More Kirkland Items to Buy and to Skip

Costco is a great store and the store brand, Kirkland Signature is a great brand. Many items are excellent (Kirkland Products: 12 to buy); (More Top Notch Kirkland Products) and made by name brands (Who makes Kirkland products? (Part 1 of 3)); (Who makes Kirkland products? (Part 2 of 3)); (Who makes Kirkland products? (Part 3 of 3)). However, not all items can be “winners.” Some items have been rated quite poorly (Unsuccessful Kirkland Products). There are many overlaps when I see articles about the most and least liked items, which speaks to the validity of the opinions. However, on many lists there are a few new items so here is a new list. Not all of the “non winners” are Kirkland items. 

Kirkland Signature Items to Buy 

1. Kirkland Signature Prosecco

One Kirkland Signature winner is the Asolo Prosecco Superiore. Apparently, in addition to being a good deal ($8), it is high quality. 

Even though I do not drink, I have written about the alcohol at Costco multiple 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).

2. Kirkland Signature Chianti

A second alcoholic beverage on the list of Kirkland Signature items that are rated as very good is the Chianti Classico Riserva. It is also $8. 

Again, not surprising given the high ratings of most of the alcohol at Costco. I am always surprised when I read about how much wine Costco sells.

3. Kirkland Signature Organic Feta Cheese

A highly recommended item is the feta cheese. It is mentioned for its quality and price.

Although I don’t eat most of the cheese at Costco, I have mentioned it as a strong section within the store (“Strong” and “weak” sections of Costco). Pre kosher days I remember viewing feta cheese as a treat. I lived Greek salads and it was one of my favorite parts of the salads at my favorite Greek restaurant. I also lived it in spinach pie. Occasionally we would have it on salads at home as a special treat and I remember when we first started seeing it at Costco and buying it there. Given that it was was such a good deal it became less of a special treat because we had it more often but still a very enjoyable addition to salads. 

4. Kirkland Signature Breakfast Sandwich

Rated so highly that members suspect they are made by Starbucks, these breakfast sandwiches are winners for many. Sold frozen (but fully cooked), they consist of applewood smoked bacon, egg, and cheese on a croissant.

Not for me but given that many name brands produce items for Costco (Who makes Kirkland products? (Part 1 of 3)); (Who makes Kirkland products? (Part 2 of 3)); (Who makes Kirkland products? (Part 3 of 3)), it would not be a surprise.

5. Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars

These ice cream bars consist of vanilla ice cream inside a chocolate almond shell. Sold at $10 for 18 bars members rave about both the value and the taste. 

I have mentioned before that, despite loving ice cream, I don’t actually like ice cream bars. However, for those who do, I am confident that these are extremely high quality. They are made with real ice cream vs frozen dairy dessert. They definitely are a great deal. I am amazed by how expensive other name brands bars are with boxes of three for $4-6. 

6. Kirkland Signature Vanilla Ice Cream

For those not into the bars like me, another Kirkland option is the Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream.it is sold in packs of two half gallon containers. 

I have reviewed this ice cream (Product Review: Kirkland Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream). I don’t buy it often because I prefer mint  and chocolate ice cream to vanilla but it is definitely very high quality and a good deal for the high quality and the amount (full half gallons!) the article mntions that it is a good use of the extra freezers that many members find helpful for the large quantities of frozen food (Additional Suggestions for Shopping at Costco).

7. Kirkland Signature Organic Applesauce

A quick snack that one can purchase at Costco for less than at the grocery store imaee the applesauce pouches. 

I like unsweetened applesauce but just could not get myself to eat it from a pouch. However, it is a perfect snack for kids.

8. Kirkland Chocolate Chip Cookies

A favorite from the Costco bakery are the chocolate chip cookies. Many members report finding them addictive and a frequent purchase. 

I know these are a popular item at Costco but it seems that there are mixed opinions about the current quality. Although I recently commented that they look even better to me than they used toLook better to me (New-to-Me Items in January), I have read complaints (Consistency Matters: Costco Items Reported to Have Changed).

9. Kirkland Signature Beef Hot Dogs

Members rate the store brand hot dogs as on par with brand names with the bonus that they are less expensive.

I have not eaten a hot dog in decades. I am not particularly interested in eating one now. If I did, it would obviously be a kosher brand. 

10. Kirkland Signature Organic Strawberry Spread

Another popular Kirkland Signature item is the Organic Strawberry Spread. Members recommend using it in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, as a cake filling, and as a waffle topping.

Given how common strawberry jelly is in stores and restaurants, it is unfortunate that I really don’t like it. Although I love fresh strawberries, I have never enjoyed fake strawberry flavor (popsicles; lollipops). I love raspberry jam but never liked strawberry. I know it is the favorite flavor of many and is good to know that it is sold at Costco. 

11. Kirkland Signature Olive Oil

Members have about the store brand olive oil, rating it above much more expensive Italian varieties. 

I don’t use enough oil to buy it at Costco but this item has made several lists of items to buy at Costco (Recommended Purchases for New Members); Nutritionist Recommended Items to Buy at Costco).

“Non-Winners“

1. Think! Protein Bars

One of the items about which many members complain are these protein bars. 

I have never tried this brand of protein bars and have mentioned that I generally avoid protein bars. The flavors sound good so I can see being tempted to try them. Therefore, it is helpful to know that they receive negative reviews.

2. Reese’s Frozen Banana Slices

This new item was not a hit with many members. The main complaint is that they lack peanut butter flavor.

I like the combination of banana and peanut butter a lot. However, I especially like it when the peanut butter is warm. In addition, I don’t like the texture of frozen banana slices. I am less interested in the banana-chocolate combination (except in Chunky Monkey ice cream) but I could see the three making a tasty trio. However, I’d be more likely to make this snack myself, either by dipping banana slices into peanut butter and chocolate syrup or dipping the fruit into peanut butter and then adding a few chocolate chips on top. (Grow up, one of my grandmothers served us banana slices with “tidbits”). 

3. Phillips Crab Cake Minis

There were several complaints about these frozen mini crab cakes. Members did not like the frequency with which they found shells in the cakes, how greasy they are, and the mushy texture.

Certainly not an item for me and, based on the reviews, don’t sound like an item for many!

4. Ritika’s Global Grains Organic Cilantro and Lime Rice

Another item that received several criticisms is this rice. Even members who usually like cilantro found it off-putting.

I have read about cilantro being a very divisive item, depending on whether one perceives the taste to be soapy. I don’t find it soapy but don’t like it very much nonetheless. I do find it very interesting that an item can taste so differently to different people.

5. Rana Maine Lobster Ravioli

Another frozen item that ranks low for many members is this ravioli. 

Definitely not for me.

6. Bai Coconut Water

Many members dislike this coconut water

I have never had coconut water, although I am tempted to try it. I know that coconut can be a divisive item and I am definitely pro coconut. I like coconut candy and have always like coconut macaroons on Passover. I also remember being a young child and my grandfather cracking open a fresh coconut and serving the milk and slices of the fruit.  However, with water I don’t have a sense of how strong it would be. 

7. Kirkland Signature Medium Roast Coffee

Another beverage that is not a winner is this store brand coffee which members claim tastes burnt.

I don’t drink coffee so I would have no base for comparison.

8. Kirkland Signature Organic Chunky Guacamole

Although Kirkland items are often rated as on par with (or even better than) name brands, this guacamole was a disappointment for many. Apparently, this variety contains an overpowering amount of garlic.

The only times I have bought guacamole at Costco are when the when the Good Foods brand was on sale. It is very good (Product Review: Good Foods Chunky Guacamole). However, if I ate guacamole more often, I would have certainly trusted the Kirkland brand enough to try it. After reading these reviews, I will refrain. I have never had an overly garlicky version but I once had a very spicy one with so much jalapeno that I couldn’t eat more than a few bites. 

9. Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos

Even among the items that members did not like, this frozen appetizer was viewed as especially bad. 

These sound terrible to me but I am surprised that so many people found them inedible.

10. Kirkland Signature Frozen Chicken Breasts

Another store brand item that some members regret purchasing are these frozen chicken breasts. The two main complaints were that they hacked taste and had an unpleasant texture.

I don’t like chicken very much and wouldn’t buy this brand. However, given how much of a staple frozen chicken is for many, I can see that it would be disappointing not to like this product.

11. Kirkland Signature Chicken Wings

A second Kirkland chicken item that is not rated highly are the chicken wings. Members complain about the unpleasant taste and the presence of feathers in the wings. 

Again, not an item for me but easy to understand why people would be disappointed.

Do you agree with these assessments? Other Kirkland items you like? Don’t like?