Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

6 Things You Should Never Buy At Costco, According To Vancouver Redditors

Kirkland brand pizza is apparently not it.

Costco Canada exterior. Right: Costco food counter.

Costco Canada exterior. Right: Costco food counter.

Sponsored Content Contributing Writer, Studio

Buying in bulk at Costco can be a huge money saver — and it can help cut down the cost of groceries — but some stuff just isn't worth it according to a Vancouver Reddit thread, where locals spoke out about Costco items and services that they think people should pass on.

"Generally love Costco but there are some things that you should avoid," one Redditor said, before asking other users for their thoughts on what to not buy at the store.

Here are six things that people on Reddit say you should never turn to Costco for.

(The post-shopping poutine still slaps, though.)

Eye exams

The thread started off with a highly specific no-no: Costco eye exams.

According to the original poster, the bulk store offers basic eye exams for $125, but you can get those done for cheaper at specialized clinics. Other local shops, like Bailey Nelson, offer comprehensive eye exams for $99.

A 2.8-star Google rating for the Richmond Costco Vision Centre also speaks to the quality of service at some Costco locations.

Spices

One Reddit user offers sound advice to anyone in the spice aisle at Costco.

from vancouver

Other users suggested buying from a bulk store instead, and remembering to bring produce bags and weigh out the amount you think you could reasonably consume. That way, you reduce the risk of having spices go stale.

Kirkland frozen pizza

Apparently, this pizza is not it. Kirkland's frozen pizzas are known to have "some of the worst dough," according to a comment on the Reddit thread that got 33 upvotes.

from vancouver

Folks online suggested opting for Sabatos brand gluten-free pizza instead. Even if you aren't on a gluten-free diet, Redditors suggest it's superior.

The Costco food court pizza is still *chef's kiss*, though.

Baked goods

The baked goods at Costco are tempting, but Reddit users described most of the goods as "mid" and "the triangle things were a solid let down."

By "triangle things," they might mean Costco's classic triangle ciabatta buns.

Costco bagels and muffins get the thumbs up from multiple people, however.

Prescribed medication

The pharmacy at Costco has a lot of haters, apparently.

from vancouver

On Google Reviews, the Costco Pharmacy at the 9151 Bridgeport Rd. location in Richmond has only 2.1 stars.

Other commenters suggested finding a small, independent pharmacy to support instead.

Garage doors

Another specific complaint with a lot of upvotes is about Costco's garage-door installation company.

from vancouver

Do with that information what you will, garage havers.

Costco did not respond to Narcity's request for comment.

Explore this list   👀

    • Sponsored Content Contributing Writer, Studio

      Sierra Riley (she/her) is a Sponsored Content Contributing Writer for Narcity Media's Studio with roots in Vancouver and Toronto. Her writings on art, food, travel and pop culture have appeared in national publications including Maclean’s, PRISM, This, RANGE, Vancouver Pride Magazine and SAD Mag. On the side, she acts, believes in ghosts and runs a Taylor Swift stan account. She's also working on a spooky, queer YA novel. Follow her on Instagram @siemarilyn and Twitter @urhouseishauntd.

    Costco shoppers revealed which products are always worth buying and the top items aren't food

    The food court hot dog isn't number one but quite a few people love it. 🌭

    We asked if a Costco membership is worth paying for and shoppers were pretty divided

    "We have it and my husband won't give it up. I hate that I have to pay to buy groceries." 👀

    Costco shoppers recommend these products and the top items might not be what you expect

    You won't find the most recommended product on a shelf. 👀

    Some Canadians travelling to the US now have to pay a new $350 'integrity fee'

    A family of four could now owe over $2,400 — just to enter the country. 🫣

    Government jobs in Canada pay more than private ones and the gap is even bigger than you think

    The perks are better too — and it's all funded by your tax dollars. 💵