These Are the Brands Hidden Behind Costco’s Kirkland Label

Facebook // Edeka Gehrke

Costco is one of the world’s biggest and most popular shopping chains. It is particularly known for its affordability and reasonable pricing. If you’ve ever been to a Costco, you would have noticed the wide variety of Kirkland products. Kirkland is seen as the cheaper but lower-quality version of more well-known brands. To help you make informed decisions about what you are really buying, we will discuss the brands hidden behind Costco’s Kirkland label.

Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Most pet owners only want the best for their furry friends, meaning they usually don’t look for the cheapest option when buying dog food. This is because most of the cheaper brands have low nutrient content, providing less sustenance for the dog.

Facebook // Baguio & La Union Edition

However, the Kirkland Signature Small Dog Food ticks both boxes in terms of pricing and quality. Manufactured by Diamond Naturals Dog Food, you can rest assured knowing that your dog will still be getting all the vitamins and minerals that they need, but for a good price.

Acetum Balsamic Vinegar

A few years ago, Costco agreed to a partnership with Acetum Balsamic Vinegar in order to manufacture a more affordable Kirkland version labeled Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. While the name might be different, the vinegar is exactly the same, but for a fraction of the price.

(Left) Pinterest // @shopify | (Right) Pinterest // @thekitchn

In fact, you can purchase Kirkland’s version at just $6 for a liter, whereas Acetum’s version will cost you close to $17 for just 8.5 ounces at Walmart. This might just be the steal of the century, and most people don’t even know about it!

Rice’s Honey

Raw honey is far from cheap, especially when produced by a big-name brand such as L.R. Rice. That said, you can bring home a hefty bottle of raw honey for the low price of $0.20 per ounce at Costco.

(Left) Pinterest // @BekahStarbuck | (Right) Facebook // nocolaser

What’s more, many customers believe that the Kirkland version is simply the L.R Rice product rebranded, as they taste almost identical. Again, the only difference is the low price of the Kirkland raw honey.

Nature’s Path

Granola is one of the most popular breakfast choices around the world. For this reason, you can expect to pay quite a hefty price for it, especially if you only want the big brand versions, such as Nature’s Path.

(Left) Amazon // Nature’s Path | (Right) Amazon // Kirkland Signature

However, you can still get the exact same granola for a much lower price with Kirkland. Costco entered into a partnership with Nature’s Path a few years back, which is why you will notice a small ‘Nature’s Path’ logo on the much more affordable Kirkland dupes.

Enfamil Infant Formula

Baby formula is yet another product that parents don’t mind paying more for if it means that their child gets the best. The Kirkland Signature ProCare infant formula doesn’t have the best reputation, as the low price makes it seem like a low-quality product.

(Left) Shutterstock // Sheila Fitzgerald | (Right) Shutterstock // David Tonelson

The truth is that the Kirkland product is actually manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, the same company responsible for producing Enfamil Infant Formula, a highly reputable brand that parents around the world trust.

JIF Natural Creamy Peanut Butter

It is rumored that the Kirkland Organic Peanut Butter is actually just a rebranded version of the very popular Smucker’s Peanut Butter. As they taste so similar, the only real difference is the price tag.

(Left) Shutterstock // Marie C Fields | (Right) Pinterest // @MyHomeGrocers

The Kirkland version also tastes very similar to JIF Peanut Butter, which is arguably the most popular in the country. For this reason, it’s the obvious choice when shopping at Costco.

Tillamook Butter

The Kirkland Signature Butter range is both cheap and high quality, making it the perfect addition to your shopping list. Additionally, it’s a rumored rebrand of Tillamook Butter — a much more expensive product.

(Left) Shutterstock // Melissamn | (Right) Pinterest // @Momadesign

Similarly to Tillamook, the Kirkland version is made with unsalted sweet cream that is graded AA. Don’t miss out on this bargain next time you visit Costco! Next time you’re baking cookies and need butter, you’ll be glad you got the deal.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

K-Pods have become all the rage among coffee lovers. However, they are generally more expensive than buying regular beans or coffee grounds, especially if you buy from a big-name brand such as Starbucks or Tim Hortons.

(Left) Pinterest // @Sara | (Right) Pinterest // @ShellyHauner

If you are looking for some reasonably priced K-Pods, Costco has you covered. While it is not confirmed, it is rumored that Green Mountain Coffee Roasters actually manufacture the Kirkland pods.

Crystal Creamery Ice Cream

Kirkland Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream is a customer favorite because of its delicious taste and surprisingly low price tag. It’s even classified as ‘super premium’ due to the use of high-quality dairy products.

(Left) Pinterest // @Walmart | (Right) Pinterest // @AllNaturalMom

Again, while a partnership between the two brands has not been confirmed, the taste of this Kirkland dupe is almost identical to that of the Crystal Creamery Vanilla Ice Cream.

Foster Farms Chicken

The Kirkland range actually includes more than one variety of high-quality chicken breasts. If you frequently make chicken, you can’t go wrong with the Kirkland Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts.

(Left) Shutterstock // Arne Beruldsen | (Right) Pinterest // @BudgetDiet

This product is actually a rebranded version of the Foster Farms Chicken Breast Filets. The quality is great, while the price tag is still very reasonable. To be more specific, you can purchase 4 quarters of chicken breast for just $13 a pack.

Ehrmann Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a staple food in many households, which is why it makes sense that there are so many brands to choose from. Ehrmann’s yogurt is a favorite for many, but there is actually a cheaper option hidden in plain sight.

(Left) Pinterest // @minutritionist | (Right) Pinterest // @thekitchn

Kirkland’s Original Greek Yogurt is manufactured by the same company behind Yogino, LACTO Zero, and Ehrmann’s. While the price may be a bit deceiving, you can rest assured knowing that you won’t have to compromise on quality.

Warren Motor Oil

When it comes to motor oil, a lot of people simply grab the first one that they see and hope for the best. With that being said, a lot of products are actually made by the same company and just packaged differently.

(Left) Pinterest // @Walmart | (Right) Shutterstock // David Tonelson

The Costco branded oil is manufactured by Warren Oil — the same company that produces Amazon’s AmazonBasics motor oil, one of the most popular options in the United States. The only difference between the Kirkland and Amazon versions is the price.

Jelly Belly

After all these years, jelly beans are still one of the most popular sweet treats on the market. However, if you purchase the classic Jelly Belly jelly beans, you can expect to pay a small fortune.

(Left) Shutterstock // The Image Party | (Right) Shutterstock // Melissamn

Luckily for us, we can get the exact same quality product for a fraction of the price at Costco. Few people know that Kirkland jelly beans are actually produced by Jelly Belly themselves, meaning that you will essentially be getting the exact same product for half the price.

Humboldt Creamery Ice Cream

When it comes to ice cream, Ben and Jerry’s is an international staple. Because of this, their products are usually on the more expensive side. If you’re looking for an ice cream brand that still tastes just as good, we highly recommend Humboldt’s.

(Left) Facebook // Humboldt Creamery | (Right) Shutterstock // The Image Party

In 2016, the brand agreed to a partnership with Costco, so the Kirkland ice cream packaging looks almost identical to the typical Humboldt ice cream packaging. However, the price is much more affordable.

Niagara Bottled Water

Niagara water can be bought at just about any shopping chain in the United States. The brand isn’t exactly expensive, and, truth be told, the Kirkland water range is roughly the same price as the original Niagara water.

(Left) Facebook // WoodmansFoodKenosha | (Right) Shutterstock // John Mantell

Other than the similar price range, you will notice that the two water brands taste exactly the same. This is because Kirkland water is manufactured by the same supplier.

Chinet Cups

If you are stocking up for a party, Costco is definitely the place to go. This is mostly due to the fact that they do bulk sales for very reasonable prices. As a result of a lucrative partnership, Costco and Chinet have released the signature Kirkland Big Red Cup.

Shutterstock // The Image Party

Plastic cups are a party staple, but they can become expensive when buying large quantities. Luckily, the Costco version will only cost you $12 for a pack of 240, which is much more affordable than the classic Chinet cups.

Ocean Spray Juice

Ocean Spray fruit juice is a customer favorite, which is reflected in the price tag. However, if you’re at Costco, you can get the exact same quality juice for half the price. This is because the Kirkland version is actually manufactured using the same supplies as Ocean Spray.

(Left) Shutterstock // Calimedia | (Right) Shutterstock // David Tonelson

If you don’t believe us, just take a closer look at the Kirkland Cranberry Juice next time you visit your nearest Costco. You’ll notice a small Ocean Spray logo in the center of the packaging.

Formaggi Zanetti Parmigiano Reggiano

Similarly to most retailers, Costco sells a wide variety of cheeses. You can pay a small fortune for some classic brands — however, few are quite as delicious as the signature Kirkland Parmigiano Reggiano, which is actually produced by Formaggi Zanetti.

(Left) Shutterstock // Cineberg | (Right) Shutterstock // The Image Party

While the brands might not look exactly the same, the taste is almost identical. For this reason, you have access to world-class cheese that only costs $12 per block. You can sign us up for a dozen please… and that’s just for starters!

Reynolds Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is another household staple, which is why it can be rather pricey. The same can’t be said for the Kirkland Aluminum Foil, which is actually manufactured by Reynolds. At Costco, you can buy a standard roll of foil for just $5, which is significantly cheaper than other stores.

Shutterstock // David Tonelson

This product came about after Costco entered a partnership with Reynolds a few years ago. For this reason, you will notice a small Reynolds logo plastered on the packaging of the Kirkland aluminum foil.

Bumble Bee Tuna

Good quality canned fish can be tricky to find. Additionally, a small can of tuna will cost upwards of $3 at Walmart, which is not exactly cheap. Luckily for us, Costco was able to secure a partnership with Bumble Bee Seafood, leading to the development of Kirkland canned tuna.

(Left) Shutterstock // Sheila Fitzgerald | (Right) Shutterstock // The Image Party

This particular Kirkland product is actually very popular amongst customers, which isn’t surprising considering the supplier. You can purchase an eight-pack of Kirkland tuna for just under $18, which is significantly cheaper than most other retailers.

Isigny Ste-Mere Brie

Brie cheese originates in France, which is why it is usually one of the most expensive cheeses on offer. Isigny Ste-Mere Brie is a traditional French-style cheese that is usually imported into the United States. For this reason, it can cost a small fortune.

(Left) Twitter // @BF_foodbev | (Right) Facebook // Costco

However, at Costco, you can buy the exact same cheese for just $7 per unit, which is significantly cheaper than the Isigny Ste-mere branded version. Most customers don’t know that the French brand actually entered a partnership with Costco, so other than the packaging, the cheese is identical.

Blommer Chocolate

It’s safe to say that chocolate will be enjoyable, no matter what brand it may be. With that being said, there’s no denying that some brands are tastier than others, such as Blommer Chocolate. You will have to pay more for these products, though.

(Left) Pinterest // @weddingcreativo | (Right) Shutterstock // David Tonelson

However, you don’t have to compromise on taste to spend less at Costco. The Kirkland Signature Chocolate products are actually manufactured by Blommer Chocolate themselves, but for half the price.

Hellman’s

For just over $7, you can purchase 64 ounces of Kirkland’s mayonnaise. While you may lean more towards Hellman’s due to its popularity and reputation, you should know that both products are manufactured by the exact same supplier — Best Foods.

(Left) Facebook // JustLife17 | (Right) Facebook // Smart Goods

In other words, they taste almost identical. The only real difference is the fact that you will get much more mayonnaise for the same price if you buy Kirkland.

Pureology Moisture Hair Care

Hair care products are far from cheap. This is especially true for Pureology, which is one of L’Oreal’s luxury lines of hair care. At Costco, you can provide your hair with the same care for a fraction of the price.

(Left) Instagram // @collabandcompany | (Right) Reddit // r/Costco

The Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo will set you back just $10, which is significantly cheaper than most other options. What’s more, this Kirkland shampoo is manufactured by the same supplier of Pureology.

Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice

At Costco, you can purchase a 3-pack of 100% organic carrot juice for just $7. When compared to other brands, this is a complete steal, which isn’t surprising considering most Kirkland products are.

(Left) Facebook // Bolthousefarms | (Right) Flickr // Hunter

Bolthouse Farms is now a Kirkland subsidiary, which is why the Kirkland carrot juice is so reasonably priced. Bolthouse also produces a wide variety of other organic juices and is known for its top-quality products.

Swanson

Costco sells bulk packages of chicken stock for very reasonable prices (even for Costco standards). While the low price might lead you to believe that the quality is subpar, this actually couldn’t be further from the truth.

(Left) Pinterest // @livinrichcoupon | (Right) Shutterstock // The Image Party

Swanson, a leading supplier of soups, broth, and stock, produces the Kirkland chicken stock. This might surprise some, as the Kirkland product packaging looks completely different from other Swanson products.

Newman’s Own

Fruit juice is not cheap. For this reason, if you are looking for a bargain, you should definitely give Costco’s signature grape juice a try. The product is sold in bulk and doesn’t compromise on quality.

(Left) Facebook // Newmansown | (Right) Facebook // Jhennheiy Saberola

In fact, most customers claim that the taste is comparable to that of Newman’s Own, which is the creme de la creme when it comes to fruit juice. With that feedback, you would be mad not to jump on board. This is one offer to juice (pun intended).

Tyson

Frozen chicken is a staple meal in just about every household. In the United States, Kirkland chicken breasts are a major competitor to Tyson Chicken. This is mostly because Kirkland is both budget-friendly and good quality.

(Left) Shutterstock // Rblfmr | (Right) Pinterest // @DarshanPanchal

Kirkland chicken comes from farms that do not use antibiotics, meaning that they are also healthy. There really is no downside when it comes to this Costco product, which is why it has become so popular amongst shoppers.

Persil Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is a very expensive addition to any grocery list. Persil is the leading brand in the United States, but that only means that it will cost more. Instead of simply following the crowds, we recommend trying Kirkland’s Signature Ultra Clean Laundry Detergent.

(Left) Shutterstock // Rick3 | (Right) Shutterstock // David Tonelson

Over the years, more and more customers have started to suspect that the Kirkland product is manufactured by the same suppliers of Persil. This is due to the fact that the quality is exactly the same. The only difference is the reasonable price tag of Kirkland.

Kettle Brand

If you are looking for a quick and delicious snack, we highly recommend the Kirkland Signature Crinkle-Cut Potato Chips. Manufactured by the same suppliers of Kettle Chips, you will receive a good quality product for much cheaper than standard potato chips.

(Left) Shutterstock // TY Lim | (Right) Pinterest // @Instacart

Flavored with real Himalayan salt, the chips are gluten-free, Kosher, and made without any GMOs. Under any other brand, you can expect to pay much more than $8 per unit.

Huggies

If you have small children at home, you would know just how important investing in good quality diapers can be. As a parent, you only want to keep your child comfortable and happy, which is why settling on cheap, scratchy nappies is simply not an option.

(Left) Shutterstock // Faizal Ramli | (Right) Shutterstock // David Tonelson

The Kirkland Supreme nappies are just Huggies in disguise, making them the obvious choice for parents across the country. What’s better, the Kirkland version costs just $40 for a pack of 150, which is significantly cheaper than actual Huggies diapers.

Callaway Golf Balls

Costco really surprised the golfing world when they released their own golf ball range in 2016. While most golf experts stick with big-name brands, such as Callaway, the Kirkland range is actually just as impressive when it comes to performance.

(Left) Shutterstock // John Mantell | (Right) Pinterest // @GolfsHub

Additionally, you can buy a single Kirkland golf ball for just $1.25, which is a real bargain. When compared to a number of popular brands, such as the Pro V1 golf balls, the Kirkland dupes actually did much better, which may come as a surprise to many!

Stonyfield Farms

When it comes to yogurt, Costco offers a variety of budget-friendly options. Their Kirkland Original Organic yogurt is often compared to the Stonyfield Farms yogurt range, which is one of the most popular dairy products.

(Left) Pinterest // @HelaCsató | (Right) Pinterest // @DinnerandaFamily

On top of the great taste and affordable price, this Kirkland yogurt product is also incredibly healthy, as it is non-fat and has live cultures. In this way, it’s also comparable to brands like Dannon and General Mills.

Georgia Pacific

If you are looking to fill your printer but don’t want to spend a fortune, the Kirkland Signature Professional Photo Paper is the way to go. This budget-friendly range is extremely similar to big brands, such as Georgia Pacific and the International Paper Company.

(Left) Pinterest // @DigitalandElectronicsProducts | (Right) Shutterstock // Jennylynn602

There are a few variations of printer paper for you to choose from at Costco, each with a significantly lower price tag than you will find at other retail branches. You can also buy this paper in bulk, which ends up saving you even more money in the long run.

ALL Laundry Detergent Pods

We’ve already discussed just how expensive laundry detergent can be. However, at Costco, you can get your hands on a 152-count carton of detergent pods for the very reasonable price of $21.

(Left) Pinterest // @Walmart | (Right) Pinterest // @yedAnserAhmed

Customers suspect that these pods are actually manufactured by the same supplier as ALL Laundry Detergent Pods, as the only real difference is the packaging and the price tag.

Sunsweet

Dried fruit is another extremely costly grocery item that many people simply avoid in order to save some cash. However, at Costco, you can purchase a 3.5-pound bag of dried plums for the affordable price of $10.50.

(Left) Shutterstock // Hilalabdullah | (Right) Pinterest // @leebee

These Kirkland dried plums are actually manufactured by Sunsweet, one of the leading dried fruit suppliers in the retail industry. For this reason, you can rest assured knowing that the quality of the fruit is still top-notch, even with the reasonable price tag.

Nice ‘n Clean Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are usually pretty pricey, as retailers know that they’re an essential item for many families. Luckily, you can get your hands on some reasonably priced wipes that still match the quality of the more expensive options.

(Left) Pinterest // @HaveNeedWant | (Right) Shutterstock // David Tonelson

To be more specific, the Kirkland baby wipes cost only $20 for a pack of 900 wipes, which is the bargain of the century if you ask us. Where else could you get that many baby wipes for that price? And if you have a baby, it’s not like you’re about to stop using them anytime soon. Stock up!

Starbucks Coffee

If you’ve ever considered buying Costco’s Kirkland Signature Espresso Blend but decided that the price is simply too low for it to be a good quality coffee, think again. This Kirkland product is made by one of the leading coffee manufacturers in the world — Starbucks Coffee.

Facebook // Edeka Gehrke

This espresso blend is custom-roasted by the gargantuan coffee chain, which may surprise more than a few people. Next time you’re looking to restock your coffee, remember that a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a better quality product.

Sonova Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are quite an advanced piece of technology, which means a lot of people don’t want to waste money on a cheap product that might end up malfunctioning in the near future. For this reason, they probably won’t consider the Kirkland Signature (KS9) 9.0 Digital Hearing Instruments a viable option.

Youtube // @Doctor Cliff, AuD

However, this particular product is actually manufactured by Sonova Hearing Aids, a well-respected and popular brand when it comes to hearing aid technology. Costco also offers a free hearing test, where you can try out these aids for yourself before committing to a purchase.

Duracell Batteries

Most people are happy to pay higher prices for batteries if it means that they will last longer. However, with Kirkland, you can have the best of both worlds by paying a very reasonable price for some of the best-quality batteries on the market.

(Left) Shutterstock // Jadimages | (Right) Pinterest // @hip2save

The Kirkland Signature Alkaline AA Batteries are actually made by Duracell, the leading manufacturer of batteries worldwide. It has been proven that the Kirkland batteries have the same power output as Duracell, making them a real bargain.