Secrets Behind Costco's Kirkland Brand: Big Names, Big Discounts

You may know Costco as the land of bulk bargains and plentiful food samples. But did you know that when you purchase Costco brand products, you often get a household name product at a discount?

The exterior of a Costco warehouse.Photo byYayImages.

One thing that sets Costco apart from other retailers is its private-label brand, Kirkland Signature. Launched in 1995, Kirkland Signature products offer quality that rivals national brands at a fraction of the price. According to CNN, Costco generates nearly one-third of its sales from Kirkland Signature products. From pantry staples to household items, Kirkland Signature is a name I trust to provide both quality and value.

Well-Known Names Behind the Costco Brand

It’s not like Costco hides these partnerships from shoppers. Just look at the signage at your local Costco store or even on the Costco website. There, you’ll discover some of the big brands that Costco has partnered with. So, the next time you’re in Costco, look for these Kirkland brand products and pat yourself on the back for knowing which company really made them.

The diaper aisle at Costco.Photo bySage Scott.

Costco Kirkland Diapers

The Motley Fool cites a 2017 Wall Street Journal article about the manufacturer behind Costco Kirkland diapers. And it is Kimberly-Clark, which makes Huggies diapers, among other consumer goods.

In case you didn’t know, Costco also sells Huggies. Not surprisingly, though, the Kirkland brand is cheaper by about two cents per diaper. That might not seem like a lot of money. However, when you’re buying a pack of 200+ diapers in a single trip, that can add up.

Parents Magazine says that a baby can go through up to 3,000 diapers in their first year. By my math, that’s a $60 savings—enough to cover the cost of your annual Costco membership!

Kirkland Signature tuna.Photo bySage Scott.

Costco Tuna

Because it’s an alpha-gal friendly animal protein, we stock our pantry with canned tuna. It’s easy to grab a can to make tuna sandwiches, flake on top of a Caesar salad, or whip up a tuna casserole on busy nights. According to CNN, Costco started selling Kirkland brand tuna from Bumblebee back in 2003, and they continue to sell it today.

Kirkland Signature coffee pods.Photo bySage Scott.

Costco Coffee Pods

You can buy Kirkland Signature K-Cup pods in bulk and feel confident that they’ll work in your Keurig machine. That’s because Keurig is Costco’s partner in making these coffee pods. That’s why it says, right on the box, “Keurig Genuine K Cup Pods.”

Dog food aisle at Costco.Photo bySage Scott.

Costco Dog Food

One of the easiest ways to unveil the manufacturer of a private brand is when products are recalled. For example, in 2012, Diamond Pet Foods recalled some of its dog food, including Costco’s Kirkland Signature. Before the recall, shoppers may not have known which company makes the Costco Kirkland dog food. Now they do!

Kirkland Signature aluminum foil by Reynolds.Photo bySage Scott.

Costco Aluminum Foil

When you pick up one of those mega-boxes of Kirkland aluminum foil at Costco, take a closer look at the box. Just like the Kirkland coffee and organic granola, it says Reynolds right on the label.

Name Brands Hiding Under Costco's Kirkland Signature Brand

As a savvy shopper, you now have the inside scoop on some of the well-known brands behind the Kirkland Signature label. So, next time you’re wandering the aisles of Costco, fill up your cart with confidence, knowing you’re getting top-notch items at unbeatable prices.

Read the full article at Sage Alpha Gal where you can unmask even more famous names behind the Costco store brand (and discover how to shop at Costco without a membership).