Here’s Who Actually Makes Costco Kirkland Products (Kirkland Products That Are Big Brands In Disguise)
Costco has tons of loyal customers for a very good reason: great merchandise combined with excellent savings. The membership-only warehouse chain even has its own line of quality products, sold under the Kirkland label. Kirkland has become a trusted name among Costco regulars, but many people might not be aware that there are some pretty big brands behind a lot of the label's "generic" offerings.
From motor oil to hearing aids to some of your favorite premium snacks and beverages, you can rest easy knowing that you’re saving money while getting the quality you’ve come to expect from the most reliable brands around.
Reynolds Wrap Costs Less Under The Kirkland Label
The New Zealand-based packaging company Reynolds is one of those brands that are immediately recognizable for its quality products, especially heavy-duty aluminum foil. They're behind Kirkland Signature Foodservice Foil, which even bears the Reynolds logo.
Some consumers who aren't aware of the company connection have found that they prefer Kirkland to Reynolds. One Amazon reviewer wrote, "In my opinion, Kirkland foil compares favorably to standard Reynolds Wrap." What they don't know can't hurt them, right?
Kirkland Diapers Are Just As Good As Huggies
Diapers are one of the most costly items that new parents have to buy, even though they're only used for a short time before being tossed in the trash. Fortunately, Costco's Kirkland line is produced by a well-known company, Kimberly-Clark.
Kimberly-Clark is responsible for such trusted brands as Huggies, Scott, Kleenex, Cottonelle, Kotex, Poise, Depend, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, and many more. Buying Kirkland label diapers is a no-brainer for people trying to save money on high-quality products!
Certain Varieties Of Kirkland Coffee Are Made By Starbucks
Most Starbucks fans are quite aware how expensive their caffeine habit can be, so it's a relief to know that you can save big by buying certain Kirkland house blends instead.
The bags associated with the higher-priced Seattle brand are two-and-a half-pounds and are stamped with a message indicating that they were custom roasted by Starbucks. They include the Espresso Blend Dark Roast, Signature House Blend Medium Roast, and Decaf House Blend Medium Roast.
Is That Humboldt Creamery Ice Cream? Yes, It Is!
California-based Humboldt Creamery was established in 1929 and is favored by many people for its "free-farmed" certification and its well-treated cows. After some financial difficulties, the company was purchased by Crystal Creamery in 2009.
Today, Humboldt Creamery has a partnership with Costco and provides all the store's premium vanilla ice cream under the Kirkland name. As their website says, "It's our firm belief that everyone deserves quality milk and dairy products without having to pay luxury prices for it." Costco shoppers are certainly happy about the savings, too!
Buy Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice On The Cheap At Costco
There are quite a few Ocean Spray brand products, such as juices and "craisins" (dried cranberries), for sale at Costco stores nationwide. However, one of their products is sold under the Costco label: Kirkland Signature Ocean Spray Cranberry Premium 100% Juice.
It comes in money-saving packs of two 96-ounce bottles, making it a great deal for people who drink a lot of cranberry juice. With no added sugar, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, the Kirkland juice is a pretty healthy beverage option.
Stay Hydrated And Refreshed With Niagara Brand Bottled Water
People who drink a lot of bottled water know that different brands have different tastes, which might lead to some confusion as to why Kirkland Signature water is indistinguishable from the Niagara brand. Well, it's because Niagara Bottling, LLC produces it!
As the supplier for Safeway and Walmart's private labels, Niagara is the largest supplier of private label bottled water in North America and an affordable product to stay hydrated with.
Saving On Hearing Aids 'Sounds' Like A Smart Idea
Did you know that most Costco locations have Hearing Aid Centers where they offer free hearing tests and screenings? In addition, you can also get a great deal on hearing aids there if it turns out that you need one.
Kirkland's Signature (KS9) digital hearing aid is manufactured by Sonova, an industry leader that's known for its universal Bluetooth streaming technology. The partnership was confirmed by The Hearing Review in 2019. Because of its lower-cost options for hearing aids, Costco is now the biggest private provider of hearing devices in the U.S., according to Hearing Health & Technology Matters.
Rest Easy Knowing You're Sleeping On A Stearns & Foster Mattress
Although some people associate Costco with food and smaller household items, the retailer also carries some big-ticket items that are worth another look. For example, did you know that Costco sells mattresses?
The Kirkland Signature line of mattress is actually produced in partnership with Stearns & Foster, a Sealy brand known for its quality crafted mattresses. One reviewer on Reddit shared: "this one is 100% premium luxury! You won't be disappointed."
No Regrets About Buying Blommer Chocolate At Costco
Originally founded in 1939, Blommer Chocolate Company is now the United States' largest ingredient cocoa processor and chocolate ingredient supplier. The company is responsible for making those super snack-worthy milk chocolate covered almonds that are so hard to resist at Costco.
You can feel good about splurging on the sweets, though. Costco and Blommer worked together to develop sustainable means of cocoa sourcing in West Africa's Ivory Coast, which is where most of their chocolate is from.
Kirkland Pro-Care Infant Formula Is Manufactured By Perrigo
When it comes to parenting, diapers aren't the only expensive thing that mom and dad need to worry about buying. Infant formula is also a big expense in many families’ budgets, which is why it’s so great that Costco and Perrigo have teamed up to make one that’s a bit more affordable.
Perrigo Company, one of the world's biggest suppliers of health and self-care products, makes Kirkland Pro-Care Infant Formula. This baby formula has received excellent ratings for both value and nutrition by The New York Times. Why spend more when you can get one of the best for less?
Having A Party? Save By Buying Chinet Cups Under The Kirkland Label
Chinet disposable cups are a staple at so many get-togethers. You certainly don't want to sacrifice quality on a product that's protecting your carpet from a cupful of soda or wine, and fortunately, you don't have to when you buy Kirkland brand disposable red plastic cups. Packages of the cups even feature the Chinet logo.
The company has been manufacturing disposable tableware for nearly a century now and has earned the trust of party hosts everywhere.
Kirkland Albacore Tuna Is Really Bumble Bee Brand
Many years ago, Costco determined that most commercially available tuna wasn't up to the standards it had been in previous times. So Tim Rose, who oversees the company's foods division, forged a partnership with Bumble Bee.
Interestingly, the Kirkland brand's "superior quality" solid white albacore sells for a bit more than the Bumble Bee label at Costco, but it's a good deal for a quality product either way you look at it.
Rice's Honey Is Just As Sweet When It's A Costco Branded Product
Colorado-based Rice's Lucky Clover Honey LLC has been in business since 1924, providing people with "authentic, high quality, raw, and unfiltered honey."
Now, this well-liked product is available to some Costco members under the name Kirkland Signature 100% Local Raw Unfiltered Honey. Since the store aims to provide local honey to its consumers, not every branch nationwide carries the Rice's brand but many "lucky" ones do have it in their local mix!
Add A Touch Of Class To Your Get-Together With Isigny Ste-Mère Brand Brie
Hosting a wine and cheese party anytime soon? Whatever the occasion, Brie cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, and you can secretly save on a high-quality brand if you purchase Kirkland Signature Isigny French Brie, which comes in at less than $7.
The company behind the tasty product is Isigny Ste-Mère, which makes its Brie "exclusively from the best Normandy milks," according to the company's website. Cheese lovers who shop at Costco would be wise to give this one a try.
Don't Be Afraid To Power Up With Kirkland Batteries, Since They're Made By Duracell
Generic batteries are one of those household staples that people tend not to trust as much as the name brands. It's understandable; after all, no one wants their gadgets or tools dying on them in the middle of a task!
Here's some good news for Costco shoppers: Kirkland Signature Batteries are made by none other than Duracell, one of the most trusted names in the industry! This news was confirmed by Costco CEO Craig Jelinek in 2016.
There's Plenty Of Speculation About Pureology Moisture Hair Care Products
This one is not proven. However, there's lots of speculation about Costco’s shampoo and conditioner and most of it is based around the fact that the bottles look quite similar to the ones that L’Oréal’s Pureology products come in.
Whether the rumors are true or not, the Kirkland hair care products get such good reviews that they’re worth trying for the money savings alone. Redditor whereis_678 shared, "I only used salon brands and now I prefer Kirkland. The latest shampoo/conditioner I used was [Matrix Biolage] and my hair is even nicer using Kirkland. Highly recommend!"
The Brands Behind Kirkland's Alcohol
Although it's not confirmed, bartenders and customers discussed their inclinations when it comes to the brands behind Costco's alcohol selection. They agreed that Kirkland's vodka tastes like Grey Goose. This seems plausible as a rep from Bacardi confirmed it weren't behind the brand, ruling it out.
Kirkland's Signature Blended Scotch Whisky is thought to be Alexander Murray & Company, which doesn't narrow it down too much because they own around 12 distilleries around Scotland. Kirkland Bourbon is thought to be George Dickel, while the Spiced Rum is thought to be either Cruzan or Captain Morgan while the Candian Whisky is Crown Royal.
Costco's Tequila is from Jalisco, Mexico
The Tequila Anejo brand that you see on Costco shelves has been a customer favorite for a while now. According to RV and Playa, the Kirkland label sources its tequila from a distillery in Jalisco, Mexico called Fabrica de Tequilas Finos.
It's no wonder customers love it-- the Agave plants are the highest quality available that's hand-picked. The tequila is aged in oak barrels for over a year before being bottled and delivered. It's well worth the cost!
Kirkland's Signature 5-Pocket Jeans For Men: Made By Urban Star
After briefly being discontinued in 2016, Costco brought back their popular Kirkland Signature 5-Pocket Jeans. However, some customers pointed out on Reddit that the jeans might have been slightly changed, and not for the better.
Either way, the brand behind Costco's Kirkland jeans is Urban Star, manufactured in Madagascar and made with 100% cotton.
Kirkland Bacon Is From Hormel Foods
Kirkland bacon is priced around 20% less than its competitors without compromising on quality. So who is behind the Kirkland label with this meat? It's Hormel Foods.
Sarah George, a corporate buyer for Costco, visited 10 bacon plants before deciding to select Hormel to partner with. But you won't find the same bacon under the Hormel label. Costco made adjustments to Hormel's precooked bacon to be thicker, making Kirkland's bacon different from the rest.
Yep, Those Are Jelly Belly Candies!
This is a partnership that candy lovers can get behind! In an open agreement, Kirkland and Jelly Belly have partnered up to bring the iconic Jelly Belly candies to Costco.
Now there are four-pound jars of the gourmet jelly beans, all fat-free and kosher, available for purchase under the Kirkland label. With 49 flavors, including Piña Colada, Buttered Popcorn, and Toasted Marshmallow, there's sure to be a jelly bean to please every palate.
Treat Your Dog To Diamond Naturals Food For Less
Also known by the name Schell and Kampeter, Inc., Diamond Pet Foods is a quality brand that many people are proud to give their pooches. Did you know that the company is behind Kirkland Signature Dog Food?
Dog Food Advisor gives Kirkland dry dog food its second-highest rating and calls it an "above-average" product. Consumers like it too, with one customer sharing this review: "The veterinarian studied the ingredients and then asked what brand it was. I told him it was Costco/Kirkland and he said to use this exclusively. No need for anything else!"
Vroom! That's Warren Motor Oil On The Shelves At Costco
Auto-savvy customers who purchase Kirkland Signature Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil are actually driving away with a product from Warren Oil Company, the largest independent lubricant supplier of lubricants in North America.
The Kirkland label motor oil gets excellent reviews from Costco customers, including this one from the general manager of a national auto repair company: "Skeptical at first... [however], you just cannot beat the price. Let me say that this is a great product for an incredible price & value."
No Need To Spend Top Dollar On Acetum Brand Balsamic Vinegar
For more than 20 years now, Costco has had a partnership with Acetum, a century-old Italian company that distributes its specialty vinegars worldwide.
Costco customers can sample a taste of Europe when they purchase Kirkland Signature balsamic vinegar, which has a label stating that it comes from Acetum's production facilities. The company calls its sought-after balsamic vinegar "black gold," and consumers agree that it's really something special.
Get High-Quality Ehrmann Yogurt For Less At Costco
Chances are that you've heard of the yogurt producer Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy, which is known for its innovative and delicious products. And if you're a Costco regular, you might have sampled their wares without even realizing it!
Ehrmann and Costco entered a partnership together in 2014, which saw the dairy providing the retailer with its Kirkland Signature Greek Yogurt. It costs sufficiently less than some of the other brands sold by Costco but is a favorite among yogurt aficionados.
Say 'Buon Appetito' With Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese From Formaggi Zanetti
Parmigiano Reggiano is a special hard cheese produced in certain parts of Italy that can be pretty pricey here. Pasta lovers who enjoy sprinkling their favorite dishes with a topping of the delicious cheese are sure to be delighted that they can get the stuff from a renowned Italian company at low Kirkland prices.
Formaggi Zanetti, which exports a variety of cheese worldwide, is the producer of Kirkland's Parmigiano Reggiano. And if you're really a big fan, you can buy a 72-pound wheel of it for $949.99!
Here's The Company That's (Probably) Behind Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Laundry Liquid
Consumer Reports had this to say about Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Liquid: it "cleaned up nicely in our tests, earning an Excellent rating in removing stains from body oil, one of the chemicals in sweat (think sweaty workout clothes)." That's excellent for a store brand!
Although neither company has specifically confirmed a partnership, it appears highly likely that Henkel, which produces many different detergents including Persil, also makes the Costco label product.
Follow our brand for more content like this
