Kirkland Items: Which to Buy and Which to Skip?

Many of the foods sold at Costco are the Kirkland Signature brand (the Costco store brand). Many of these items are produced by well known companies (Who makes Kirkland products? (Part 1 of 3); (Who makes Kirkland products? (Part 2 of 3)); (Who makes Kirkland products? (Part 3 of 3))) and many are very high quality (Kirkland Products: 12 to buy); (More Top Notch Kirkland Products)). Other Kirkland items were very unsuccessful and discontinued (Unsuccessful Kirkland Products). Finally, there are Kirkland items that remain the shelves but are not necessarily great and not as good as the name brands found at grocery stores. I found a list of some Kirkland items to buy and others for which it is suggested to buy the name brands. I am discussing those items and will add some to each list. 

Go with Kirkland

1. Kirkland Signature 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

One Kirkland item that comes highly recommended is this olive oil. Apparently, the oil has a strong but not overwhelming flavor, making it ideal for salad dressings or a dip for bread. In addition, although sold in two liters bottles, it stays fresh for two years.

This oil appears frequently on line sts of the best Kirkland items to buy (Nutritionist Recommended Items to Buy at Costco); (What Food Experts Purchase at Costco)). I don’t use oil but if I did, I would definitely try this variety.

2. Kirkland Signature Frozen Blueberries

The Kirkland frozen blueberries make the list for their high quality. The author compares them to the frozen berries sold at grocery stores, with the former being juicier, crisper, larger, riper, and fresher. They maintain their freshness for a long time in the freezer, making them a better deal than fresh berries.

I have seen the mixed frozen berries on many lists of favorite items (Nutritionist Recommended Items to Buy at Costco) but rarely the blueberries. I love hot blueberry sauce on yogurt or waffles and would definitely buy these if they were kosher. 

3. Kirkland Signature Maple Syrup

Another Kirkland item on the “buy” list is the maple syrup. This 100% pure maple syrup has a strong but not overly sweet flavor with no artificial taste. It lasts for about six months after opening.

I have reviewed this syrup (Product Review: Kirkland 100% Pure Maple Syrup) and still love it. I use it on waffles a few times each week. I find the taste to be excellent but quite sweet so the bottle lasts me a long time. (I don’t know how I used to eat so much syrup on my food…I guess it’s better that I used to be satisfied with cheaper syrup because, even at good Costco prices, I would have spent a lot on syrup!)

4. Kirkland Signature 36 Months Aged Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio

The article suggests sticking with Kirkland for this cheese. Ahead for 36 months, the cheese reportedly has strong flavor with notes of fruit and nut. The author suggests using it in cooked dishes (pasta; risotto) or plain as part of a cheeseboard. It can last a few months in the refrigerator when stored properly (i.e., tight plastic wrap).

I have written about the cheese section being a strong one at Costco (“Strong” and “weak” sections of Costco). I don’t buy the cheese so I don’t know how many of the varieties sold are Kirkland brand. However, for those seeking a good cheese, it sounds like the Costco store brand is a good option.

5. Kirkland Signature French Vodka

The author recommends this Kirkland Vodka for its smooth, crisp taste that can be drank alone or mixed into other drinks. Apparently, it is noticably better than the Kirkland American Vodka.

Although I don’t drink and cannot comment on the taste, I have written about the alcohol at Costco several times (Alcohol at Costco (Part 1 of 2)); (Alcohol at Costco (Part 2 of 2)); (Facts About the Alcohol at Costco); (Costco Alcohol Q & A).

6. Kirkland Signature Cashew Nuts

Although the author “writes highly” (the literary version of speaks highly?) about the range of nuts sold at Costco, he specifically suggests buying the Kirkland cashews. He reports that they are larger and more flavorful than most grocery store cashews, making them ideal for snacking, salads, or cooked dishes. The nuts typically stay fresh for several months.

I have tried several of the nuts sold at Costco and reviewed a few (Product Review: Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Unsalted Mixed Nuts); (Product Review: Kirkland Signature Super Extra-Large Peanuts). I used to alternative between the plain cashews and mixed nuts but now typically buy the mixed. The cashews in the mix are the same ones mentioned on this list and I agree about the high quality. I have always loved cashews but, due to their price, they were a real treat growing up (i.e., pre-Costco days) and were not nearly this good (think cashew pieces in the cans). In college, when we were only provided with two meals, my “lunch” was often a LOT of cashews from grocery stores or maybe BJ’s while I did schoolwork. I remember the first time I ate the ones from Costco during college and being shocked by the size and quality. 

7. Kirkland Signature Organic Balsamic Vinegar of Moderna

Another recommended Italian Kirkland item is this balsamic vinegar. According to the review, it tastes of a combination of fruit, nut, chocolate, and tang, making it a good toping for salads and roasted vegetables. it also lasts several months before going bad. 

I don’t use balsamic vinegar but it sounds like a good buy for those that do.

My “Go With Kirkland” list

1. Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter (Product Review:Kirkland organic creamy peanut butter).

There are essentially two basic types of peanut butter. Some are all natural and others contain oils. I prefer the natural variety made of only peanuts and maybe a little salt. I have tried several brands of natural peanut butter and find the Kirkland brand to be among the best. The different brands taste pretty similar but I find Kirkland to have an extra strong taste and a very nice (albeit messy) texture. The combination of the taste and the price point make it a no brainer purchase for me. 

2. Kirkland Signature Creamy Almond Butter (Product Review: Kirkland almond butter).

Although I am very satisfied with the peanut butter, sometimes I want a change. As with peanut butter, I prefer the all natural brands of almond butter. I find it harder to find pure almond butter than pure peanut butter, with most brands containing palm oil. Therefore, I always go with the Kirkland brand.

3. Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon (Product Review:Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon)

For a store with so few different items (Freedom of or from choice?), Costco sells a surprising amount of different brands of smoked salmon. I have tried several of the brands and, despite not being the “fanciest” variety, the Kirkland lix is my favorite. It is sliced thinner than other brands and doesn’t taste quite as salty. It is also the best deal. For smoked salmon, I always go with Kirkland. 

4. Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt (Product Review: Kirkland Organic Greek Yogurt)

I have eaten a large number of brands of yogurt In my life. I eat a lot of yogurt but stick to plain Greek yogurt. I have tried different milk fat percentages and, although full fat is very good (Product Review: Chobani Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt), it is often too rich for regular consumption. I am very pleased with the nonfat yogurt and find the Kirkland to be excellent. Given how much of the yogurt I eat, it makes sense for me to buy the large Kirkland brand containers.

5. Kirkland Signature Ancient Grains Granola (Product Review: Kirkland Ancient Grains granola)

I love this granola. Now, it is a little “unfair” to call it Kirkland as it has the name brand (Nature’s Path) on the package as well. However, this version is exclusive to Costco so I will give Kirkland some credit for the specific combination of ingredients. My only (very minor) complaint about the granola is the inclusion of sliced almonds. I choose this granola over any granola I can buy at the store. 

Go With Name Brand

1. Kirkland Spices

Although the author acknowledges that the Kirkland spices are not bad, he prefers to purchase them at grocery stores for two reasons. First, there is nothing special or unusual about the Kirkland spices. Second, although they can last for years, the quality and taste will decrease over time. Therefore, for people not using a large amount of spices, it is likely to lead to waste.

I don’t cook much anymore so I have no need for spices. Even when I did cook, I never used much of any one spice. Therefore, it was never worth buying large containers of them, even if the cost was relatively low. I do remember that, years ago, Costco sold a variety slice set with small containers of several spices. I actually cannot remember if I actually bought it or not by it was a good option for those who use spare amounts of various spices. If I were to cook now, it would make more sense for me to buy small containers of the specific spices needed for the recipes I planned.

2. Kirkland Signature 100% Colombian Coffee

The author recommends against buying the Kirkland coffee. However, his suggestion is based on the quantity rather than the quality. He points out that coffee loses flavor quickly after being exposed to air, thus leading to waste after a few weeks. He says that it is a better buy for companies that go through large amounts of coffee in a short period of time.

I don’t drink coffee so I don’t know much about quality or the loss of it over time. However, I certainly am familiar with products going bad over time and therefore not always benefitting from buying in bulk.

3. Kirkland Signature Milk Chocolate Raisins

A Kirkland snack that is not suggested are the Milk Chocolate Raisins. Apparently, they are overly sweet due to the corn syrup in the chocolate and the natural sweetness of the raisins. In addition to not being too enjoyable to eat, the sweetness is likely to prevent people from eating them before they turn stale.

I don’t find anything appealing about chocolate covered raisins. I don’t like the combination of fruit and chocolate (except the chocolate chunks in Chunky Monkey ice cream). I am not surprised that this candy is overly sweet, given how sweet both milk chocolate and raisins are (I used to eat a lot of raisins but now find them way too sweet). I know that Raisinets are a popular candy (although I only hear about them on Halloween and when people discuss movie snacks) but they never appealed to me. 

4. Kirkland Signature Original Spiced Rum

In contrast to most of the alcohol at Costco, the author does not suggest buying this Rum. He complains about the artificial smoky flavor that is combined with a vanilla syrupy taste and strong flavor of alcohol. Apparently, this combination of flavors makes the rum unappealing to drink on its own and overwhelming when mixed with other drinks. 

Again, I don’t know much about alcohol.

5. Kirkland Signature Protein Bars

Another Kirkland item on which the author suggests passing are the protein bars. Apparently, the appealing nutrition statistics are not enough to make up for the overly sweet taste, due to the artificial sweeteners.

I don’t eat protein bars but am surprised that the Kirkland brand would not be as good as other brands. However, perhaps this variety of protein bar would not be appealing to the author, regardless of brand. He suggests other bars with nuts and fruit. Therefore, he may just prefer a different type of bar, which Kirkland might make as well as other brands.

6.  Kirkland Signature Organic Marinara Sauce

The final item on the “don’t buy Kirkland brand” list is the marinara sauce. The sauce is reported to be bland, with an acidic taste. 

I am surprised that the sauce is not rated highly. I have never made my own sauce but it doesn’t seem too difficult to make a flavorful marinara as long as the tomatoes are fresh and ripe and there are enough spices added. I have tried many sauces over the years and, although some are definitely better than others, very few have been bad (although I confess, I love tomatoes so much that I tend to be satisfied with anything tomato flavored). Therefore, I am surprised that Costco is unable to produce a good sauce. The store does sell other varieties get very high reviews (Victoria’s; Rao’s).

My “Go With Name Brand” list

1. Kirkland Organic Vanilla Super Premium Ice Cream (Product Review: Kirkland Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream)

This ice cream is extremely high quality and delicious. Made by Humboldt Creamery, it is dense, creamy, and has a strong (but not fake) flavor. Although good for a special occasion, I prefer to buy ice cream at the grocery store for a few reasons. First, I actually find this ice cream to be too rich. It has more milk fat than even most premium ice creams (e.g., Ben and Jerry’s; Haagen Daaz) and I find it difficult to eat too much (and I get a lot of pleasure from eating large portions of ice cream). Second, it is sold in packages of two half gallon cartons. While it is nice to actually see a full half gallon of ice cream (I’m looking at you 4-ounce cartons), they take up a lot of freezer space. Third, although I stick to a few flavors of ice cream these days (mint chocolate chip; chocolate; half chocolate and half vanilla; vanilla), I like to keep several flavors in the freezer at a time and alternate. Therefore, I don’t want so much vanilla once. 

What Kirkland items do you recommend? Which would you skip? What would you buy instead?