Costco may be celebrated for its appealing discounts and bulk savings, but surprisingly, not every product in the store is a steal. While some items do provide exceptional value, others may not be as economical for budget-minded buyers. In fact, several products are routinely skipped by frugal shoppers due to reasons such as limited shelf life, better prices available elsewhere, or inferior quality.
From bakery goods that spoil rapidly to electronics that aren’t as cost–effective as they appear, informed consumers recognize when to avoid certain purchases. In the Reddit discussion “What do you NOT buy from Costco?” in r/frugal, customers highlighted six products that are more cost–effective elsewhere. Continue reading for their advice and observations.
Costco Shoppers Say These 6 Foods And Items Are Cheaper At Other Stores
1. Rotisserie Chicken
Without question, Costco's hot rotisserie chicken is one of its most iconic offerings. Straight from the deli, expertly seasoned and cooked just right, it has earned its reputation for a reason. Nonetheless, not every customer shares this sentiment. Some have raised concerns about its quality and frequent lack of freshness, as mentioned in the specific Reddit discussion.
One user wrote: "I don't buy rotisserie chicken" as other users found their chicken to be tasting "chemically" and "soapy," and employees suggested that it might be the packaging. (Maybe there are better and fresher rotisserie chicken options elsewhere!)
2. Fresh Produce
A different Reddit user mentioned in the conversation that they refrain from purchasing fresh fruits at Costco. "It’s too much to finish for my family and can most of the time be cheaper at the local grocery stores around me," they wrote.
Another agreed and added that they avoid purchasing "frozen strawberries" at the wholesale retailer. They noted that they sometimes get them for "something like half as much at Aldi."
3. Baked Goods
Other Costco members in the chat noted that they refrain from buying baked goods in the iconic bakery section. "I go out of my way not to buy baked goods there," one noted. They explained: "I occasionally make exceptions (like pumpkin pie) but I just can't have 36 enormous delicious cookies around me. I can't have a 9 pound cheesecake."
Someone else replied: "I only buy bagels if I can immediately slice and freeze them. They’re great right out of the freezer! Otherwise they go moldy before we can eat them." An additional user noted that they choose to grab these goods elsewhere as the "portions" at Costco are "just too large."
4. Milk And Cream
Someone else wrote that they don't buy "milk and cream" at Costco. They shared that they "can't go through those sizes before it spoils." One other concurred, commenting: "The lactose free I like is not available. I also don't like buying milk in bulk."
Another chimed in, sharing that they never buy "cream cheese" at Costco. They wrote: "Kirkland cream cheese can go die in the fires of hell. Philly only, so I make trips to [Sam's Club] for the value pack."
5. Clothing
Although numerous customers have praised Costco's clothing options and their affordability, some people hold a different opinion, as evidenced by this discussion on Reddit.
One wrote that they don't buy "most clothes" at the retailer as "their women's stuff fits me weird and their men's doesn't come in small enough sizes." They added: "I will buy underwear and socks though."
Someone else noted: "Most of their women’s clothing fit me weird too" as an additional user commented, regarding leggings: "they’ve been sold out in my size for weeks now."
6. Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables have an extended shelf life, but there's another reason to steer clear of them at Costco: the cost! Although Costco is usually associated with great bargains and low prices, shoppers often find that this doesn't hold true for their frozen vegetable selection.
As one user wrote in the chat: "Recently did a price comparison on some of their frozen vegetables and found other places had lower prices." Someone else replied: "This is the case with a lot of their food items. Especially the meat and deli section. You have to look at the price per unit to see if it’s actually a good deal or not."
The Bottom Line
Costco is a fantastic place to find a lot of things—but unfortunately, that doesn't include these foods.
So next time you're at the warehouse, stick to those fan-favorite products you know and love, and maybe just go with a food court hot dog.
