10 Foods You Shouldn’t Stock Up on at Costco

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As a popular warehouse club, Costco is known for offering bulk-sized products at competitive prices, making it a go-to for many shoppers. While you can score some fantastic deals, not everything in the store is a bargain, especially when it comes to certain foods. With such a wide selection available, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying in bulk, but doing so doesn’t always guarantee savings or quality. To help you make informed choices, here’s a list of 10 foods you should think twice about before adding to your Costco cart.

Milk

For the average household with limited fridge space, storing large amounts of milk can be quite a challenge. Given its short shelf life, milk often ends up going bad before you can finish it all. Instead, you might be better off purchasing smaller quantities from a farmer’s market or your local grocery store, where you can often find fresher, higher-quality options.

Shredded Cheese

Shredded cheese typically starts to spoil within a week or two, so unless you’re hosting a gathering and need it in large quantities, it’s probably best to skip this item. Chances are, it might go bad before you have the chance to use it all.

Eggs

Perishable foods like eggs have a short shelf life. Costco could be a good option if you frequently use eggs for baking and have enough storage space. Otherwise, it’s always best to buy eggs in smaller quantities.

Baked Goods

Costco offers great savings when you buy in bulk, but do you really need a dozen muffins or an oversized pumpkin pie? The large portions can be a bit excessive, making it tough to finish everything before it starts to spoil.

Fresh Produce

Unless you have a large family or plan to entertain friends, buying fresh produce in bulk is not the best option since the majority of produce items tend to lose their freshness within a week, and some can even spoil in just a few days.

Herbs and Spices

If you use certain spices regularly, you can find great deals at Costco. However, if you prefer a variety of fresher spices, opt for smaller packages that can be found in a local grocery store or a specialty spice shop.

Soda

Buying soda in bulk might seem like a cost-effective choice, but there’s a caveat. These carbonated beverages have a tendency to lose their fizz and flavor with time, potentially diminishing the satisfaction of your bulk investment.

Flour

Unless you do a ton of baking, getting a 50-pound bag of flour isn’t the most practical choice. Flour tends to absorb moisture and can go rancid.

Cooking Oil

Purchasing cooking oil in bulk may seem like a good idea, but it’s worth noting that it typically has a shelf life of just six months. Unless you’re frying food daily, you might find using up a gallon of vegetable or canola oil a bit challenging.

Condiments

Condiments like mustard or ketchup tend to remain fresh for approximately six months once opened, whereas products like mayonnaise and certain jams typically retain their freshness for just about a month or two after opening. It’s best to avoid buying these items in bulk.