Costco is a warehouse wonderland packed with bulk bargains, but not every item deserves a spot in your oversized cart. When it comes to canned foods, the savings might look tempting—until you pop the lid and taste what’s inside. Some products are loaded with salt, skimp on flavor, or just don’t hold up in quality compared to fresh or frozen alternatives. In fact, stocking up on the wrong canned goods can leave you with a pantry full of regret. Before you commit to a six-pack of mystery meat or mushy veggies, here are 12 canned foods from Costco that are better left on the shelf.
Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast
On the surface, this canned chicken looks like a smart, high-protein pantry staple. It’s pre-cooked, easy to shred, and comes in bulk for a decent price. But once you crack open a can, the experience tends to go downhill fast. Many customers complain about a rubbery, chewy texture that doesn’t quite resemble fresh chicken. The flavor is overly salty and processed, making it hard to disguise even in casseroles or sandwiches. Although it’s convenient for emergency meals, the quality just isn’t there for everyday use. If you care about taste and texture, this one’s better left on the shelf.
Canned Roast Beef and Gravy
This comfort food classic seems like a nostalgic dinner option, but the reality often disappoints. The meat is usually shredded beyond recognition and swimming in a gelatinous, sodium-heavy gravy. Instead of tasting like a home-cooked meal, it has more in common with pet food—bland, mushy, and weirdly metallic. It’s sold in bulk, meaning you’re stuck with multiple cans of a meal that no one really enjoys. While it might work in a pinch, you’re better off using a slow cooker and some real beef if you want something that tastes like Sunday dinner.
Kirkland Organic Chili
You’d think “organic” would mean better flavor and nutrition, but this canned chili misses the mark on both. Despite the clean label, it lacks seasoning, depth, and any real kick. The beans are too soft, the meat is forgettable, and the texture borders on soupy. There’s also an oily film that coats the surface, which isn’t appetizing. It’s fine in an emergency, but for everyday meals, it simply doesn’t deliver. A homemade batch or even a name-brand competitor will give you far better flavor and satisfaction for just a little more effort.
Canned Green Beans
Canned green beans are a classic side dish, but Costco’s version leaves a lot to be desired. They’re soggy, overly salty, and dull in color, which makes them less appealing on the plate. The flavor is muted, with a lingering metallic aftertaste that’s hard to ignore. Despite being affordable, they don’t offer much value if nobody wants to eat them. In contrast, frozen green beans cost only slightly more and maintain a better texture and fresher taste. Unless you’re stocking up for a blackout, skip these and head to the freezer aisle.
Canned Tuna (Bulk Packs)
Costco’s canned tuna is available in large, affordable packs, which might seem perfect for tuna lovers or big families. But problems arise with quality and waste. Some batches are dry, stringy, or too fishy, which can ruin your sandwich or casserole. The bulk size is also a downside for smaller households—once opened, cans spoil quickly unless used right away. While tuna is a staple for many, it’s worth buying smaller, higher-quality brands even if it costs a bit more. Otherwise, you risk ending up with more waste than savings.
Canned Mixed Vegetables
Mixed veggies are meant to make your life easier, but the canned versions from Costco don’t do that. The medley often includes peas, carrots, corn, and green beans—but all of them suffer from the same soggy, overcooked texture. Flavor-wise, they’re either too salty or weirdly sweet, and they don’t blend well into soups or stir-fries. While they’re shelf-stable and cheap, the overall quality just isn’t up to par. Fresh or frozen versions retain more nutrients and give you more control over taste and texture. Keep the canned ones for dire emergencies only.
Vienna Sausages
Vienna sausages have long shelf lives and are often included in emergency kits, but that doesn’t mean you should make them part of your regular grocery haul. They’re packed with preservatives, artificial flavorings, and enough sodium to wreck your blood pressure. The texture is soft and gelatinous, and they often come in a briny liquid that doesn’t help their appeal. While they might work for camping or apocalypse prep, most people who buy them for everyday meals regret it after the first bite. Stick with fresh or frozen meats if you want real flavor.
Read More: 6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken
Kirkland Canned Corn
Corn should be a sweet and crisp treat, but Costco’s canned version falls short. It’s watery, overly soft, and strangely sweet, with none of the satisfying crunch you’d expect. Worse, the bulk packaging means you’re committing to multiple cans that all suffer from the same issues. For a better texture and fresher taste, frozen corn is a superior option. It cooks just as fast and retains more nutrients. Unless you’re adding it to soups or stews where texture doesn’t matter, you’re better off avoiding this one.
Canned Beef Stew
This product promises convenience, but it’s often a letdown in both taste and quality. The meat chunks are dry and grainy, the potatoes are mushy, and the broth has a fake, chemical taste. There’s a thick layer of grease that forms when you heat it, which doesn’t exactly scream appetizing. While it’s marketed as a quick meal for busy nights, most people find it lacking in every department. Homemade stew may take more effort, but it’s light years ahead in flavor and texture.
Canned Mushrooms
Canned mushrooms are often touted as a budget-friendly way to add umami to your dishes. But these pale, soggy fungi rarely hold up in terms of taste or texture. They tend to be rubbery, and the brine dulls their natural earthiness. Additionally, they have a tendency to absorb too much liquid, making them spongy rather than firm. Fresh or even frozen mushrooms cook better, look better, and taste infinitely better. Unless you’re using them in a sauce where texture doesn’t matter, it’s best to pass.
Canned Pasta Meals
From ravioli to spaghetti, these canned pasta meals may feel nostalgic but don’t expect gourmet dining. They’re loaded with sodium, sugar, and artificial preservatives. The pasta is overcooked and mushy, the sauce tastes like watered-down ketchup, and the meat—if there is any—is minimal and bland. They might be okay for kids or quick snacks, but they don’t offer much nutrition or satisfaction. Instead of stocking up on these, keep some dry pasta and jarred sauce around. It’s just as easy and far more enjoyable.
Bulk Canned Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is a pantry staple, but Costco’s massive canned versions can be more trouble than they’re worth. The flavor is often acidic and bland, requiring lots of extra seasoning to taste good. Because of the can size, unless you’re cooking for a large group or prepping for the week, a lot of it ends up going to waste. Once opened, the sauce spoils quickly, even when refrigerated. Smaller jars offer better quality and convenience without sacrificing flavor or freshness.
Final Thought
Costco’s bulk deals can be great, but not every product deserves a spot in your cart. When it comes to canned foods, flavor, freshness, and practicality matter just as much as price. Many of these items may seem like pantry lifesavers but end up being disappointing in taste, quality, or usability. Before you stock up, consider whether you’ll actually enjoy eating what’s inside the can. In most cases, spending a little extra on fresher options can save you from buyer’s remorse—and tasteless dinners.
Read More: 10 Things at Costco That Seem Cheap—But Aren’t Worth It
