15 Kirkland Items That Beat Name Brands in Taste and Price
Costco is a trap in the best way. You walk in for paper towels, and before you know it, you’ll be carrying a wheel of cheese, pesto, a tub of chocolate-covered raisins, and whatnot! And that’s not just good marketing. It’s because Kirkland Signature products often outshine the bigger names. Plus, they’re also often available on cheaper deals.
Don’t believe it? Let’s break down some of the most reliable Kirkland finds that prove store brands don’t mean second best.
Kirkland Signature 100% Colombian Coffee
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This dark roast, sourced straight from Colombian beans, has developed a loyal following thanks to its rich, full flavor and smooth finish. Budget-conscious shoppers love the price, sure—but the real win is how often it shows up in kitchens where brand-name loyalty used to reign supreme.
Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water
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Here’s a can of tuna that doesn’t collapse into a fishy paste the moment you open it. Instead, you will find firm chunks, a clean taste, and over 40 grams of protein that make it feel more like a premium product. It’s great for salads, sandwiches, or even straight from the can.
Kirkland Signature Parmigiano Reggiano
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It’s not just “Parmesan”—it’s real, aged Parmigiano Reggiano with a PDO seal, imported straight from Italy. The flavor is complex, nutty, and rich, and it costs a fraction of what gourmet shops charge.
Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Nonfat Yogurt
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What this Greek yogurt lacks in branding, it more than makes up for in sheer usefulness. It slides easily between breakfast, lunch, and dinner, considering that it’s thick, tangy, and protein-packed. Stir in some berries and honey in the morning, swap it for sour cream at night, or blend it into a marinade. You get nearly three pounds per tub, which somehow never feels like too much.
Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Italian Olive Oil
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If you’ve ever wondered whether a reasonably priced olive oil could actually be the real deal, here’s your answer. This olive oil is cold-pressed, verified for authenticity, and comes from Italian-grown olives. It has a smooth taste and is priced far lower than boutique oils.
Kirkland Signature Organic Maple Syrup
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This syrup is harvested in Quebec and contains exactly zero things you don’t want, including caramel coloring, added sugar, and artificial flavoring. It’s just real, 100% Grade A amber maple syrup. The jug looks humble, but what’s inside is rich, smooth, and wildly better than the plastic bottles hanging out in most grocery store aisles.
Kirkland Signature French Vodka
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People love speculating that it’s secretly Grey Goose in disguise—and while that’s never been confirmed, taste tests keep the rumor alive for good reason. This vodka is neutral and silky enough to sip on ice. It comes in a tall, elegant bottle that wouldn’t look out of place on a fancy bar cart. The price, too, is about a third of what you’d expect.
Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter
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Imported from New Zealand, this butter is rich, creamy, and made with milk from grass-fed cows. Many customers compare it favorably to Kerrygold, but it costs noticeably less per ounce. It’s great for baking or just spreading it on toast.
Kirkland Signature Basil Pesto
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Bigger doesn’t always mean better unless you’re talking about this 22-ounce jar of basil pesto made with imported Italian basil. It’s fresh, fragrant, and ready to rescue any pasta, sandwich, or roasted veggie from the brink of bland. Bonus tip: Freeze it in an ice cube tray and you’ll have perfect pesto portions for weeks.
Kirkland Signature Butter Croissants
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These bakery croissants are flaky, golden, and genuinely buttery. A dozen costs around $7, which breaks down to about 60 cents each, far cheaper than most bakery options. Many members stock up and freeze extras for breakfasts or sandwiches.
Kirkland Signature Chocolate Covered Raisins
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A word of warning: these are dangerously snackable. The raisins are juicy, the chocolate is thick enough to feel indulgent, and the container is big enough to last a while unless you leave it out during movie night. More than a few fans swear they’re better than Raisinets, and the value per pound doesn’t hurt either.
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream
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This ice cream comes in a pair of half-gallon tubs. It’s consistently compared to much pricier brands like Häagen-Dazs and Cold Stone. It feels rich enough for sundaes and simple enough to enjoy solo.
Kirkland Signature Paper Towels
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These towels are thick, absorbent, and larger than many competitors’ sheets. Each roll contains 140 sheets that hold up well for spills, scrubbing, or cleaning countertops. They’re strong even when wet and have earned praise for durability.
Kirkland Signature Italian Sparkling Mineral Water
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Bottled at the same source as San Pellegrino, this sparkling mineral water offers a clean, refreshing taste in sleek glass bottles. It’s dinner-party ready and significantly cheaper than other imported brands.
Kirkland Signature Stretch-Tite Plastic Food Wrap
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Kirkland’s plastic food wrap is thicker and stronger than most brands, with a reliable slide cutter built into the box. It clings tightly, seals well, and lasts forever. Fans say it outperforms Reynolds and other store-bought wraps.