11 Costco Products That Failed to Impress Loyal Members

Costco is known for its unbeatable bulk deals, premium Kirkland Signature items, and famously lenient return policy — which comes in handy when a product doesn’t live up to expectations. But even the best warehouse club can miss the mark occasionally. Across social media and online reviews, shoppers have been vocal about a few items that have dropped in quality, gone up in price, or simply don’t measure up to the competition. Here are 11 Costco products members say are letting them down in 2025.

Kirkland Signature Premium Towels – $23.99/160 sheet

Once considered a Bounty rival, many shoppers now say the Kirkland paper towels have taken a noticeable dip in quality. Users report thinner sheets and rolls that no longer feel as absorbent or durable. One shopper noted, “They used to feel premium — now they’re more like Sparkle.” Others noticed fewer sheets per roll, making them less cost-effective than before. For those who loved the old version, this change has been a disappointment.

Fresh Avocados – $6.80/5 count

Costco’s avocados have come under fire for inconsistency. Members report uneven ripening, bruising, and having to toss out part of the bag before finishing it. Some say buying avocados individually at Whole Foods or local markets gives better quality for the same price or less. While Costco’s bulk bags seem like a great deal upfront, waste from spoiled fruit often cancels out the savings.

Costco Bagels – $9.07/12 count

The bakery bagels used to be a breakfast favorite, but shoppers say they’ve changed in both texture and taste. “They used to have that chewy, New York–style bite,” one reviewer said, “but now they’re just fluffy bread.” The new recipe feels more like a soft roll than a bagel, and fans of the original are nostalgic for the old days.

Cosmic Crisp Apples – P&7.93/4 pieces

Though marketed as a premium apple variety, shoppers have found Costco’s pricing and quality inconsistent. “They’re 30% higher than my local store,” one user said, while others complained of mushy or rotting fruit in sealed bags. Many prefer picking their produce at local grocery stores or Asian markets like H Mart or Lotte, where freshness and selection are more reliable.

Kirkland Signature Rum – $24.39/1.7L

While Kirkland’s spirits line has its loyal fans, the rum seems to have missed the mark. “It smells and tastes like artificial vanilla extract,” one reviewer noted. Once celebrated for delivering premium taste at bargain prices, this spirit’s overly sweet and synthetic flavor has left rum enthusiasts disappointed. Many suggest skipping it in favor of name brands.

Costco Steaks – $104.52/package

Not all Costco meat impresses, and steaks have become a sore point for some shoppers. Complaints range from inconsistent marbling to higher prices compared to local butchers. One member noted, “We got beef that had gone bad a couple of times,” while another said, “Their ribeye steaks are lean and lack flavor.” For those who expect restaurant-quality cuts, Costco’s recent batches haven’t delivered.

Toilet Paper – $24.99/382 sheet, 30 rolls

Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue, once beloved for its value, is facing criticism for declining quality. Many claim the texture became thinner and rougher after the pandemic and has never returned to form. “We stopped buying it years ago,” one shopper admitted. Even loyal Costco fans are switching to other brands, saying the tissue no longer feels premium or soft.

English Cucumbers – $6.99/3-Pack

Members are balking at the price of these cucumbers, especially since they come in bulk. “Trader Joe’s sells them individually for $1,” one shopper pointed out. Costco’s pack forces buyers to commit to more than they might need — and the price per cucumber doesn’t stack up to smaller grocers. For fresh produce, local stores are often the smarter buy.

Soft Drinks – $16.39/7.5 Oz, 30 count

It turns out soda might be one thing you shouldn’t buy in bulk. Shoppers say grocery store sales regularly beat Costco’s per-can pricing by a wide margin. “Soda is never cheaper at Costco,” several members said. With grocery chains offering frequent discounts on 12-packs and 2-liters, it’s better to keep an eye on local ads than stock up at the warehouse.

Kirkland Signature Dishwasher Detergent Pacs – $13.61/56.7 Oz

The Kirkland Signature Platinum Performance UltraShine pods have earned harsh criticism from members. “Avoid their dishwasher tabs — absolute junk,” one comment reads. Users complain they leave residue and cloudy glassware, even after extra rinsing. Once a cost-saving favorite, these detergent pacs now appear to cost more in frustration than they save in dollars.

Costco Watermelons – $10.20/each

While some regions enjoy juicy, flavorful melons, others aren’t so lucky. “Underwhelming and overpriced,” one shopper said, lamenting inconsistent sweetness and ripeness. Still, a few members in the Pacific Northwest reported great results, suggesting that quality depends on local sourcing. For now, watermelon lovers might want to buy locally instead of risking a dud.

Final Thoughts

Even loyal Costco shoppers admit not every deal is a slam dunk. With changing suppliers, shifting prices, and varying regional quality, some products don’t always live up to the warehouse’s reputation. Fortunately, Costco’s generous return policy softens the blow — but it’s still worth knowing which items to skip. When in doubt, check member reviews and regional feedback before filling your cart. After all, even at Costco, value isn’t just about the price — it’s about quality that lasts.