Costco’s Kirkland Brand: Same Product, Different Label, Half The Price

If you’ve ever been to Costco, you’d know that there are Kirkland Signature products everywhere. There’s just about everything you could need – from groceries to household products – and at reasonable prices, without compromising quality.

How good is the quality, you might ask? Well, you might be surprised to discover that what appear to be privately-produced items actually have big brands behind them. That’s right – Kirkland Items are often times your favorite brands in disguise. So if you want the same product with a different label, and at a huge discount, you’ve come to the right place…

Coffee

Some people just can’t live without coffee in the morning, sometimes even at night, but not everyone is willing to pay more than they should have, especially for a pre-made blend.

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Coffee is at the right price, but three of its products actually have a famous coffee chain behind their production, which is evident on the stamp “Custom roasted by Starbucks” right across the packaging. Normally, you’d pay a little more to get the same flavor on a Starbucks variant, but you can enjoy the same with Kirkland Signature Coffee at a lower price.

Batteries

There’s a reason why consumers buy big-name brands when it comes to batteries. It’s because cheaper alternatives usually don’t last that very long, but that isn’t the case with the Kirkland Signature Batteries.

Plus, it actually has a trusted company behind it – Duracell – which Costco’s CEO revealed as the manufacturer of their batteries in 2016. You can buy AA batteries from Kirkland Signature and Duracell at the same price, but Kirkland Signature gives up eight more extra pieces.

Solo Cups

You can’t deny that disposable red cups are a staple at house parties. Besides, no one likes to be stuck with a mountain of dishes, so disposables are the ultimate life saver when you have some guests over. And whether if you’re having a party soon or not, it’s always a good thing to have some stocks in your cabinet.

With Kirkland Signature Chinet Plastic Red Cups, you’re getting more than what you’ve bargained for. Produced by the trusted brand Chinet, you can actually get 20 more cups with the Kirkland Signature brand and yet still at a lesser price than Chinet’s own cups!

Diapers

You can’t deny that having babies is expensive since there are a lot of products you’d have to buy regularly in the first few years of your child’s life – particularly diapers. But with Kirkland Signature, it makes it easier for parents and their wallets.

But did you know that this is a product from a collaboration with Kimberly-Clark’s Huggies? The two brand’s collaboration actually helped the two manage inventory and cut down on costs, just as Kirkland Signature helped parents by being a third cheaper than the trusted brand Huggies.

Canned Tuna

Canned tuna, the trusty pantry companion, has cemented its place as a timeless go-to, whether it be for snacks or for small or big meals. Kirkland Signature Tuna is actually a means to address the declining quality of canned tuna, as a meatier product “just like it used to be.”

The partnership between Costco and a renowned seafood company made this happen. The company in question? Bumble Bee. Despite surprisingly costing more than other branded alternatives, it is still relatively a third cheaper than its manufacturer’s variant if counted per can.

Balsamic Vinegar

When it comes to certain items, you know you have to dig a little deeper into your pockets to get that unbeatable quality you can trust. Take, for example, balsamic vinegar. But with Kirkland Signature Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, you don’t gave to dig too deep with it’s affordable price.

Despite this, there is actually a renowned gourmet brand behind this Kirkland Signature product. According to The Costco Connection, the retail giant partnered with Modena-based company Acetum in 1999. You can actually buy 1L from Kirkland Signature and it would still be around $10 less than a 250mL of Acetum’s aged balsamic vinegar.

Coffee K-Cups

To some, one type of coffee just isn’t enough. Costco understands this perfectly when they released several other types from their Kirkland Signature brand, including their own version of K-Cups.

But if you’d ever wonder why it tastes familiar, you’d only need to look at the box to see the Keurig Green Mountain logo. The collaboration between the two brands produced several flavors like Breakfast Blend, Pacific Bold, House Decaf, and Summit Roast, which are actually around 30% cheaper than Keurig per k-cup.

Baby Formula

Among the many baby products offered by Costco’s Kirkland Signature, ProCare Formula is among the many that offer a great deal to parents without forming a dent on their wallets. Unlike the other brands on this list, however, this product actually had two brands behind it.

Kirkland Signature ProCare Formula first started with Abbott Laboratories, the makers of Similac, before transferring to Perrigo, the third largest manufacturer of infant formula for the US and Canadian markets. Either way, you can’t deny that both versions are high quality. Also, with the Kirkland brand, you actually get 10% less than the cheapest Similac product!

Japanese Green Tea

Strange as it may seem, some people don’t drink coffee – you could say it isn’t exactly they’re cup of tea. Others just prefer the different flavors of tea and the health benefits linked to each of them. The same could be said for Kirkland Signature’s version offered at Costco.

If you pay attention to the packaging, the product is actually co-branded with Ito-En, a multinational Japanese company that offers a lineup of tea products. And to spill the tea, Kirkland Signature’s variant is 20% cheaper.

Jelly Belly Candy

Indulging in sugary delights? Costco has your back with an array of tempting treats. If you’re yearning for a burst of fruity flavors, the Signature Jelly Belly Candy is a great yummy option. From juicy watermelon to tangy blueberry, every bite promises a whimsical journey through a world of sweetness that’ll keep your taste buds dancing with joy.

But this Kirkland Signature product is more than a look-alike, but you probably already know that since its packaging and name make it obvious. So, I’ll just spill the jelly beans already – this product is from the same makers of the popular Jelly Belly candies and confections and you can get significantly more jelly beans with Kirkland Signature at the same price and taste.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

I dare say that cheese is as addicting as coffee, and it’s pretty exciting that Costco offers a wide selection of it. Among them is the Kirkland Signature Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, one of the many that are outsourced directly from Italy and even aged for more than 24 months while still maintaining a reasonable price.

It doesn’t hide the fact that the cheese itself is also produced by Formaggi Zanetti, one of the leading producers of Italian cheese worldwide. You can actually read about it at the back of the Kirkland Signature counterpart’s back packaging. Funny how it’s actually two to three times cheaper.

Carrot Juice

If you missed this one, it just means that you’re not paying enough attention to what you’re buying. This Kirkland Signature product is organic and has a fantastic price at Costco’s, but what makes it different from others like it?

Well, it’s certainly more a regular organic juice, especially since – if you haven’t already read it on the packaging – the company behind its production is Bolthouse Farms, popular for their organic products that are sweet, healthy, and great for the skin! The best part? Kirkland Signature by Bolthouse Farms 100% Carrot Juice is almost half the price.

Raw Unfiltered Honey

When it comes to finding honey you can trust and enjoy, it’s worth exploring different brands out there. But you don’t have to look any further since Kirkland Signature Raw Unfiltered Honey is here.

In 2019, Costco spilled its sweet secret of the company holding an extensive program to provide local honey to customers. But since every state doesn’t have enough beekeepers to supply the demand, the Kirkland Signature product is a blend from various suppliers – one being L.R. Rice’s Honey, a trusted brand but three times more expensive that Kirkland Signature’s variant.

Raw Tail-On Shrimp

Everyone loves seafood, but everyone also knows how expensive it can get. With its line of seafood products under the Kirkland Signature brand, Costco effectively eliminates this problem and also pleasantly surprises its customers with how delicious it is despite the lower price.

Like what happened with Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend, Kader Exports was outed as the supplier for the shrimps for Kirkland Signature product after an FDA alert in 2020. Compared to other brands Kader Exports supplies for, Kirkland Signature’s variant overall offers a better deal at only around $15.99 for 2 lb.

Cranberry Juice

Unless you peeled or scraped off the branding, you can’t have possibly missed the very blue logo on Kirkland Signature’s cranberry juice product – especially in the picture above.

Unsurprisingly, this is a product made by Ocean Spray, popular for its super tasty juice products of various flavors. The Kirkland Signature variant doesn’t fall short of being tasty either, which also gives you your daily required amount of vitamin C and 9% of your daily carbohydrates.

Aluminum Foil

While it isn’t a need, aluminum foil is surely a good addition to anyone’s kitchen cabinet, especially when you need to wrap up some leftovers for later or use it when certain dishes that require foil as part of their process.

Kirkland Signature is very obvious about who makes their Foodservice Foil on their packaging, Reynolds’ logo was designed bigger than Kirkland Signature’s own logo in the center of the blue box. With who actually creates it, buyers can be assured that Kirkland Signature’s foils are highly durable and made to use for various settings. It also gives you 1,000 square feet total of foil, which is probably more than you bargained for.

Frozen Mixed Berries

Like what it says in its packaging, Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend is great for smoothies while also being a good source of Vitamin C and fiber.

But in 2019, following the public health alert from FDA for concerns over a potential hepatitis A virus contamination on mixed fruit products, Townsend Farms was outed as the Kirkland Signature brand’s berry supplier which ultimately made customers wary to reach for a bag of three berry blend from Kirkland Signature.

Bacon

Bacon, the beloved breakfast side that finds its way into numerous mouthwatering dishes throughout the day. It’s a meaty delight that many can’t resist.

When you head to Costco, you have the chance to bring home some sizzling goodness with Kirkland Signature Premium Sliced Bacon. But Costco didn’t take the bacon game lightly—they joined forces with none other than the renowned brand, Hormel. With their partnership, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Hormel’s bacon while shopping at Costco.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is not only delicious but also a smart and healthy snack option. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes to replace less healthy alternatives.

At Costco, you can find the Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt. This creamy delight is sourced from the well-known German company, Ehrmann. Despite its German origins, Ehrmann has established several plants in the United States, ensuring fresher and more affordable yogurt options for local consumers.

Bottled Water

When it comes to grocery shopping, one of the easiest items to grab is a case of bottled water. If you happen to be at Costco, you might consider purchasing the Kirkland Signature Purified Bottled Water.

Interestingly, this water is sourced from the reputable Niagara Bottling company, which is responsible for various well-known water brands, including those found at major retailers like Safeway or Walmart. In other words, when you’re in need of purified drinking water, it’s a reliable choice to opt for.

Motor Oil

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Full Synthetic SAE 54-30 motor oil is ready to breathe new life into your engine. While it isn’t a big name in the industry, rest assured that your car is being nourished by the expertise of a trusted brand.

Because here’s the twist to rev up your curiosity – flip that bottle of motor oil around and there you can see who actually manufactures this product. It’s none other than Warren Oil, the mastermind behind a sneaky lineup of off-brand oils, including the renowned AmazonBasics motor oil.

Fish Oil

Fish oils are known for their various health benefits, such as promoting heart health, aiding in weight loss, improving skin health, and reducing inflammation.

If you’re looking for an affordable source of fish oil, consider Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Fish Oil at Costco. This product is supplied to Costco by Trident Seafoods, the largest seafood company in the United States. They also have their own brand called Pure Alaska Omega.

Chocolate Almonds

Craving a sweet treat? Costco has you covered with their Kirkland Signature Milk Chocolate. Blommer, the maker behind this delicious chocolate, may not be a familiar name, but chances are you’ve tasted their chocolate before.

As one of the largest chocolate distributors in North America, Blommer knows their way around creating delectable treats. And the best part? Kirkland Signature Milk Chocolate comes in various forms for you to enjoy!

Brie Cheese

Costco’s cheese collection continues to impress, and their Kirkland Isigny French Brie is no exception. Similar to the previous cheese we mentioned, the Signature Isigny French Brie is backed by a renowned label.

It is sourced from Isigny Ste-Mère, a company based in Normandy known for their high-quality French cheese. Costco offers this delicious brie at a competitive price, delivering the taste of authentic French cheese to its customers.

Dog Food

When it comes to providing the best for our pets, Costco has you covered with their Kirkland Signature Pet Food. If you’re new to Costco, you might recognize this product better by its producer’s brand.

The Signature Pet Food is made by Diamond Pet Foods, Inc., a company that also produces other well-known brands like Solid Gold, Taste of the Wild, Premium Edge, and Artemis. Rest assured, your furry friends are getting quality food from a trusted pet food company.

Organic Blueberries

Did you know that not all of the berries at Costco come from the same supplier? We’ve mentioned before that the delicious Kirkland Signature Nature’s Three Berry Blend is made by Townsend Farms, but they don’t provide all the berries in the store.

So, if you happen to grab a pack of Kirkland Signature Organic Blueberries during your Costco visit, you can thank a different company. The credit goes to the Scenic Fruit Company, a top-notch brand known for their exceptional fruits, both fresh and frozen. They are the ones behind these flavorful blueberries, carefully harvested and delivered to Costco for your enjoyment.

Ice Cream

Indulging in a scoop of ice cream is a timeless delight, especially during the summer season. Costco understands this craving and offers its customers the delectable Kirkland Signature Super Premium Ice Cream.

But here’s an interesting twist: the Kirkland Signature ice cream conceals a collaboration with a renowned brand. Humboldt Creamery joined forces with Costco to create this frozen treat. Humboldt Creamery takes pride in providing top-notch dairy products at affordable prices, making this partnership a perfect match!

Hearing Aids

Costco is renowned for its grocery products, but its non-grocery selection is also equally impressive. Among the noteworthy items available is the Kirkland Signature Digital Hearing Instrument, high-quality hearing aid manufactured by a reputable company.

As promoted on Costco’s website, this is the same manufacturer behind renowned brands such as Phonak, Hansaton, and Unitron hearing aids also produces these aids.

Mattresses

Finding the perfect place to rest can be quite a quest. Comfort, support, and affordability are all important factors to consider. If you’re on the hunt, Costco offers a solution with their Kirkland Signature Mattress.

These mattresses come in various sizes and provide a comfortable and supportive experience by combining memory foam and gel foam. The credit for bringing these mattresses to Costco goes to Stearns & Foster.

Contact Lenses

While discussing health products, it’s worth mentioning that Costco offers more than just Kirkland Signature Digital Hearing Instruments. They also have options to support your visual health.

For contact lens wearers, the Kirkland Signature Contact Lenses are worth considering. These single-day disposable lenses are designed to match your personal prescription and can be worn whenever needed. Interestingly, these contact lenses are identical to the ones sold by their parent brand, CooperVision.