Budget-friendly prices on the hottest new sweet treats are among the top Costco membership perks . But not every store-brand dessert lives up to the hype.
While many fan favorites exist, some of the bakery’s best selections may not fit your family’s needs. Whether you don’t have five or more people to feed or dietary restrictions that make high-fat/high-sugar foods a no-go, these are the top Costco desserts to avoid.
Editor’s note : Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.
A three-pound pumpkin pie sounds like the top find of the fall. This massive dessert is ideal for a large family gathering, Thanksgiving dinner, or a family of four or more.
Not planning on sharing this Costco buy with several friends? You’ll likely have to throw away at least part of the pie.
Not only does this waste money, but it’s also bad for the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly 60 percent of retail and residential food waste ends up in landfills.
There’s no dispute about the taste of these enormous cupcakes. The flavor has a not-so-subtle sweetness many Costco shoppers savor. However, these mini cakes could pose a problem if calories are a concern.
As Redditor Ram130 put it, “Don’t get if you value your waistline and want to test your control.”
Swap out Costco’s mini cakes for a French Vanilla Creme Power Crunch energy bar. With 14 grams of protein and five grams of sugar per serving, it’s a more nutritious option.
3. Raspberry Morning Buns
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Price: $8.99
Are you hosting a brunch-time baby shower or other late-morning event? If not, this nine-pack of extra-large raspberry buns might get stale before you eat them. Like some of Costco’s other bulk buys, this freshly baked treat isn’t made to serve one or two.
And while the fabulously fluffy pastry has an undeniably enjoyable taste, it doesn’t freeze well. This means you would need to eat all nine of the buns ASAP.
Costco’s $9.99 mix-and-match deal for two packs of muffins is an almost unbeatable bargain. But some in-the-know shoppers question the taste of the latest double chocolate chip recipe.
Reddit user lavenderandlilacs10 noticed a change in the usual flavor and asked, “Does anybody know if they are using different chocolate in them now?”
Alive_University_234 responded, “It was the worst muffin from Costco ever. It looks like dark chocolate color but the taste isn’t chocolate at all.”
The bakery’s All-American Fudge Mini Cakes are a popular alternative if you're craving a decadent chocolate dessert.
5. 24-Count Double Nut Oatmeal and Chocolate Chunk Cookies
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Price: $9.99
A pack of 24 cookies is a steal for less than $10 if you enjoy the flavors. This mixed box includes half a dozen chocolate chunk-packed sweets and 12 double-nut oatmeal raisin cookies.
True chocolate connoisseurs may want nothing to do with the breakfast-like dried fruit treats. So, if you’re not a fan of oatmeal raisin, this mega-pack is a waste of money.
Skip the variety pack and stick with the 24-count chocolate chunk cookies instead. For $13.29, you can also splurge on Costco’s 60-cookie (30 packs of two) box of Pepperidge Farm’s Milanos.
6. Cinnamon Chip Bisconie Bites
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Price: $8.99
This newer Costco treat is an instant fave among seasoned shoppers. Redditors like FinnDool rave about the “tender, delectable cookies.” But if you’re on a low-sugar diet or have diabetes, skip these cookies.
Another Reddit user noted the high-calorie count. According to xoRomaCheena31, “Three cookies is 180 cals.”
These dessert-like blueberry muffins won’t stay fresh for weeks. And it could take that long for one person or a couple to finish this pick.
Even though six in a pack may seem like a small quantity compared to other Costco bulk buys, each oversized baked good is more than a single serving. If you can’t eat all six, you’ll waste money on the cost of these muffins.
8. Tuxedo Cake
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Price: $17.99
You won’t hear many complaints about the taste of Costco’s iconic tuxedo cake. While shoppers enjoy the indulgent layers of chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, white chocolate/vanilla mousse, and chocolate ganache, this beloved buy is almost too good.
Reddit user iforgothowtohuman wrote, “Warning! Do not buy the tuxedo cake!! Unless you’re prepared to eat the whole thing yourself in maybe two to three days. Because you will.” BasilVegetable3339 added, “I usually just eat it in the car before I get to the gas pumps.”
And, fedthegiraffe admitted to almost standing up their partner because “I was on my couch, eating this cake straight out of the package.”
9. Caramel Tres Leche Cake
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Price: $17.99
The sweet sponge and caramel mousse make the tres leche cake a popular pick. But don’t get too attached. This Costco dessert isn’t a store staple — meaning you may need to wait months or longer to get another slice.
Costco’s celebration cake is perfect for parties. And while the $15.99 price tag is less than what you could pay at a specialty bakery, other superstores may have better deals.
Walmart’s Freshness Guaranteed brand’s 26.8-ounce chocolate iced cake sells for $13.84. That’s over $2 less than this Costco dessert.
11. Orange Dreamsicle Cake
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Price: $22.99
Orange vanilla batter, graham crust, and creamy whipped topping make this cake a dream. Costco’s bakery take on the summertime treat is popular with shoppers.
While the taste isn’t an issue, the price is. At almost $23, the orange dreamsicle cake is one of the most expensive desserts at the members-only warehouse club.
12. Coffeecake Muffins
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Price: $9.99 for two
Muffin may not be the right name for this Costco dessert. Costco Redditor OCR10 notes, “These are just miniature cakes disguised as breakfast food. But they do taste good. Just consider them dessert and consume appropriately.”
From a mega-sized pie that could feed an entire family of five to iced cakes with sugary sweet frosting, you may want to cross some of Costco’s desserts off your shopping list. But don’t worry — the warehouse club has affordable alternatives that may meet your needs.
Before buying a treat you won’t eat, consider which sweet selection is the best match for each occasion, activity, or family member. This can help you save money on groceries and stick to your budget.
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).
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