News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

18 Things You Should Never Buy at Costco

Find out which surprising items could be draining your wallet at Costco.

halifax costco store parking
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Even though Costco is known for its amazing prices and bulk items, sometimes it’s less cost-effective to buy certain products here.

While many of these are better for large families, some households can’t go through these items before they expire, costing even more money down the line.

Here are some items that may not help you save money at Costco if you pick them up on your next shopping run.

Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.

New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!

If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.

Fresh Fruit

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco fresh seedless grapes

When you buy fresh fruit, like grapes and apples, from Costco, you risk losing money.

These items will likely spoil quickly before you and your family can enjoy them. It’s best to save these bulk items for parties or even freeze them for frozen snacks throughout the year.

Eggs

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco kirkland signature eggs

Chances are, you won’t be going through dozens of eggs before they can expire.

While this might seem like a good deal, hold off on these unless you have to make a ton of deviled eggs or cookies for an event. This pack of five dozen eggs will spoil within weeks.

Lotion

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco lubriderm lotion

Did you know that opened lotion should be tossed after six months?

Lotion past its best-by date won’t moisturize or keep your skin hydrated as well. That’s why this is another item not to buy in bulk.

Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco

Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.

Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.

Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1

Get Capital One Shopping now

Milk

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco kirkland signature low fat milk

Most households know that milk can spoil pretty fast.

This pack comes with three half-gallons, which is too much for many families. You can buy regular milk sizes from Costco without worrying it’ll go bad before you use it.

Soda

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco soda cartons

Though you might want to stock up on soda for parties, these high-sugar drinks aren’t good for everyday use.

Most soda has over half the recommended daily sugar intake, and you might be tempted to drink a few cans when you’ve got this value pack.

If you’re going to grab drinks during your Costco trip, then consider their flavored seltzer waters or zero-sugar alternatives.

Candy

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco ghirardelli chocolate squares

This is another sugary option that you should save for Halloween and other holidays.

Bulk bags of candy are good for birthday party piñatas, but too much of these sweets can damage your teeth and body.

Costco has plenty of healthier desserts and even smaller candy bags for your events.

Bread

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco nature's own honey wheat bread

Bread is another risky item to buy at Costco.

These loaves might go to waste, meaning you’re throwing money down the drain. Consider shopping around the bakery for fresh bread in smaller sizes.

Shampoo/Conditioner

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco kirkland signature moisture shampoo

Even haircare items can lose their effectiveness.

Consider buying your shampoo and conditioner elsewhere so you don’t waste money. This might be an economical purchase, however, if multiple family members use the same bottle.

Coffee

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco kirkland signature roasted coffee

Ground coffee doesn’t last as long as whole-bean coffee, unfortunately.

Once opened, you should consume ground coffee within one to two weeks. However, given this bulk size, it might be hard for most households to do.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Seasoning

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco grill mates montreal steak seasoning

Are you cleaning out your spices and seasonings regularly?

Even these ingredients have best-by dates, and buying in bulk risks them going bad. Consider variety packs of smaller sizes rather than the bigger containers when you shop at Costco.

Flour

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco kirkland signature all purpose flour

Even if you’re storing flour in an airtight container, it won’t last forever.

This is another ingredient that requires checking the expiration date. The bulk sizes might be better for professional bakers and cooks.

Cooking Oil

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco kirkland signature canola oil

Cooking oils don’t last forever, so you should consider how long you’ve had them.

Buying these in value sizes is only recommended for longer shelf-life varieties or high-volume cooking.

Fresh Vegetables

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco fresh avocados

Any produce from Costco can go bad before you finish it. You need to eat fresh vegetables like these avocados once they’re ripe.

Some of these veggies might be convenient for meal planning, but make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

Toothpaste

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco colgate toothpaste packs

Toothpaste becomes less effective after two years, which is harmful to your teeth.

You should also replace your tube of toothpaste if you or a family member has been sick. Buying this in bulk is fine for large families, so long as everyone has their own.

Sugar

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco dixie crystals pure cane sugar

Many pantry staples, like sugar, can wane in quality over time.

Be mindful of expiration dates and how you store these items in your kitchen. And too much sugar in your cooking can also be harmful.

Condiments

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco hellmann's real mayonnaise

Sure, bulk condiments are great for grilling out and throwing parties.

However, you are unlikely to go through a whole jar or bottle on your own. These items are best for larger events rather than everyday use.

Cereal

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco kellogg's red berries cereals

Your cereal can go stale before you’re able to finish it.

Value sizes, like this Special K, won’t go as quickly as you might think. Consider buying Costco’s multi-packs of single-serve boxes so you get multiple flavors that’ll last longer.

Detergent

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco tide detergents

Even detergent can lose effectiveness over time.

Opened bottles are best for six months, including liquid laundry and dishwasher detergent. These giant bottles can separate, leaving your clothes and fabrics not nearly as clean.

Bottom line

Andy/Adobe costco kirkland signature whole milk

Since Costco has such a wide range of products, you can easily score some deals and save on everyday essentials.

Just make sure you consider which items will serve your family best to avoid wasting any money.

Most of these are great for holidays, parties, and other large gatherings when you want to save time and cash.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details