Costco’s in-house brand, Kirkland, can help you unlock the true value of your membership with lower prices on popular bulk items. But how are you supposed to know which ones are actually good?
Let’s be honest: not every product is a winner. Luckily, we scoured Reddit to find out which overpriced Kirkland products just aren’t worth your hard-earned money.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.
New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
Kirkland Signature Caesar Salad
The Kirkland Signature Caesar Salad has received a lot of hate online. People say the greens in the salad are often wet or soggy in texture, or the consistency of the chicken is off.
Complains one Redditor: “WAY too much lettuce, ingredients are basic and not flavorful. No spice packet. And the dressing is just plain bad. Don’t think I’ll get another one.”
Kirkland Signature Blue Dishwashing Liquid
Kirkland’s signature blue dish soap is another skip. The formula is way more runny than other soaps, and it doesn’t seem to cleanse well.
According to one frustrated Reddit user, the dish soap “doesn't cut grease as well, and I end up using more of it per wash, so the ‘savings’ are moot.”
Kirkland Signature Sliced Turkey Breast 3-Pack
Many people find Kirkland's pre-packaged deli meat to be a hard pass because of its weird texture and taste.
One concerned Redditor describes the turkey as “slimey” and says it “tastes gross.”
Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1
Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean HE Laundry Detergent Pacs
Kirkland’s detergent pacs are not the internet’s favorite way to clean clothes. They even argue that these pods leave a detectable film on clothing, which kind of defeats the point of any savings.
“They don't dissolve well at all and keep staining my clothes blue!” shares one Redditor.
Kirkland Signature Batteries
Kirkland brand batteries have a bad track record. One Redditor said, “They always leak for me or die quickly.”
If you’re stockpiling batteries, it may be better to go for the brand name instead.
Trending Stories
Kirkland Signature Protein Bars
The brand’s signature protein bars are a definite no-go. At one point, the cookies and cream flavor was recalled, and the dense texture and chalkiness make them a chore to eat.
“Kirkland protein bars are inedible,” admits one Redditor. “I don’t understand who could possibly choke those down.”
Kirkland Signature Chicken Salad
Kirkland used to be known for crafting an incredibly tasty, high-quality, grab-and-go chicken salad—but not anymore.
Rants one Redditor: “Nowadays it tastes like somebody walked by and knocked a salt shaker into it. No flavor except straight salt.”
Kirkland Signature Moisture Conditioner
Kirkland’s house conditioner used to be a highly-praised, underrated internet darling in the beauty world. In recent years, the formula has been switched up, and not for the good.
The newer product is drying, has zero slip, and has made some consumers’ hair feel heavier post-shower, making this new version one to pass on.
Kirkland Signature Facial Tissue
Redditors think the quality of Kirkland tissue is fine. They even like the box designs. They just hate the box's functionality.
“Their small cube boxes of tissues annoy the living daylights out of me,” complains one user. “The tissue conga line constantly stops and you have to reach in and fix it.”
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Kirkland Signature Bar Soap
According to Costco shoppers on the internet, Kirkland’s Signature Bar Soap has never stood up to its competitors.
Says one Redditor, “I tried it once [because] it looked similar to [Dove] soap with lotion and it dried my skin out. My eczema flared,” while another flat out admitted they’ll never purchase it again.
Bottom line
Most of the time, stocking up at a big box store like Costco or Sam’s Club can be a smart way to save money. But not all of the time.
Luckily, you don’t have to try every Kirkland Signature product to know which ones aren’t worth your time or money.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.