You don’t have to pick up the name brands from the shelves of Costco to get the best deals. In fact, one of the great things about Costco is its Kirkland Signature brand.
The in-store brand has products that are similar in quality to their name-brand versions but at less cost. That can help you save money on groceries and keep more money in the bank.
But which Kirkland Signature options are the best? Here are a few of Costco’s products that you should try the next time you do a Costco run.
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.
Olive oil
You may want to check out the Kirkland Signature olive oil options to use for dipping bread or adding to elaborate recipes.
Costco has several options including pure olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, and organic extra virgin olive oil depending on what your latest kitchen concoction will need.
Diapers
Kids can be small but expensive, especially when it comes to things like diapers.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature diapers often cost less than the name-brand versions and can help you save a little extra money when you have to spend cash on your little bundle of joy.
Cake
Want a cake that looks professionally made without the high cost of a professional cake?
Costco’s bakery has you covered with Kirkland Signature cakes including a chocolate cake, tuxedo mousse cake, white cake, or even a cheesecake depending on what’s available from your local Costco bakery.
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
Rotisserie chicken
A rotisserie chicken is a great addition to your Costco shopping cart when you head to the warehouse retailer.
You can pick up a chicken for an easy dinner by simply carving it up to feed the family. You can also just pull the meat off the bone and add it to a chicken salad recipe or mix it with some barbecue sauce for a shredded chicken sandwich.
Vodka
Costco has several different options for liquor under its Kirkland Signature brand, but one of its best-known bottles is its vodka. Compare it to more expensive name brands and you may be surprised at how similar they are.
Pro tip: Some states will allow you to buy alcohol at Costco even if you don’t have a membership. Find out if you can use this great Costco hack in your state if you’re not a member.
Trending Stories
Animal crackers
It’s inevitable that kids will get hungry and want a snack, so pack your pantry with Kirkland Signature Animal Crackers.
You can pick up the kid-friend staple in a 64-ounce tub that’s sure to delight the little ones in your house. And remember that no rule says adults can’t enjoy them too.
Applesauce
Applesauce can be messy on the go, but Kirkland Signature’s applesauce pouches are sure to keep your kids happy or help give you some extra energy in the afternoon.
The Kirkland Signature versions are similar to name-brand options but are likely to cost you a little less. Get a pack of 24 pouches to stock up your pantry, purse, or bag when you have kids in tow.
Maple syrup
Forget that corn syrup glop on the shelves of your local grocery store and grab the Kirkland Signature maple syrup from the shelves at Costco instead.
The ingredient list is short and sweet with just pure organic maple syrup listed as the only thing inside the nearly 34-ounce bottle.
Eggs
Eggs have risen in price in recent months, which has put a bit of a strain on grocery shoppers. But Kirkland Signature’s eggs may help ease the burden.
The warehouse retailer sells its eggs in packs of 24, so you’re sure to have plenty without going overboard on the price compared to other egg sellers.
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.
Wine
Costco has some great wines under its Kirkland Signature label that are just as good as the name-brand versions you may be more familiar with.
Check out Costco’s wine selection on a regular basis since the retailer is known to rotate their selection depending on availability and season.
Frozen berries
If you like smoothies, Costco could give you a better option than buying them regularly from your local smoothie store.
Check out your Kirkland Signature options for frozen berries, which include strawberries, blueberries, or a special three-berry blend as part of the retailer’s signature label.
Chicken stock
Chicken stock is a great ingredient to have in your pantry for a variety of recipes throughout the year. You can add it to soups or stews as well as grab some for sauces or casseroles.
The Kirkland Signature version comes in a six-pack of resealable cartons so you’ll have plenty around to try different types of new recipes.
Coffee
Perk up your mornings with coffee from Kirkland Signature. Costco’s line of coffee includes ground coffee or whole-bean coffee.
Some Costco locations even have a coffee grinder on site so you can take it home freshly ground.
The retailer also has different options for coffee K-cup pods if you prefer to just make one cup at a time instead of a whole pot of coffee.
Bacon
Kirkland Signature has its version of bacon that’s sure to make breakfast better without emptying your wallet.
The retailer carries this breakfast staple in four one-pound packs, which should help you save some money compared to what you’ll find at your local grocery store.
Apple pie
Costco’s Kirkland Signature label has one of the best apple pies you may ever try.
Pick one up for a special holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas or add it to the dessert table for a summer barbecue.
And think about swinging by the freezer section at Costco to grab some Kirkland Signature vanilla ice cream for the side.
Vitamins
Vitamins don’t always taste good, and they may be chalky or hard to swallow. But Costco has you covered with the Kirkland Signature Adult Multivitamin Gummies.
The gummies come in two jars with fruit-flavored vitamins that include vitamins A, C, and D to help you stay healthy.
Bottom line
Give Costco’s Kirkland Signature items a try. You may be surprised at how good they are to name-brand versions for less than the big names.
Remember to also check your wallet for the best credit cards for Costco shoppers to help you save even more.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how you can escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
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.