You don't have to pick up the name brands from the shelves at Costco to get the best deals. In fact, one of the great things about Costco is its Kirkland Signature brand.
The in-store brand has products that are similar in quality to their name-brand versions but are less expensive. That can help you save money on groceries and keep more money in the bank. Plus, Kirkland Signature products come with a money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if you're not completely satisfied.
But which Kirkland Signature options have the best quality? Here are a few of Costco's products you should try the next time you do a Costco run.
Olive oil
You may want to check out the Kirkland Signature olive oil options to use for dipping bread or adding to recipes.
Costco has several options, including pure olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, and organic extra virgin olive oil, depending on what your latest kitchen concoction will need.
The organic extra virgin olive oil comes in a 2-liter bottle for $20.99 online, or about $10.50 per liter, and it's cold extracted, USDA Organic and kosher. It has a 4.8-star average from more than 6,000 reviews on Costco.com.
If you want an Italian option, the Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Italian Olive Oil is produced from Italian-grown olives and is grown, pressed and bottled in Italy.
Diapers
Kids can be small but expensive, especially when it comes to things like diapers.
Costco's Kirkland Signature diapers often cost less than the name-brand versions and can help you save a little extra money when you have to spend cash on your little bundle of joy.
The newest version offers up to 12 hours of absorbent protection, a hypoallergenic liner and a pocketed waistband to help contain blowouts. A wetness indicator turns blue when it's time for a change, and a next-size indicator lets you know when your baby is ready to size up.
The diapers are made without fragrance, parabens, phthalates, lotions or elemental chlorine. Online, sizes 3 through 7 cost about 18 cents per diaper.
Cake
Want a cake that looks professionally made without the high cost of a professional cake?
Costco's bakery has you covered with Kirkland Signature cakes, including a chocolate cake, tuxedo mousse cake, white cake, or even a cheesecake, depending on what's available from your local Costco bakery.
The Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake is a fan favorite, with chocolate cake layered with white and dark chocolate mousse and decorative chocolate on top. It weighs more than 2 pounds, serves about 12 and recently sold for about $18.99 in many warehouses.
Keep it refrigerated, or freeze it whole or by the slice to make it last longer. Throwing a bigger party? A half-sheet cake from the bakery can feed up to 48 people.
Rotisserie chicken
A rotisserie chicken is a great addition to your Costco shopping cart when you head to the warehouse retailer. Costco has kept the price at $4.99 for years, and each bird weighs about 3 pounds. It's so popular that Costco sells more than 100 million a year.
You can pick up a chicken for an easy dinner by simply carving it up to feed the family. You can also just pull the meat off the bone and add it to a chicken salad recipe or mix it with some barbecue sauce for a shredded chicken sandwich.
Don't toss the carcass: Simmer the bones with water and vegetables for homemade stock.
Applesauce
Applesauce can be messy on the go, but Kirkland Signature's applesauce pouches are sure to keep your kids happy or help give you some extra energy in the afternoon.
The Kirkland Signature versions are similar to name-brand options but are likely to cost you a little less. Get a pack of 24 pouches to stock up your pantry, purse, or bag when you have kids in tow.
Each 3.17-ounce squeezable pouch is made with USDA Organic apples and has no added sugar. The pouches are gluten-free and kosher, with BPA-free packaging and a twist cap.
At $11.99 online, you'll pay about 50 cents a pouch. Just note that some shoppers say the recipe has changed and the flavor isn't what it used to be.
Maple syrup
Forget that corn syrup glop on the shelves of your local grocery store and grab the Kirkland Signature maple syrup from the shelves at Costco instead.
The ingredient list is short and sweet, with just pure organic maple syrup listed as the only thing inside the nearly 34-ounce bottle.
It's 100% pure Grade A Amber Rich syrup, and it's USDA Organic, kosher and gluten-free. The 1-liter jug has a flip cap and costs $14.99 online, or about 44 cents an ounce, and it periodically goes on sale in warehouses.
Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles or oatmeal, or use it to add a hint of sweetness to savory dishes.
Eggs
Egg prices have been known to be high in the past, which has put a bit of a strain on grocery shoppers. But Kirkland Signature's eggs may help ease the burden.
The warehouse retailer sells its eggs in packs of 24, so you're sure to have plenty without going overboard on the price compared to other egg sellers.
Costco offers a few Kirkland Signature options, including cage-free large eggs and organic eggs. The organic version comes from cage-free hens fed 100% organic feed, with no hormones or antibiotics.
At some warehouses, two dozen organic large eggs have recently sold for $7.39, or about 31 cents per egg. Each large egg has about 70 calories and 6 grams of protein.
Frozen berries
If you like smoothies, Costco could give you a better option than buying them regularly from your local smoothie store.
Check out your Kirkland Signature options for frozen berries, which include strawberries, blueberries, or a special three-berry blend as part of the retailer's signature label.
The 4-pound Three Berry Blend mixes blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, with no added sugar or preservatives. It's a good source of vitamin C and fiber, and the berries come from Townsend Farms, a family-owned grower founded in 1906.
Recent warehouse prices have ranged from about $11.89 to $13.49, or roughly $3 a pound. Toss a handful into your blender with milk or yogurt, or use the berries in muffins and oatmeal.
Chicken stock
Chicken stock is a great ingredient to have in your pantry for a variety of recipes throughout the year. You can add it to soups or stews, as well as grab some for sauces or casseroles.
The Kirkland Signature version comes in a six-pack of resealable cartons, so you'll have plenty around to try different types of new recipes.
Each carton holds 32 ounces, for a total of 192 ounces. The organic stock gets its rich flavor from slow-roasted chicken, and it's gluten-free and USDA Organic. A 1-cup serving has just 10 calories. At $11.99 online, you'll pay about $2 a carton, and some warehouses have recently sold it for $8.99.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
Coffee
Perk up your mornings with coffee from Kirkland Signature. Costco's line of coffee includes ground coffee or whole-bean coffee.
One option is the House Blend, a smooth, balanced medium roast made with Arabica beans and sold in 2.5-pound bags. Costco has marketed it as custom roasted by Starbucks.
Some Costco locations even have a coffee grinder on site so you can take it home freshly ground.
The retailer also offers different options for K-Cup coffee pods if you prefer to make just one cup at a time instead of a whole pot of coffee. For example, the Organic Breakfast Blend comes in a 120-count box of light roast pods that are Fair Trade Certified and made with 100% Arabica coffee.
Bacon
Kirkland Signature has its version of bacon that's sure to make breakfast better without emptying your wallet.
The sliced bacon is naturally hickory smoked, and each package holds about 16 classic-cut slices.
The retailer carries this breakfast staple in four 1-pound packs, which should help you save some money compared to what you'll find at your local grocery store. Recent warehouse prices have been around $16.49 for 4 pounds, or about $4.12 a pound.
You can refrigerate or freeze the packs, so it's easy to open one at a time. Cook the slices on the stovetop, in the oven or in the microwave. Watching your sodium? Costco also sells a Kirkland Signature version with 50% less sodium than the regular bacon.
Vitamins
Costco has you covered with the Kirkland Signature Adult Multivitamin. The vitamins include vitamins A, C, and D to help you stay healthy and come in a count of 500, so you don't have to worry about restocking very often. Plus, you save money shopping by going with the Kirkland Signature brand.
The 500-tablet bottle currently sold at Costco is the Kirkland Signature Daily Multi, which is $19.99 online, or about 4 cents per tablet. It includes calcium and vitamin D, it's gluten- and yeast-free, and it's USP Verified, meaning it meets the United States Pharmacopeia's testing standards.
If you're over 50, Costco also carries the Kirkland Signature Adult 50+ Mature Multi, formulated with 25 key vitamins and minerals. Check with your doctor before starting a new supplement.
Bottom line
Give Costco's Kirkland Signature items a try. You may be surprised at how good they are compared to name-brand versions and are less expensive. Also, remember to check your wallet for the best cash back credit cards to help you save even more.
A Gold Star membership costs $65 a year, while an Executive membership costs $130 and earns a 2% annual reward on qualifying purchases.
If you buy a lot of Kirkland Signature staples, that reward can help offset the higher fee. Pair it with a rewards credit card, and your regular Costco runs could earn you money back in two ways.
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