Costco loyalists have long praised the warehouse giant for its unbeatable bulk deals and generous return policy—but lately, some everyday items just don’t seem worth the trip (or the membership fee). Whether it’s due to rising prices, shrinking quantities, or better deals found elsewhere, more shoppers are questioning whether they’re really saving money on their staples. Across social media and Reddit forums, members are voicing frustration over items that used to be no-brainers. If you’re on the fence about renewing your membership, here are 14 products that might not justify the yearly cost anymore.
1. Rotisserie Chicken
Costco’s famous $4.99 rotisserie chicken has long been seen as one of the best deals in the store, but shoppers are starting to push back. As reported by All Recipes, the size and quality of the chickens have quietly declined over the past few years, even as production costs rise. Some customers have complained about overly salty seasoning or rubbery texture—suggesting quality control may be slipping. What used to be a fresh, convenient dinner is now raising eyebrows.
Many customers on Reddit have even noted that grocery store chickens are fresher and better-seasoned, with less gristle. The appeal of the price tag starts to fade if the product isn’t delivering on taste or texture. Costco hasn’t raised the price (yet), but it’s clear that some shoppers feel the overall value has eroded. What was once a reliable staple is now a toss-up.
2. Kirkland Signature Bacon
Chowhound notes that Costco’s Kirkland Signature bacon, once a cult favorite, has lost some of its shine among members. Shoppers report thinner slices, more fat, and smaller portion sizes—all at a higher price point. With inflation affecting pork prices nationwide, even Costco hasn’t been immune. And while the quality once rivaled premium brands, many now say it’s “just okay.”
Other stores like Aldi and Sam’s Club have started offering comparable options at lower prices. That makes it harder to justify the big pack unless you’re feeding a crowd. For small households, the large quantity can even lead to waste. And if the taste isn’t winning people over, the size alone isn’t enough to save it.
3. Canned Tuna
Canned tuna might not seem like a hot-button item, but it’s caused quite a stir among Costco shoppers. According to The New York Times, many members have reported a noticeable decline in texture and flavor—especially in Kirkland’s albacore variety. Once considered a premium pantry staple, it’s now being passed over in favor of brands with firmer cuts and less water. The disappointment has made some question whether it’s worth buying in bulk at all.
In a world where grocery prices are rising across the board, quality matters more than ever. And when tuna tastes mushy or watery, it’s no longer a cost-saving hero. Some shoppers now recommend grabbing it from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods instead—where quality outweighs quantity. For many, tuna is no longer a Costco win.
4. Trash Bags
You’d think buying trash bags in bulk would be a smart move—but Mashed suggests Costco’s Kirkland brand no longer ranks among the best. Shoppers have complained about the bags being thinner and more prone to tearing, especially the drawstring versions. At first glance, the per-unit price still looks decent, but not if you’re double-bagging to prevent leaks. That cuts into the value fast.
More and more members are turning to name-brand alternatives like Hefty or Glad from other retailers. While those may cost slightly more, they often hold up better over time. Costco’s version once earned glowing reviews, but recent changes in materials have dimmed the shine. Now, it’s another item some are skipping altogether.
5. Organic Eggs
Organic eggs used to be a big draw for Costco shoppers seeking value and quality. But now, many say they can find comparable prices—or better deals—at local grocers, especially when promotions hit. The gap has narrowed significantly, and for smaller households, the huge cartons can go bad before they’re finished. Freshness matters when it comes to eggs, and Costco’s bulk model isn’t always ideal.
In fact, some members complain that the eggs aren’t as consistent in size or taste as they once were. For the price, they expect better quality—or at least less variability. Without that “premium feel,” the value proposition is weaker. And that’s led many to pick them up elsewhere.
6. Laundry Detergent
Costco’s massive jugs of detergent may seem like a solid deal, but more shoppers are finding them cumbersome and even wasteful. For apartment dwellers or those with limited storage, hauling a 2-gallon bottle to the laundry room isn’t worth the hassle. And when per-ounce prices are matched or beaten by Target or Amazon sales, the convenience disappears. Plus, spillage and mess from oversized caps is a recurring complaint.
Some buyers are also questioning the effectiveness of store-brand formulas compared to major names like Tide or Persil. If the results aren’t top-tier, why buy in bulk? While the Kirkland version still has its fans, it’s losing ground to more user-friendly options. Smaller formats with better performance are winning out.
7. Coffee Pods
Costco’s coffee pods used to be a no-brainer, especially for Kirkland’s partnership with Green Mountain. But over the years, the variety has narrowed and prices have crept up. At the same time, online competitors like Amazon or Best Buy now offer flash sales or subscription deals that beat Costco’s per-pod pricing. That leaves members asking whether it’s really worth buying in bulk anymore.
Keurig users also say the Kirkland pods sometimes clog or don’t brew as smoothly. And for those who want more sustainable or gourmet options, Costco doesn’t have the same selection. When even Walmart is stepping up its coffee game, Costco starts to feel like it’s stuck in 2017. Variety and price are everything in this category—and Costco’s slipping on both.
8. Toothpaste
It’s easy to grab a bulk pack of Colgate or Crest during a Costco run, but lately the price difference isn’t what it used to be. Target, CVS, and even dollar stores regularly run sales that undercut Costco’s multi-pack cost. And with more people opting for natural or specialty formulas, Costco’s limited offerings feel outdated. Buying in bulk doesn’t help if you’re bored of the brand halfway through.
Some shoppers also say the packaging feels flimsier than in-store versions, particularly in warehouse packs. Whether that’s true or just perception, it’s enough to turn people off. Costco still wins for quantity, but not necessarily for satisfaction. For something you use daily, many prefer more choice and less commitment.
9. Snack Packs for Kids
Mini chip bags, fruit snacks, and juice boxes are staples in many Costco carts—but parents are starting to rethink the value. With kids’ tastes changing and prices rising, buying a 40-count box that goes half uneaten feels wasteful. Grocery stores now offer curated, smaller packs with better mix-and-match options. And for families with dietary preferences or allergies, Costco’s one-size-fits-all model can fall flat.
Parents in online forums say they’re opting for more customized snack shopping at Aldi or Trader Joe’s. It lets them keep things interesting without getting stuck with 10 unwanted granola bars. The appeal of bulk wanes quickly when you’re tossing things out. It’s another case where convenience isn’t outweighing waste.
10. Over-the-Counter Medications
Bulk packs of ibuprofen, allergy meds, and antacids seem like a smart buy—until you check expiration dates. Some members report tossing out half-used bottles because they expire before the family can use them. When unit prices aren’t far off from your local pharmacy, the savings disappear. And in some cases, online retailers are matching prices with better convenience.
There’s also concern about pill size and packaging quality, with some reviewers saying Kirkland’s generics feel harder to swallow or less effective. Whether or not that’s true, perception plays a big role. And if shoppers don’t feel like they’re getting pharmacy-grade meds, they’ll take their money elsewhere. That’s made even healthcare items a questionable buy.
11. Books and Cookware
Costco’s book section used to be a hidden gem—but now the titles feel random, and prices aren’t as special as they once were. Retailers like Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org often offer coupons, bundles, or exclusive editions that beat what’s at the warehouse. As for cookware, the bulk model means you’re stuck with sets instead of individual pieces you might actually use. That’s fine for a wedding registry—not so much for someone trying to fill a gap in the kitchen.
Several customers have posted online about returning unused pans or duplicate utensils. That’s never a good sign. In a world of customizable, curated shopping, Costco’s one-size-fits-all approach is starting to feel dated. People want quality and precision, not just quantity.
12. Milk
Milk is tricky—because while Costco’s price per gallon is still competitive, the quantity can work against you. For small families or singles, two gallons of milk may not be manageable before the expiration date. And if you’re buying organic or lactose-free varieties, other retailers offer better packaging and longer shelf life. That makes a smaller store run more practical.
Shoppers also say Costco milk doesn’t stay fresh as long once opened. Whether it’s due to how it’s stored or shipped, it’s caused more than a few tossed cartons. Add that to the space it takes up in the fridge, and the savings quickly evaporate. Milk just might not be a bulk winner anymore.
13. Seasonal Decor
Costco’s seasonal aisle is tempting, no doubt—giant snowmen, oversized wreaths, and elaborate Halloween kits draw a crowd every year. But many shoppers say the prices aren’t as jaw-dropping as they used to be. With competitors like HomeGoods and Target offering trendier designs and smaller sizes, Costco’s options feel oversized and overpriced. Unless you’re decorating a mansion, the scale can be overwhelming.
Returns are also trickier when it comes to decor, since items often sell out quickly or break in transit. That means you’re stuck with what you get. And if you wait too long to decide, you may miss the window entirely. A better deal might be waiting around the corner—just not at the warehouse.
14. Batteries
Costco’s battery packs are huge, but not always the best value. Recent Reddit threads have pointed out that name-brand batteries sold at Costco are often older stock or less effective versions made specifically for big-box stores. And for devices that require long-lasting power, like remotes or security cameras, quality really matters. Amazon, Best Buy, and even Walgreens now offer smaller packs at similar prices, with fresher inventory.
Shoppers also complain about waste—having so many batteries around that eventually lose charge. If you’re not burning through them quickly, the big box becomes a burden. Costco’s value lies in quantity, but when it comes to batteries, that can work against you. Freshness and longevity win over volume every time.
