Costco is a magical land of oversized snacks, free samples, and deals you can’t resist. But not everything in that giant cart is a win — some items just don’t live up to the hype, health goals, or freezer space.
Here are 15 Costco foods you should skip, even if your inner bargain hunter is screaming otherwise.
15. Rotisserie Chicken (Sometimes)
Yes, it’s iconic and smells amazing, but it’s also pumped with sodium and additives to keep it juicy. Clean eaters and flavor purists might want to roast their own at home.
14. Giant Muffins
They look like bakery gold but are basically sugar bricks the size of a toddler’s head. One muffin is practically a cheat day on its own.
13. Kirkland Signature Bacon
It’s cheap and crispy, but often loaded with sodium, nitrates, and shrinkage disappointment. You get a lot… but it cooks down to surprisingly little.
12. Pre-Made Caesar Salad Kits
That creamy dressing is delicious, but it’s also packed with preservatives and more calories than you’d expect. Plus, the lettuce has a suspiciously long shelf life.
11. Chicken Bake (Food Court)
It’s warm, cheesy, and hits the spot — but it also hits over 700 calories and a full day’s worth of sodium. Tasty? Absolutely. Worth the bloat? Maybe not.
10. Frozen Fried Foods
Think chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, and taquitos in bulk. These are fun for a party, but not exactly your body’s best friend on a random Tuesday.
9. Jarred Alfredo Sauce
Creamy? Yes. Convenient? Sure. But it’s also packed with sodium, preservatives, and way more fat than your pasta needs.
8. Giant Boxes of Sugary Cereal
A great deal if you’re feeding a pack of sugar-loving wolves. But if you’re trying to avoid morning dessert disguised as breakfast, it’s a skip.
7. Canned Chicken
It’s handy in a pinch, but it’s also salty, mushy, and tastes vaguely like sadness. There are better protein options in the warehouse.
6. Kirkland Signature Trail Mix
Sounds healthy until you realize it’s 60% chocolate and salted nuts. Great for hiking… not so great for your desk drawer snacking habits.
5. Massive Bags of Chips
Unless you’re hosting a backyard party every weekend, these are a recipe for stale regrets. That family-size bag turns into a you-size temptation fast.
4. Pre-Made Mac and Cheese
It’s creamy comfort food, but it’s also a sodium bomb that weighs more than your dog. Homemade tastes better and won’t last in your fridge for three months.
3. Sheet Cake
Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it’s delicious. But unless you’re celebrating 30 birthdays at once, you’re left with a fridge full of frosting regret.
Read More: 10 Best Things to Buy at Costco
2. Monster-Sized Cheese Platters
They look fancy and make you feel like you’re hosting the Oscars, but half the cheese will be moldy before you finish it. Unless you’re throwing a party, skip the dairy overload.
Read More: 20 Items That Are Always Cheaper at Costco
1. Oversized Frozen Desserts
Costco’s frozen dessert aisle is pure temptation, but that giant cheesecake or 24-pack of churros will haunt your freezer for months. Fun in theory, freezer clutter in practice.
Read More: The 10 Foods and Drinks Most Likely to Dehydrate You