Costco is a bulk buyer’s paradise, but not every item deserves a spot in your cart. When it comes to canned foods, some of these pantry staples fall short on flavor, texture, or nutrition. Here are 10 Costco canned foods that many shoppers say aren’t worth the shelf space.
1. Del Monte Sliced Peaches
Sweet but overly syrupy, these canned peaches tend to be mushy and loaded with sugar.
Nutritional Facts (per 1/2 cup):
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 25g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 23g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
Peaches, water, high fructose corn syrup, sugar.
Preparation Instructions:
Ready to eat. Chill before serving.
2. Kirkland Signature Ground Coffee $21.49/48 oz
Despite the price, this coffee often gets mixed reviews for its bitter taste and lack of freshness.
Nutritional Facts (per brewed 8 oz cup):
- Calories: 2
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
100% Arabica ground coffee.
Preparation Instructions:
Use 1-2 tablespoons per 6 oz of water. Brew using drip, French press, or percolator.
3. Del Monte Canned Whole Kernel Corn $5.99/106 oz
Often cited as bland and watery compared to frozen or fresh corn.
Nutritional Facts (per 1/2 cup):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Corn, water, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Heat on stove or microwave until warm.
4. Ox & Palm Corned Beef $5.79/11.5 oz
Texture is overly greasy and mushy; taste can be overly salty and processed.
Nutritional Facts (per 2 oz):
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients:
Beef, beef fat, salt, sugar, sodium nitrite.
Preparation Instructions:
Fry in pan until browned or serve cold.
5. Del Monte Cut Green Beans $12.99/12 ct
These canned green beans often come out soggy and lack the vibrant flavor of fresh or frozen options.
Nutritional Facts (per 1/2 cup):
- Calories: 20
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Green beans, water, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Heat in saucepan or microwave until hot.
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6. Rosarita Organic Refried Beans $10.49/8 Ct
Thinner texture than homemade or restaurant-style, and flavor can be bland.
Nutritional Facts (per 1/2 cup):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients:
Organic pinto beans, water, organic sunflower oil, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Heat in pan or microwave, stir occasionally.
7. Libby’s Vienna Sausages $14.99/18 ct
Spongy texture and processed flavor make this one a skip for many shoppers.
Nutritional Facts (per can):
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients:
Mechanically separated chicken, water, salt, corn syrup, beef, pork, flavorings.
Preparation Instructions:
Eat straight from can or heat briefly in microwave.
8. Campbell’s Simply Chicken Noodle Soup $15.99/8 ct
While marketed as a healthier option, this soup often lacks seasoning and has minimal chicken.
Nutritional Facts (per 1 cup):
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 2.5g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients:
Chicken broth, cooked chicken, egg noodles, carrots, celery, spices.
Preparation Instructions:
Heat on stove or microwave until hot.
9. Chef-mate Corned Beef Hash $14.89/11 oz
Greasy with an overwhelming salty flavor; large can size not ideal for most households.
Nutritional Facts (per 1 cup):
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 23g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients:
Cooked beef, diced potatoes, water, salt, spices.
Preparation Instructions:
Heat in pan until hot and slightly crispy.
10. Spam Classic $27.99/8 ct
An iconic item, but still polarizing due to its high sodium and processed flavor profile.
Nutritional Facts (per 2 oz):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients:
Pork with ham, salt, water, modified potato starch, sugar, sodium nitrite.
Preparation Instructions:
Slice and fry in pan until browned or serve cold.
Conclusion
Costco is a goldmine for pantry staples—but not every canned item is a winner. Whether it’s bland flavor, mushy texture, or way too much sodium, these 10 products just don’t live up to the hype. Save your shelf space (and your taste buds) for better options—you’ll thank yourself later.
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