You’ll Be Surprised by the Big Brands Behind Costco’s Kirkland Products (& The BIG Savings!)

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Want to know which name brands are behind the Costco Kirkland Signature products we love? Here’s the inside scoop!

costco shopping cart with items

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.

Not a Costco member? Become one with the best deal around!

*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

hand holding large bag of coffee

Kirkland Signature Medium Roast Coffee 40oz. bag – $19.39 (48¢/oz)

vs.

Starbucks Coffee 12oz. bag – $10.79 (89¢/oz).

Fun fact: select varieties of Kirkland Signature Coffee are actually roasted by Starbucks Coffee Company!


2. Diamond Naturals vs. Kirkland Signature Pet Food

kirkland dog food

Kirkland Signature Adult Dry Dog Food 40lb. bag – $39.99 (99¢/lb)

vs.

Diamond Naturals 40lb. bag – $42.99 – $54.99 ($1.37/lb)

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

stacked diaper boxes

Kirkland Signature Diapers 96-count$10.99

vs.

Huggies (the Costco brand diapers tend to run about $10-$12 cheaper per box compared to Huggies or Pampers.)

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

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

kirkland batteries on shelf at costco

Kirkland Signature AA Batteries 48-pack – $15.99 (33¢/battery)

vs.

Duracell AA Batteries 20-pack – $13.29 (66¢/battery)

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

hand holding kirkland butter near freezer

Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Salted Butter sticks 4- 8oz. packs $11.99 ($2.99 each)

vs.

Kerrygold Grass-Fed Salted Butter 8oz. $4.84


7. Specialty Cheese vs. Kirkland Signature Cheese

hand holding kirkland cheese at costco

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 tuna from costco sitting on shelf

Kirkland’s tuna is actually supplied by Bumble Bee Foods! Pocket the savings!


10. Pureology vs. Kirkland Signature Moisture Haircare

costco kirkland signature shampoo and conditioner is rumored to be made by pureology

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

kirkland signature vodka compared to grey goose vodka

Check in-stores! 

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

kirkland signature cups

Kirkland Signature Red Cups 240-count – $13.59 (under 6¢ each)

vs.

Solo Cups 100-pack – $13.99 (13¢ each)


13. Blommer’s vs. Kirkland Signature Milk Chocolate Almonds

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

stacks of water cases

Kirkland Signature Bottled Water 40-pack $3.69 (9¢ each)

vs

Niagara 32-count $12.50

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

costco 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

costco kirkland signature aluminum foil

Kirkland Signature line at Costco 1000 sq. ft. $34.99 ( per sq ft)

vs.

Reynolds $27.79 ( per sq ft.)


Want even more Costco items we think are worth every penny?

costco charisma towels

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 out-perform 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

kirkland leggings

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

Costco 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

box of 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

name brands sometimes make costco items, like these Kirkland Signature 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

name brands sometimes make costco items, like these Costco baby 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

name brands sometimes make costco items, like this Kirkland Signature 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.!


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!


About the writer:

Chelsey is a writer & photographer with both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Arizona State University. She holds 3+ years blogging experience not only for Hip2Save, but various other publications in the health, lifestyle, and education field.


Join The Discussion

Comments 139

  1. Bunny

    We shop at Aldi and Costco. Believe it or not, a gallon of 2% milk is cheaper at Aldi ($2.68) vs. Costco ($2.94). I’m sure it’s different in every area as the price of milk changes often, but I was shocked to find this out.

    • Chris

      I LOVE Costco, but the milk jugs are an awful design. The top is usually hard to get off and the shape is more awkward to handle in my family’s opinion. Agree with Bunny that the price at Aldi for milk (and eggs) is better.

      • Bunny

        Eggs at my local Aldi are now 55 cents a dozen. Definitely cheaper than Costco’s price.

      • Laura

        Aldi’s milk is awful. Just my opinion.

    • Donna M Loucks

      but costco milk is made better, has a better quality

    • Costco Craig

      Aidi sucks lady

  2. Suzanne H

    I have a dog that has a VERY sensitive stomach (he is a rescue that gets easily stressed). The Costco dog food in the post is 1 of 2 brands that he can eat. All others, including “sensitive” brands, make him sick.

  3. Michael Genette

    While there are occasionally items that other chains sell cheaper, Costco quality on Kirkland branded items is superb. Plus the article does not mention the opportunity for cash rebates if you use a Costco branded VISA and the cash back on gasoline purchased.

    • JC in HB

      And that they double the warranty on TV’s computers etc when you use your Costco credit card.

      The double the TV warranty to 2 years and use the credit card and its 4 years and then spend the $100 and add another 3 years on top of it!!!!!

      • TheMoreYouKnow

        Hate to break it to you but most credit card issuers do this for you. But you call VISA or MASTERCARD not the issuing bank

  4. JC in HB

    You gotta love the deals at Costco as long as you can store them or eat/use them before they go bad.
    You can’t go wrong with paper towels & TP… but honestly, their beer prices are just like any other store, so I save that room in my cart for things I can’t get at the regular store.
    And TVs, computers & appliances are a NO BRAINER as long as you are OK with the model.
    Been a member of Price Club since 1985.

  5. Unca Alby

    I would be interested to learn what motivation a company has to compete against themselves with the exact same product under a different label. Wouldn’t you suppose they would deliberately cut some corners on the generic brands?

    I see as one example in these comments that Kirkland batteries do not have the quality of Duracell, even if they happen to come out of the same factory. I have had similar experiences with Kirkland batteries; they simply do not work as well. I stopped buying them, and I’m sure Duracell is happier for it.

    The generics may be manufactured by the name brands, but what assurances do we have that the quality is the same? None at all. I think the anecdotal evidence supports the idea that any time a generic product happens to match (or exceed??) the quality of the name brand is a complete accident of chance, and I’m sure they’ll fix that when they can.

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