Costco is loved for its quality and bulk pricing—but no retailer is perfect. Some products consistently provoke member complaints, from packaging problems to food quality issues and even safety recalls. Learning which Costco items attract the most criticism can help shoppers make smarter choices, save time and money, and avoid disappointment. Here are the five top offenders making headlines and Reddit threads lately—so you’ll know what to skip or inspect carefully.
These Products Have the Most Costco Complaints
1. Kirkland Signature Milk Jugs
Kirkland’s flagship milk is a staple for many, but its square jug design hasn’t aged well in consumer eyes. Members repeatedly complain that the jug shape makes pouring a spill-prone challenge—though the milk itself is fine . One Reddit user described it as “forced to buy… despise them” due to awkward handling. Costco is reportedly looking into design tweaks to address this purchase pain point. The takeaway? Good ingredients can’t always overcome poor ergonomics.
2. Kirkland Chicken Bakes (Frozen)
Costco’s Chicken Bake machines are legendary—but the frozen versions fall flat for many. Shoppers claim these pre-packaged bakes lack the fresh flavor and texture of made-in-club ones. Reddit threads bristle with complaints like “worst Kirkland Signature items” due to bland taste. If you crave those cheesy bites, stick to the hot food court or make them fresh at home. It’s a clear case where convenience doesn’t match consumer expectations.
3. Chomps Beef Sticks (Kirkland Snack)
Kirkland beef sticks from Chomps are praised for protein content yet critiqued for inconsistency. Multiple users reported moldy sticks or strange seasoning in their packs. Comments on Costco’s subreddit describe an overripe odor “like one stick ruined the whole bag.” When individually wrapped snacks show quality issues, it erodes trust in the brand. Always inspect the packaging and expiration dates when buying meat sticks.
4. Costly Fresh Produce That Spoils Fast
One of the biggest reputational risks for Costco groceries is produce that goes bad too soon. Strawberries, bananas, and cucumbers frequently draw complaints from shoppers who spoil too quickly. Bulk purchases can turn into bulk waste—defeating Costco’s value promise. While some spoilage is inevitable, food-prep habits and storage techniques help mitigate losses. Consider buying smaller quantities or freezing extras to avoid expensive spoilage.
5. Kirkland Dishwasher Detergent
Kirkland-branded dishwasher detergent comes with its own set of grievances. Customers report that pods and powder versions sometimes fail to dissolve fully, leaving cloudy films or residue on dishes. Some users even experienced itching or skin irritation post-use. Eco-friendly packaging loses appeal when it doesn’t clean effectively. Always test a single load with a new detergent and keep old-fashioned soap on hand as backup.
The Power of Informed Shopping
These Costco complaints highlight the importance of consumer awareness—even with beloved brands. Bottles that drip, snacks that spoil, and dishes that stay dirty can chip away at your Costco faith. The solution? Inspect before you buy, test in your own kitchen, and monitor recalls. When foundational items like dairy, snacks, and detergent let you down, you deserve to know why—and what alternatives to try instead.
Have you had a disappointing Costco experience with any of these products—or others? Share your story or give advice in the comments!
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