Costco Members Reveal the 10 Most Overpriced Items in Stores

Shopping at Costco can feel like a great way to save money, but not every item in the warehouse is actually a bargain. While the bulk sizes may seem like a deal, some products are priced higher than what you can find at regular grocery stores. Many members have pointed out that certain items, like fresh produce, canned goods, and even household essentials, often cost more per unit than local supermarkets. Some products also come in oversized packages that may lead to waste if you do not use them quickly.

Kirkland Signature Maple Syrup

Kirkland Signature maple syrup is a high-quality product, but many shoppers have found better deals elsewhere. While Costco sells a large bottle, the price per ounce is often higher than what you can find at discount grocers or during sales at other stores. Some members have pointed out that places like Aldi or Trader Joe’s offer similar pure maple syrup for less. Another complaint is that the Costco size is too big for smaller households, leading to waste if you do not use it quickly.

Name-Brand Cereal

Many Costco members have pointed out that name-brand cereals at the warehouse are not as great of a deal as they seem. While the big boxes look like they provide better value, regular grocery stores often have better sales and coupons. Since cereal is frequently on promotion at local supermarkets, you can sometimes find the same brands for half the price. Another downside is that buying in bulk means you are stuck with one or two flavors for a long time, which can get boring.

Laundry Detergent

Many Costco shoppers swear by Kirkland Signature products, but the laundry detergent does not always offer the best deal. When compared to name-brand options on sale at regular grocery stores, the per-load cost can be higher. Some members have also reported that the formula is not as effective as other brands, meaning you may need to use more detergent per wash. Other retailers often have coupons and discounts on brands like Tide or Persil, making them a cheaper option overall.

Seafood

Many Costco shoppers love the seafood selection, but when it comes to price, it is not always the best deal. While the quality is generally high, the per-pound cost can be higher than local grocery stores or fish markets, especially for items like salmon, shrimp, and scallops. Some members have also pointed out that Costco’s frozen seafood selection is not always fresh and may contain more ice than expected. The large portion sizes can also be inconvenient if you do not eat seafood frequently or have limited freezer space.

Soft Drinks and Coffee

Many Costco members have noticed that soft drinks and coffee are not always the best deal at the warehouse. While buying in bulk seems like a smart way to save money, regular grocery stores often have better promotions. Soda brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi frequently go on sale at local supermarkets, making them cheaper per can than Costco’s bulk packs. The same goes for coffee, where stores like Walmart and Target often have better deals, especially when combined with coupons. Some shoppers also prefer buying coffee in smaller quantities to keep it fresh, as large Costco bags can lose flavor over time. If you are loyal to a specific brand, you might find better prices elsewhere. Checking weekly store flyers before stocking up at Costco can help you avoid overpaying.

Vegetables and Salad Mix

Pre-packaged vegetables and salad mixes at Costco come at a premium price, and many shoppers say they are not worth it. While they offer convenience, they tend to spoil quickly, leading to waste if you do not eat them fast enough. Buying whole vegetables and preparing them yourself is usually cheaper and helps reduce unnecessary food waste. Some members have also noticed that Costco’s pre-cut options are not always the freshest, with wilted lettuce or soggy greens appearing more often than expected. Smaller grocery stores often have sales on fresh produce, allowing you to buy what you need without worrying about large portions going bad. If you eat salad frequently, Costco might be a good option, but for most shoppers, the cost is too high. Unless you have a big household, it is better to buy smaller quantities elsewhere.

Fresh Fruit

Bulk fresh fruit at Costco might seem like a bargain, but many shoppers say it ends up being overpriced or wasted. Since Costco sells fruit in large quantities, you need to eat it quickly before it spoils. If you do not have a big family or eat fruit daily, you might find yourself throwing away more than you expected. Some members have also pointed out that the prices per pound are not always lower than those at regular grocery stores. When stores like Aldi or local markets have sales, you can often get smaller portions of fruit for a much lower price. Another issue is that some Costco locations do not let you mix and match fruit varieties, meaning you have to buy an entire case of the same type. Unless you eat a ton of fruit, it is often cheaper to shop elsewhere for smaller portions.

Milk and Eggs

While Costco is known for bulk savings, milk and eggs are not always the best deal. Many members have pointed out that local grocery stores and discount retailers often have lower prices, especially when eggs or milk go on sale. If you do not go through large quantities quickly, Costco’s bulk sizes may not be practical since milk can spoil before you finish it. Some shoppers also prefer buying milk in smaller containers to ensure freshness, as Costco’s gallon jugs take up a lot of space in the fridge. The same goes for eggs—unless you use them often, a smaller carton from another store might be a better buy. Local supermarkets frequently offer weekly discounts, making it easier to save money on these staples. Checking your local store’s prices before heading to Costco can help you make the best decision.

Detergent and Toothpaste

Household essentials like detergent and toothpaste might seem like smart bulk buys, but they are not always the cheapest at Costco. Regular grocery stores and online retailers often have deals and coupons that lower the cost significantly. Brands like Tide and Arm & Hammer frequently go on sale at Target and Walmart, sometimes making them cheaper per load than Costco’s big containers. The same goes for toothpaste, where drugstores often run promotions that include discounts or buy-one-get-one-free deals. Another issue is that Costco sells these items in massive quantities, which might not be ideal for everyone. Some people prefer to buy smaller sizes to avoid storage issues or to switch brands more often. If you want the best price, it is worth comparing costs before committing to Costco’s bulk options.

Raw Chicken

Costco’s raw chicken may not always be the best deal, despite its bulk packaging. Many members have pointed out that regular grocery stores frequently offer sales, making their per-pound prices lower than Costco’s everyday price. Local supermarkets often have buy-one-get-one-free deals or weekly discounts, making it more cost-effective to shop elsewhere. Another downside is that Costco sells raw chicken in large packs, which can be inconvenient if you do not have enough freezer space. Some shoppers have also complained that Costco’s chicken contains excess water weight, making it seem heavier than it actually is. If you prefer organic or free-range options, other stores may offer better quality at similar prices. Checking your local grocery store’s weekly ads before buying in bulk can help you avoid paying too much.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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