7 Costco Products That Are Better Than Name Brands

Costco has long been known as the go-to place for families who want both high quality and great value. While many of us flock there for bulk buys and generous return policies, the warehouse club offers another perk: surprisingly good in-house products that often rival—or even surpass—the pricier name-brand versions. Here I have listed seven Costco-brand items, includingKirkland Signature favorites, that I believe hold their own against name brands and leave more money in your pocket.

Kirkland Signature Vodka

Why It’s Better: For anyone who appreciates a smooth sip, Kirkland Signature Vodka seems to have earned a legendary status among Costco fans. Costco is very tight-lipped about who actually distills it, there’s plenty of buzz that it’s produced in the same region—or by the same facilities—as high-end brands. In blind tastings, (as well as many parties that we have hosted) many people can’t tell it apart from pricier counterparts. Considering you’ll typically pay a fraction of what you’d shell out for that recognizable frosted bottle, it’s a savvy choice for cocktails or even sipping neat.

Tip: The French version (if available in your local warehouse) tends to be the crowd favorite for its round as it has a smoother taste.

Kirkland Signature AA Batteries

Why They’re Better: Keeping up with all the electronics and toys in our household eats up a lot of battery power. I find that Costco’s Kirkland batteries are a solid choice for endurance, frequently matching major competitors in my unscientific longevity tests. I have seen that some folks say they’re produced by the same facilities that make top-tier copper-topped varieties. I don’t know whether or not that’s true, nut, they cost considerably less and pack plenty of juice for everything from TV remotes to gaming controllers.

Tip: Watch for coupons or rebates to grab a large multi-pack that’ll get you through the holidays (and beyond) without running out of power.

Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Laundry Detergent

Why It’s Better: Given we are a family of 5 laundry detergent can be a silent budget-killer, especially now that we have two washing machines and teens trying to do their laundry on their own. I have found that Costco’s Ultra Clean formula works just as well as many name brands (no one has complained in our house) for about half the cost per load. If you search you will also find that it has been praised for its stain-fighting power and consistent results, making it a top contender even for people who swear by more expensive national brands.

Tip: If you prefer laundry pods, Costco has these as well. My teenagers prefer these so I have first hand experience with these as well. They are also ranked comparably high in consumer tests and still cost substantially less than the well-known brand alternatives.

Costco Rotisserie Chicken

Why It’s Better: Anyone who has strolled past Costco’s deli section knows the magnetic pull of the rotisserie chickens at Costco (It’s almost magnetic as the pumpkin pies in my Costco). It’s a bit of a legend among bargain hunters—and it’s not just about the price. Costco’s roaster chickens are often larger, juicier, and more consistently cooked than what I find in many grocery stores where the size of rotisserie chickens can be smaller and cost a few dollars more. It’s no why they are all the way in the back of the store and everyone seems to scoop them up for effortless meals.

Tip: Pluck the left over chicken and shred the leftovers (if there are any!) for tacos or salads. It’s a great way to stretch your budget and get a second dinner out of one purchase.

Kirkland Signature Coffee (Roasted by Starbucks)

Why It’s Better: If you’re house loves coffee as much as ours does, you’ve may have noticed the giant bags of Kirkland Signature whole-bean blends labeled “Custom Roasted by Starbucks” in the recent past. Yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like: you’re getting a premium roast at a store-brand price. Like the Kirkland Vodka Costco has become much more tight lipped about how is roasting the beans these days and there is a strong debate about whether its now Peets or still Starbucks. Never the less we find the taste extremely similar to the major coffee chain’s standard blends and it costs a fair bit less when you tally up the per-pound cost.

Tip: Make sure you brew the coffee within a few weeks of purchase for maximum freshness. It’s easy to forget you have that extra-large bag if you’re used to smaller packages.

Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes

Why They’re Better: I loved these when my children were young and my friends with small children still rave about these wipes, noting how thick and strong they feel compared to many name-brand options. They’re also unscented, hypoallergenic, and gentle on sensitive skin, making them a reliable choice for both babies and toddlers. Plus if your needs were like mine, you can snag them in huge quantities for less than you might pay for a smaller pack elsewhere.

Tip: Even if you don’t have young kids, keep these around for quick clean-ups. They work wonders for wiping down sticky hands, spills in the car, or even pet mishaps.

Kirkland Signature Professional Salon Formula Shampoo and Conditioner

Why They’re Better: There is no way around it; haircare can be surprisingly expensive. So I like to look beyond the big brand names whenever possible. Kirkland Signature’s salon formula shampoo and conditioner is another mainstay in our home. I have found that it has the ability to hydrate and protect color-treated hair just as well as the name brand my stylist suggested. This is also another example of where I pickup large, salon-sized bottles for the price of a small bottle of name-brand shampoo, it’s a no-brainer for this budget conscious household.

Tip: If are like me and color your hair, you’ll appreciate these formulas even more. They’re gentle enough to extend the life of your dye job and help reduce fading.

Shopping at Costco doesn’t mean sacrificing quality just to save a few bucks. In fact, these seven items are living proof that sometimes the best products hide behind the “generic” or store-brand labels. By choosing smart alternatives—especially those under Costco’s Kirkland Signature umbrella—you can satisfy everyone in the household while keeping your wallet happy. So go ahead, add these hidden gems to your cart on your next Costco run. Your budget, your taste buds, and your family will thank you.

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