Costco shopping trips look pretty different in retirement, especially if you rely on Social Security. Some purchases no longer make sense if you’re shopping for just one or two people — and it always saves more money to shop the Kirkland Signature brand over name brands.
We dug through our existing library of Costco content to pull the top items retirees do and don’t need to buy from the warehouse club. Check out our recommendations below and take a peek at the Costco items smart seniors stock up on during winter.
Avoid: Fresh Produce
Generally, it’s not a good idea to shop Costco’s fresh produce on a Social Security budget.
Unless you’re able to eat several pounds of fresh vegetables or fruits before their expiration dates, the majority of your purchase may wind up in the trash. The better approach is to buy ’em frozen. Swap two pounds of fresh broccoli florets for a one-pound bag of frozen broccoli. Whatever you don’t immediately use up can be frozen and saved for later.
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Avoid: Small Kitchen Appliances
While Costco does carry small kitchen appliances like air fryers and rice cookers, their selection is noticeably smaller and on sale less frequently than similar items sold at a big-box retailer.
At this stage in your retirement journey, it’s possible you already own all the small kitchen appliances you need. Is it necessary to have an espresso machine or ice cream maker? Moreover, do you have enough space to store any new appliances in your kitchen?
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Avoid: Dishwashers
Like the small kitchen appliances, there are fewer dishwasher models to choose from and even less opportunities to save money. The cheapest dishwasher for sale on the Costco website — the LG front control dishwasher — retails for $499.99.
Avoid: Bulk Condiments
How much ketchup or ranch dressing do you regularly consume?
Most retirees don’t eat enough condiments to warrant buying them in bulk and are better off buying smaller bottles at traditional supermarkets as needed.
Avoid: Cookies and/or Ice Cream
One of the keys for a long, fulfilling retirement is keeping yourself in good health.
While retirees may enjoy sweets like cookies or ice cream in moderation, it’s not a good idea to use your Social Security check to fund bulk boxes of Oreos or 18-count ice cream bars. (Keep reading for the healthier alternative worth buying!)
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Own: Eyeglasses
Costco’s optical department is worth exploring if you need new eyeglasses or readers.
Retirees can shop two-packs of blue light reading glasses starting at $18.99. And while lenses cost extra, the overall purchase is likely to be much cheaper than visiting a specialty retailer like LensCrafters.
Own: Kirkland Signature Apparel
As the cost of name brand clothing continues increasing, retirees can scoop up wardrobe staples for well under $50 when they shop for the Kirkland Signature brand.
Men’s stretch denim starts at $19.99 while half-zip sweaters for women retail for $17.99. Keep an eye out for seasonal offerings from Kirkland Signature. In the past, we’ve seen shorts, swimwear and travel pants available for $20 or less.
Own: Kirkland Signature Paper Products
It’s always smart to keep paper products fully stocked at home.
Putting a portion of your Social Security check towards bulk buying Kirkland Signature bath tissue is a win-win for your wallet. You’re saving more money than you would buying name brands and unlikely to add it to your upcoming shopping list with 36 rolls in every package.
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Own: Vitamins
Costco’s wide selection of vitamins makes the membership worth its annual cost.
Most of the Kirkland Signature brand vitamins come in bottles with 300 or more tablets inside and are regularly on sale regardless of the season. And if they’re not on sale, these vitamins typically retail for $20 or less per bottle.
Own: Protein and Snack Bars
The Kirkland Signature nut bars, loaded with almonds, cashews and pecans, are a great, healthy alternative to bulk sweets like cookies.
These snack bars can be enjoyed by retirees year-round and are shelf-stable enough to store in pantries. They’re also budget-friendly for Social Security checks at $17.99 for a box of 30 bars.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are accurate as of Dec. 24, 2025, and are subject to change.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Costco Items Retirees Should Avoid Plus the 5 Best Items To Own on Social Security
