12 Food Items That Often Get Returned at Costco

Costco is known for offering a wide variety of products at competitive prices, but not all purchases go as planned. Due to the nature of perishable goods and bulk buying, some items end up being returned more often than others. While Costco’s generous return policy provides peace of mind, certain food items are frequently brought back due to spoilage or dissatisfaction. Let’s take a closer look at the food items most commonly returned to Costco. If you’ve ever been stuck with a bad batch, you are not alone, and knowing which items tend to have issues can help you make more informed purchases.

Bread

Bread from Costco is a common return item due to quality issues like mold growth. Many customers report that certain types of bread, particularly the ones bought in bulk, tend to spoil faster than expected. Mold can appear on bread within a few days of purchase, especially if it is not stored properly. While some users suggest this is due to the bread being less processed, the quick mold growth can still be frustrating. Costco’s return policy allows for refunds, which is a relief for those who experience this problem. If you plan on buying bread in bulk, it may be helpful to freeze it or refrigerate it to prevent mold from forming. However, many customers still experience these issues despite taking proper precautions.

Fresh Produce

Fresh produce from Costco, like spinach, avocados, and berries, is frequently returned due to spoilage. Items like salad kits and clamshell lettuce are especially prone to going bad quickly. One common complaint is the presence of soggy greens or rotten fruit upon opening the product at home. Some customers speculate that Costco’s supply chain struggles to keep produce properly refrigerated during transportation and storage. The volume of fresh items stocked in-store likely increases the likelihood of perishables not being stored at optimal temperatures. Despite the occasional issue with fresh produce, Costco’s generous return policy allows customers to return damaged or spoiled items for a refund. Shoppers often find it necessary to inspect produce carefully before purchasing to avoid unpleasant surprises later.

Milk

Milk is another product that can occasionally be returned at Costco due to spoilage. Problems include broken safety seals, leaking containers, and sour milk before the sell-by date. Some customers have even found completely empty containers upon opening their milk purchase. Such issues with dairy products are a concern for shoppers, but Costco’s return policy ensures that customers are not stuck with spoiled milk. Many shoppers have reported receiving refunds without hassle when they bring back spoiled dairy products. Although these issues are rare, the risk of purchasing spoiled milk does happen from time to time. When buying milk at Costco, it is a good idea to check the safety seal and expiration date to minimize the chance of dealing with a problem.

Red Meat

Red meat from Costco, such as ground beef and steak, is often returned due to spoilage. Many customers have reported opening packages only to find that the meat has an unpleasant odor or an off color, indicating it has gone bad. Spoiled red meat can cause foodborne illnesses, so it is essential to return any suspicious products promptly. Costco’s return policy allows customers to get a refund on spoiled meat, which is a relief for those affected. Some shoppers find the packaging of red meat to be an issue, with air getting trapped and causing premature spoilage. It is important to inspect the meat closely before purchasing and to store it properly at home. For those who experience spoiled meat, freezing it quickly after purchase can help prevent waste and ensure the product stays fresh longer.

Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts from Costco are another common return item due to spoilage. Customers often encounter spoiled chicken after opening the package, especially if it has been mishandled during transportation or storage. The problem is usually identified by an unpleasant odor, a slimy texture, or discoloration. Many customers prefer to freeze chicken breasts immediately after purchase to prevent spoilage. Costco’s return policy allows for easy refunds when this happens, but it can still be disappointing to deal with ruined dinner plans. Some customers suggest that freezing the chicken as soon as it is brought home helps to extend its shelf life. However, the risk of purchasing spoiled chicken remains an issue for some shoppers.

Bacon

Bacon from Costco is known to sometimes be returned due to spoilage. Customers report finding slime, mold, or an unpleasant odor when opening packages of bacon, making it unsuitable for consumption. Although bacon is typically a shelf-stable product, improper handling and storage can cause it to spoil more quickly than expected. Costco’s refund policy allows customers to return spoiled bacon and get a full refund. The presence of spoiled bacon has been widely discussed by shoppers online, with many offering advice on how to prevent this issue. Some recommend freezing bacon if it will not be used immediately to prevent spoilage. Unfortunately, spoiled bacon remains one of the more commonly returned food items at Costco.

Protein Bars

Protein bars purchased from Costco are frequently returned by customers due to dissatisfaction with the product’s quality. Many shoppers have reported stomach issues after consuming certain protein bars, while others complain about unpleasant flavors. Some customers find that the protein bars are expired or have a much shorter shelf life than expected when they open the packaging. Costco’s return policy allows customers to bring back protein bars without issue, even if they have opened the box. While these bars are generally well-priced, the possibility of getting a bad batch remains a concern for some. To avoid this, some customers recommend checking the expiration date and flavor reviews before purchasing. As with other food products, Costco’s return policy ensures customers can try the bars without financial risk.

Fish

Fish purchased from Costco can sometimes be returned due to spoilage, which is common among seafood products. Salmon, in particular, has been reported to go bad quickly, sometimes even before its sell-by date. Spoiled fish typically has a slimy texture and an unpleasant smell, which prompts customers to return it to the store. Given the sensitivity of seafood to temperature fluctuations, it is not uncommon for customers to experience issues with spoiled fish. Many shoppers recommend freezing the fish immediately after purchase to ensure it stays fresh. Despite these issues, Costco’s return policy provides a hassle-free solution for customers dealing with spoiled fish. However, it is always important to check the freshness of seafood before purchasing.

Tortillas

Tortillas from Costco are frequently returned due to mold growth. Some customers have reported finding mold on tortillas after only a few days of storage, despite the product being within its sell-by date. The mold issue is particularly common in bulk packs, where the tortillas are stored in large quantities. Some shoppers suggest freezing tortillas to extend their shelf life and prevent mold from forming. When mold does appear, customers can easily return the product for a refund, as Costco’s return policy is accommodating. The quick spoilage of tortillas has been a concern for many shoppers, but the option to return them provides some peace of mind. It is always a good idea to check tortillas for mold when purchasing in bulk.

Nuts

Nuts from Costco are sometimes returned due to rancidity or off flavors. High-fat nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts are particularly prone to going bad quickly if not stored properly. When the nuts begin to taste stale or burnt, customers often choose to return them for a refund. Costco’s return policy makes it easy for customers to get their money back if they are not satisfied with the quality of their nuts. The problem may arise due to the nuts’ high oil content, which causes them to go rancid faster than other products. Some shoppers recommend storing nuts in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage. If you purchase a bad batch, returning it is the best way to get a fresh one without further hassle.

Yogurt

Yogurt from Costco is often returned due to spoilage, particularly mold growth. Customers have reported finding mold inside yogurt containers or noticing that the yogurt is sour before its expiration date. This issue has led to several widespread recalls and customer complaints about the quality of yogurt sold at Costco. In 2024, Costco had to recall certain strawberry-flavored Greek yogurt cups due to contamination, and many shoppers returned their affected products for refunds. Costco’s generous return policy ensures that customers are not left with bad yogurt, and they can quickly get their money back. Some shoppers recommend checking the safety seal and expiration date before buying yogurt to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you encounter spoiled yogurt, returning it for a refund is always an option.

Alcohol

Alcohol at Costco is a popular return item, especially for large events. Many customers have taken advantage of Costco’s return policy to return alcohol that was not consumed or that was overstocked. Whether it be a case of beer, wine, or liquor, Costco allows returns on alcohol, as long as local liquor laws permit it. Some Costco employees have expressed frustration with this policy, especially regarding temperature-sensitive products like wine and beer. Heat can cause these drinks to lose their quality, which may affect the taste. Despite this concern, Costco continues to allow returns of alcohol, making it a common item to return. If you buy too much for your event or do not enjoy the taste, you can easily get a refund for the unused bottles.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.