Costco still offers great deals, but regular shoppers have started questioning the value of certain items. Rising prices, changing packaging, and better deals elsewhere have led many to skip products they once swore by. These ten items, according to longtime Costco customers, just don’t deliver the same bang for your buck anymore.
1. Rotisserie Chicken
Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken used to be unbeatable. It’s still cheap, but shoppers now say the quality has dropped. Complaints include smaller birds, soggier skin, and inconsistent seasoning. While the price remains the same, many argue the taste and texture no longer justify the hype.
2. Kirkland Signature Bacon
Bacon lovers once raved about Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand. Today, customers notice more fat and less meat in every pack. Some even say the flavor has changed. At nearly $20 for four pounds, many feel local grocery stores offer better quality for the price.
3. Bulk Produce
Buying produce in bulk sounds smart, but many shoppers regret it. Fruits like avocados, berries, and bananas spoil quickly, especially in large quantities. Families report tossing half before finishing them. For those who don’t eat a lot of fresh fruit, smaller grocery runs make more sense.
4. Sheet Cakes
Costco’s sheet cakes were once a birthday staple, but their appeal has faded. Shoppers say the recipe changed, resulting in drier texture and overly sweet frosting. Some also dislike the shift to more basic decorations. Local bakeries now offer more customized and better-tasting alternatives.
5. Name-Brand Cereal Packs
Those giant Kellogg’s or General Mills variety packs used to be smart buys. Now, customers find that many of the included flavors go uneaten. Smaller boxes at regular supermarkets often go on sale, making them cheaper per ounce. Plus, you don’t get stuck with cereal you don’t like.
6. Canned Beverages
Whether it’s soda, sparkling water, or iced tea, Costco’s drink packs no longer excite some buyers. Prices have crept up, and brand variety has shrunk. Many shoppers prefer deals at local grocery chains or even online subscriptions that offer more flexible quantities and flavors.
7. Paper Towels
Paper towels are still a necessity, but Costco’s value here has slipped. The quantity per roll has shrunk over time, even if the packaging looks the same. Savvy shoppers also note that grocery stores often run deep discounts on national brands, making bulk less appealing.
8. Coffee Pods
Keurig users used to rely on Costco for big boxes of pods. However, many say the Kirkland Signature versions taste weaker than they used to. Name-brand pods at Costco aren’t always a great deal either. Online retailers often run better promotions, especially for bulk buys.
Read More: 6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken
9. Prepared Meals
From chicken alfredo to taco kits, Costco’s prepared meals once saved time and money. Lately, prices have gone up, and customers question the taste. Portion sizes haven’t grown, but ingredients sometimes change without warning. Some find restaurant takeout to be a better value.
10. Vitamins and Supplements
Bulk vitamins seem economical at first. But many expire before you can finish them, especially in multi-member packs. Others worry about ingredient quality. With so many competitive supplement brands available online or at health stores, Costco’s selections now feel underwhelming for the price.
Read More: Think Twice Before Buying These 12 Costco Canned Foods
Final Thoughts
Costco still delivers great savings on many essentials, but shoppers should stay alert. Some items that once offered unbeatable value no longer make financial sense. Rising prices, shrinking portions, and changing product quality all contribute to shifting opinions. A smart Costco trip today means comparing prices, checking packaging, and skipping products that no longer live up to the hype.
Disclaimer: This article was created with AI assistance and edited by a human for accuracy and clarity.
