There Are Some Things I'll Just Never Buy at Costco. Here's Why

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Costco is a warehouse club known for its low prices. But not every item you find there is a great buy. If you're a new Costco member, consider which purchases are worth a swipe of your credit card before you load up your cart.

I did some research to discover which purchases Costco shoppers tend to avoid. Based on my findings, here are a few things I'd avoid buying at Costco.

1. Produce

Many members steer clear of Costco produce. Why? Because the fruit and vegetables are sold in bulk packaging. Unless you have a big family or live with many housemates, the produce you buy will likely go bad before you finish it all. Since only two people live in my house, I would also refrain from purchasing produce from Costco.

2. Baked goods

Baked goods are another item some members steer clear of due to the large portions. Strolling through the baked goods section of Costco can be tempting -- there are many delicious treats.

But if you buy muffins, cookies, or other goodies, you'll walk away with a large container. You may want to skip the baked goods at Costco unless you're planning an event or have guests in town. Otherwise, only buy them if you plan to freeze some of the extras.

3. Kirkland Signature toilet paper

Here's another buy I would avoid: Costco's Kirkland Signature brand toilet paper. Many members note that while they used to buy this toilet paper, the quality has gone down in recent years. You can buy other toilet paper from Costco, including rolls from your favorite name-brand companies.

4. Canned goods

To maximize your savings, you may want to avoid buying some of the canned goods sold at Costco. Some members avoid buying canned beans and vegetables at their local club. They note that they can save more money by purchasing these items at other retailers. You may want to check the prices at your local club and do the math to decide for yourself.

5. Condiments

Another item that you should skip is condiments. Again, these items are sold in bulk at Costco. Unless you have a household full of people or are planning a party, you may have to throw away some of the ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise you buy because it expires before you finish it. I learned this lesson the hard way myself and now avoid this purchase.

The retailer's generous return policy can help

You won't lose money if you buy something from Costco that you don't love. The retailer has a generous return policy. If you're unhappy with your purchase, you can return it for a refund. Most items can be returned at any time, but some items like electronics must be returned within a set period (usually 90 days). This policy can give you more confidence when trying new products sold at Costco.

Get more from your membership

A Costco membership can help you save money when stocking up on household goods. In addition to shopping for deals here, you should take advantage of the chance to earn rewards. You can maximize your savings by earning cash back rewards.

Our best strategy to save money at Costco is to use a credit card that earns rewards. You can earn valuable rewards when you swipe your card for your next Costco haul. Review our list of the best credit cards for Costco to find out more.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.