Kirkland’s success is driven by its low prices and high-quality products, but how do they do it? Let’s take a look at the untold truths behind this beloved brand and see what we can uncover.
Cranberry Juice
Chances are, if you love cranberry juice, then you probably love Kirkland's Signature Cranberry Juice. But guess what? That cranberry juice you bought from Costco that's sitting in your fridge right now, is actually manufactured by Ocean Spray!
With such a good brand behind their products, Costco certainly isn't trying to hide it as you can see on their packaging.
Smoked Bacon
Ever since the price increase of bacon, people have been more eager than ever to buy their favorite food from retail warehouses that offer more affordable prices without sacrificing quality.
With that being said, you can still get good quality bacon when you buy Costco's Kirkland brand of Naturally Wood Smoked Bacon. It's sourced from the Hormel Foods Corporation.
Coffee Beans
Coffee-lovers are going to be thrilled when they learn about this collaboration. More often than not, coffee aficionados will stay far away from warehouse branded coffee, but in this case, they should flock to Costco as certain blends are roasted by Starbucks Coffee Company.
According to online sources, a lot of Kirkland's items are actually manufactured by well-known brands and then sold under the Kirkland name, including their coffee, which comes from Starbucks. This means you can get those delicious roasts of Starbucks coffee at a fraction of its original price if you get them at Costco.
Raw Honey
You probably know honey as the sweet nectar that comes in friendly bear-shaped bottles, but you haven't lived until you've tried raw honey, which can be found at a Costco near you.
Costco should be lauded for its partnership with local farmers, but this collaboration is no sweet secret. It's been made known that its Raw Unfiltered Honey comes from several nearby beekeepers, with the Rice Honey brand being one of them.
Batteries
If you prefer to buy your batteries in bulk, then Costco is one of the best options out there, but here's a little secret for you, Duracell actually manufactures Kirkland Signature Batteries.
Now you can still buy that bulk pack of batteries and you know that you're buying quality.
Spanish Saffron
News broke in 2008 that Costco started selling saffron, but not only that, its leading brand Kirkland would be selling the highest-quality saffron you could get.
According to experts, La Mancha is home to the world’s best saffron and Costco buys most of its stock to sell at a reasonable price. Considering the price of many brands out there, this one costs one-fifth of what many other stockists charge.
Organic Blueberries
When it comes to blueberries, this is really the only piece of investigative journalism you need today. So if you're looking for the best blueberries out there, you should try Kirkland's 3-pound bag of blueberries.
These small, round, and deep-blue berries are harvested by a world leader in both fresh and frozen fruits — Scenic Fruit Company.
Balsamic Vinegar
All the way from Modena, Italy, this aged Balsamic Vinegar sold by Kirkland is actually manufactured by the Italian brand Acetum. By ruling out the middle man, Costco can keep Kirkland's prices around 20% lower than other Italian brands.
So if you're buying your Balsamic Vinegar from Kirkland's, you're basically getting a total steal for the stellar quality.
Diapers
All parents will know just how important the quality of diapers is, which is why many people are hesitant to buy cheap diapers, even staying away from Costco's brand of Kirkland. But here's some good news!
All of Kirkland's diapers are manufactured by Kimberly-Clark, which also makes Huggies and Goodnites.
Foil
While some of the Kirkland brand's collaborations are kept secret, others are proudly displayed on the packaging. Like their Foodservice Foils which has the Reynolds logo stamped on the front of the box.
To make many of its products cheaper, Kirkland sells in bulk, which means many shoppers get to save without sacrificing quality.
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Certain specialty cheeses are one of those guilty pleasures, but you don't have to feel too bad about the bill anymore if you get your Parmesan cheese at Costco. Kirkland's Parmigiano is from Formaggi Zanetti, an Italian company that has over a century of experience.
Their cheese is aged for over 20 years, and when you think about how much you would pay for that same wedge in a deli or specialty shop, it's a great bargain.
Frozen Pizzas
Costco is known for many things: discounted prices, delectable free samples, and, of course, their frozen pizza.
This pizza is a clear product of its time and place because Kirkland Signature Pizza is produced by Palermo, one of America's most beloved family-owned companies. Founded in 1964 by the Fallucca family in Wisconsin, it is still owned by the Fallucca family today!
Green Tea
Green tea is often hailed as one of the healthiest drinks available, so why aren't we drinking more of it? Well, turns out that many people want the real deal, which is why you should check out Kirkland when it comes to their Green Tea.
When buying from their Signature brand of Japanese Green Tea, you're actually buying tea made in Japan by one of the largest tea manufacturers and distributors in the world, Ito-en.
Shrimp
Shrimp is as beloved a staple as any, with many cuisines around the world lauding it as their claim to fame. But this isn't surprising at all when you consider how tasty they are and how easy they are to prepare.
Kirkland's frozen shrimp is actually provided by Kader Exports, which also supplies seafood for brands like Censea and Wellsley Farms.
Tortilla Chips
With tortilla chips being one of our favorite foods, we're happy to inform you that Kirkland's signature version does not disappoint.
These organic chips are made with a blend of white and yellow corn and produced by Texas-based Mission Foods, which also makes classic tortilla wraps and chunky salsa.
Chocolate Almonds
Blommer Chocolate is the largest cocoa processor in North America and now they also happen to be the supplier for Kirkland's Chocolate Almonds.
The Blommer Chocolate company creates an assortment of chocolate products, from cocoa powder to boxed chocolate treats. These Milk Chocolate Almonds are one of Kirkland's best-sellers.
Ice Cream
We all know Costco is a convenient place to shop. Not only do they offer discounted prices on bulk items, but they also prioritize quality. This is why out of all the ice-cream manufacturers they could collaborate with, they chose an organic brand.
The Humbolt Creamery was first established in 1929, and it uses organic milk and cream from local, pasture-based farms in Humboldt County, California.
Wild Alaskan Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements are sold to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and these little capsules are also said to benefit cardiac health.
This is where Trident Seafood comes in. As the biggest seafood company in North America, it's now been made known that they're also Costco's Wild Alaskan Fish Oil supplier.
Motor Oil
Make no mistake, when you buy Kirkland's Motor Oil, you can rest assured that you're cutting costs while also making an informed purchase.
Warren Distribution supplies Costco with quality motor oil. The company has facilities that range over 2 million square feet for its manufacturing and distribution operations.
Brie Cheese
Brie is a soft, tangy cheese that tastes a little like cream cheese but with a little more personality. If you enjoy French Brie, then you'll know it is definitely one of those luxury treats, but not if you buy yours at Costco.
Kirkland's French Brie is from Normandy. The company 'Isigny Ste-Mère Briewhich' exports its brie to the giant retailer brand, providing you with excellent cheese at a much cheaper price.
Canned Albacore Tuna
When it comes to canned tuna, it's one of the most popular staples to buy in America, not only because of its long shelf-life but also for its price, which leaves many people wondering about the quality.
Fortunately, Bumble Bee is one of the leaders of canned fish with reportedly great quality Albacore Tuna which can also be found under the Kirkland brand at Costco.
Dry Dog and Cat Food
You don't know a true look of betrayal until your dog shoots daggers at you from beside his food bowl when you feed him off-brand dog food. Luckily, all of Kirkland's signature pet food is supplied by Diamond Pet Foods, a big name in the pet food industry, and for good reason.
Their pellets are from a grain-free mixture that uses chicken lamb and turkey, along with vegetables to keep your dogs and cats healthy and happy.
Mayonnaise
A lot of speculation has been heard about Kirkland’s signature Real Mayonnaise being backed by Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise but that isn't true.
While Kirkland's signature mayonnaise was judged to be about as good as Hellmann's, it's actually not made by them. But at 60% of the price of Hellmann’s, it might be worth trying that taste test out for yourself.
Moisture Haircare Products
Sure, Kirkland Signature is known for its grocery products and food items. But could it become the next big name in haircare?
With a variety of options for shampoo and conditioner, it's speculated that Pureology, the brand praised for its salon-like quality, supplies Kirkland’s signature Moisture Haircare.
Frozen Berry Blend
The only thing better than a delicious blend of berries is one that comes at a reasonable price. Like Kirkland's signature berry blend of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, which only costs $18.65 for 4lbs!
These are supplied by Townsend Farms, a company known for its organic blend of frozen berries.
Carrot Juice
Sometimes, processed food can be better. But we're not talking about french fries and skittles. We mean food that’s been put in a food processor, like this carrot juice from Costco. If you happen to be one of those people that prefer their veggies in juice form, you might like Kirkland Signature's carrot juice.
This time they co-branded with Bolthouse Farms. This juice is made from 100% organic carrots that get harvested, peeled, and juiced all within 24 hours, according to Costco Connection magazine.
Contact Lenses
Nothing's nerdier than terrible glasses, which is why many people prefer wearing contacts. For those who wear contacts, you'll be happy to know that Kirkland's Contact Lenses are actually just CooperVision contact lenses that have been re-branded.
Usually, Kirkland's brand is cheaper, but in this case, they might be more expensive, so be sure to check the prices as the contact lenses themselves are identical.
Kirkland Mattresses
A bed may just be a bed, but we all need one and when you think about it, we spend quite a lot of time on our mattresses, so why not be picky about it?
That's what Kirkland's brand was probably thinking when they choose their partner — Stearns & Foster. This company was first established in 1846 and has maintained its long-lasting, quality craftsmanship throughout the years.
Organic Greek Yogurt
If you enjoy your breakfast with Greek yogurt mixed in your granola, then you probably already know how great it is for you.
Greek yogurt has almost double the amount of protein as regular yogurt and at Costco, you can get an organic version of their signature brand. Kirkland's supplier is Ehrmann, a German-based company that has production plants across the US.
K-Cups
Aside from Starbucks, the Keurig company has also acquired a reputation in the world of coffee. One of the best things about this Keurig-Costco partnership is that it literally keeps down the cost of pricey brands like K-Cups.
Costco partnered with Keurig Green Mountain, which leaves out any doubt when it comes to the quality of their K-cups.
Purified Bottled Water
Kirkland-branded bottled water is manufactured and bottled by the Niagara Bottling company. This family-owned and Niagara-sourced spring water has been quenching thirsts since 1963 and has been a favorite for many thirsty customers.
This water is actually more common than you'd think, as it’s also sold by other retail corporations like Walmart and Safeway.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are one of the lesser-known products available under the Kirkland Signature brand at Costco. This signature device is actually manufactured by the Switzerland-based company Sonova.
Sonova is a leading hearing aids provider that also develops branded hearing aids for Unitron, Phonak, and Hansaton.
Laundry Detergent
For whatever reason, cleaning products have always had inflated costs. Thankfully, Costco is constantly on the lookout for its customers by forming partnerships with big brands, like Persil, in this case.
Kirkland's signature laundry detergent is called Ultra-Clean Laundry Detergent. These partnerships are not only great because they give customers the option of buying a cheaper detergent, but it also keeps competition from raising their prices too high.
Toilet Paper
While we couldn't trace who's behind the manufacturing of Costco's Bath Tissue under the Kirkland Signature brand, we did manage to find out that Kirkland's brand ranks very well compared to other popular brands.
Not only in terms of price but also when looking at quality, Costco's bath tissue comes out equal to Charmin, a leading toilet paper manufacturer.
Roasted Seaweed Snack
We thought there wasn't possibly another bold flavor when it comes to snacks, but Costco's Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks are as innovative as they are delicious!
The package is marked "Winter Harvest." These snack packs are made in Korea and sold at Costco Wholesale.
Infant Formula
Kirkland’s infant formula is called ProCare and is an affordable choice for new parents. It is manufactured by the Perrigo company.
Perrigo is a well-known producer and leading supplier of store brand self-care nutrition products. With a high rating of 4,5 stars, their products do well as a powder blend for infants and toddlers.
Golf Balls
Of all the products that we've searched through, Golf Balls were probably the most surprising. Ever since they were placed on the shelves of Costco, Kirkland-branded golf balls were complimented for their resemblance to the Titleist Pro V1.
But Costco’s balls weren’t actually produced by Titleist. Instead, they come from SM Global LLC, a subsidiary of Nassau Golf Company.
Garlic and Herb Almonds
Roasted almonds are great in your breakfast granola and scattered over salads, but these bad boys can also be served as salty snacks.
This brings us to Kirkland's Signature Herb Garlic Almonds, which were first released under Blue Diamond but have since moved under Kirkland's brand.
Praline Pecans
Since 1995, Costco's brand we all know as Kirkland has manufactured various items from staples like toilet paper to infant formula, and now even these Praline Pecans.
Costco sources nuts from wherever they are at their best and these Praline Pecans are sourced from a partner company in Turkey.
Extra Thick Steak Strips
You will feel like you're snacking on real steak throughout the day by eating these extra thick-cut steak strips, which are a thicker and moister version of beef jerky.
Various third parties are responsible for the Kirkland products, so it isn’t easy to guess, and this is one of those well-kept secrets of Costco. There is not even much speculation about who the manufacturer might be.
Organic Peanut Butter
Many customers have commented on the similarity between Kirkland's Organic Peanut Butter and Jif's Natural Peanut Butter.
Kirkland's pretty close to the big brand name peanut butter. And at only $12, this smooth, and creamy peanut flavor is a pretty good deal.
Organic No-Salt Seasoning
Here's another Costco deal you shouldn’t pass up. When it comes to seasoning, Costco's signature brand does a great job at achieving top quality at a reasonable price.
While there is no official word on who supplies Kirkland's seasoning blends, this version is rumored to be a McCormick duplicate. Not only is it USDA-certified organic, but it's low in sodium and contains a blend of over 20 spices.
Unsalted Butter
For the seasoned baker, they'll know that some recipes specify whether they should use salted or unsalted butter. More often than not, unsalted is better when it comes to sweet pastries and cakes.
If you're one of those, then you should purchase Kirkland's Unsalted Butter. Not only is it reasonably priced, but it's also good quality. Apparently, Kirkland's product is a rebrand from Tillamook, the dairy co-operative. Both of these are certified Grade AA unsalted, but the Costco one is cheaper, even though it's organic.
Plastic Red Cups
If you're in need of supplies for your social gathering then you should head over to Costco, where they readily stock red plastic cups.
Costco partnered with Chinet to produce this Kirkland product, which is obvious as they have their name on the packaging. While you can find products from Chinet in places like Target and Walmart, only Costco offers these plastic red cups at such a low price.
Hot Dogs
If you've ever stopped by Costco's infamous food court, then you'll probably know about their legendary hot dogs that are often enjoyed with a soda, for only $1.50.
The company behind Costco's hot dogs probably won't surprise you, as Hebrew National has been selling hot dogs since 1984 and partnered with Costco in 2009 to supply Kirkland's signature hot dogs.
Rotisserie Chicken
We’d be remiss if we failed to mention Costco’s iconic rotisserie chicken. This is every meal prepper's dream. Not only because it's ready to eat, but also cause it only costs about $4.99 for a chicken, which is almost half of what other stores charge.
Costco's delicious rotisserie chicken is sourced by Lincoln Premium Poultry, and according to their figures, Kirkland sells about 50 million of their chickens every year.
Jelly Belly Candy
What would our list be without Kirkland's Jelly Belly Candy? Not a very inclusive list, that's for sure. At just $13.99, Kirkland gives an amazing deal for a selection of 49 Jelly Belly flavors, which is cheaper than when you buy them from Jelly Belly Candy, the original supplier.
Their secret is that they sell them in bulk, which saves you money and also stops competitors from overpricing similar products.
Wedges
Ever since Kirkland introduced golf balls, it was only a matter of time before they started stocking their shelves with golfing wedges.
Despite the mixed comments about their design, Golf enthusiasts still find Kirkland's brand to be of good quality since they are manufactured by True Temper, a brand that's renowned for producing steel shafts at a competitive price.
Children's Multivitamin Gummies
For all those parents who are looking for a top-rated multivitamin, they'll be interested to know about Kirkland Signature Children’s Complete Multivitamin Gummies.
There was some speculation that said these were produced by Flinstones Vitamins, which isn’t true, but they do contain many of the same ingredients. A little bit of digging led us to Amazon, which listed Kev and Cooper LLC as the manufacturer of Kirkland’s multivitamin gummies.
Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
If like us and you like your snacks salty, then you should try Kirkland's Peanut Butter Pretzels. They have the perfect crunch along with a salty peanut butter filling.
They usually fly off the shelves, so when you do finally get your hands on them, be sure to grab a few. While it's no secret that they are sourced by H.K. Anderson, as shown on the label, you should know that this is a great product as the company has been around since 1888.
Soft and Chewy Granola Bars
Costco is a warehouse wonderland where you can get amazing bargains, even when they're not sold under the Kirkland brand. Take these granola bars for example. They have almost exactly the same ingredients as KIND bars but are actually made by Leclerc Foods USA.
For a box of Costco's Nut Bars, you'll pay $14.99 which contains 30 bars, which saves you $4 if you compare this to other similar products.
Dishwasher Tablets
There were several online articles that looked into Kirkland's Dishwasher tablets, with rumors going around that Cascade could be behind their production. But after all that speculation, it became apparent that these are manufactured by Kirkland Inc.
According to online reports, Kirkland's Dishwasher Tablets rank quite highly, coming in second only to Cascade. Sparkling performance at a reasonable price makes this dishwasher detergent a great deal.
Contact Solution
This Costco item has its own dedicated thread on Reddit.com, that's how much people like it. With so much fanfare, it's only expected that we're curious about its origins.
While many may have thought BAUSHE+LOMB produces this Kirkland product, it's actually manufactured by Kirkland Inc. The ingredients are identical to BioTru, but at a better price compared to Kirkland, where you can get the same solution.
Granola Cereal
If anyone out there wants to save on healthy products, then Costco is a great place to start. Kirkland's Ancient Grains Granola is produced by one of the biggest brands, Nature's Path, which is no secret as it's printed directly on the packaging.
The best thing is that this brand is much more than many other types of granola cereal you'll find in the grocery store.
Flushable Wipes
Parents will know how expensive baby products can get and flushable wipes are just one of those products they need but wish they were cheaper.
Costco sources their wipes from Nice-Pak, and the best part is that these hypoallergenic wipes also come at an impressive price point! They're fragrance-free and contain aloe and vitamin E. They are also cheaper than the Target brand.
Tomato and Basil Bisque
Is there anything more comforting than a hot bowl of soup on a chilly winter's night? Not really, which is why customers rave about Kirkland's Signature Tomato Basil Bisque, which is made by none other than America's leading soup manufacturer, Campbell's Soup Company.
This item has since been discontinued, but you can still purchase the soup online at Amazon.com.
Face Serum
Every now and then, you can find in-demand luxury products at a surprisingly cheap price. This face serum found under the Kirkland brand is lauded by reviewers who've commented on its quality and fantastic results.
As stated on the label, it's manufactured by Borghese. While this item might be difficult to find on the shelves at Costco, it can be found online.
Organic Chicken Stock
There are a few rumors about the manufacturer linked to Kirkland's Organic Chicken Stock, with many people believing Swanson is behind this product.
While the ingredients list proves to be quite similar, Costco's Chicken Stock is also certified organic and is produced by their own corporation Kirkland Signature Inc. So here's another Kirkland product that's just as good as a premium brand.
Leggings
These leggings caused quite a stir when they appeared on the social media scene, with influencers saying that Kirkland's leggings are nearly identical to the luxury brand Lululemon, from the stitching to the fabric.
With enough speculation to go around, Kirkland was quick to issue a statement saying that they produce their leggings in-house.
Olive Oil
As with most kitchen staples, there is no shortage of brands to choose from when it comes to buying olive oil. The real trick is finding one that's good quality while still being reasonably priced. This is why Costco's products rank so well, even compared to fancier labels.
Many experts have weighed in on this topic saying they actually prefer Kirkland's brand to other varieties. Costco certifies that their Kirkland olive oil is grown, pressed, and bottled in the Apulia region of Italy.
Animal Crackers
Thanks to their vanilla flavor and smooth texture, Costco's Animal Crackers are a hit among customers, who've also mentioned that they are different from more traditional brands, but still tasty! Their animal crackers are slightly larger and less crispy than their more-traditional counterparts, plus they are organic.
If you're looking for a bargain, then you should consider buying them in bulk under the Kirkland Signature brand, as they compare most favorably to their competitors.
Daily Vitamins
Did you know that Kirkland rates as one of the top five Vitamin Brands when it comes to safety and effectiveness? Well, now you know. But who makes them?
According to Costco's magazine, Kirkland's vitamins have certification from the FDA through the United States Pharmacopeia.
Organic Fruit Snacks
Kirkland has some beloved items to offer: food staples, toiletries, and even health supplements, all the way down to the snack section!
When compared to the popular Annie's brand of organic fruit snacks, Kirkland's brand can save you a significant ten cents per ounce! Also, this Kirkland brand of snacks lists apple juice concentrate, as its first ingredient, meaning it's made of real fruit.
Handcrafted Beer
If you're picky about your beer then you should seriously consider the Kirkland Signature brand of beers. While you might be buying them directly from Costco, they're actually from famous breweries like Gordon Biersch.
These drinks have been getting surprisingly good reviews, with many consumers pleased with the taste of both Kirkland's IPA and its American Pale Ale.
Rosé
The $10 price tag from Costco is not bad at all, considering it's produced in France, and by a wine merchant that's been in business for generations.
Kirkland's Rosé is produced in the Cotes de Provence Appellation in France by an 8th generation grape cultivator named Olivier Sumeire. His ancestors have been passionate about winemaking in Provence since the 13th Century, as stated on the bottle.
Asolo Prosecco
As it turns out, Kirkland's economically priced $7 Prosecco actually comes straight from the prime estate vineyards of Prosecco country, making this a real bargain.
As the label reads, this comes from the "magnificent territory close to the Italian Alps," meaning it really is good quality and just as good as any Italian Prosecco out there.
Sauvignon Blanc
All those wine aficionados out there will be glad to know that Costco's Sauvignon Blanc wines come from big names that are highly regarded in the wine industry.
You don't even have to do a lot of research, cause the origins are right there on the label. This specific brand of Sauvignon Blanc comes from New Zealand's Ti Point label, and the bottle sells at just $6.99.
Signature Wines
Costco's in-house brand Kirkland Signature is having a moment right now and their wild success has many other retail giants feeling the pressure.
There's a longstanding rumor that the brand behind many of Kirkland's Signature Wines is E & J Gallo Wines, a winery established in 1933 that's headquartered in Modesto, California. This family-owned winery is the largest winery in the United States as regulated by the Bureau registry.
Chablis Premier Cru
With Costco's impressive wine selection, it's clear that the Kirkland brand must be doing something right. According to various news sites, the Kirkland Signature brand fares favorably compared to other brands.
If we take Kirkland's Signature Chablis Premier Cru as another example, it's clear that French Winery Jean-Marc Brocard is linked to this wine, as the name appears on the back of the bottle.