10 Popular Products That Costco Doesn’t Sell Anymore

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Costco is renowned for its wide range of bulk products, offering consumers deep discounts and consistent quality. However, like any retail giant, Costco periodically reevaluates its product offerings based on sales performance and market analysis. As a result, there are several popular items that Costco no longer sells. In this article, we will explore these discontinued products, suggest alternative sources for them, and provide insights on why some of these items may be better off avoided altogether.

1. Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream

Costco’s chocolate-dipped ice cream bar was a beloved treat among customers. However, to the disappointment of many, it was discontinued and replaced with a churro snack item. Despite customer outrage and even a dedicated Facebook page advocating for its return, the chocolate-dipped ice cream remains absent from Costco’s food courts. Fortunately, if you’re craving this indulgence, Target offers a variety of chocolate-dipped ice creams, including popular brands like Klondike and Magnum. costco cigarettes prices

2. Cigarettes

In a move towards healthier choices and lower-margin products, Costco stopped selling cigarettes in 2016. The decision was also influenced by higher theft rates and labor-intensive requirements due to local regulations. While some grocery stores and convenience stores still carry cigarettes, their availability is diminishing as health initiatives encourage retailers to discontinue selling tobacco products. costco cigarettes prices

3. Endangered Seafood

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Costco has removed several endangered fish species from its shelves. This proactive approach ensures that only fish from sustainable fisheries farming practices are offered to consumers. Endangered fish such as Atlantic cod, Atlantic halibut, Chilean sea bass, shark, swordfish sourced outside of U.S. fisheries, and bluefin tuna are no longer sold at Costco. It’s advisable not to buy these endangered fish elsewhere and instead opt for sustainably farmed alternatives.

4. Eggs From Caged Hens

Costco is progressively moving towards selling only cage-free eggs as part of its sustainability and humane farming practices initiatives. Although the goal of selling exclusively cage-free eggs by the end of 2020 was delayed due to COVID-19, Costco remains committed to achieving it soon. Research has shown that cage-free eggs have lower levels of chemical residue, insect infestation, and dioxin-like contaminants compared to eggs from caged hens.

5. Half-Sheet Chocolate Cake

In response to the decreased demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Costco discontinued its popular half-sheet chocolate cake in June 2020. With fewer gatherings and celebrations taking place, the demand for this larger-sized cake significantly declined. Instead, Costco has been promoting their 10-inch round cakes. However, if you’re in need of a half-sheet chocolate cake, Walmart offers them for less than $20 (in-store purchase only).

6. Kirkland Signature Five-Pocket Jeans

Fashion trends are ever-evolving, and Costco responded to consumer preferences by discontinuing their Kirkland Signature five-pocket jeans. The decision was prompted by a redesign that failed to meet customer expectations. In an effort to provide a suitable alternative, Costco introduced Urban Star as a replacement for the discontinued jeans.

7. Kirkland Signature Light Beer

Costco’s Kirkland Signature light beer received unfavorable reviews, including one describing its taste as similar to a “urine-soaked diaper.” As a result, Costco phased out the beer in 2018. Luckily for light beer enthusiasts, popular brands like Corona and Bud Light are widely available and affordable at various retailers, including Walmart.

8. Polish Hot Dogs

One of the most lamented discontinuations from Costco’s food court menu is the Polish hot dog. Outraged customers created a petition in an attempt to bring it back, but their efforts were unsuccessful. While it may be challenging to find other grocery stores offering hot dogs on-site during the pandemic, most grocery stores typically sell packages of Polish dogs for under $5.

9. Roundup

In response to concerns regarding health risks and legal issues, Costco removed Roundup, a weedkiller containing glyphosate, from its shelves. Glyphosate has been linked to cancer, resulting in a significant lawsuit against Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup. Consumers can find non-toxic weed killers at various retailers like Walmart for less than $30.

10. Studded Tires

Costco discontinued the sale of studded tires due to concerns over potential damage to roadways caused by the studs. However, for those seeking safer driving on snowy roads, snow chains are a viable alternative. Retailers like Auto Zone offer snow chains for less than $50, providing increased traction and safety.

In conclusion, while Costco offers a vast range of products, there are several items that are no longer available on their shelves. From chocolate-dipped ice cream to cigarettes, endangered seafood to eggs from caged hens, and half-sheet chocolate cakes to Kirkland Signature products, Costco’s decisions are driven by sales analysis and market trends. Fortunately, alternative sources exist for most of these discontinued items, ensuring that consumers can still find their favorites elsewhere.