6 Items To Skip Buying at Costco for Summer and Where To Get Them Instead
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Gary Dudak
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Costco has a lot of great, budget-friendly and bulk buys to fill your cart this summer. However, that doesn’t mean every item is a win when compared to other big-box retailers or even your local grocery store.
Some products elsewhere are cheaper than Costco items stamped with Kirkland Signature, while other great deals and variety packs are likely too large for you to use up before they go bad. Below is a look at six items on your shopping list to avoid buying at Costco this summer — and where to shop instead.
Pepsi Mini
- Price: $18.99
A 30-count pack of 7.5-ounce cans of Pepsi Mini costs $18.99 at Costco. This averages out to 63 cents per can, which might seem like a good deal in light of the current state of inflation, but you can do better.
Specifically, Walmart sells a 10-pack of the same size cans of Pepsi Mini for $5.98 — that’s 60 cents per can. This can add up when you’re buying soda for summer barbecues, beach days and sporting events, so skip Costco for this one.
Special K Red Berries
- Price: $12.49
Cereal is a quick, easy and refreshing summer breakfast — or even late-night snack. Whether you’re packing it to bring to a vacation house or just want something light at home, there’s no need to pay more than necessary.
Costco sells a pack of two, 43-ounce boxes of Kellogg’s Special K Red Berries Cereal for $12.49. Priced a dollar less, BJ’s sells the exact same thing for $11.49.
Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing
- Price: $14.99
From summer salads to burgers and veggie trays, ranch dressing is an essential condiment for many people. Costco sells a pack of two, 40-ounce bottles of Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing for $14.99.
This might seem like a steal, but that’s a lot of ranch dressing. Opened bottles of salad dressing can only be refrigerated for two months, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
If you don’t think you can use that much, save money by opting for one 36-ounce bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch at Walmart for $6.97.
Flexon Contractor Grade Hose With Guard and Grip
- Price: $34.99
If you need a new hose to water your lawn and summer flowers, Costco might not be the place to buy it.
Priced at $34.99, the Flexon 5/8-inch-by-100-foot Contractor Grade Hose With Guard and Grip is rated just 3.4 stars — out of five stars — by more than 300 buyers. Unsatisfied reviewers frequently mentioned that the hose kinks and springs leaks.
For just $5 more, you can get a well-reviewed hose at Walmart. The Expert Gardener 5/8-inch-by-100-foot Heavy Duty Water Hose is rated 4.7 stars — from nearly 280 reviewers — and costs $39.94.
Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Bermudagrass
- Price: $67.99
A combination seed, mulch and fertilizer, a 25-pound bag of Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Bermudagrass is $67.99 at Costco. It’s designed to grow in challenging Southern conditions, but it’s only rated 3.5 stars by purchasers — with many claiming it doesn’t work.
Likely a better option, you can get a 3.75-pound of Ace All-in-One Lawn Repair for the Deep South for $16.99. This product is more expensive than the Costco option, but it’s rated five stars, so you’ll likely get what you pay for.
Step2 Misting Mountain and Waterfall
- Price: $89.99
The Step2 Misting Mountain and Waterfall costs $89.99 at Costco. This looks like a fun summer toy for kids, but it’s only rated three stars — with several reviewers claiming the mist and waterfall features don’t work as intended.
A cheaper find at Walmart with better reviews is the Little Tikes Flowin’ Fun Water Table for $59.99. Rated 4.6 stars, this water table connects to a standard garden hose, with a waterfall feature and eight interchangeable pieces.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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