Costco is a treasure trove of bulk deals and savings, but bigger isn’t always better. While there are many great products to stock up on, some items just don’t work well when bought in bulk. From food items that spoil too quickly to household products that you won’t finish before they expire, certain things are better left on the shelf. Let’s explore seven items you should skip the next time you’re at Costco.
1. Oversized Condiments
Those massive bottles of ketchup, mustard, and mayo may look like a great bargain, but unless you’re hosting a lot of BBQs or have a big family, they’re likely to go bad before you use them up. Condiments don’t last as long once they’re opened, and many have a short shelf life, losing flavor and texture over time.
A smaller bottle from your local grocery store is often the better choice. Not only will it fit more easily in your fridge, but you’ll also waste less. After all, nobody wants a bottle of mayo taking up space and turning sour. The jumbo sizes may seem like a good deal, but they’re not worth it if you end up throwing half of it away.
2. Bulk Produce That Spoils
Buying fruits and vegetables in bulk at Costco can be risky. Unless you have a plan to use everything quickly, large packs of produce can easily end up rotting before you can eat them. Items like lettuce, berries, and avocados are especially prone to spoiling fast, so it’s best to buy smaller quantities at your local grocery store.
If you do choose to buy produce in bulk, opt for items that have a longer shelf life, like potatoes, onions, or apples. You can also freeze fruits like bananas and berries to use in smoothies later. But for most perishable produce, stick to what you know you’ll use in the short term.
3. Giant Spice Jars
Spices may seem like a good thing to buy in bulk, but there’s a catch. Over time, ground spices lose their potency, so those large jars will likely go stale before you use them up. Unless you’re cooking daily and going through spices fast, it’s better to stick with smaller containers.
Buying smaller spice jars helps ensure you’re using fresh, flavorful ingredients in your cooking. Plus, you can experiment with different spice blends without committing to huge amounts of any one flavor. Keep your spices fresh by storing them in a cool, dark place away from heat and light.
4. Huge Jugs of Cooking Oil
Big jugs of cooking oil may seem like a kitchen essential, but they can go rancid before you’ve had a chance to use them all. Cooking oils, especially ones like olive and vegetable oil, begin to oxidize once they’re opened, and over time, they lose their flavor and can even become harmful.
Stick with smaller bottles and store them in a cool, dark place to extend their shelf life. If you cook frequently with oils that have a shorter shelf life, like walnut or sesame oil, buy the smallest size available to ensure freshness. Bulk oils might save you a few bucks, but the risk of them going bad isn’t worth it.
5. Skincare and Beauty Products
Buying large bottles of skincare or beauty products may seem like a good deal, but these items often expire before you can finish them. Most skincare products are labeled with a shelf life, and once opened, they start to degrade, losing their effectiveness and possibly causing skin irritation.
Smaller-sized products are a better choice since you can use them up while they’re still fresh. Also, consider that your skin’s needs may change with the seasons, so it’s wise to avoid bulk buying something that may not work for you all year long. Stick to regular-sized products, and don’t be swayed by Costco’s bulk beauty buys.
6. Diapers: Too Many, Too Soon
While diapers are a necessity for many parents, buying too many in bulk at Costco can backfire. Babies grow out of diaper sizes quickly, and you could end up with boxes of too-small diapers that your little one can no longer use. You’re better off buying diapers in smaller quantities and adjusting sizes as your baby grows.
If you want to save money on diapers, services like Amazon’s Subscribe & Save offer competitive prices with more flexibility to adjust sizes when needed. And if you do stock up at Costco, try not to overestimate how long your baby will stay in each size. Diaper waste is not only frustrating but costly.
7. Over-The-Counter Medications in Bulk
Bulk bottles of pain relievers and allergy meds might seem like a practical purchase, but most medications have a shelf life, and they lose potency over time. Buying too many at once means they might expire before you can use them all, especially if you only take them occasionally.
Stick to smaller quantities, and only buy what you’ll use within a reasonable time frame. Expired medications may not be as effective, and they can even cause unwanted side effects. Also, keeping medications in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture will help them last longer. Buying bulk meds may seem like a good idea, but fresher products better serve your health.
Be Mindful of Expiration Dates
Another key consideration when buying in bulk is checking expiration dates. Many non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, and rice may seem like they can last forever, but they still have a shelf life. When you buy in bulk, it’s easy to forget about items tucked away in the pantry, leading to expired products that have to be thrown out.
Before making any bulk purchases, check the expiration date and ask yourself if your household can realistically use the item before it goes bad. Keeping a pantry inventory and organizing items by expiration date can also help you use products in a timely manner and avoid unnecessary waste.
Don’t Be Fooled by Bulk Deals
While Costco offers amazing savings on many products, not everything is worth buying in bulk. Items like condiments, fresh produce, spices, and beauty products may not last long enough to justify the larger size, leading to waste. Next time you head to Costco, keep these tips in mind and be strategic about what you buy. Stick to bulk items that you know your household will use quickly, and pass on those that are more likely to spoil or expire before you can enjoy them. Happy shopping!
Changing the Way You Shop at Costco
What are your thoughts on this? Have you ever bought something in bulk that went to waste? Do you find that buying in bulk saves you money, or do you end up with items you don’t use?