14 Sam's Club Products That Have Quietly Gotten Worse (Longtime Members Are Noticing)

Sam's Club shoppers know a good value when they see it. And while this warehouse club is known for budget-friendly bulk buys and can't-miss deals on everything from smart TVs to sandals, some of Sam's staples have quietly gone downhill.

Not sure which items make a Sam's membership worth it and which ones to avoid? We scrolled through social media posts to see what the store's loyal customers have to say. If you're ready to start shopping, here are 14 supposed bargain buys that former fans recently panned.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Price: $20.93

For under $21, Sam's generic paper towels seem like a must-have deal. And while shoppers used to rave about the 15 individually wrapped rolls (150 sheets each), it looks like this store-brand buy has taken a turn for the worse.

In a post about product quality changes, Redditor Y000S3RNAM3 wrote, "Up until the most recent package of their paper towels I've bought, I had no issue tearing off full or half sheets, and when folded over, you could feel a "thickness" that was there compared to the new ones coming out. Now they end up tearing mid-sheet."

Price: $21.97

Reviews on this frozen food are mixed. Recently, shoppers have taken issue with the texture and flavor. One Sam's customer wrote (in a three-star review), "Quality has gone down. These are extremely greasy!"

Price: $24.76

Customers aren't happy with recent changes to Sam's Member's Mark TP. Reddit user holdontilmay16 complained, "Now is almost shredding and leaving "dust" on the sides of the cabinet," while Emily7014 wrote, "I found this thread because I looked up Sam's Club toilet paper quality went down. I swear it used to be softer."

Price: $2.98 per pound

Shoppers think Sam's strawberries lack the quality they're used to. But that's not all. Some also complain about other fresh produce. Take it from Redditor Acomplished_Ice7073, "Anyone getting bad quality produce lately? My club has been getting bad strawberries, romaine hearts, and lemons."

Price: $12.98

Prepared foods, like these baby back ribs, offer time savings and convenience. But recently, shoppers don't think this pick is up to par.

Redditor greengirl4475 wrote, "I was expecting fall off the bone goodness and was just so disappointed."

Price: $10.14 per pound

This party-ready product used to be a fan favorite. But now customers are panning the pick. Sam's Club shopper Mike gave the tray a one-star review, writing, "The shrimp used to be larger and firmer. They were actually so bad I asked for a refund and threw them in the trash. 0 stars. The cocktail sauce has gone downhill, too."

Price: $11.98

While Sam's generic 10-pack of sport crews may cost less than most brand-name buys, they aren't the bargain they used to be.

One shopper gave the socks two stars in the product's review section, explaining, "These used to be my favorite, every-day socks. I have no idea why Sam's Club decided to change them. Now they're thinner and go higher on my calf, not nearly as cushioned or comfortable. Very disappointing after loving the originals for years."

Price: $5.98 per pound

Shoppers recently raised concerns about changes to the chicken salad recipe.

Redditor worthwhile_conundrum posted, "I checked the label before buying it because it looked so different. After eating some, I checked the label again, cause it actually tasted like nothing and felt so wrong for being their chicken salad."

Price: $4.48

While some customers still seem to enjoy the blend, others have a very different view. Reddit user SKYERIM wrote, "It tastes like chemicals," and one shopper wrote this scathing review on the retailer's website: "Tasting it reminded me of PineSol cleaning products. Will not buy again."

Price: $16.67

Customers recently took to Sam's product page, complaining about this summertime selection. While earlier reviews were mostly positive, customers have recently found fault with the scent.

One shopper wrote, "Not too greasy, but the smell is extremely overpowering. I don't understand why it has to be so strong," and another questioned, "Of all scents, why?"

Price: $14.98

Like paper towels and TP, shoppers have also noticed a change in Sam's generic tissues. A recent Reddit post pointed out, "They're thinner and rougher/scratchier now."

Price: $8.98

Cafe pizza is a staple of the Sam's experience. But lately, shoppers have questions about the quality. Club customer Tina gave it two stars: "Normally, I love this pizza. However, this time the toppings are chewy … so sad and disappointing."

Price: $16.24

The 10-count box of breaded chicken breast fillet sandwiches is a freezer section find that shoppers used to call a Chick-fil-A dupe. But now customers find fault with the buns' texture, fatty patties, and an overwhelming pickle taste.

Price: $16.48

Have you noticed a change in the freshly baked cupcakes? Redditor Big-Stage1468 shared, "I ordered a custom cake and cupcakes this month, and it seems totally different to me … Dry but moldable and very sweet."

Even though some of Sam's products have gotten worse in recent years, your membership is still worth the annual fee. Between the club's store-brand generics and constantly revolving stock of new deals, we still found a bevy of high-quality bargains.

Are you looking for more ways to save? Make your next Sam's haul work for you. Use the top travel credit cards to earn airline miles, points, and other perks on eligible purchases.