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They're often less expensive, too.
Key Takeaways
- Kirkland Signature stands out for everyday staples that often match or beat big-name brands on taste, texture, or performance while costing noticeably less.
- The smartest swaps are high-use basics like laundry detergent, water filters, trash bags, milk, yogurt, and snack bars, where the savings add up quickly without much compromise.
- A few fan favorites can be hard to find in store or vary slightly by location, so it’s worth stocking up when you spot products like the Greek yogurt, decaf coffee, or lactose-free milk.
There are so many reasons people love shopping at Costco, but the dupes rank near the top. Alongside all those bulk-sized and exclusive finds, the warehouse’s Kirkland Signature label has a well-known reputation for outperforming name brands. The brand promises to develop more affordable alternatives that must be at least as good as its national counterparts.
To save you the legwork, we dug through customer reviews and Reddit forums to find the best of the best Kirkland products that are every bit as good as, or even better than, the originals. Whether it’s laundry detergent or shelf-stable milk, these are the items that shoppers say they prefer to get only at Costco.
01 of 10
Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt
Similar to: Fage Total Plain Greek Yogurt
Gut-health enthusiasts rejoice: Kirkland’s Organic Greek Yogurt is one of Costco’s best finds. The 48-ounce tub is organic, free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and provides both protein and calcium in every serving. At about $7 to $8 per tub, it's slightly less expensive per ounce than Fage’s plain Greek yogurt—the closest national-brand equivalent.
The texture is thick and creamy, and as one Reddit user put it, “We would probably cancel our Costco membership if they dropped this product. It’s the last thing that tips the scales for us to make it worth fighting the hordes.” The biggest complaint shoppers have is that it’s commonly out of stock.
02 of 10
Kirkland Signature 2% Lactose-Free Milk
Similar to: Fairlife 2% Ultra-Filtered Lactose-Free Milk
Fairlife fans may want to give Costco’s newer lactose-free milk a try. Sold in a three-pack of half-gallon cartons, Kirkland’s version has the same benefits shoppers look for in Fairlife, including extra protein, lactose-free filtration, and a longer shelf life than traditional milk. At about $13.61 for three cartons, it still costs noticeably less than buying the equivalent amount of Fairlife, which typically runs $18 to $26 for the same number of ounces, depending on the retailer and bottle size. One Reddit user even reported, “I did a side-by-side taste test and couldn’t really tell the difference from Fairlife.”
Not everyone agrees, though. Some shoppers mention a slight aftertaste, but for those looking to save money on high-protein milk, many Costco members still consider it a worthy substitute. Look for the cases on the top shelf of the cooler or ask a Costco associate when your location can expect to have these in stock regularly.
03 of 10
Kirkland Signature Decaf Coffee
Similar to: Folgers Classic Decaf and Peet’s Decaf Major Dickason’s Blend, respectively
Coffee preferences are so subjective, but for everyday decaf drinkers, Kirkland Signature Decaffeinated Dark Roast Coffee is another worthy, budget-friendly pick. The large 3-pound can is a dark roast, fine-ground, and kosher-certified, with an online price currently hovering around $27. That’s significantly cheaper per ounce than many national-brand decaf coffees, especially Peet’s, which often costs about $12 to $15 for a 10.5-ounce bag. Reviews are not universally glowing, but it has loyal fans. “The best decaf coffee is Kirkland. I have been buying it for as long as I can remember. Definitely would recommend,” said one Costco reviewer.
Another option is the Kirkland Signature Organic Colombian Decaf Whole Bean Coffee, which is the splurge of the two but also a closer match for premium whole-bean decaf. It’s USDA organic, water-processed, and sold as a 2-pack totaling 4 pounds for about $55 (~$14 per pound). Comparable decaf beans can easily run $18 to $25 per pound, which makes the Kirkland version a better bulk buy for serious coffee drinkers. The main issue with these products is that they're usually only available online. As one Costco reviewer summarized: ”I like a dark, strong coffee, and that is hard to find in decaf. This one fits well. I only wish I could get it in the store!”
04 of 10
Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech 13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Bags
Similar to: Glad ForceFlex Drawstring Kitchen Trash Bags
Trash bags aren’t usually the most exciting Costco purchase, but these have earned a reputation for holding up just as well as the popular name-brand version. The Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech 13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Bags feature reinforced tops, expandable Flex-Tech plastic to help prevent tears, and a drawstring designed to stay securely on the trash can. A box of 200 bags is selling for about $22.49 right now, while a 200-ct of Glad ForceFlex Drawstring Kitchen Trash Bags costs around $25.49.
While the savings aren’t dramatic, many shoppers love that the Kirkland version performs just as well for a slightly lower price. “These seem to be as good as the name brands, and better than some less expensive brands,” one verified Costco reviewer said. “We tried the ‘basics’ brand from a large online seller, and the tie straps frequently broke. Never happened with the Kirkland brand.” Five-star reviews all around!
05 of 10
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream
Similar to: Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream
Premium ice cream can get expensive fast, which is why Costco shoppers are often pleasantly surprised by how much they like Kirkland Signature Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream. At about $15 for a full gallon (sold in a two-pack of half-gallon containers), it’s often a better value than purchasing the equivalent amount of Häagen-Dazs ice cream.
The creamy texture is the most frequently mentioned in reviews. “This has got to be the creamiest ice cream I have ever eaten," one Costco shopper wrote. "And the vanilla is just like pure home-made vanilla ice cream with REAL vanilla, NOT ‘vanilla flavored.’” Some members buy it for the savings, but many end up repurchasing it because they genuinely prefer the taste.
06 of 10
Kirkland Signature Organic Pure Maple Syrup
Similar to: Maple Grove Farms Organic Maple Syrup
We all know real maple syrup is better than that artificial stuff made with high fructose corn syrup, but even when it’s “real,” the quality can vary widely. Fortunately, Costco shoppers love Kirkland Signature Organic Pure Maple Syrup. The USDA-certified organic syrup comes in a 33.8-ounce jug and costs about $15.99 right now, or roughly $0.47 per ounce. Comparable organic maple syrups from brands like Maple Grove Farms often cost over $1 per ounce.
Because it’s made from pure maple sap, slight variations can occur from batch to batch, but most shoppers see that as a sign of authenticity rather than a drawback. “It’s tasty, pure, and organic. So good and a great price," said a Costco reviewer. "I've been buying this maple syrup for years, and I hope Costco keeps selling it.” To use it up before it gets moldy, pour it over everything from pancakes and waffles to baking recipes and coffee.
07 of 10
Kirkland Signature Water Filter Cartridges
Similar to: Brita Standard Water Filter Replacements
Replacing water filters can get expensive, which is one reason Costco members eventually switch to Kirkland Signature Water Filter Cartridges. The filters are designed to fit Brita pitchers and are certified to reduce contaminants including chlorine, chloramine, mercury, copper, cadmium, benzene, and more. A 10-pack currently sells for about $38, or roughly $3.80 per filter. The equivalent Brita Standard Water Filter Replacements often cost about $52 for a 10-pack. If we did the math right, that makes Kirkland’s version roughly 27% less expensive.
Some shoppers note that Costco filters perform better and remove more contaminants. “I've been purchasing and using the Kirkland Signature Brand for many years. In my opinion, the KS brand yields much better tasting water than Brita,” one Costco reviewer wrote.
08 of 10
Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water
Similar to: Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna
The Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water is made with wild-caught albacore and packs an impressive 42 grams of protein per can. At about $21 for an eight-pack, the 7-ounce cans work out to roughly $2.63 each. By comparison, Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna is often sold in 5-ounce cans that cost $2 to $3 each. This larger Costco version is an especially good value for larger families who eat tuna regularly, where one can just isn’t enough.
Fans say the larger chunks and firmer texture help it feel more premium. As one Reddit user wrote, “It is a very solid canned tuna. It is solid albacore, so it comes in chunks and may seem a little dry. But I like it much more than the standard shredded stuff.” Some shoppers note that it (and most albacore tuna) benefits from a little extra mayo for tuna salad; others say the milder, “not overly fishy” flavor and meaty texture keep them coming back.
09 of 10
Kirkland Signature Nut Bars
Similar to: KIND Nut Bars
Costco shoppers think the Kirkland Signature Nut Bars are one of the warehouse’s best dupes. Made with almonds, cashews, pecans, cocoa drizzle, and sea salt, the gluten-free bars have 5 grams of protein and are an excellent source of fiber. A 30-count box typically sells for about $18 or roughly $0.60 per bar, whereas comparable KIND Nut Bars often cost $1.25 to $1.50 per bar.
People love the crunchy texture and candy-like flavor. “These Kirkland nut bars are absolutely delicious,” a Costco reviewer wrote. “I put them in the fridge, and they are crisp and not chewy when cold and are easily eaten without sticking to your teeth.” For many members, they’re one of the easiest Kirkland snack swaps to make.
10 of 10
Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean HE Liquid Laundry Detergent
Similar to: Tide HE Liquid Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent is one of Costco’s most frequently cited household bargains, and Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean HE Liquid Laundry Detergent is a big reason why. The detergent is designed for high-efficiency machines, tackles everyday stains, and provides enough soap for up to 146 loads. At about $22 per bottle, that works out to roughly $0.15 per load. By comparison, a smaller bottle of Tide HE Liquid Laundry Detergent costs about $31 for 80 loads, or roughly $0.39 per load.
Many shoppers say the lower price doesn’t come with a noticeable drop in performance. “My favorite. It lasts me two months. So worth the cost,” said a Costco reviewer. “I even pay extra because I'm not a member and to get it shipped to me. It's still worth it even after that.” Another customer called it “one of the best budget detergents you can buy.”
Read the original article on Real Simple
