Costco Has Discontinued These Items, Including Some Customer Favorites!
There's no denying that Costco is essentially the Promised Land when it comes to shopping, especially in bulk. You could probably live your entire life comfortably within the confines of its walls and never go hungry, thirsty, or even bored. If you need something, you can most likely find it at Costco. Unfortunately, in recent years, some items that were once available at Costco have been discontinued. See what they are and why they're no longer offered.
Polish Dogs
Although Costco's Polish dogs were included on the food court menu as a healthy alternative to their classic hot dogs, they were taken off of the menu back in 2018. Unsurprisingly, customers were up-in-arms about the decision to remove the item, with the hashtag #SaveThePolishDog hitting the Twitter feed.
Most likely, this is because the Polish dog was only appealing to select customers. But have no fear, the hot dog isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
All-American Chocolate Cake
For chocolate cake lovers, Costco's American Chocolate Cake was the cream of the crop in terms of a satisfying dessert. The cake was four layers of chocolatey goodness and topped with chocolate shavings, making it unique to Costco.
Yet, it disappeared in 2019 without even a decent explanation as to why. People were so upset by this that a petition was created on Change.org that acquired more than 3,000 signatures! Now that's some dedication to a cake!
Hand-Dripped Ice Cream Bars
For many ice cream fans, a hand-dipped ice cream bar was a must-have either before or after going into Costco. These bars of deliciousness were just $1.50 at the food court, consisting of a vanilla ice cream bar that was then dipped in chocolate and drizzled with almonds.
Then, in 2013, they were no longer available, which could have resulted from the rising almond and dairy prices. Although the freezer selection offers a similar thing, it's just not the same.
BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich
While this particular food court item may have only been available at select locations, BBQ lovers were in dismay when the brisket sandwich was discontinued to make room for healthier options.
Being priced at $4.99, it was one of the more expensive items on the menu and therefore wasn't as popular. However, since its removal in 2018, in recent years, at some locations, the sandwich has returned as a seasonal item.
No Seafood From Unsustainable Sources
Costco further proved its commitment to providing the best quality products from the best sources when the superstore chain announced it would eliminate any seafood from their stores that wasn't sourced from sustainable fisheries or farmed aquaculture.
In an effort to protect our ecosystem, Costco also does not sell wild fish species that have been identified as at-risk for population depletion.
Chocolate Flavored Frozen Yogurt
Although you can still get classic vanilla and some other flavors, chocolate didn't cut it when re-doing the food court menu. The change was announced in 2018 at a San Luis Obispo location.
Unsurprisingly, another petition was set in motion but only received 300 signatures. Clearly, the chocolate frozen yogurt won't be as missed as Costco's other discontinued items. Hang in there, chocolate lovers!
Kirkland Turkey Burgers
If you weren't already aware, Kirkland makes just about any product that you might need to live a normal life, this includes frozen turkey burgers. At just 200 calories a patty, these turkey burgers were a favorite among customers that were being particularly health-conscious.
Yet, in 2018, they were taken off the shelves to the disappointment of many of their loyal buyers. Instead, Columbus burgers have been added as a replacement, although they appear to have good reviews.
Kirkland American Cheese
For some reason, American cheese is becoming less and less popular as the Millennial generation is getting older. So, this might be the reason why Kirkland's Signature American cheese is no longer available in the world of Costco.
While Kraft Singles don't seem to be going anywhere, this cheese just wasn't selling to the point that it was worth stocking on the shelves anymore. Furthermore, the slices weren't individually wrapped, which some people found inconvenient.
Roundup
At one point, if you had a weed problem at your house, Costco had the answer in the form of the weed-killing product Roundup. However, Costco was quick to remove the product after a Change.org petition garnered 85,000 signatures following billion-dollar lawsuits against the company that claimed the herbicide caused cancer.
Although Monsanto, who owns Roundup, claims that it's safe to use, the World Health Organization classifies one of its ingredients, glyphosate, as "probably carcinogenic to humans."
Fresh Made Gelato
Only available at some Costco locations, some stores offered a nice treat of gelato in flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, mixed berry, and even pistachio. In addition, it was only $1.50 for three scoops on a cone and almost $5 for a quart to take home.
However, after the item disappeared off the menu, it was announced that the gelato was just an experimental item. It was considered a failure and therefore didn't move to other locations.
Kirkland 5-Pocket Jeans
The Kirkland 5-Pocket jeans were a staple to many Costco shoppers. So, when they were discontinued for some time in 2016, some people were very displeased. Although they reintroduced the pants shortly after, some altercations were made that customers found to be unsatisfying.
One user on Reddit even claimed that the new jeans were sub-par compared to the old ones since they had a new fit and thinner material. While Kirkland jeans are still sold, true fans hold the originals close to heart.
Kirkland Golf Balls
Golfers were thrilled when Costco released their Kirkland golf balls in 2016, although the golf company Titleist had some issues. Apparently, the balls violated several Titleist patents, resulting in a lawsuit.
Furthermore, in 2018, the original product was pulled out and replaced by Kirkland Performance One golf balls, which customers complained weren't nearly as durable, leading Costco to refund the product. Unsurprisingly, this product was then pulled, although Kirkland Signature Three-Piece Urethane Cover Golf Ball Performance Plus is available.
Chaokoh Coconut Milk
Costco, along with several other retailers, ended up pulling Chaokoh coconut milk from their shelves after PETA revealed that the company was using monkey labor to harvest their coconuts.
Although the company denied the allegations, the accusation was enough for businesses to not want anything to do with the product. In 2020, Costco announced they were doing their own investigation of the matter, although the product has been removed since.
Caged Chicken Eggs
In 2020, Costco announced that they would no longer be selling caged chicken eggs in the name of animal welfare, although it would take several years to rid the stores of them entirely.
Impressively, by the end of the 2020 fiscal year, Costco showed that 93.2% of their eggs in the United States stores were cage-free and had achieved 100% in countries such as France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. If you want to make sure your eggs are cage-free, all you have to do is check the carton.
Costco Cookbooks
For years during the holiday season, Costco would offer their own cookbook, although the tradition came to a halt in 2015. Known as The Costco Way cookbooks, they were replaced by recipes from the supplies in the "Farm to Table" portion of the Costco Connection e-zines.
Unfortunately, these proved to not be as helpful to some Costco customers who wanted their old cookbooks back. Incredibly, if you do some digging, you can still get your hands on the good stuff.
Kirkland Frozen Four-Cheese Ravioli
People love frozen ravioli because it's quick, easy, and usually pretty hard to mess up. So, when Costco began offering Kirkland's frozen four-cheese ravioli, people went crazy for it. One food blogger went so far as to write it tasted "just as good as the cheese ravioli in Italian restaurants."
Yet, for some unknown reason, the ravioli was discontinued, with people patiently waiting for it to come back someday. Unfortunately, that doesn't look like it's going to happen.
"Cuddle Me" Dolls
Probably for the better, in 2009, Costco stopped carrying their Cuddle Me Dolls after some customers found them to be offensive. It might seem strange that Costco has their own children's toys, but really, the store has absolutely everything that you can think of.
If you haven't seen it yet, it's just because you haven't looked hard enough. However, no matter how hard you look, you won't find these Cuddle Me Dolls anywhere. They're off the shelves for good.
Kirkland Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
When they were available, Costco customers swore by the Kirkland signature peanut butter cups, with some even claiming that they were better than Reese's brand.
One customer commented, Kirkland brand nails it. The peanut butter is super creamy. There is just the right amount of chocolate. This decadent marriage of chocolatey, salty creaminess is almost too good to be real. DO NOT have these in the house if you are on a diet." Yet, for some reason, they were taken away, leaving customers craving for more.
Kirkland Light
Once a grace from God for college students, Costco once offered a 48-pack of Kirkland Light for just $22! Yet, they were taken off the shelves in 2008. However, despite the incredibly low price of just 50 cents a can, the overall beverage was pretty despicable.
Although the cans ended up in many Costco shopping carts over the years, maybe as a spontaneous purchase thinking it's a good buy, nearly all have come to regret that decision.
Raspberry Crumble Cookies Are Finally Back, But Might Disappear Again Soon
Costco shoppers were upset when they no longer found Raspberry Crumble Cookies on the shelves at the bakery! In fall 2020, Costco stopped making the beloved Raspberry Crumble cookies, what some described as "grown-up Poptarts".
Some thought they would be gone forever, but thankfully, Costco brought them back. In Spring 2021 shoppers once again found the cookies at the Costco bakery. Get them while you can because they might disappear again in the fall!
Palmetto Cheese Spread
While there may not have been anything necessarily wrong with the product itself, Costco discontinued the item after the brand owner, Brian Henry, attacked a protest group on Facebook.
Although Costco has not commented on removing the spread, Henry told The Post and Courier, Costco rotates items in and out during the course of the year. They will occasionally add and drop products as a matter of normal business ... We remain optimistic that Palmetto Cheese will be back on the shelves in the not too distant future."
Oil Only Lasts A Few Months
Even if you're someone who uses oil every day for cooking or making dressings, it’s unlikely you’ll go through the vats they sell at Costco before it goes bad. According to the USDA’s Foodkeeper application, any oil should be used within three to six months after it is opened.
And, unfortunately, it doesn't matter which type of oil. Canola, vegetable, peanut, and even sesame all start to go bad around the same time. Settling for a smaller bottle is always a good option.
Spices Go Stale
Contrary to popular belief, spices, in fact, do go stale. Considering the whole point of spice is to make a dish more flavorful, it'd be sad to have to get rid of bags full of cumin or paprika just because it was bought in bulk.
Ground spices will start to lose their potency within six months! It may seem like a long time, but only a pinch of spice is used here and there. Most likely, you won’t be able to enjoy all of it.
Flour Absorbs Moisture
Flour of all different varieties have one thing in common: they attract water. So, the longer you have a bag sitting in the pantry, the more time it has to soak up moisture and go bad.
Even though flour is great for baking and thickening soups, if you're not using it every day, it’s not worth buying in bulk. Although, you can extend the six-months to one-year lifespan of flour if you store it in the fridge.
Coffee Should Be Brewed Within Two Weeks Of The Beans Being Roasted
Buying coffee in bulk is a great way to lose the aroma and flavor of the wonderful drink. Any coffee enthusiast will tell you, the best cup of joe is brewed within two weeks of the beans being roasted.
That means go for bags that you're able to get through within a week or two. Don’t be coerced into buying tubs of ground beans at Costco because of the price. All that will happen is the fragrance will be sucked into the air.
A 30 Count Of Eggs Isn't Worth It
Unless you're baking a lot or a huge egg advocate, there’s probably little to no reason for you to purchase the 20 to 30 count flat of eggs sold at Costco. If purchasing a flat for a large household, it would probably be a sound purchase.
But a home with two or so people would probably be throwing eggs away after the three to five-week expiration. So, if you made the 30 egg commitment, we’re going to assume you eat at least one with each meal.
Fresh Cookies And Other Baked Goods
Sure, that $18 tray of freshly baked cookies always tends to look very yummy, but ask yourself a few questions. Are you and your family really going to go through a huge Costco-sized tray of baked goods before they go stale?
If you're in the mood for something sweet, you’re better off grabbing something at a local bakery. Your wallet, and sweet tooth, will thank you for not throwing away stale treats.
Baking Powder & Yeast
Much like flour, baking powder also attracts moisture. So, it's probably for the best to take the product off your Costco shopping list. When stored properly in a cool, dark place, baking powder’s shelf-life can last up to a year.
Unless you’re baking a few times a day for a year, most of the product is going to go to waste. The same goes for dried yeast. It will last up to six months, but if you get a fresh variation, the potency will dilute much sooner.
Nuts & Seeds Will Spoil
When it comes to nuts and seeds, it's better to buy them in smaller quantities than a huge bag at Costco. Even though they don’t get freezer burn or grow mold, nuts and seeds are full of oils and unsaturated fats that, unfortunately, tend to spoil quicker than we’d like.
But if you do happen to find yourself with a mountain of macadamia or hazelnuts, there is a solution. Stick them in an air-tight container and freeze them. They’ll last up to a year.
Condiments
Unless you're throwing a huge neighborhood-wide Fourth of July party with a lot of hotdogs and hamburgers, you should forgo buying condiments at Costco. Even though mustard, ketchup, and mayo are "shelf-stable," they are still slowly going bad.
Jordan Page, a family finance and frugal living expert, advises people to go to regular grocery stores for their condiments. She says, “It almost always will go bad before you can go through it.” Ketchup, for example, starts to lose its color and taste after five months.
Care Products Are On A Clock
Bargain hunters say that shopping at a superstore like Costco isn't the best for things like toiletries and other self-care items. Sure, buying a six-pack of toothpaste is fine, since you don’t open them all at once. But other items, such as large bottles of shampoo or lotion, are on an expiration clock.
During an interview with Good Housekeeping, Ni’Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist, said, "the clock starts once you bring a product home and open it. When air hits the formula, certain ingredients start to oxidize and degrade."
Things You Don't Need And You Have No Storage For
Costco is a great place to bulk-buy much-needed items, such as dry paper products. But when you're cart starts to overflow, you should think twice about the storage space you have in your home. Maybe ask yourself if you really need five cases of water and three packages of paper towels.
Think about prioritizing your purchases because impulse buys are a real thing when it comes to stores like Costco. Here’s an idea, think about buying a Brita instead!
Who Knew That Liquid Laundry Detergent Goes Bad?
It might come as a shock to some, but liquid laundry detergent goes bad after a few months. According to About.com laundry expert, Mary Marlowe Leverette, detergent tends to lose its effect on clothing after six months. The same goes for bleach. Once it is open, the six-month period goes into effect.
Of course, Costco's big detergent bottles are great for families who do multiple loads of laundry a day. For those who do laundry once a week, maybe opt for smaller containers from other outlets.
Fresh Produce For Obvious Reasons
It goes without saying, but fresh produce tends to go bad very fast, anywhere between a few days to a week or so. And while Costco tends to have really nice deals on produce, it's not worth buying in bulk.
If you do, you’re probably going to have a trashcan full of rotten fruits and vegetables in a few days. So, unless you live in a house with a lot of people, we recommend going to a local farmers market for your produce.
Vary Your Canned Goods Buying Them At Grocery Stores
Ironically, canned goods are probably not the best thing to buy at a superstore such as Costco. The reasoning is simple. It's because you’re better off purchasing a variety of canned items at a grocery store, and not settling for a 10-pack of black beans, for practically the same price.
Some days it might even be cheaper to scope-out the grocery store selection because of all of the deals and coupons available for canned products.
Flowers Are overly Pricey
If you happen to be in Costco and remember it's you’re anniversary and need to buy flowers, think about waiting until you pass by a Trader Joe’s or another grocery store on the way home. Unfortunately for the superstore, their bouquets can be priced upwards to $30.
Instead, try a different shop. You’ll purchase a similarly styled flower arrangement for half the price. And the quality will be just as good!
The 50-Gallon Bag Of Shredded Cheese
Even if you have mac and cheese, quesadillas, cheesy eggs, or anything else that can use shredded cheese all day every day, it's unlikely you’re going to get through Costco’s gigantic bag. Seriously, the thing is enormous!
If you’re able to get through the cheese before the expiration date hits, more power to you, we just don’t recommend that much cheese in one’s diet. But, if you do have one of these bags, feel free to throw it in the freezer.
There Is Such A Thing As Too Much Butter
Unless you're on a baking spree during the holidays, there really is no reason to buy a bulk-size package of butter. Not to mention where are you planning on storing it all! Butter shelves in the fridge are not too big, folks.
The last thing you’re going to want is five pounds of butter taking up space, only to be used sparingly. Then, it’s all in the trash after a few months. Take it from us, buy a tinier quantity at a local grocery store.
Jerky Will Go Bad In Days
You'd think jerky would stay fresh due to all of the spices it’s dried in, right? Well, actually, whether it’s turkey, beef, or chicken, the meat snack has to be refrigerated after its vacuum seal is opened.
In fact, most packaging usually says to eat the jerky within a few days. So, unless you want to get super fancy re-vacuum the seal of the bag, we recommend buying the snack in smaller quantities and not in bulk.
Dried Pasta Can Be Bought For Less Elsewhere
Even though buying dried pasta in bulk isn't going to bankrupt you or have you throwing out a soiled product, there are better places to buy the pantry staple. The Kitchen went ahead and made a price comparison between Costco’s pasta and that of Trader Joe’s and Walmart.
Would you believe that both of the chain stores have lower pasta prices than Costco at any given time? All of the deals and coupons offered by both Wally World and Trader Joe’s make taking pasta off the shopping list a no brainer.
A Tub Of Hummus Is Good For Parties
Unless you're having a big party, the mega-sized tub of hummus you can find at Costco probably isn’t worth it. Store-bought hummus tends to have added preservatives, allowing it to stay fresh for a bit longer than the all-natural, homemade stuff.
Even so, the product will only stay fresh for a week or so. So, unless you plan on adding a nice sized dollop to every meal, maybe think about sticking to the normal-sized tubs found in grocery stores.
Cereal Can Be Found In Cheaper Locations
Yes, the big boxes of cereal do come with two sealed bags. But that doesn't mean you should be buying it. On the contrary, you should be grabbing your cereals at local grocery stores.
Unlike the bulk cereal found at Costco, local stores will most likely have discounts or coupons available. Instead of buying virtually two boxes of the same cereal at the superstore, buy two different ones for around the same price at a grocery store.
It's Better To Buy Rice At Local Markets
Yes, rice won't go bad over the long run, but that doesn’t mean Costco is the best place to buy the product. According to some shopping experts on Bestlife, there are cheaper options when it comes to buying rice in bulk.
One Costco shopper, Flo Lum, even compared Costco’s price to that of her local Asian market. After doing some calculations, Flo realized that Costco sold rice for up to 35 percent more than her local shop. Plus, it’s always good to support local businesses!
Books Are Better Off Bought Somewhere Else
Unless you're in desperate need of a beach book or birthday present, experts recommend purchasing books at other stores. This is because warehouses only supply Costco with the best-seller titles, never reaching for the indie authors or other lesser-known people.
Going to a retail bookstore or even a used indie bookstore will give you a wider range of titles and authors at a far better price. Or, there is always the public library! Which, gasp, is free.
Look For Other Deals On Soda
According to Moms Need to Know, stocking up on Coke and Pepsi products in Costco might not be the most money-saving move, especially during the summer months. That's because, during the fun-in-the-sun months, a lot of grocery stores will put soda products on sale.
Tack on some coupons and membership deals with stores such as Vons, and you’re looking at buying a two-liter bottle for practically a dollar and fifty cents. Just something to keep in the back of your mind!
Costco Is Not The Place To Buy Unfamiliar Brands
Trying new things is always a good idea. But when you have no choice but to bulk-buy a new lotion or food, it's probably for the best that you think twice. What happens if you don’t like the new brand of lotion? Or if the food wasn’t what you were expecting?
Now, you’re stuck with a lot of products that are going to go to waste. Maybe stick to smaller adventurous purchases first, just to make sure you like what you’re buying.
Find A Better Online Deal For Diapers
Diapers might seem like a great bulk purchase. But before you put a box in your cart, think about this: coupons and deals. Parents might be able to find diapers for better deals at various other stores, including Amazon!
According to Rather Be Shopping, "Amazon's subscribe-and-save deals can be a particular bargain." So, before you buy that lifetime supply of diapers at the superstore, look at other avenues. You might be surprised by the savings you find.
The Clothing Is Cheap For A Reason
If you're like us, then you’ve been curious as to how Costco gets away will selling their clothing for so cheap. According to Kiplinger, it’s because the superstore’s Kirkland branded sweatshirts, socks, and undergarments, are made with cheaper, inexpensive material.
When it comes to clothing, you get what you paid for. And if you’re paying $15 for a sweater, you better believe that it’ll most likely only last a few months or so.
DVDs Are Best Bought Online
For those of you still out there purchasing DVDs, don't look to Costco for the next addition to your ever-growing collection. While the superstore is reasonably priced, nothing really beats Amazon or the five dollar bin at Walmart.
Give your wallet a bit of a breather and think about looking at different stores and online options before rushing into buying a DVD at Costco. Plus, if you buy one off Amazon, it will be delivered directly to your door!
