18 Things You Should Never Buy at Costco

Even though Costco is known for its amazing prices and bulk items, sometimes it’s less cost-effective to buy certain products here.

While many of these are better for large families, some households can’t go through these items before they expire, costing even more money down the line.

Here are some items that may not help you save money at Costco if you pick them up on your next shopping run.

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1. Fresh Fruit

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When you buy fresh fruit, like grapes and apples, from Costco, you risk losing money.

These items will likely spoil quickly before you and your family can enjoy them. It’s best to save these bulk items for parties or even freeze them for frozen snacks throughout the year.

2. Eggs

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Chances are, you won’t be going through dozens of eggs before they can expire.

While this might seem like a good deal, hold off on these unless you have to make a ton of deviled eggs or cookies for an event. This pack of five dozen eggs will spoil within weeks.

3. Lotion

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Did you know that opened lotion should be tossed after six months?

Lotion past its best-by date won’t moisturize or keep your skin hydrated as well. That’s why this is another item not to buy in bulk.

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4. Milk

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Most households know that milk can spoil pretty fast.

This pack comes with three half-gallons, which is too much for many families. You can buy regular milk sizes from Costco without worrying it’ll go bad before you use it.

5. Soda

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Though you might want to stock up on soda for parties, these high-sugar drinks aren’t good for everyday use.

Most soda has over half the recommended daily sugar intake, and you might be tempted to drink a few cans when you’ve got this value pack.

If you’re going to grab drinks during your Costco trip, then consider their flavored seltzer waters or zero-sugar alternatives.

6. Candy

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This is another sugary option that you should save for Halloween and other holidays.

Bulk bags of candy are good for birthday party piñatas, but too much of these sweets can damage your teeth and body.

Costco has plenty of healthier desserts and even smaller candy bags for your events.

7. Bread

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Bread is another risky item to buy at Costco.

These loaves might go to waste, meaning you’re throwing money down the drain. Consider shopping around the bakery for fresh bread in smaller sizes.

8. Shampoo/Conditioner

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Even haircare items can lose their effectiveness.

Consider buying your shampoo and conditioner elsewhere so you don’t waste money. This might be an economical purchase, however, if multiple family members use the same bottle.

9. Coffee

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Ground coffee doesn’t last as long as whole-bean coffee, unfortunately.

Once opened, you should consume ground coffee within one to two weeks. However, given this bulk size, it might be hard for most households to do.

10. Seasoning

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Are you cleaning out your spices and seasonings regularly?

Even these ingredients have best-by dates, and buying in bulk risks them going bad. Consider variety packs of smaller sizes rather than the bigger containers when you shop at Costco.

11. Flour

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Even if you’re storing flour in an airtight container, it won’t last forever.

This is another ingredient that requires checking the expiration date. The bulk sizes might be better for professional bakers and cooks.

12. Cooking Oil

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Cooking oils don’t last forever, so you should consider how long you’ve had them.

Buying these in value sizes is only recommended for longer shelf-life varieties or high-volume cooking.

13. Fresh Vegetables

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Any produce from Costco can go bad before you finish it. You need to eat fresh vegetables like these avocados once they’re ripe.

Some of these veggies might be convenient for meal planning, but make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

14. Toothpaste

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Toothpaste becomes less effective after two years, which is harmful to your teeth.

You should also replace your tube of toothpaste if you or a family member has been sick. Buying this in bulk is fine for large families, so long as everyone has their own.

15. Sugar

Many pantry staples, like sugar, can wane in quality over time.

Be mindful of expiration dates and how you store these items in your kitchen. And too much sugar in your cooking can also be harmful.

16. Condiments

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Sure, bulk condiments are great for grilling out and throwing parties.

However, you are unlikely to go through a whole jar or bottle on your own. These items are best for larger events rather than everyday use.

17. Cereal

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Your cereal can go stale before you’re able to finish it.

Value sizes, like this Special K, won’t go as quickly as you might think. Consider buying Costco’s multi-packs of single-serve boxes so you get multiple flavors that’ll last longer.

18. Detergent

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Even detergent can lose effectiveness over time.

Opened bottles are best for six months, including liquid laundry and dishwasher detergent. These giant bottles can separate, leaving your clothes and fabrics not nearly as clean.

Bottom line

Since Costco has such a wide range of products, you can easily score some deals and save on everyday essentials .

Just make sure you consider which items will serve your family best to avoid wasting any money.

Most of these are great for holidays, parties, and other large gatherings when you want to save time and cash.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).