Who makes Kirkland products? (Part 3 of 3)

In the first two posts of this three-part series (Who makes Kirkland products? (Part 1 of 3); Who makes Kirkland products? (Part 2 of 3)) I discussed the first sixteen items on the list. Here I will discuss the final eight.

17. Grey Goose Vodka

Kirkland Name: Kirkland Signature Vodka Kirkland Price Per Unit: $18.99*

As I have mentioned in alcohol at Costco (Alcohol at Costco (Part 1 of 2); Alcohol at Costco (Part 2 of 2)), I know very little about alcohol. Therefore, I have nothing to add.

18. Humboldt Creamery Ice Cream

Kirkland Name: Kirkland Signature Super Premium Ice Cream Kirkland Price Per Unit: $12.99*

Ice cream has been my favorite food for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I ate ice cream multiple times a week for nighttime snack–a delicious habit that continues today. Over time, the brands have changed (and unfortunately seem to have gotten worse…it is even hard to find “ice ceam” vs. “frozen dairy dessert”…but that is a whole different discussion…) A few years ago, I wrote that I would like Costco to sell a three- pack of Ben and Jerry’s (Costco Wish-Lists…my choice of flavors would be different now but the concept would still be great). I had also commented that Costco is quite limited in the ice cream selctions (“Strong” and “weak” sections of Costco) (as compared to BJs, which, for some inexplicable reason carries about eight different brands of ice cream!)

This price is very good for such large containers of organic, premium ice cream. Despite my love of ice cream, I have not tried it yet. I tend to eat larger portions of lighter ice cream and I do not necessarily want to buy two huge cartons of vanilla (I need the space for other flavors…It would be nice if Costco sold one vanilla and one chocolate in the pack). However, it is probbaly worth a try.

19. Niagara Bottled Water

Kirkland Name: Kirkland Purified Water Kirkland Price Per Unit: $5.79*

I actually remember when bottled water was “novel.” My family did not buy it for years. In addition to frugality and living in a town with good tap water, my parents never went for the “healthier” trends (actually, I used to drag my blankey around everywhere…and I always had a strong immune system). I am still quite happy to drink tap water and almost always do when home. I only buy bottled water (sometimes at Costco, but usually wherever it is on the largest sale) so that I can occasionally take it with me.

20. Jelly Belly

Kirkland Name: Kirkland Signature Jelly Belly Gourmet Jelly Beans Kirkland Price Per Unit: $16.99*

In high school, these jelly beans were so exciting. I remember the “deluxe” box with the different “recipes” (i.e., combinations of flavors) on the back (…I was one of the few who really liked eating the “buttered popcorn ones”). I no longer like much sugary candy (chocolate all the way!) so I have not eaten jelly beans in a long time. However, they are certainly still a fun food. At this price, this container is a very good deal. (Now they are all mixed in the same tub (vs those little sections), I wonder if the flavors contaminate each other (for example, is delicious pineapple ruined by terrible jalapeno?).

21.Chinet Cups

Kirkland Name: Kirkland Signature Chinet Plastic Big Red Cup Kirkland Price Per Unit: $11.79*

I use these cups. It is funny that they actually do say “Chinet” on them along with the Kirkland label–no trying to hude the real brand here!

22. Formaggi Zanetti Parmigiano Reggiano

Kirkland Name: Kirkland Signature Parmigiano Reggiano Kirkland Price Per Unit: $11.89*

I have mentioned their “Strong” cheese section in the past (“Strong” and “weak” sections of Costco) but mentioned that I do not have much to add about cheese.

23. Alexander Murray Scotch

Kirkland Name: Kirkland Signature Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Kirkland Price Per Unit: $20.99*

Alcohol again…nothing to add.

24. Bumble Bee Tuna

Kirkland Name: Kirkland Signature Solid White Albacore Tuna Kirkland Price Per Unit: $17.89*

I have reviewed both the Kirkland canned albacore (Product Review: Kirkland Albacore tuna) and the prepared tuna salad in the kosher section (Product Review: Golden Taste Tuna Deluxe.) For the past several years, I have opted for the latter due to taste preference and convenience. Therefore, I cannot weigh in on the multiple comments stating that the quality has decreased. However, it was always the best canned tuna I had eaten so I can’t imagine that it could be bad.

Coincedentally, soon after learning that Bumble Bee makes the tuna, I was in Costco and saw some people debating which canned tuna to buy. They were on the hunt for Bumble Bee, saying how good it was. I was tempted to tell them that Bumble Bee makes the Kirkland brand but (this time) I decided not to say anything (Recommendations: appreciated or annoying?)

Again, did you know or suspect who made these items? Any surprises?

Will knowing change any of your shopping habits?

Any guesses on who makes some of the other products not mentioned on this list?