JuicyTalk
Want to know which name brands are behind the Costco Kirkland Signature products we love? Here’s the inside scoop!
Costco shoppers, here’s a little-known secret: many Kirkland Signature items are actually made by big-name brands—just for Costco! 🙌 Even better? They often match (or even exceed) the quality of the originals at a much lower price. 😲 Buckle up, we’re about to reveal some of the major brands that could be hiding behind your favorite Costco finds.
*Please note that prices below are for in-store purchases as online prices are often higher for Costco items.
1. Starbucks vs. Kirkland Signature Coffee
Fun fact: select varieties of Kirkland Signature Coffee are actually roasted by Starbucks Coffee Company!
2. Diamond Naturals vs. Kirkland Signature Pet Food
Did you know? Kirkland Signature dry dog and cat foods are made by Diamond Pet Foods in U.S.-based facilities. No wonder it’s a top seller!
3. Huggies/Pampers vs. Kirkland Signature Diapers
Rumor has it that Costco’s diapers may actually be made by Kimberly Clark (the manufacturer of Huggies) and are just an “older generation” Huggies. While this is not publicly advertised or verified, many members rave about these diapers.
“I have tried them all, from Pampers and Huggies to up & up from Target. These diapers are the best. Not only do they have the fastening tabs, but also a Velcro-like spot on the diaper around the hip area offering a better fit. This helps the leg holes to stay closed while also letting the diaper move with my son’s movements. So far we have used sizes 2 to 4. I LOVE these diapers.”
4. Jelly Belly vs. Kirkland Signature Jelly Beans
Kirkland Signature Jelly Belly Jelly Beans 4lb. container – $13.99 – seasonal item!
vs.
Jelly Belly 2lb. bag – $20.99
5. Duracell vs. Kirkland Signature Batteries
According to this interview with the CEO of Costco, the Kirkland Signature Batteries are actually made by Duracell.
6. Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter vs. Kerrygold Stick Butter
7. Specialty Cheese vs. Kirkland Signature Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese block – $11.79/ lb.
Seems like a great deal for cheese that is cut and packed in Italy and aged for over 24 months!
Have you ever browsed through the cheese cases at Costco? Our team has picked up a block of Kirkland Signature Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and noticed on the back of the package that it is specially selected by Formaggi Zanetti, a company in Italy.
8. Bumble Bee vs. Kirkland Signature Tuna
Kirkland’s tuna is actually supplied by Bumble Bee Foods! Pocket the savings!
10. Pureology vs. Kirkland Signature Moisture Haircare
Looking to save on hair care? These Kirkland bottles are sulfate-free, paraben-free, color-safe—and rumored to be made by Pureology.
11. Grey Goose vs. Kirkland Signature Vodka
Love liquor deals? Many Kirkland Signature spirits are made in the same facilities as name brands. In fact, Kirkland’s French Vodka is bottled across the street from Grey Goose using the same equipment—and it shows in the taste! A 1.75L bottle costs just $19.99 vs. $47.99 for Grey Goose at Costco. 🍸 Just check with your local store, as not all Costcos sell liquor.
HIP TIP: The same goes for wine! For instance, this 750mL bottle of Kirkland Signature Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio regularly costs just $5.99 and sells for $10-$15 per bottle at wine stores.
12. Chinet vs Kirkland Signature Chinet Plastic Red Cups
13. Blommer’s vs. Kirkland Signature Milk Chocolate Almonds
Word on the street is that Costco’s yummy Kirkland Almonds are made by the Blommer Chocolate Company, which has been making gourmet chocolates since 1939. This huge jar comes to about 49¢ per ounce which is a total bargain compared to grocery and department stores, which sell smaller bags of lesser quality for much more.
14. Niagara vs. Kirkland Signature Purified Bottled Water
Rumor has it Kirkland Signature Bottled Water is actually Niagara in disguise, and in a taste test, they’re nearly identical. Big savings for the same sip! 💧
15. Persil vs. Kirkland Signature Laundry Detergent
We are big-time fans of Persil here at Hip2Save, so when we heard that the Kirkland version is possibly made by the same company that makes Persil, we were stoked! The German company Henkel that produces Persil is rumored to be the manufacturer of Costco’s UltraClean Line.
16. Reynolds vs. Kirkland Signature Reynolds Food Service Foil
Want even more Costco items we think are worth every penny?
Now, not all Costco brand items are made by name brands, but their superior quality attests that they may as well be! In some cases, their prices and quality even outperform household name brands. Here are just a few other Costco brand items we love that you won’t find anywhere else.
1. Women’s Athletic Clothing
Rumor has it that Kirkland Signature leggings are of identical quality to Lululemon. With the same logo placement, as well as thick Lycra spandex fabric and an additional rear key pocket with a zipper, you can’t beat the quality for under $19!
2. Charisma Bath Towels
There’s nothing like stepping out of a hot shower and into a soft, absorbent towel—and Costco’s Charisma 100% HygroCotton Bath Towels deliver just that!
Regularly $11.50 (often on sale for $5.99), these 30″ x 58″ towels get softer with every wash and are made with hollow core cotton for maximum absorbency. Plus, Spot Stop color protection helps prevent discoloration from acne products and whitening agents.
Love the towels? Check out their sheets and blankets, too!
3. Kirkland Nut & Granola Bars
If you’re looking for granola bars that taste just as good as Quaker, be on the lookout for Kirkland Signature’s Soft & Chewy Granola Bars (in-club only). You can pick up a 64ct box for $12.59 (= 19¢/bar) and they’re the perfect size for lunches (a tad smaller). Plus, I love that they’re made with NO artificial flavors or colors!
4. Kirkland Paper Towels
One of the products I love to grab while shopping at Costco is their Kirkland Signature Create-a-Size 2-ply Paper Towels with 160 sheets per roll. The Kirkland brand regularly sells for around $2 per 100 square feet, whereas the Bounty Advanced Paper Towels sell for $3.45 per 100 square feet.
Although you may be able to find cheaper prices on paper towels at other stores during a sale and/or with coupons, we think the Costco paper towels are more absorbent!
5. Kirkland Wipes
If you’re a fan of Costco’s diapers, you’ll likely love the Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes! In fact, all of their wet wipes (including disinfectant wipes and face wipes) are made with Tencel, an ultra-soft and smooth fiber derived from 100% plant-based materials using a manufacturing process that effectively reuses and recaptures resources such as water. Plus, they’re made in the U.S.A!
6. Kirkland Gasoline
Despite the myth, off-brand gas is just as effective as name brands—ALL fuel must meet strict regulations for quality.
Costco goes a step further, selling only TOP TIER detergent gasoline, which helps clean your engine. Plus, their gas is typically over 20¢ per gallon cheaper than competitors. In fact, a national survey ranked Costco as the #1 cheapest place to buy gas in the U.S.!
Want more? Go here for even more ways to save on gasoline!
Look out for these other Costco products that Hip2Save readers love:
- Kirkland Hazelnut Spread
- Kirkland Baby Formula
- Kirkland Sparkling Water
- Kirkland Tortilla Strips
- Kirkland Real Mayonnaise
- Kirkland Rotisserie Chicken
- Kirkland Cage Free Eggs
- Kirkland Kitchen Trash Bags
- Kirkland Bath Tissue
- Kirkland Triple Action Joint Pills
- …and MANY others!
Note that this is not a comprehensive list of all Kirkland Signature items – just some of the most popular items. Also, keep in mind that Costco’s inventory changes often and prices may vary by region and warehouse. Visit your local warehouse for product pricing and details.
Now it’s your turn! Which Costco products are your favorite?
Ready to shop? Check out this Costco membership deal first!
