Costco’s cavernous aisles are lined with promise: bulk bargains, freezer fillers, and deals too good to pass up. But not every towering pallet lives up to the hype. In 2025, frustrated shoppers have sounded off, reporting which Costco foods have led to disappointment, unexpected spills, odd textures, and even health concerns. If you think grabbing that tempting deal is a guaranteed win, think again. We’ve combed through the complaints and recall data to reveal which items are causing the biggest headaches at checkout—and beyond. Before your next Costco haul, here are 8 foods you might want to skip for now.
1. Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon
The recall of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon sent shockwaves through Costco’s seafood-loving community. Classified as a Class I FDA recall due to potential Listeria contamination, this serious health risk primarily affected 12-oz packages sold in southeastern states.
Customers expressed frustration over having to discard recently purchased products, with many reporting they had already consumed portions before learning about the recall. The contamination scare prompted hundreds of worried calls to Costco’s customer service line.
Some shoppers questioned Costco’s quality control measures, wondering how such a premium-priced product could pose such significant health risks.
2. Fresh and Ready Foods Sandwiches
Nothing ruins lunch plans faster than a food safety alert. The widespread recall of Fresh and Ready Foods prepared sandwiches and salads left many Costco shoppers scrambling for alternatives. Popular items like turkey bacon club sandwiches, garlic pesto salads, and egg salad sandwiches were pulled from shelves across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington.
Members complained about the inconvenience of returning these grab-and-go meals. Many had purchased multiple items for office lunches or family gatherings.
The timing couldn’t have been worse – right during spring picnic season when these convenient options are most in demand.
3. Topo Chico Mineral Water
The sparkling water that once refreshed has now refreshed Costco’s list of product complaints. Topo Chico’s 18-pack mineral water faced recall after possible Pseudomonas contamination was discovered – a bacteria particularly dangerous for those with weakened immune systems.
Texas and Louisiana shoppers were especially vocal about their disappointment. Many had stocked up on multiple cases during summer sales, only to discover they needed to return or dispose of their purchases.
Long-time fans expressed betrayal at finding their trusted beverage compromised. The recall damaged consumer confidence in a product that had built a cult-like following among Costco’s health-conscious shoppers.
4. Chomps Original Beef Sticks
Protein snackers beware! Chomps Original Beef Sticks earned their spot on this unwanted list after nearly 30,000 pounds were recalled due to potential contamination with foreign materials. Customers reported discovering unexpected hard particles when biting into these popular meat snacks.
The complaints flooded social media with photos of compromised products. Parents were especially upset, as these beef sticks are commonly packed in children’s lunches for protein-rich snacking.
Many loyal Chomps fans expressed feeling let down by a brand they trusted for clean ingredients and quality control. The widespread recall left a bad taste in the mouths of health-conscious shoppers who relied on these convenient protein options.
5. Kirkland Signature Milk
The square milk jug design that seemed innovative has become the bane of many Costco shoppers’ existence. Members regularly flood online forums with complaints about the awkward pouring mechanism that creates a splash zone around their kitchens.
“I need to wear a raincoat just to pour my morning cereal!” joked one frustrated customer. Despite the acceptable quality of the milk itself, the packaging design flaw has led to widespread dissatisfaction.
Some creative members have developed workarounds, like transferring the milk to traditional containers or pouring with the spout positioned at specific angles. Still, many simply avoid purchasing the product altogether despite its competitive pricing.
6. Kirkland Signature Hard-Boiled Eggs
Convenience comes at a cost with these pre-peeled protein bombs. Kirkland Signature Hard-Boiled Eggs have accumulated over 400 complaints for their rubbery texture and off-putting taste that bears little resemblance to homemade versions.
“They bounce if you drop them!” remarked one dissatisfied customer. Many shoppers have reported returning these eggs after just one unpleasant bite.
The sulfuric smell that greets customers upon opening the package has been another common grievance. While the product promises time-saving convenience for salads, snacks, and meal prep, many members have decided the texture compromise isn’t worth the few minutes saved by not boiling eggs themselves.
7. Costco Pad Thai
The blue-packaged Pad Thai from Costco’s prepared foods section has earned a reputation for all the wrong reasons. Numerous shoppers have reported an overwhelming fishy taste and off-putting smell that makes this specific version practically inedible.
Social media groups dedicated to Costco finds regularly warn newcomers to avoid this particular item. “My dog wouldn’t even eat the leftovers!” shared one particularly disappointed customer.
The inconsistency puzzles many shoppers, as other Costco prepared Asian dishes receive positive reviews. Some theorize that the fish sauce used in the recipe might be too concentrated or possibly compromised during production, leading to the unpleasant seafood undertones that dominate the flavor profile.
8. Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
Cookie lovers felt betrayed when Costco’s beloved Brown Butter Sugar Cookies underwent a stealth downsizing. The package count dropped from 24 to 21 cookies while maintaining the $7.99 price tag, sparking outrage among observant members.
“I’ve been buying these for years and immediately noticed fewer cookies,” reported one disgruntled shopper. The shrinkflation tactic didn’t go unnoticed, with hundreds of comments appearing on Costco fan pages documenting the change.
While the cookies themselves maintain their delicious taste, the perception of unfair pricing has soured many customers on this once-popular treat. Some loyal fans continue to purchase them despite the reduced quantity, but many have voted with their wallets by seeking alternatives.
Leave a comment