Even die-hard Costco fans will admit that not every giant-sized deal is actually a deal. Between food that spoils before anyone can finish it and house-brand staples that do not live up to the hype, some products quietly disappoint. Here are seven specific Costco buys that loyal shoppers increasingly say just are not worth putting in the oversized cart.
1) Kirkland Signature Bagels
Kirkland Signature Bagels look like a slam dunk, especially when shoppers can mix and match flavors from the bakery racks. Yet frequent customers warn that unless a household is large or hosting guests, these bagels often go stale or rubbery long before the last one is eaten. Reporting on Kirkland Signature Bagels notes that the per-unit price is not dramatically better than grocery-store options, which undercuts the whole bulk-value pitch.
Texture is another sticking point. Shoppers say that after a day or two, the bagels lose their chew and become dense, even when stored carefully. For smaller families, that means tossing several bagels per sleeve, effectively paying more for what they actually eat. The Costco bakery has plenty of fans, but this is one case where buying a half-dozen from a neighborhood shop can be cheaper, fresher, and far less wasteful.
2) The Costco bakery’s bulk pastries
The Costco bakery is famous for towering cakes and clamshells packed with muffins, danishes, and croissants. Still, regulars caution that these bulk pastries are a classic example of too much of a good thing. Coverage of The Costco bakery points out that unless a shopper has a big household or a party on the calendar, the pastries tend to dry out or get soggy before anyone can finish the container.
There is also the quality trade-off that comes with mass production. Shoppers describe a “slight change in texture” after just a day, especially with muffins and danishes that go from tender to heavy. Freezing can help, but that adds extra steps and still does not guarantee the same flavor as a fresh-baked treat from a smaller batch bakery. For people trying to cut food waste or sugar, buying one or two pastries at a local café often makes more sense than committing to a dozen.
3) The Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast in the Meat Department
The Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast in the Meat Department is one of those staples shoppers expect to be a safe bet, but many say it is anything but. In a roundup of Costco Items that disappointed, customers complain that these chicken breasts cook up oddly watery, with a stringy texture that makes even simple weeknight dinners feel like a gamble.
Price is another sore spot. Shoppers comparing per-pound costs say that the chicken breast is not always cheaper than supermarket sales, especially when factoring in the amount of liquid that cooks off. Some report needing to trim away thick white bands of connective tissue, which further reduces the usable meat. For families that rely on chicken as a protein workhorse, that inconsistency can derail meal prep and push them toward smaller packages from traditional grocers or local butchers instead.
4) Kirkland Signature Protein Bars
Kirkland Signature Protein Bars are marketed as a budget-friendly alternative to big-name bars, but loyal members increasingly question whether the savings are worth it. Reporting on Kirkland Signature Protein notes that shoppers complain about a chalky texture and artificial aftertaste, with some saying they struggle to finish a full bar despite the impressive protein count on the label.
There are also concerns about how these bars fit into everyday routines. Individually, they are cheaper than many competitors, but if they sit untouched in a pantry because no one likes the flavor, the entire box becomes wasted money. For gym-goers and busy parents who need grab-and-go snacks, taste and texture matter as much as macros. That is why many Costco regulars now recommend paying a bit more for branded bars they actually enjoy, or skipping bars entirely in favor of yogurt, nuts, or other whole-food options.
5) Kirkland Multipack Chicken Breasts
Kirkland Multipack Chicken Breasts, the raw chicken breasts sold in individually wrapped pouches, are another protein that has fallen out of favor with some members. Coverage of Kirkland Multipack Chicken highlights shoppers who say the meat can have an off-putting smell right out of the package and cooks up with an unappealing, rubbery bite, even when handled carefully and cooked to temperature.
Those complaints matter because chicken is a cornerstone of many budget-conscious meal plans. When a product that is supposed to simplify batch cooking instead raises food-safety worries or ruins a recipe, shoppers quickly look elsewhere. Some members now prefer to buy smaller trays of fresh chicken or even frozen options that have more consistent reviews. The broader trend shows that Costco loyalty has limits when quality feels compromised, even on convenient multipacks.
6) Bulk fresh produce
Bulk fresh produce at Costco looks like a money saver, but regulars warn that it often backfires. Analysis of Fresh fruits and vegetables in warehouse quantities notes that items like berries, salad greens, and delicate herbs spoil quickly, especially for households of one or two. Even families of four can struggle to finish giant clamshells before mold or slime sets in.
The financial hit is obvious, but there is also the environmental cost of tossing pounds of uneaten food. Some shoppers try to freeze extras, yet not every fruit or vegetable holds up well after thawing. Others have shifted to buying only sturdy produce, like apples or carrots, at Costco while picking up smaller amounts of fragile items at neighborhood markets. That split strategy reflects a growing awareness that bigger is not always better when it comes to perishables.
7) Costco’s own frozen berries
Costco’s own frozen berries are another product that sounds like a smart buy but leaves some loyalists unimpressed. Reporting on Costco’s frozen berries notes that shoppers find the quality inconsistent, with bags that contain mushy pieces, excess ice crystals, or berries that lack flavor once blended into smoothies or baked into desserts.
Since frozen fruit is supposed to be a convenient, long-lasting staple, that inconsistency undermines its value. If a home cook has to pick through a bag to salvage usable berries, any savings over a regular grocery store quickly disappear. Some members now reserve their freezer space for brands they trust or for fruit they freeze themselves at peak season. It is a reminder that even at Costco, where bulk buying is the whole model, shoppers still expect every item to earn its spot in the cart.
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