Ah, Costco—the land of giant-sized everything, where you can buy a year’s worth of toilet paper in one go. But hold onto your shopping carts, folks, because not everything in those massive aisles is a steal. According to deal-finding expert Julie Ramhold, there are a few items you might want to skip during your next Costco run. Let’s break it down.
1. Breakfast Cereal
Sure, Costco’s cereal aisle might seem like a dream come true, but hold your horses before tossing that two-box package of Honey Bunches of Oats into your cart. With limited options and hefty portions, you might find yourself eating the same cereal for months on end. And let’s face it, nobody wants cereal fatigue.
2. Lip Balm
Got chapped lips? Costco has you covered with a nine-pack of lip balm. But unless you’re running a lip balm charity, you probably don’t need that many tubes. Even the most dedicated lip balm aficionado will struggle to use them all before they expire. Stick to a single tube and save some space in your bathroom drawer.
3. Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
Got a headache? You might be tempted to grab Costco’s jumbo-sized bottle of ibuprofen. But unless you’re planning to open a pharmacy, you probably don’t need 1,000 pills. Plus, some medications can cause issues with prolonged use, so it’s best to check with your doctor before stocking up.
4. Fresh Produce
Who doesn’t love a good deal on fruits and veggies? But before you toss that 25-pound bag of onions into your cart, ask yourself if you really need that much produce. Unless you’re feeding a small army, you might end up with more than you can eat before it goes bad.
5. Spices
Love to cook? Costco’s giant tubs of spices might seem like a bargain, but unless you’re planning to host a spice-themed cooking marathon, you might want to think twice. Ground spices lose their potency after about six months, so that five-pound tub of garlic powder might not be such a great deal after all.
So there you have it, folks—five Costco buys that might not be worth the bargain. Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance between savings and practicality. Happy shopping!
