Costco is renowned for its bulk purchases and substantial savings, a haven for budget-conscious shoppers everywhere. However, not every bulk buy is a win for your wallet or your storage space. So I set out on a mission to survey a few dozen Costco shoppers and get their opinion on the worst buys. The results were awesome and definitely worth an article. Here are some items that you might want to think twice about before loading up your oversized shopping cart with.

1. Oversized Condiments

While it might be tempting to purchase that gallon of mayonnaise or a colossal bottle of ketchup, unless you’re hosting a community BBQ, these giant containers can prove impractical.

These products often have a limited shelf life once opened, leading to wastage if not used in a timely manner.

Stick to smaller containers that match your actual usage patterns.

“We bought a huge bottle of mustard, and now I’m convinced it’s multiplying in the fridge. We’ll be passing this down to our grandkids.” — Laura, 33

“We bought a giant bottle of ketchup, but by the time we got halfway through, it started having a vinegar taste to it. It’s just too much for us.” — Amanda, 29

2. Fresh Produce in Bulk

Buying fresh fruits and vegetables in bulk might seem like a cost-effective choice, but perishability is a significant factor.

Unless you’re running a restaurant or have a large family that consumes a lot of produce quickly, you’re likely to end up throwing away spoiled items before you can eat them.

Buy only what you can realistically consume within a few days. Consider freezing extras like berries or broccoli.

“I bought a massive bag of avocados, and half of them went bad before I could use them. It felt like such a waste.” — Emily, 34

“The spinach always looks great in the store, but we end up tossing half the bag because it wilts before we can finish it. It’s too much for just two people.” — Lisa, 36

See Also: Costco Employees Drop the Knowledge on the Best Time to Shop

3. Giant Packs of Baked Goods

Costco offers tempting deals on baked goods, selling them in massive quantities.

However, unless you have a plan to freeze them or you’re entertaining a large group, these items usually cannot be consumed before they go stale.

This one definitely rings true to me….I can’t count the number of stale Costco muffins and dinner rolls that I’ve fed our goat over the years. Yes, our goat loves Costco.

“The muffins are amazing, but unless you freeze them right away, you’re left with dry leftovers. My kids couldn’t eat them fast enough.” — Sandra, 42

PRO TIP: GOTTA FREEZE ‘EM

Buying the large packs of croissants, bread, muffins, or bagels at Costco is less than ideal for an average family UNLESS you can freeze them. I’ve found that they freeze quite well, especially the Ciabatta rolls.

4. Supersized Snacks

It’s easy to be lured by the giant bags of chips or snacks, thinking you’re getting a great deal.

However, not only does this encourage overeating, but it also poses a challenge in terms of storage and freshness.

Once opened, the snacks need to be consumed quickly, which isn’t always practical.

Choose smaller bags for freshness, or use airtight containers to preserve snacks after opening.

“My kids love chips, but the big Costco bags lose their crunch after a few days. It’s better to buy smaller packs.” — Trisha, 37

5. Specialty Appliances

While that high-tech juicer or the latest espresso machine might catch your eye during a Costco run, specialty appliances can be a risky purchase.

Often, these items are used infrequently and take up valuable counter space.

Unless you’re certain you’ll use them regularly, it’s better to avoid the temptation.

“Way back in the day, I bought a bread maker on sale, but it’s so big that it doesn’t fit in my kitchen cabinets. It’s now taking up space in my garage.” — Lisa, 42

“I thought the pasta maker would be fun to use, but after one try, I realized I don’t have the time or patience for it.” — Rachel, 29

6. Bulk Dairy Products

Unless you consume a large amount of dairy quickly, buying it in bulk might leads to waste due to its short shelf life.

Products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can spoil before they’re fully used, making smaller purchases more sensible.

“I love cheese, but the massive packs are way too much for my family of four. Half of it went moldy before we even got close to finishing.” — Kyle, 39

See Also: Costco Bakery Hacks You NEED In Your Life

7. Clothing in Multipacks

Costco sometimes sells clothing in multipacks, and while the per-item cost seems low, you might end up with more than you actually need or want.

This can lead to unused items cluttering your wardrobe.

“The price seemed great for a Puma jacket I recently bought, but the fit was off, and the material didn’t hold up well after washing.” — Mark, 50

PRO TIP: SOME STUFF IS MADE FOR COSTCO

Be aware that name brand clothing at Costco is made specifically for budget shoppers at Costco and is of lesser quality.

Brands where this is evident include Carhartt, J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Eddie Bauer.

8. Large Quantities of Cleaning Supplies

While buying cleaning supplies in bulk can be cost-effective, storage becomes an issue, especially for those living in smaller spaces.

Additionally, if you like to try new products or scents regularly, you might be stuck with a large quantity of a product you no longer prefer.

“The bulk packs are cheaper per bottle, but the hassle of storing and transferring them just isn’t worth it for me.” — Dan, 45

9. Excessive Quantities of Spices

Spices lose their potency over time, and while the giant containers might seem like a steal, unless you’re cooking in high volumes regularly, you’re likely to end up with stale spices.

Buy smaller quantities to keep your spices potent. Specialty stores might even be cheaper for small amounts.

“I bought a jumbo jar of paprika, and after a few months, it just didn’t taste the same. Now I stick to smaller containers.” — Maria, 45

10. Large Packs of Paper Goods

While stocking up on toilet paper and paper towels might seem practical, they require a lot of storage space.

If you live in a smaller home or apartment, storing a year’s supply of paper goods isn’t always feasible.

PRO TIP: MILDEW CAN BE AN ISSUE

From Tina in the comments, “Can vouch for the toilet paper. When purchased in bulk, can get mildew in a long wet spell. If you are purchasing emergency supplies, store it in an airtight container. You DO NOT want to know what a mold or fungus infection feels like on your most sensitive parts.”

11. Bulk Beauty Products

Buying beauty products like lotions, shampoos, or skin creams in bulk might backfire if your skin or hair doesn’t respond well to them.

Also, the efficacy of many beauty products can diminish over time, so having too much on hand can lead to waste.

“I bought a 2-pack of face moisturizer, but by the time I got to the second container, it started smelling weird. I didn’t realize these expire so quickly!” — Lauren, 35

See Also: The Costco Warranty: All The Products They Stand Behind

12. Oversized Pet Food Bags

While bulk pet food can offer significant savings, purchasing a massive bag can have downsides.

If your pet is picky, has special dietary needs, or if the food has a nearing expiration date, you might end up with a large amount of pet food that goes unused.

“Bought a huge bag of dog treats, but my dog lost interest after a while, and they went stale. Smaller packs are better.” — Angela, 31

13. Big-Ticket Items Without Prior Research

Costco often offers deals on electronics and appliances, but these items should always be purchased with careful consideration.

Make sure to compare prices and check reviews to ensure that the model offered is still relevant and competitive.

Often, these items may be older models being cleared out at a discount.

“I bought a laptop at Costco thinking it was a steal, but later found the same model online with better features for less. Lesson learned!” — Kevin, 37

“I grabbed a fancy blender during a sale, but it’s barely used because I already had a decent one at home. It wasn’t worth the splurge.” — Megan, 35

14. Seasonal Decor

Large packs of seasonal decor might catch your eye during the holiday season, but storage for the rest of the year can be a challenge.

Additionally, buying in bulk might lead you to have more decorations than you actually need, contributing to clutter.

My wife and I ran into this problem last year when I bought a large Christmas light pole…it’s REALLY cool but now I’m not sure where to store it because it’s SO tall.

I’m going to have to take it apart every January and store it in my attic which is gonna be a pain in the butt.

“I bought a massive pack of holiday ornaments, but half of them didn’t fit my tree or theme. Now I have boxes of unused decorations taking up space.” — Jennifer, 42

15. Books and DVDs

While the selection may be tempting, many people find that books and DVDs bought on impulse remain unwatched or unread.

With digital streaming and libraries offering easy access to these media, it might be more space and cost-efficient to rent or stream rather than buy in bulk.

“Picked up a set of Star Wars DVDs on sale, but realized later we could stream them on Disney+. They’re still unopened.” — Rachel, 38

16. Pre-Packaged Salad Mixes

While the convenience of pre-packaged salad mixes is undeniable, their shelf life can be surprisingly short.

Large bags can be impractical for small households and might lead to wastage if the salad wilts before it can be consumed entirely.

Unless you’re feeding a large group, I have no idea why you’d ever buy the salad mixes from Costco.

“I love salad, but the giant bags from Costco wilt so quickly. By the end of the week, they’re slimy and inedible.” — Jessica, 34

17. Frozen Meals and Entrees

Buying frozen meals in bulk can seem like a time-saver, but taste fatigue can set in quickly when you’re eating the same dish repeatedly.

Also, these meals can vary greatly in nutritional value, and frequent consumption of less healthy options might not align with your dietary goals.

“We bought a huge pack of frozen lasagnas, and after eating it twice, we were sick of it. Now we have several left that no one wants to eat.” — Amanda, 37

See Also: Read This BEFORE You Buy Meats from Costco and Save Money

18. Scented Candles in Bulk

Purchasing large quantities of the same scented candle might seem like a soothing idea initially.

However, scents can become overwhelming or simply less appealing over time.

Take it from me on this one, diversifying your “aromatic options” in smaller quantities is usually more satisfying.

“I bought a set of six candles, but I only really liked two of the scents. Now the rest are sitting in a closet unused.” — Lily, 34

19. Bulk Baking Ingredients

For those who don’t bake frequently, buying ingredients like flour, oils, sugar, or baking powder in bulk might lead to spoilage.

These ingredients have a limited shelf life and can attract pests if not stored properly.

“We’re not a huge cooking family, so that gallon of olive oil sat in my pantry for a year and started smelling off. Smaller bottles work better for us.” — John, 38

20. Fitness Gear and Equipment

While the low prices on fitness gear and equipment can be tempting, these are items that should be chosen based on specific fitness needs and preferences rather than impulse.

Overstocking on gear that doesn’t align with your actual workout habits can lead to clutter and unused equipment.

Personal experience on this one…I have an elliptical machine that I bought at Costco that’s currently holding a few hoodies.

“I bought a treadmill during a New Year’s resolution spree, but it became a glorified clothes rack within months. It wasn’t worth the money or the space.” — Michael, 42

21. Large Containers of Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are healthy snack options, but their shelf life can be shorter than you might expect.

Once opened, large containers of nuts and seeds can go rancid quickly if not stored properly, potentially leading to both food waste and a loss of money.

“I bought a huge bag of almonds, but after a couple of months, they had a weird, bitter taste. I learned my lesson the hard way.” — Rebecca, 33

22. Exotic Juices and Beverages

While exotic juices and beverage varieties in bulk might catch your eye with their health claims and unique flavors, their appeal can wane after a few servings.

This could leave you with more juice than you can—or want to—consume before it expires.

“We tried the mango juice pack, but after the first few bottles, no one in the family wanted any more. It was just too much of one flavor.” — Ryan, 40

“I bought a bulk pack of cold-pressed juices, but we couldn’t drink them fast enough before they went bad. It felt like a waste.” — Jessica, 35

23. Office Supplies

Buying office supplies like pens, notebooks, and binders in bulk can lead to overstock and underuse, especially in small home offices.

Before buying, assess whether the quantity aligns with your actual usage to avoid unnecessary accumulation.

“The sticky notes I bought in bulk didn’t stick well, and I ended up throwing most of them away. Not worth it.” — Linda, 45

“I thought buying a ton of file folders was smart, but now everything I do is digital. They’re just collecting dust.” — Mark, 38

Final Thoughts

Thanks to everyone who contributed their ideas for this article, it was much appreciated.

It’s important to assess your actual consumption needs and storage capabilities before giving in to the allure of seemingly great deals.

Remember, a bargain isn’t a bargain if it ends up unused or in the trash.

Ask the Reader: What’s the one big ticket item you bought at Costco that you regret purchasing?

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)