Bulk buys on snacks are among the top Costco membership perks shoppers enjoy. But some sweet, salty, and savory selections miss the mark.
Don't worry about wasting money on products that aren't worth the space in your cart. We've got you covered with a list of the top snacks to avoid.
From "healthy" alternatives short on taste to overpriced items that could max out your monthly shopping budget, our roundup features Costco customers' least favorite finds.
So go ahead and ship these overhyped and overpriced items.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Pringles Grab and Go Variety Pack
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Price: $24.99
Pringles are popular with a top-notch crunch and plenty of savory flavor. That said, most customers shop Costco for low prices. And you won't get that with this brand-name buy (almost $25 for a 36-count of mini cans). Swap this expensive option for a more affordable snacking alternative and snag a massive 50-bag box of Lay's Potato Chips for $22.99.
Kirkland Signature All Chocolate
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Price: $24.49
A 5.6-pound bag of chocolate candy is too much for most households — especially if you're empty nesters. Unless Halloween is right around the corner, this oversized sweet snacking selection is an unnecessary purchase.
Save money and skip this big bag of M&M's, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, Kit Kats, Twix, Milky Way, Almond Joy, York Peppermint Patties, Snickers, and 100 Grand bars. At almost $25, your dentist and your budget will thank you.
IQ Plant-Based Protein Bars
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Price: $22.49
Affordable? Yes. Filling? Yes. Tasty? Not to some customers. You'll get 18 bars (six almond butter chip, six peanut butter chip, and six chocolate sea salt) for $22.49 — which is a much better deal than what the brand offers on its website.
Even so, Costco customers don't all agree on the flavor. Buyer Nancy gave this pick one star, "Low in carbs, but they taste like medicine to me."
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BelVita Crunchy Cinnamon Brown Sugar Breakfast Biscuits
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Price: $17.99
A quick, satisfying snack that replaces your morning meal isn't easy to find. Before you snap up this bulk buy, check out the nutritional content.
Each individually wrapped mini pack has a whopping 230 calories, eight grams of fat, and 200 mg of sodium. If you're watching what you eat, fresh fruit or whole grain toast with a low-cal spread are better options.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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May brings both warmer weather and major sales with the combo of Mother's Day (May 11) and Memorial Day (May 26). Here are some of the best deals to watch for:
- Mattresses, furniture, and large appliances
- Spring clothing clearance
- Garden plants and outdoor furniture
- For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like strawberries, artichokes, and cherries.
Retailers are already prepping for summer while you're just enjoying spring, making May perfect to save money at your favorite retailers.
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Wonderful Pistachios Variety Pack
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Price: $15.99
Individually wrapped snacks are travel-ready and easy to carry. But convenience comes at a cost. This 24-pack box (18 ounces total) sells for $15.99.
A three-pound bag of Kirkland Signature generic pistachios sells for $17.99. In a price-per-ounce comparison, KS wins by a landslide with $0.37 versus $0.89.
Nature's Bakery Organic Oatmeal Crumble Bars
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Price: $13.69
With a flavor that's on point, these organic oatmeal bars are a tasty treat. So why don't they deserve a spot in your cart? The 1.4-ounce "crumbles" are just too small to satisfy a serious snack craving.
Even though each box contains 24 (12 strawberry and 12 apple), this bulk buy won't last long.
Chocxo Dark Chocolate Lemon Creme Cups
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Price: $12.99
The new-to-Costco chocolate-coated cups are packed with deliciously decadent (and amazingly light) lemon creme that doesn't disappoint. But each individually wrapped confection is sized for a mouse.
And this is where the problem lies. These teeny tiny treats may leave you wanting more.
Universal Bakery Organic Aussie Bites
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Price: $11.79
It isn't easy to make a healthy, satisfying snack. This rolled oat, dried apricot, flax seed, sunflower seed, coconut, quinoa, honey, and chia seed blend misses the mark when it comes to taste and nutrition.
Each one-cookie serving contains 130 calories and seven grams of fat and has the flavor profile of a cardboard box.
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Heavenly Hunks Organic Oatmeal Dark Chocolate
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Price: $11.39
Oatmeal and dark chocolate can be hit or miss, and shoppers don't all agree on this "healthy" snack's flavor.
Reddit user Mypetdolphin posted a warning, "I was really disappointed! Everyone on this Reddit has hyped them up so much that I was expecting angels to sing."
Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps
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Price: $10.39
Pretzel fans may not get what they're looking for from these pretzel thins. The crisps eat more like a chip, making them less satisfying than a standard pretzel.
Skip this 28-ounce bag and nab the massive 55-ounce tub ($11.99) of Kirkland Signature's peanut butter-filled pretzel nuggets instead for a snack that will tide you over till dinner.
Sargento Cheese Bakes
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Price: $9.99
Almost $10 for a 16-ounce bag of these crispy parm and oregano cracker snacks isn't the best warehouse club bargain.
If you're in the mood for something salty, Kirkland Signature's Kettle Brand Krinkle Cut Potato Chips are a better deal at $7.39 for 32 ounces.
Sonoma Creamery Pepperoni Pizza Crisps
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Price: $9.89
We had high hopes for a pepperoni pizza-flavored chip. Sadly, the reality didn't meet the expectations. Redditor allsp49 sums it up perfectly: "Great in theory, terrible execution." And at $9.89 for a meager 9.5 ounces, this deal is not a steal.
Skinny Pop Harry Potter Butterbeer Popcorn
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Price: $8.69
If you're unsure whether you'll enjoy the butterscotch and slightly cinnamon taste, don't make the same mistake as this bulk buy customer. Reddit user stone616 posted, "I tried this and I didn't really care for it. Too bad I bought three bags."
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Pretzelized Everything Pita Chips
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Price: $7.99
Thin, crispy pita pretzels and savory everything seasoning combine to make this a standout snack. And that's what makes this pick so hard to stop eating. If you're not ready to devour the amazingly addictive chips, skip the 1.75-pound savory selection.
Late July Organic Sea Salt and Lime Tortilla Chips
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Price: $6.79
The tangy citrus tortilla chips are a party-ready pick in a 1.38-pound bulk size bag. Shoppers not planning a big bash or group get-together may not finish the entire stash before the snack goes stale.
Bottom line
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Perfection isn't always possible. Even though you can save money on groceries at Costco, some of the warehouse club's snacking selections aren't worth your time. But that doesn't mean you can't find plenty of delicious deals at this store.
Now that you know what to skip, you have room in your cart for better bargains. Check out the retailer's deli section for mouthwatering meals, salads, and prepared sides that combine high-quality with convenience and low cost.
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