15 Overhyped Costco Products That Just Aren’t Worth It

Costco carries bulk foods and household staples we rely on and prepares delicious meals at its food court. The prices are fair, too, which we think makes its membership worth the money.

However, the big-box juggernaut isn’t perfect, and despite all the membership perks, some members are quick to point that out. A few folks on Reddit even went so far as to complain about how overhyped some items are — even some cult favorites.

While some folks love Costco’s food court chicken bake, others aren’t into it, noting it’s gone downhill since 2014. It’s possible that having it made off-site played a role in its demise.

One person called them “awful,” while another noted they’re served with too much dressing.

Costco’s deli section has many prepared foods, but the chicken pot pie has won the ire of some members.

One Redditor dubbed the pie a “salt lick,” which speaks for itself. A second argued that it’s too large and that the crust-to-filling ratio is off.

Everyone loves soft, fresh-baked bread, but some people do not like Costco’s ciabatta rolls, citing their dryness.

One Redditor says the only way to make the ciabatta rolls palatable is to toast them in cast iron with butter, which makes them great for dipping in hot soup.

Costco’s bakery makes some yummy treats, but a few Redditors have a bone to pick with some of them. While the chocolate chip cookie doesn’t get many complaints, others do.

In particular, commenters say the s’mores cookie doesn’t taste like s’mores. Others note the cookies have gotten “rock hard.”

It’s one thing to sport the name of designers on your attire, but Costco or Kirkland Signature? Maybe not so much, according to some puzzled shoppers.

They wonder why you’d want such a focal point unless you’re an employee, even if the clothing is comfortable. One commenter called the whole thing “cringe.”

Yes, we were surprised, too, to learn that this iconic Costco staple has haters. One commenter even used the word “garbage.” Shots fired!

Many quickly reminded the OP that it only costs $1.50, which is fair. But so is another’s opinion that hot dogs are better when grilled (not boiled or steamed).

How can you make bacon —one of America’s most beloved foods — bad? According to Redditors, Costco’s bacon has managed to do just that.

Allegedly, the strips are cut so thin that they fall apart way too easily. There’s also a rumor that they’ve added more sugar as it burns and leaves char in the pan.

Costco’s clothing has a reputation for being comfortable and well-made, but one member has gripes with their socks, which they usually rely on.

They said that the fabric and weight have both gone down. Others agreed, sharing that they now get holes in their socks after minimal wear.

This may be controversial, but Redditors have been open about tearing into Kirkland Signature toilet paper. The reason? They say it shreds too easily.

That’s an issue regardless of what kind of toilet tissue you prefer, whether the thick stuff or the humble one-ply.

It’s not the look of the oft-beloved pinwheel sandwich platter that members have beef with; it’s the unexpected flavors they have, namely the cranberry spread, which Redditors say is out of place.

Others commented you can punch these sandwiches up with salt, pepper, and mustard, which helps the dryness people complain about.

There’s no shortage of hype for Costco’s pizza, but many Redditors point out it’s because of the cheap price. The pizza itself, they say, is overly greasy and lacking in flavor.

This ire is further stoked by members who loved the combo pizza, which Costco removed from the food court menu to much chagrin (but it might be coming back).

While the fresh produce section looks appealing, many members are disappointed that the produce goes bad quickly. One lamented that their entire haul spoiled within two days.

For this reason, other Redditors say they only buy frozen fruits and vegetables at Costco after learning the hard way.

If Costco carries a product from another brand, it’s usually a home run — but some members disparage Realgood products. One complained that the contents looked nothing like what was inside.

Another said the chicken nuggets tasted like cardboard and joked that ketchup helped offset the flavor. “They're almost inedible,” shared one more.

Yes, really. This iconic loss leader gets loads of complaints on Reddit for the following: an aftertaste of “cleaning solution,” and the meat’s flavor is “weird” and “flavorless” with lousy texture.

One accused the beloved chicken of being undercooked and underseasoned, then said the skin was slimy. But no one complains about the $4.99 price.

Some Redditors are big fans of Costco’s shepherd’s pie, going so far as to call it “amazing.” However, that’s not a universal opinion.

One member commented that it was simply “awful,” likely due to the oversalted flavor another pointed out. The mushrooms didn’t get high marks, just the grossed-out emoji.

We all appreciate Costco for the many great things they sell at price points that don’t drain your wallet and help you get ahead financially. But even the king of bulk stores can’t do everything perfectly all the time.

If one of your favorite Costco products happens to make this less-than-stellar list, don’t worry. These are all highly subjective experiences, so keep loving what you love.