condiments and sauces may seem appealing at first, but they can easily spoil before you use them up. Additionally, once opened, many condiments can lose flavor over time, translating to a less enjoyable culinary experience. While the sizing might be tempting, consider purchasing smaller quantities to retain quality and reduce potential waste.
Baked Goods
Costco is known for its delicious baked goods, but larger portions come with their own set of challenges. Items like muffins and croissants can go stale quickly. In fact, comparisons show that Walmart often offers a more diverse collection of baked goods, including better bread options, cookies, donuts, and cakes. Therefore, investing in baked items from Walmart may yield more satisfying results.
Spices
ChatGPT warns against buying spices in bulk, noting that they lose potency over time. However, this issue isn’t exclusive to Costco; it applies broadly across all retailers. Additionally, some shoppers have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming Kirkland’s spice containers often have less product than advertised, making it less economical in the long run.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Purchasing over-the-counter medications in bulk, such as a 500-count bottle of ibuprofen, might not be practical for every household. Unless regularly needed, you risk medications expiring before use. Alarmingly, Costco had a recall on some Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu items earlier this year, raising questions about the brand’s reliability. It may be worth considering alternatives for your medicinal needs.
Books and Electronics
While Costco may offer popular selections of books, they often aren’t discounted enough to compete with online retailers. Additionally, customers should be aware that Costco plans to reduce its book offerings in hundreds of stores starting in 2025. When it comes to electronics, although Costco’s inventory has perks, such as extended warranties, buyers should be cautious. ChatGPT points out that some models may be outdated or specially made for warehouse clubs, potentially compromising quality.
By rethinking these purchasing habits, consumers can make smarter shopping choices and maximize their savings at Costco. Whether it’s opting for fresher produce elsewhere or being more selective with bulk buys, it’s essential to evaluate what really brings value to your shopping experience.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: We Explored What Americans Should Stop Buying at Costco
