Last weekend, while my husband and I were enjoying an Australian comedy, I was surprised to hear one of the characters mention picking something up at Costco. For me, Costco is the warehouse store just a few miles away. Itβs easy to forget that there are over 860 Costco locations worldwide, including in China, Iceland, and Sweden. With so many shoppers, you might assume Costco prices beat all competitors, right?
Not necessarily. If youβre looking for savings, here are some products you may want to buy elsewhere.
Anything That Won’t Keep
Here are five items I no longer buy at Costco because we canβt consume them before they go bad or expire.
1. Fresh Produce
For years, I was overly optimistic about how much fruit weβd eat in a week, only to throw away food that went uneaten. Buying fruit at our local farmerβs market is always a better option for our household.
2. Spices
While organizing spices after our latest move, I realized I had some that were years old. Sure, I use paprika, cinnamon, and garlic powder regularly, but I canβt recall the last time I used thyme. Ground spices donβt last as long as Iβve kept mine.
3. Over-the-Counter Medications
All OTC medications have expiration dates, and I donβt have the bandwidth to track how long Iβve had a large bottle of pain relievers or antacids. I now pick up small containers at Target or Walmart.
4. Cooking Oil
I havenβt deep-fried anything in about 20 years, and a bottle of cooking oil can last forever in our pantry. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an unopened container of olive or vegetable oil should be stored in a dark, dry place for six to 12 months after purchase. Once opened, theyβre only good for three to five months.
5. Milk
I love milk, but my husband doesnβt. We could never finish two gallons before one spoils. To watch our household budget, I only buy milk in single containers.
Anything That Can Be Snagged at a Lower Price Elsewhere
Shopping at Costco for years has taught me what I can find at lower prices elsewhere. While some people love the entire warehouse store experience, itβs not for everyone.
For those who want to get in and out of Costco quickly, itβs easier to look at the overall price of an itemβlike a 12-pack of soda or 24-roll pack of toilet paperβwithout breaking it down by unit. However, the unit price ultimately matters.
When the first full-fledged Costco warehouse opened in Seattle in 1983, personal computers at home were rare, and smartphones were something George Jetson might use.
Since then, weβve learned about price comparison apps that let you find the lowest prices around you instantly. These apps make it easier to protect your personal finances.
Some apps even provide instant coupons to lower the price of everyday items. Here are five products youβll often pay less for at your local grocery store, Target, or Walmart using old-school or digital coupons:
- Diapers
- Toilet paper
- Soda
- Pet supplies
- Holiday dΓ©cor
Like most things in life, Costco has great features, but itβs not perfect. The trick is to figure out which items save you money at Costco, which you canβt find anywhere else, and which you should buy elsewhere.
Matt Pinner is a dedicated journalist for WVPrepBB.com, specializing in USA and crime news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the truth, Matt brings timely and insightful reporting to his readers. His work on WVPrepBB.com keeps the community informed and engaged with the latest developments in national news and criminal justice.
