Are Costco’s store brands better than name brands? Shoppers say yes—here’s what to try
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Wandering the aisles of Costco can be a treasure hunt—bulk bargains, packed shelves, and a familiar in-house label that’s catching more eyes lately.
Longtime members have always known about it, but recent chatter suggests the appeal has grown beyond regulars.
From online discussions to word-of-mouth recommendations, these products are being praised for matching—or even outperforming—well-known labels.
The growing number of shoppers swearing they won’t go back to the old favorites is hard to ignore.
For decades, store brands were the underdogs of the grocery world—relegated to the bottom shelf and often dismissed as “generic.” But Kirkland Signature has flipped the script.
Costco’s in-house label is now synonymous with quality, value, and, in many cases, a taste that’s indistinguishable (or even superior) from the pricier competition.
What’s the secret? Costco’s buying power means it can partner with top manufacturers—sometimes even the very same ones behind your favorite name brands—to deliver premium products at a fraction of the cost.

Let’s break down the Kirkland products that have shoppers singing their praises—and why you might want to make the switch.
With no added sugar and a high percentage of real cranberry juice, it’s a hit for those who want a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
“The first sip is a little tart but delightful. Then it’s just plain delicious,” raves one longtime fan. At $9.99 for two bottles, it’s a steal for your morning routine or cocktail hour.
Whether you’re tossing them in a salad or serving them with dipping sauce, they’re a freezer staple at around $13.99 a bag.
Shoppers say it “exceeds expectations in price and quality,” and at about $13.61 for 100 bags, it’s a daily luxury you can afford.
“I rank it with the best,” says one reviewer, and at $14.99 for a generous bottle, it’s a sweet deal for pancake lovers everywhere.
At $13.99 for enough powder to tackle 328 loads, it’s a no-brainer for busy households.
At around $11.71 per jar, it’s a must-have for quick, gourmet meals.

Shoppers love its deep, authentic olive flavor and the “little burn at the end” that signals true quality.
Read also: 14 hidden grocery gems at Costco you’ll wish you knew about sooner
Just remember to refrigerate it for the perfect consistency! At $11.69 for two jars, it’s a wholesome, budget-friendly spread.
Fans call it the “best vanilla ice cream” they’ve ever had—rich enough to enjoy solo or as the base for your favorite sundae. A two-pack runs about $17.01.
At $6.79–$7 a bag, they’re a freezer staple for quick, satisfying sides.
Read next: 7 standout Costco deals that loyal members say beat every other store
Are you a Kirkland convert? Do you have a favorite product that you swear by—or a hidden gem you think more people should know about? Maybe you’ve had a surprising Kirkland “dupe” experience that saved you money and made you a believer.
Longtime members have always known about it, but recent chatter suggests the appeal has grown beyond regulars.
From online discussions to word-of-mouth recommendations, these products are being praised for matching—or even outperforming—well-known labels.
The growing number of shoppers swearing they won’t go back to the old favorites is hard to ignore.
For decades, store brands were the underdogs of the grocery world—relegated to the bottom shelf and often dismissed as “generic.” But Kirkland Signature has flipped the script.
Costco’s in-house label is now synonymous with quality, value, and, in many cases, a taste that’s indistinguishable (or even superior) from the pricier competition.
What’s the secret? Costco’s buying power means it can partner with top manufacturers—sometimes even the very same ones behind your favorite name brands—to deliver premium products at a fraction of the cost.

A loyal fanbase that swears by Kirkland for everything from pantry staples to household essentials. Image source: Kirkland Signature / Costco
Let’s break down the Kirkland products that have shoppers singing their praises—and why you might want to make the switch.
1. Kirkland Signature Cranberry Juice
Ocean Spray, who? Kirkland’s cranberry juice is a tart, refreshing favorite among Costco regulars.With no added sugar and a high percentage of real cranberry juice, it’s a hit for those who want a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
“The first sip is a little tart but delightful. Then it’s just plain delicious,” raves one longtime fan. At $9.99 for two bottles, it’s a steal for your morning routine or cocktail hour.
2. Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks
These chicken chunks are the stuff of Reddit legend. Moist, tender, and perfectly seasoned, they’re praised for their restaurant-quality taste and uniform, cube-shaped pieces.Whether you’re tossing them in a salad or serving them with dipping sauce, they’re a freezer staple at around $13.99 a bag.
3. Kirkland Signature Green Tea
This nearly five-star tea is beloved for its smooth flavor and versatility—delicious hot or cold.Shoppers say it “exceeds expectations in price and quality,” and at about $13.61 for 100 bags, it’s a daily luxury you can afford.
4. Kirkland Signature Maple Syrup
Kirkland’s maple syrup is a breakfast game-changer.“I rank it with the best,” says one reviewer, and at $14.99 for a generous bottle, it’s a sweet deal for pancake lovers everywhere.
5. Kirkland Signature Oxi Powder
Many shoppers claim Kirkland’s Oxi Powder outperforms even the original OxiClean, with better stain-fighting power and a light, pleasant fragrance.At $13.99 for enough powder to tackle 328 loads, it’s a no-brainer for busy households.
6. Kirkland Signature Basil Pesto
Fans say it’s “hands down” better than any jarred sauce at the grocery store, with a fresh, herby flavor that’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or even as a pizza base.At around $11.71 per jar, it’s a must-have for quick, gourmet meals.

It’s a pantry essential for home cooks who want the best without breaking the bank. Image source: Costco Wholesale
7. Kirkland Signature Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
This is one of the pricier Kirkland picks at $20.99, but thousands of positive reviews back it up.Shoppers love its deep, authentic olive flavor and the “little burn at the end” that signals true quality.
Read also: 14 hidden grocery gems at Costco you’ll wish you knew about sooner
8. Kirkland Organic Peanut Butter
Kirkland’s organic peanut butter is a hit among health-conscious shoppers.Just remember to refrigerate it for the perfect consistency! At $11.69 for two jars, it’s a wholesome, budget-friendly spread.
9. Kirkland Unscented Kitchen Trash Bags
These sturdy, leakproof bags are a household hero, with handles that make taking out the trash a breeze. At $20.99 for 200 bags, you’ll be set for months.10. Kirkland Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream
This five-star dessert is a creamy, dreamy treat that’s both Kosher and gluten-free.Fans call it the “best vanilla ice cream” they’ve ever had—rich enough to enjoy solo or as the base for your favorite sundae. A two-pack runs about $17.01.
11. Kirkland Extra Crispy French Fries
Kirkland’s extra crispy fries are thick-cut, potato-forward, and beloved by fans who say they’re better than Ore Ida.At $6.79–$7 a bag, they’re a freezer staple for quick, satisfying sides.
Read next: 7 standout Costco deals that loyal members say beat every other store
Key Takeaways
- Costco shoppers are raving about the Kirkland Signature range, saying many of the products are better quality and value than name brands.
- Popular Kirkland items include cranberry juice, lightly breaded chicken breast chunks, green tea, maple syrup, pesto, and extra-virgin olive oil, all consistently praised for taste, ingredients, and affordability.
- Household essentials like Oxi Powder and unscented kitchen trash bags are rated highly by members, who appreciate their performance and cost-effectiveness.
- Kirkland’s vanilla ice cream, peanut butter, and extra crispy french fries have become cult favorites, with some customers saying they won’t go back to leading supermarket brands.