You probably don’t need us to tell you that Costco is one of the most famous wholesale stores that this planet has to offer. In fact, you might be one of the 98.5 million Costco members who make their way to this store every single week to stock up on their awesome products. However, with so many other stores out there to choose from, how do you know that you’re REALLY getting a bargain? Well, you don’t - unless you consult this list first, detailing the best - and worst - bargains Costco has to offer.
Best: Gas
If you have invested in a Costco membership card yourself, there’s a high chance that you buy your gas from there. Why? Because it’s not only super cheap, but it’s also readily available across the United States and the whole of North America.
This absolutely means that you could, if you so wish, to venture off on an all-American road trip and not have to worry about running out of gas, or even paying too much at another gas station down the road. It's true that every cent counts, but you don’t have to pay more than you need to for gas at Costco.
Worst: Fresh fruit and vegetables
Let’s be totally honest here, now; you could head to Costco each week and stock up on enough essentials - and non-essentials - to keep you and your family going on for quite a good while, without having to head to another store. However, you might want to think twice about actually doing that.
While Costco really does have everything you need, and might want, in stock, it’s often been suggested that their fresh fruits and vegetables just aren’t quite up to par. Many people have noted that the fresh produce here is just a little too steep in price compared to other stores.
Best: Kirkland maple syrup
Costco is quite well known for its own home brand, the Kirkland brand, and anyone who is a fan of maple syrup could feel inclined to stock up on this product during their trip to the store. Well, you’ll certainly thank yourself for this amazing idea later, we can promise you that.
That’s because the Kirkland brand of maple syrup has been praised greatly by those who have tasted it in the past. One of the main reasons for this is because it’s incredibly tasty and delicious while also being a fraction of the price of what you would pay elsewhere - so a total bargain.
Worst: Tissues
Nobody knows when a sneezing fit is going to strike, which is why it’s always best to have some tissues on hand for when this happens. If you have kids who seem to constantly have runny noses, it could even seem like a good idea to buy a whole box of tissues in bulk so that you never run low.
Unfortunately, the reviews of Costco’s tissues aren’t that great, with many customers suggesting that the low quality just isn’t worth the hassle nor the money that you'd have to shill out for them. It might be smarter to look elsewhere for this specific product, after all.
Best: Rotisserie chicken
Everyone loves chicken, right? If you’re one of those people, then you’ll be happy to know that you can grab a delicious bargain when you make your way to Costco. The rotisserie chicken at Costco is legendary, with many customers taking time out of their day just to stock up on this chicken.
One of the reasons why people love the rotisserie chicken here is because you can see them roasting in the background, which means you know they are fresh. Alongside this, they’re also cheap. Pro tip - wait until you hear a bell ring in the store. That means a fresh batch is ready.
Best: Vitamins
Although it's very possible that you can get a healthy does of vitamins and minerals from your fruits and vegetables, there’s no doubt about the fact that it’s always a good idea to add some vitamins to your routine as well. After all, you can never have enough health in your life.
What you might not know about vitamins, though, is that they normally all come from the same supplier - no matter what store they are sold in, or what the packaging they come in says. While many specific health stores up their prices, the same product can be found in Costco for much less.
Best: Breakfast cereal
It’s often been said that the most important meal of the day is breakfast, which means that you need to fill your boots with something yummy before you head to school, work, or your weekly yoga class. And while making a large breakfast might be a bit too much for most people, there's an easy solution.
Cereal is most people’s breakfast go-to, and it seems as though Costco customers won’t be going anywhere else for their morning bowl. Thanks to its wholesale status, you can buy huge boxes of cereal for the whole family for the same price as a smaller box in another store.
Worst: Diapers
Diapers aren’t exactly the most glamorous things to add to your shopping cart, but they are certainly necessary - especially if you have a young child that isn’t potty trained just yet. If you do have young children, there’s a high chance that you go through a huge number of diapers every single week.
Because of this, many customers are attracted to the fact that you can buy diapers in bulk at Costco, which saves them a lot of time shopping elsewhere. However, some critics have noted that the quality just isn’t quite up to par - so maybe this is one product that is worth hassling to another store for.
Best: Peanut butter
Peanut butter had people debating for centuries now - do you prefer yours smooth or chunky? It actually doesn't really matter, because whichever way you choose to buy and eat your peanut butter, a trip to Costco should definitely be on the cards.
Kirkland peanut butter has been deemed as one of the most delicious peanut butters that customers have ever eaten, and the best bit is that you can buy these tubs in bulk. This means that you don’t have to worry about heading out to the shop again when you finish one tub, as there should be another one there ready and waiting.
Worst: Kirkland laundry detergent
Unless you like to wear smelly clothes on a regular basis, and don't mind stinking up every single place you go to, you’re going to need some laundry detergent in your life. This stuff can be expensive, which is why many people go out in search of the cheapest and the best products out there.
If you’re one of those people, your research probably won’t take you to Costco, which might be somewhat surprising to some people. But that’s only because their Kirkland laundry detergent has been slated by some customers, many of whom have noted that it has caused irritations to their skin.
Best: Olive oil
There’s a high chance that you have olive oil in your pantry right now because this oil is one of the most popular types out there. You may even go through a huge amount of this on a weekly basis, which is probably why you want to stock up every now and then.
Next time you head to Costco, it might be a good idea to buy as many as you can carry, as their olive oil comes in huge bottles, while also being pretty reasonable in price.
Worst: Hearing aids
Nowadays, advancements in technology make it easier than ever for people with impairments to live a normal life where these issues do not affect them in any way. This is certainly the case for people who are hard of hearing, as you can now buy hearing aids in many different stores.
It may actually surprise you to learn that you can buy these things from Costco, but that doesn’t mean that you should. It’s been reported that these aids are of low quality and that you can buy better elsewhere.
Worst: Salsa
Although it would be easy to believe that it is virtually impossible to get salsa wrong, it seems as though many Costco customers believe that they’ve managed to do it.
While they have noted that there is nothing wrong with the taste of the salsa, it’s been suggested that the large jars just aren’t practical - unless you have a large family that eats salsa every single night. Before you know it, the salsa is out of date before you can actually finish it.
Best: Cashews
Although cashew nuts are pretty tasty, you may know that they are also pretty expensive. In fact, all nuts seem to be extremely pricey - and they’re gone before you know it.
If you’re the kind of person who is fed up with paying so much for something so small, then you might want to take advantage of your nearest Costco. This wholesale store prides itself on offering cheap food in large quantities, and this is no different when it comes to cashews.
Worst: Shampoo and soap
Hands up if you think you spend way too much money on beauty and washing products every year? Well, you’re not alone. Buying things such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and body wash can set you back a huge amount of money.
Because of this, many people believe that they can head to Costco and buy these items for a cheaper price. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Grocery stores and other cosmetics stores often have deals on, which may work out cheaper.
Worst: Signateur grill
It seems as though Costco really does sell everything you could possibly need and more, but that doesn’t mean that you should buy it just because it’s there. This is certainly the case for the Signateur grill.
While customers could be bowled over by the low price of this particular grill, the reviews of it aren’t great. It’s been suggested that the quality isn’t as good as other options on the market and that the heat produced from this grill just isn’t enough for it to do the job properly.
Best: Tires
When you need new tires for your car, it could be easy to assume that you simply have to make your way to the nearest garage for them to replace them. After all, they specialize in these things, right? While this may be the case, did you know that Costco also sells tires?
More and more people are heading to this wholesale store for some new tires, as they offer some seriously competitive prices. As if that wasn’t enough, the Costco team will also fit them for you.
Worst: Spices
No meal is complete without spices and seasoning, which means that you should always have some handy in your pantry. Countless spices can be found on the shelves in Costco, and many people find themselves stocking up.
Yet, it seems as though some customers won’t be returning to add some Frank’s Red Hot Seasoning Blend to their Costco cart. Because this store sells huge jars of these spices, they often lose their flavor before you get the chance to finish them.
Best: Caskets
Although nobody likes thinking about mortality, this is something that will eventually affect us all in one way or another. If you have someone close to you pass away, the idea of planning their funeral can be extremely upsetting - but also pretty expensive.
What’s pretty strange about Costco, though, is that they sell caskets in their stores for extremely cheap prices. While this isn’t something you’d expect from the store, they seem to have great reviews, and customers feel comfortable buying these things from such a shop.
Best: Toilet paper
Unless you’re the kind of family that has embraced new, eco-friendly alternatives to toilet paper, there’s a high chance that you stock up on this stuff on a regular basis.
Everyone has their own requirements when it comes to toilet paper, with some preferring soft tissue, while others preferring scented. Although everyone is different, most customers would agree that the toilet paper at Costco is one of the best bargains on offer. The Kirkland brand offers a lot for a very small price.
Best: The hot dog deal
Costco’s food court sees countless visitors every single day, and some people even make their way to this wholesale store to grab a bite to eat from this food court. One of the most popular items on their menu is their hot dog deal - which has excited customers across North America for many years now.
That’s because you can buy a hot dog and a soda for just $1.50, which is cheaper than most sandwiches out there. The price hasn’t changed on this deal since 1984.
Worst: Toothpaste
One of the main reasons why people love Costco is because they can buy items in bulk for a relatively low price - especially when it’s something they use often. Because of this, many people choose to buy their toothpaste in bulk from this wholesale store.
However, some customers have found that this isn’t actually the cheapest way to do it. Normally, regular grocery stores hold regular sales and discounts on toothpaste, so you can often get it cheaper elsewhere.
Worst: Soda
It’s always nice to switch up your drinking game and drink some soda every now and then, and it’s fair to say that Costco has a wide range of soda options on offer. While you can easily stock up when you make your way to this wholesale store, you might want to hold off if you want a bargain.
That’s because you can often find special deals in grocery stores, which will allow you to stock up on Dr. Pepper or Pepsi for a much lower price - and everyone loves a bargain.
Worst: Giant teddy bear
You probably already know that Costco lives by the rules that the bigger, the better. Everything they sell is normally supersized or sold in bulk, and it seems as though that’s even the case when it comes to their teddy bears.
If you have shopped in this store before, you’ll know that this giant teddy bear can be found across the whole of Costco - and you really can’t miss them. However, most people just find it annoying, and would never actually buy something so large. Where would you even put one?
Best: Vanilla
Vanilla should be a staple in everyone’s home, whether you use it to make delicious cakes or scented candles. If you have ever bought this stuff before, though, you’ll know that vanilla extract can actually be pretty expensive - and you never really get a lot for your money.
Yet, you’ll be happy to know that Costco doesn't follow the crowd, and you can buy a huge pot of vanilla extract for an impressive price. This means that you always have it on hand should you need it.
Best: Batteries
In today’s day and age, many gadgets that we have in our house are powered by batteries. Unless you buy rechargeable batteries, you’re going to need to keep buying more and more of them as the years go by - and this can put you seriously out of pocket, right?
Not if you buy at Costco, it won’t. It’s been noted that the batteries in Costco are extremely competitive on price, which means that you can stock up on as many as you want without feeling hard done by.
Worst: Condiments
There’s nothing better than dipping your fries in some Ketchup or adding mayonnaise to your sandwich, which is why many people across the globe have a huge number of condiments to their name. If your family loves these different sauces, you probably buy them pretty often.
It could be an idea to buy them from Costco, but some customers wouldn’t recommend this. That’s because the condiments here come in large bottles that often don’t fit in the refrigerator and can’t be used up completely before they run out of date.
Best: Plastic wrap
Plastic wrap should be in everyone’s kitchen, as this stuff can be used in so many ways. You can wrap up your sandwiches for your lunch, you can cover leftover food, or you could cover your paintbrushes when you’re in the midst of a serious DIY mission.
If you do need to buy some more of this stuff, you might want to head to Costco. Not only can you get a huge packet of this stuff, but it won’t sell you out of house and home either. The price is extremely affordable.
Worst: Ground coffee
Let’s be honest; we need a cup of coffee in the morning before we can even think about getting up and getting ready for the day. However, finding the right coffee for you can be difficult.
If you’re the kind of person that likes to make their own coffee rather than head to the nearest coffee joint, then you might want to steer clear of the coffee at Costco. While it seems as though there’s nothing wrong with the taste, it’s been noted that the large bags just can’t be used in time before the grounds lose their flavor.
Worst: Books
There’s nothing better than nestling your nose into a good book, is there? These books can take you to far-off lands and allow you to escape your own reality, and there’s no doubt about the fact that you can buy books anywhere.
You can buy them online, you can buy them in a bookstore, and you can even buy them in Costco. However, most customers stay away from the books at Costco, as they can buy them online for a lower price.
Best: Frozen fruit
Frozen fruit is pretty great. That’s because fresh fruit goes off so quickly, but you don’t have to worry about that when the fruit is frozen. You can keep this stuff in the freezer for months on end without having to deal with any mold or a difference in taste.
Thankfully, the frozen fruit at Costco is often considered to be a huge bargain. You can buy these fruits in bulk without having to shell out too much money, and then you’re set for life.
Best: Milk
If you’re the kind of person who just can’t get enough of milk, then Costco may just be the wholesale store for you. Whether you love to drink it out of the carton, you have mega bowls of cereal, or if you love to make a milky coffee, the cartons of milk from Costco are absolutely huge.
This is great for those who want to buy a lot without spending too much money. However, these cartons could be a little too big if you don’t drink a lot of it.
Best: Oatmeal
Everyone has their own desires when it comes to making their breakfast, but it’s fair to say that oatmeal is one of the best breakfasts out there. It’s delicious, it’s filling, and it offers a slow release of energy which will keep you full until lunchtime.
If you and your family love nothing more than picking out the yummy toppings for your oatmeal each day, then why not stock up on the large boxes of oatmeal that Costco has to offer?
Best: Snacks
Snacks make the world go around, right? Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, chips, or candy, there’s no doubt about the fact that adding some snacks into your life can seriously put a smile on your face.
Of course, buying these things regularly can cost you some serious dough, so why not buy from Costco instead? You can buy the snacks of your choosing in bulk, which means that you can get a lot for your money. What could be better than that?
Best: Coffee cups
If you would rather let a machine make a coffee for you in the morning, then we really don’t blame you. This is quick and easy, and much less hassle. This does mean that you have to buy the coffee cups for these machines, though.
While it would be easy to assume that these will put you out of pocket, it’s been noted by valued customers that the coffee cups at Costco are extremely reasonable. In fact, they often stock up, so they never go without.
Best: Televisions
Although Costco sells a huge amount of food and everyday essentials, that doesn’t mean that they don’t have a few high-end items every now and then. You know, like that brand new television you were after.
While Costco doesn’t have the latest releases or the most high-tech TVs within the technology world, there’s no doubt about the fact that you could pick up the kind of TV that you’re after for a cheap price and with an extended warranty. Go on; you know you want to.
Worst: Most cooking oils
Although we’ve already seen that olive oil is a serious Costco bargain, it’s been noted that the same can’t be said about other cooking oils. While there’s a high chance that you use a lot of cooking oil on a regular basis, we’re gonna go ahead and assume that you don’t really need to buy this stuff in bulk.
However, as a wholesale store, Costco only really allows customers to buy more than they actually need. This can put some people off.
Best: Acai bowl
Shopping can make you pretty hungry, which is why many Costco customers make their way to the food court either before or after their shopping adventures. In the past, this wholesale store has been criticized for only offering unhealthy food, but they have recently changed this.
In fact, they have since become extremely popular for their delicious acai bowl. Considering acai bowls are normally pretty expensive, you’re getting a definite bargain if you buy from Costco - and everyone loves a bargain.
Worst: Refrigerated meals
Refrigerated meals are a great alternative to cooking from scratch, and they’re perfect when you want to eat something there and then. While it’s no secret that Costco has produced a lot of these refrigerated items in the past, many people would suggest buying them elsewhere instead.
Although Costco is normally much cheaper than other stores, that isn’t the case when it comes to these kinds of meals, and you could end up paying more than you bargained for.
Best: Bacon
Fans of Costco have fallen in love with their Kirkland brand, and it’s safe to say that there are so many items within this brand as a whole. One of the most popular of them all is their bacon.
Whether you love to add bacon into your recipes or whether you like to eat it on its own, you’ll be happy to know that the bacon in Costco is considered to not only be delicious and of high quality but also sold at extremely competitive prices.
Worst: Baking ingredients
If you’re the kind of person who loves to do their own baking, the idea of buying in bulk from a wholesale store like Costco could be pretty inviting. After all, it means that you always have ingredients on hand to whip up a storm in the kitchen.
However, it’s been suggested that the bags of flour and baking powder in Costco are just a little bit too big to the point where the ingredients can’t be used before they start going off.
Best: Coconut water
In recent years, people across the globe have become obsessed with coconut water, and there are a couple of major brands out there who are seeing a rise in their sales. However, very few people know that Costco actually has its own brand of Kirkland coconut water.
And the reviews are pretty incredible! Not only do people love the fact that they can buy this stuff in bulk, but they also find that the taste is much better than some of the other brands out there.
Worst: Tortilla chips
There are so many different types of tortilla chips in Costco, which is why we feel it’s important to note that we’re only talking about a very specific brand here. That’s because the Las Fortunas chips have been slated in the past - largely because the packet is just too big.
Unless you have a huge family, there’s little chance that you will actually be able to eat all of these chips before they start going stale. You know, unless you have a huge appetite and can eat that many.
Best: Medicine
Even if you don’t find yourself getting ill that often, it’s always a good idea to have staple medicines in your medicine cabinet. These are things like cold and flu medicine, pain killers, and cough drops to stop any minor illnesses from getting any worse.
If you’re run out of these things and need to stock up, then why not take a trip to Costco? You can not only buy in bulk, but you can also ensure that you’re not paying more than you need to.
Best: Glasses
If your eyesight has started to wane over the years, you may need to wear glasses. Because so many people wear glasses now, you don’t have to head to the opticians for them to prescribe them for you.
Instead, you can buy all kinds of glasses from various different stores - including Costco. In fact, many people have praised this store over the years for providing stylish and cheap glasses that anyone and everyone can wear. They’re definitely seen as a bargain.
Worst: Clothing
If you don’t like having to go from one store to another to get what you need, it’s always appealing to buy everything from one shop. You could certainly do this at Costco, as you can even buy clothes from this wholesale store.
While their own clothes aren’t half bad, it’s the labeled clothing that causes many people to raise their eyebrows. That’s because these labeled clothes are so cheap because they are defective in some way. This is something that some people don’t want to pay for.
Best: Almond butter
Like peanut butter, almond butter is extremely popular, and many people love spreading it on their toast, adding it to their smoothies, or including it within their recipes. However, if you’re a fan of nut butters, you’ll know that they can sometimes be pretty expensive.
This isn’t the case at Costco, though. The almond butter here is not only of great quality, but it’s also low in price. This means that you can eat as much of it as you like.
Worst: Sunscreen
Although it may seem like a good idea to buy your beauty products at this wholesale store, the reviews of these products aren’t great - so you might want to shop elsewhere.
This is especially true when it comes to sunscreen, as you can only buy it in bulk from Costco. This can cause all kinds of problems if you don’t use all of it before the expiration date. After all, you should never use sunscreen that’s out of date.
Best: Berries
Although we’ve seen that fresh fruit and vegetables don’t go down well with Costco customers, it seems as though there are some people who just can’t get enough of their berries.
The organic berries here are extremely popular, largely because you can buy a huge amount of them while also paying a relatively small price. You don’t have to buy these berries in bulk, though, which means that you don't have to worry about them going moldy.
Worst: Razors
While products can seem pretty cheap when you’re wandering through Costco, it can be easy to forget that there are other stores available that might have the same items for less.
Yes, the razors in this wholesale store can be appealing because of the price, but if you have been into any beauty store recently, you’ll know that there will always be razors on sale. Because of this, it may be cheaper to go somewhere else for your razors.