Costco is beloved for its bulk deals, generous samples, and a return policy that feels almost too good to be true. But even at this warehouse wonderland, some items just don’t live up to the hype.
Whether it’s quality issues, spoilage, or just plain disappointment, these 10 foods are among the most returned by Costco shoppers—and you might want to think twice before putting them in your cart.
1. Fresh Produce
From wilted spinach to moldy berries, fresh produce is one of the most commonly returned items. Shoppers report that some fruits and veggies spoil quickly, sometimes even before leaving the parking lot.
Why It’s Returned:
Soggy greens, overripe or underripe fruit, poor refrigeration, and short shelf life.
2. Chicken Breasts
Opening a pack of chicken only to find a sour smell is a common Costco horror story. Despite its popularity, chicken breasts frequently get returned due to spoilage.
Why It’s Returned:
Off-putting odor, slimy texture, and potential food safety concerns.
3. Milk
Costco milk has gained a reputation for leaking containers and spoiled batches. Whether it’s dairy or non-dairy, shoppers have had issues ranging from broken seals to empty cartons.
Why It’s Returned:
Leaky packaging, spoiled contents, and damaged safety seals.
4. Fish
Fish is delicate and requires strict temperature control—something that can get tricky with mass distribution. Shoppers complain of fish that smells “off” days before the sell-by date.
Why It’s Returned:
Spoiled salmon, bad smell, slimy texture, and improper storage during transport.
5. Red Meat
Despite the appeal of bulk pricing, red meat doesn’t always deliver in freshness. Reports of bad odors and discoloration have led many to return their steaks or ground beef.
Why It’s Returned:
Spoiled beef, unpleasant odor, and potential contamination risks.
6. Nuts
A large bag of mixed nuts may sound like a smart buy, but many shoppers report issues with stale or rancid flavors. Cashews, almonds, and pecans are frequent offenders.
Why It’s Returned:
Rancid taste, stale texture, or burned flavor due to oxidation.
7. Protein Bars
Not all protein bars are created equal, and Costco’s bulk offerings sometimes miss the mark. Shoppers cite unpleasant flavors, expired stock, and even stomach issues.
Why It’s Returned:
Bad taste, digestive issues, or early expiration dates.
8. Bacon
A slimy or sour-smelling pack of bacon can ruin your breakfast plans in a flash. Multiple shoppers have reported moldy or spoiled bacon straight from the package.
Why It’s Returned:
Mold growth, sour smell, and spoiled slices.
9. Yogurt
Yogurt should be smooth and creamy—not moldy. Costco has seen a number of complaints, especially following a 2024 recall on strawberry-flavored Greek yogurt.
Why It’s Returned:
Mold contamination, especially with single-serve varieties.
10. Tortillas
You’d expect tortillas to last a while, but Costco shoppers frequently report mold issues soon after purchase.
Why It’s Returned:
Mold growth, short shelf life, and packaging flaws.
Final Thought
While Costco offers great value on thousands of items, these 10 foods have earned a reputation for letting shoppers down. The good news? With Costco’s famously flexible return policy, you’re never stuck with a bad buy—but a little extra caution might save you the trip back.
