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10 Costco Items That Look Great But Taste Terrible, Shoppers Say
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10 Costco Items That Look Great But Taste Terrible, Shoppers Say

Over the years, Costco has acquired a cult following, particularly when it comes to its popular grocery items. Members can complete their weekly grocery shopping at huge savings by shopping at their local warehouse, stocking up on pantry essentials, frozen foodand daily meal solutions. Many of Costco’s grocery items have a loyal fan base, so much so that customers fill their grocery carts through word of mouth alone.

However, certain products have generated a wave of customer complaints. Reviewers say these questionable items are all hype and flavorless, almost as if they were tricked into buying them. Marketing an item involves a lot. Of course, it must attract the buyer’s attention. However, for many Costco members, the appeal ends there. What they thought would be a great find for their kitchen turned out to be a sad disappointment.

Here’s a look at some of the items shoppers have recently been warning others about on social media.

Sushi

A view of several packages of Kirkland Signature sushi rolls, on display at a local Costco.A view of several packages of Kirkland Signature sushi rolls, on display at a local Costco.
Shutterstock

Raw fish sends shivers down the spine, especially when you don’t know how much time has passed since the fish was first harvested. Costco offers sushi to its customers, but many pointed out that their experience was far from favorable. A Editor shared, “I just got hooked on sushi for the first time.” They noted the quality was “lower quality than the supermarket” but gave it a few points for portion size. Another Editor offered an alternative solution: “Sushi is a no at Costco. But if your Costco sells tuna poke, I highly recommend it.

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Produce

Costco Fresh Produce SelectionCostco Fresh Produce Selection
Shutterstock

The products seem like a hit or miss item to many Costco shoppers. While some have no issues with products in their local warehouse, others have highlighted major concerns that leave them stranded. A Costco member shared on Reddit their view on potential savings is considered superfluous: “A lot of the produce goes bad before you can eat it all, which ruins the deal it seemed to be.” ” Another Editor ” intervened about the short shelf life, adding: “Secondly (on) the product. How do bananas go from green to bad?

Another Editor pointed out that their problem is not that the products go bad, but simply that the items are not designed to taste good to begin with. They share: “My problem with half produce is that mutant size fruits and vegetables are designed for size, not flavor. I could get away with it if they tasted half decent, but this doesn’t This is often not the case, so they are wasted.”

Cookies

Costco S'mores CookiesCostco S'mores Cookies
Costco/Facebook

It may seem impossible to waste a cookie, but many Costco members believe that’s exactly what the warehouse chain gets right. The consensus is that most cookies sold by Costco, especially those from the bakery, are overrated. A Editor wrote, “Any cookie that isn’t a regular sized chocolate chip” isn’t worth the hype, adding, “The s’mores ones were especially disappointing.” Another Costco shopper mentioned that the bakery as a whole is hit or miss, noting that the cookies “are very disappointing. They are larger but have a worse texture and taste than typical grocery store cookies.”

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Muffins

Pack of Costco Blueberry MuffinsPack of Costco Blueberry Muffins
Shutterstock

If you spend any time shopping at Costco, you’ll notice the larger-than-life muffins sold at the bakery. While some members swear by these muffins, others believe they are a major trap and should be avoided. The biggest complaint concerns shelf life, with Editor commenting: “We never finish them before they go moldy.” Another shared a heartbreaking experience with a Costco muffin, saying, “I just bit into one and only then did I see the fluff.”

Several Costco shoppers on Reddit suggested freezing the muffins to extend their shelf life. Freshness aside, some Costco members think the quality just isn’t there. Like a Editor shared, “Muffins aren’t that great in the first place.”

Burnt ends

Kirkland Signature Burnt ends at CostcoKirkland Signature Burnt ends at Costco
Instacart

Costco offers a line of prepared meals to make dinner prep simple. Many of these convenient meal options are ready in minutes, making them all the more appealing to purchase. However, customers have shared their experience of getting burned (pun intended) by the Kirkland Signature Burnt Ends. A Editor recounted an experience where he bought them for dinner, noting, “They were horrible and couldn’t finish.” Another pointed out that burnt ends “cost a fortune” and suggest they are not worth the price.

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Roast chicken

costco roast chickencostco roast chicken
Shutterstock

One of Costco’s many claims to fame is the inflation resistant roast chicken, stable at its price of $4.99. Many customers point out that its affordability always comes at a cost, and that comes down to a decline in quality over the years. Many don’t like the taste, like one Editor says, “So I’m not the only one who thinks their roast chicken tastes chemical!” Another intervenedadding: “It’s been a while since I bought a roast chicken until I bought it two days ago. I thought I was crazy because it had a weird chemical taste! I I feel validated now!”

Another Editor points out that chickens can be inconsistent, sharing, “I used to sear the larger ones, but these can have an inch of frozen fat the next morning. And my Costco has undercooked them in the past.” A Costco member discussed quality issues and wrote Reddit“They just taste too salty and the meat is often a little mushy at our two local Costcos. We still buy them occasionally to shred in a recipe, but all of our grocery stores have better-tasting chickens with a better texture.

Chicken Alfredo

Costco

Chicken Alfredo is a warm and hearty dinner idea, often included as a prepared meal option in Costco’s deli section. It sounds like a dream to grab a tray of prepared chicken Alfredo and have it ready for consumption in minutes, but several Costco shoppers warn to stay away. “I’m going to be destroyed for this I think. The chicken Alfredo in the deli isn’t that great,” one member shared on Reddit.

This particular shopper wasn’t the only one who shared his feelings. Another commented and agreed, “No, you’re right. It’s pretty damn dry, in my opinion, and the Alfredo is pretty bland.” Another Editor doubled down on the bland flavor and said the Alfredo was soupy overall.

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Pizza in the food court

costco pizzacostco pizza
Shutterstock

The Costco food court is as famous as the warehouse itself, with its $1.50 hot dog and soda combo providing an extremely affordable lunch option that members can enjoy before or after their purchases. The food court is also known for its pizza slices which, while inexpensive, leave a lot to be desired in terms of flavor.

A Costco member said saving a few dollars on a slice of pizza wasn’t worth the bad flavor, noting on Reddit“It’s good for the price, not the taste.” Another Costco member pointed out that low prices are a means for the warehouse chain: “The trap moments are hot dogs and pizza slices. That’s why they refuse to raise prices. Because it attracts customers to the stores .” With the rising cost of goods, some editors hypothesize that Costco keeps the consumer price low on food court pizza by reducing the quality over the years.

Chicken pot pie

Kirkland's signature chicken pot pieKirkland's signature chicken pot pie
Costco/Facebook

Costco sells oversized savory and sweet pies, some varieties of which are among the most anticipated grocery items all year. If you’ve ever spotted Costco’s chicken pot pie, you may have been tempted to add one to your cart to see what it’s all about. However, several Costco members warn that this hype is just a facade.

A member shared on Reddit“The chicken pot pie is way too salty. One bite and I feel like I’m already 400% over my recommended daily amount of salt.” Another buyer wrote that their biggest problem was the crust: “I actually returned it so I could tell them how horrible it was and how the crust was too sweet. Most likely the same crust as apple pie. ” A third Editor had fewer problems with the flavor and more with the proportion of ingredients, commenting: “Chicken pot pie: too big; the crust/topping ratio is bad. »

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Chicken nuggets

bag of lightly breaded chicken breast pieces, Kirkland signaturebag of lightly breaded chicken breast pieces, Kirkland signature
Costco

Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand sells almost every grocery item imaginable, from baked goods to frozen entrees. Kirkland chicken nuggets are often said to be similar in flavor and appearance to the popular Just Bare nuggets. However, other shoppers would say that the Just Bare brand is the one customers should stick with. After trying both, one shopper shared on Reddit their strong preference for Just Bare. Regarding Kirkland’s nuggets, they said, “They’re incredibly salty!” I can’t even eat them with sauce. »

The need for sauce was echoed by other editors, with a Costco member noting“These nuggets are sturdy at best. I agree that they need some sauce.” The sentiment seemed to suggest that if a product can’t stand on its own and needs a sauce to be flavorful, then it’s best to skip it altogether.