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Brand Names Disguised As Costco’s Kirkland Signature Products
Costco’s own Kirkland Signature store brand has been going strong since 1995 thanks to the fantastic quality and affordable prices it offers shoppers. Customers are so enamored by Costco’s name brand that a quarter of Costco’s annual sales now reportedly come via its Kirkland Signature label. Costco members love to rave about their favorite Kirkland items but are probably unaware that behind that red and black Kirkland logo lies some huge retail giants manufacturing the products.
Although Costco is upfront about some of the third party companies it works with, others are kept a closely guarded secret. From pizza to cheese, prosecco to laundry detergent, and motor oil to diapers, here are some of the companies you may, or may not know, are behind Costco’s own Kirkland Signature label.
Cranberry Juice – Ocean Spray
Costco’s Kirkland brand Cranberry Juice is a huge hit among customers who are able to snag name brand juice at a fraction of the cost. Costco teamed up with Ocean Spray to create their exclusive Kirkland brand, which combines crisp, tart cranberry juice with just the right amount of apple and grape juice for that delicious tangy taste.
Bottled Water – Niagara Purified
Some discerning palettes are able to taste the difference between bottled water brands, which is why Costco customers love the clean, fresh taste of Kirkland Signature Purified Bottled Water. Costco actually teamed up with Niagara Purified in order to deliver the best tasting bottled water to their loyal customers.
Hot Dogs – Hebrew Natural
There’s hot dogs – and then there’s hot dogs – and Costco’s own brand of our favorite backyard BBQ treats are not only easy on the wallet but they’re also easy on the taste buds. The meaty dogs are rumored to be Hebrew National brand, hence the terrific taste for a fraction of the cost.
Diapers – Huggies
Babies are expensive and the last thing parents need are pricey diapers that don’t do the job! Many new parents have purchased a Costco membership for one thing and one thing only – Kirkland diapers. Rumor has it that this top seller is actually made by Kimberly Clarke, the same manufacturer behind the Huggies brand. Although Costco hasn’t confirmed the rumors, purchasing the Kirkland brand diapers can save cash-strapped parents a bundle of money.
Gas – Mobile
Feeling leery of filling up your beloved ride with Costco gas? There’s actually no need to worry because our favorite big box store is rumored to be selling Mobile gasoline for an incredible price. One survey found that Costco beat out major gas chains when it comes to price per gallon. For added peace of mind, Costco’s Kirkland Signature Fuel is fully guaranteed.
Coffee – Starbucks
If sipping on a cup of Kirkland Signature Blend Coffee transports you to your favorite coffee shop, your taste buds aren’t playing tricks on you. Costco hides no secrets when it comes to the big name behind its best selling coffee – Starbucks! It’s right there on the label, with Starbucks Coffee Company roasting the delicious Kirkland blend.
Dog Food – Diamond Naturals
Pet parents are particular about the food they feed their favorite furry friend and may be dubious of off-brand labels, but Costco’s Kirkland Signature pet food is one of the company’s best selling items. The Kirkland Signature pet food is actually made by Diamond Pet Foods in five company-owned facilities in the US. The company uses real turkey, lamb and chicken, together with fresh veggies so you can rest assured Fido is eating a healthy, nutritious diet.
Mayonnaise – Hellman’s
It’s rumored Kirkland Signature Mayonnaise is made by Hellman’s. Whilst those rumors have yet to be verified, Costco customers love to stock up on this kitchen staple thanks to its rich creamy texture and the fact it’s made with 100 percent cage-free eggs.
Toilet Paper – Charmin
Costco’s toilet paper is the stuff of legend thanks to its soft, cushy texture and durability. The product even has its own thread on Reddit with many customers noting the distinct similarity between the Kirkland brand and the pricier Charmin brand. Costco has yet to address the rumors, but one thing’s for sure – a trip to Costco isn’t complete without stocking up on our favorite toilet paper.
Batteries – Duracell
Batteries are expensive and shelling out for off-brand packs can oftentimes be a complete waste of money. Not so with Costco’s brand. Coming in at approximately 28 cents per AA battery, Kirkland Signature Batteries are not only way cheaper than their name brand counterparts, they also do the job because they are made by battery-champ Duracell. With a 10-year shelf life, the Kirkland brand of battery packs are definitely an item worth stocking up on.
Bacon – Hormel
Customers can’t get enough of Kirkland Signature Sliced Bacon and they’re right to be enamored by the product. Consumer Reports placed Costco’s own-brand product at the top of the taste test, noting its perfect balance of fat and meat flavors together with its crispiness and loved the price compared to name brand bacon. According to Supermarket News, Costco’s bacon is made by Hormel, who have been making the delicious breakfast item for Costco since 2004.
Vodka – Grey Goose
The debate still rages on regarding Costco’s Kirkland Signature American Vodka as to whether it’s manufactured by Grey Goose, but rumor has it this Bon Appetit favorite is bottled in Grey Goose Vodka’s old production unit using their same equipment. Sadly, not every Costco is able to sell liquor, so if you are lucky enough to get your hands on some Kirkland Signature American Vodka you won’t be disappointed.
Jelly Beans – Jelly Belly
Costco is proud of its Jelly Beans and their relationship with the top Jelly Bean manufacturer, Jelly Belly. Kirkland’s Signature Jelly Beans actually display the Jelly Belly name front and center on their massive jar of the sweet and tangy candy treats. Selling for far less than you would normally be able to purchase Jelly Belly’s, Costco members love to get their hands on this seasonal treat comprising 49 different flavors.
Canned Tuna – Bumble Bee
According to CNNMoney, that cut-priced bargain can of Costco-brand tuna is actually Bumble Bee tuna in disguise. Not only did Costco choose Bumble Bee to create its Kirkland Signature Tuna, they were actually super picky about the canned tuna they wanted to sell to customers. A company employee told CNNMoney, Costco struck a deal with Bumble Bee and spent a whole year overseeing tests in a Puerto Rico plant.
Ice Cream – The Humboldt Creamery
Ice cream is the staple of any well-stocked freezer and whether you’re adding it to your favorite pie, topping it with chocolate syrup, or just eating it plain, Costco’s Kirkland Signature Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream is a fan fave. The company partnered up with California’s Humboldt Creamery to manufacture its vanilla ice cream, which is made with pure vanilla and real California milk.
Keurig Cups – Green Mountain
Mornings without a good cup of coffee can be, well, insufferable – and Costco knows just how to deliver on barrister-worthy coffee without the inflated price tag. Since 2012, Costco has teamed up with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters for its Kirkland brand Breakfast Blend and Pacific Bold Keurig Cups.
Parmesan Cheese – Formaggi Zanetti
Costco’s cheese selection is renowned, especially their international cheeses which are sourced from around the globe. Costco customers, in particular, love Kirkland Signature Parmigiano Reggiano and with good reason. The cheese is manufactured in Italy by Formaggi Zanetti and aged for 24 months. Retailing for around $11.79 per pound, not only is the cheese an amazing deal but cheese snobs will appreciate its authentic flavor.
Organic Berries – Scenic Fruit Company
As smoothies become more and more popular, shoppers love to stock up on frozen berries – and there’s nothing better than the organic kind. Fortunately, for Costco customers the Kirkland Signature Organic Blueberries are harvested by Scenic Fruit Company, a leader in providing both fresh and frozen fruits.
Tortilla Chips – Mission Foods
Although the Mission Foods label has been removed from the new-style packaging of Costco’s Kirkland Signature Organic Tortilla Chips, they still taste the same and stand up delightfully when topped with salsa and guacamole. Retailing at just over five bucks a bag, they’re a go to addition to any Costco cart.
Aluminum Foil – Reynolds Aluminum Foil
Dubious of off-label aluminum foil? Don’t be! When it comes to Costco’s own brand it is premium quality thanks to their collaboration with trusted aluminum foil brand, Reynolds. In fact, if you look closely at a pack of Kirkland Signature Foodservice Foil you will notice the Reynolds logo stamped on the front of the box.
Balsamic Vinegar – Acetum
Not any old Balsamic Vinegar will do for Costco’s own Kirkland brand. The company made sure to source its Balsamic Vinegar from an Italian manufacturer that has been around for over 100 years. Costco’s partnership with Modena-based company Acetum goes all the way back to 1999 and offers Costco customers the chance to purchase authentic vinegar at an excellent price.
“We chose to partner with Acetum because of its commitment to preserving the authenticity and heritage of balsamic vinegar,” Leanne Bender, a Costco buyer, revealed on The Costco Connection.
Frozen Pizzas – Palermo
There’s no need to order pizza delivery when you keep a stash of Kirkland Premium Cheese Pizza tucked away in the freezer. The delicious pie is manufactured by Palermo and has been since the two companies partnered up years ago. Costco is reportedly Palermo’s biggest customer and Kirkland’s Premium Cheese Pizza is a huge customer fave.
Spanish Saffron – La Mancha
Known as the world’s most expensive spice, Saffron may not be in the cart of every Costco shopper, but for those who love to add it to various recipes Kirkland Signature Spanish Saffron is an excellent value, especially since it’s manufactured by La Mancha. According to the CostcoCouple, Kirkland Signature La Mancha Spanish Saffron has the “Protected Designation of Origin” seal that guarantees it is authentic La Mancha Spanish Saffron, AKA the best type of Saffron you can get!
Motor Oil – Warren Oil Company
We often think of Costco as a place to just stock up on groceries, but one of their most popular items is actually Kirkland Signature Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil. The product is manufactured by Warren Oil Company, a company known for high quality.
Brie Cheese – Isigny Ste-Mère Brie
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Brie Cheese is yet another example of the big box store importing authentic foods from their country of origin. This delectable Brie is manufactured by Normandy-based company Isigny Ste-Mére, who recommend cutting off the top of Brie and slathering with honey and raw sugar, sticking it under the broiler, and serving with a variety of breads, crackers and veggies – yum!
Craft Beer – Gordon Biersch
Costco is known for its affordable array of beer and wine and the Kirkland Signature Craft Beer offerings are downright tasty. The delicious craft beers come sold as a 24 pack for just under 20 bucks and comprises an India Pale Ale, Session IPA, American Pale Ale, and a Brown Ale. The craft beer is manufactured by Gordon Biersch, which owns the popular Old Chicago and Rock Bottom brands.
Tail-On Shrimp – Kader Exports
Another awesome deal that guarantees a quality product for a fraction of the cost is Kirkland Signature Tail-On Shrimp, which is actually manufactured by Kader Exports – the name behind bigger brands such as Unistar, Aqua Star Reserve, Fresh Market and Censea.
Contact Lenses – CooperVision
Kirkland Signature Premium Daily Disposable Contact Lenses are actually made by contact lens giant CooperVision and according to Clark Howard, Costco is one of the most affordable places to buy contacts. Costco customers can further save money by checking out the rebates Costco often offers.
Contact Solution – BioTru
Along with the expense of contact lenses comes the need to purchase contact solution. Fortunately, for Costco customers, Kirkland’s Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution is actually manufactured by BioTru and contains the exact same ingredients for a fraction of the cost.
Chocolate Almonds – Blommor Chocolate
Costco customers rave about Kirkland Signature Chocolate Almonds and now we know why. It turns out these addictive little morsels of delight are actually manufactured by one of North America’s leading manufacturers of fine chocolate, Blommor Chocolate.
Mattresses – Stearns & Foster
Costco teamed up with Stearns & Foster for its line of Kirkwood Signature Mattresses. Although they are still a big ticket item, the cost is way less than you would pay in a mattress store and you aren’t sacrificing on quality or comfort. The Kirkwood Stearns & Foster line of mattresses come in a variety of sizes and include memory and gel foam choices.
Green Tea – Ito-En
Costco isn’t shy about letting customers know its Kirkland Signature Green Tea is manufactured by Ito-En, one of the world’s largest tea manufacturers. Costco’s delicious and healthy green tea is a blend of Sencha and Matcha teas.
Fish Oil – Trident Seafoods
Costco has great prices on their vitamins and health supplements and their fish oil is no exception. Manufactured by Trident Seafoods, the largest seafood company in the United States, Kirkland Signature Fish Oil is sustainably sourced and sold at a great price for a quality product.
Rosé – Olivier Sumeire
You can easily ‘Rosé All Day’ when you purchase Costco’s own brand of the fresh and fruity wine. The $10 bottle of Kirkland Signature Côte De Provence Rosé Wine is produced directly in the Provence region of France by Olivier Sumeire, an 8th generation vintner and grape grower.
Prosecco – Veneto
Prosecco is having a moment – and there’s no need to shell out for a fancy bottle of the Italian sparkling wine if you have a Costco membership. Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco only costs around $7 and is imported directly from the Veneto region of Italy.
Shampoo and Conditioner – Pureology
Splurging on salon-formula shampoo and conditioner is no longer a necessity for Costco customers who rave about Kirkland Signature Professional Salon Formula Shampoo and Conditioner. Rumor has it the hair-care products are actually manufactured by L’Oreal Pureology. Either way these fan faves smell fantastic, are sulfate-free, paraben-free and 100 percent vegan.
Red Cups – Chinet
Looking to stock up on disposable cups for your next backyard bbq then look no further than the Kirkland Signature Big Red Cup. Costco is proud to let its customers know their Kirkland offering is actually made by Chinet, so you can feel comfortable knowing you’re getting a quality item at a great price.
Laundry Detergent – Persil
Although neither company has yet to confirm it, rumors suggest Kirkland’s Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent Pacs is actually Persil laundry detergent in disguise. Whatever the rumors, customers love the Kirkland brand and so does Consumer Reports who rated it one of their top picks for laundry detergent.
Honey – Rice’s Honey
According to The Costco Connection, the Kirkland Signature 100% U.S. Raw Unfiltered Honey is supplied by Rice’s Honey – a company that has been around since 1924 and only works with local American beekeepers.
Greek Yogurt – Ehrmann
Greek yogurt can get pretty pricey for the good stuff, but bargain-loving Costco Customers love the Kirkland brand of Greek yogurt. Rumored to be manufactured by German company Ehrmann Yogurt, Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt is easy on the wallet and even more delicious when topped with Costco’s Kirkland Signature 100% U.S. Raw Unfiltered Honey.
