Skip to content

This Is One of Costco's Biggest Secrets

There may be something familiar about the warehouse's beloved brand, Kirkland Signature.
FACT CHECKED BY Faye Brennan

If you shop at Costco, then the brand Kirkland Signature is probably extremely familiar to you. 

The warehouse's beloved in-store brand is a staple that allows people to buy the generic version of a product for way less. As of 2017, according to The Wall Street Journal, about a quarter of Costco's $118.7 billion in annual sales came from Kirkland Signature products—and that percentage continues to grow.

And as customers rave, the generic products are of good quality and value. So what's the big secret behind Costco's adored brand? According to Money Talks News, many of Kirkland Signature products sold at Costco are actually made by the same major brands you know and love by name. Yep, from Starbucks to Jelly Belly, these household names are making Costco's generic offerings.

Here are some of the companies that Costco works with to maintain its widely successful Kirkland Signature brand. And for more Costco news, check out the 6 Things You'll See at Costco This Year.

Chinet

red-solo-cups
Shutterstock

Buying in bulk for party supplies is a great idea at Costco. And luckily for party planners, the Kirkland Signature cups are made by global cutlery and cup maker Chinet. You can depend on the durability of these cups for all your summer party needs. 

Diamond Pet Foods

Shutterstock

This American-based pet food brand is the one that makes all of the Kirkland Signature cat and dog foods. That's good news for your furry friends!

Related: Pet Owners Are Obsessed With This Food

Duracell

Shutterstock

Highly trusted by the country for all of its energizer needs, Duracell is the producer of Kirkland Signature brand batteries. Costco CEO Craig Jelinek confirmed in an interview that the alkaline batteries are actually made by this brand. 

Huggies

Costco Kirkland Diapers
Shutterstock

Have a little one on the way? You may want to try Kirkland Signature baby diapers. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Costco brand is made by the same company that makes Huggies diapers: Kimberly-Clark. 

Related: 23 Items Costco Discontinued This Year

Jelly Belly

kirkland-jelly-beans
Shutterstock

If jelly beans are one of your favorite candies, you're in luck. Costco partnered with the brand Jelly Belly to create Kirkland Signature jelly beans–and it's right on the label that the brands partnered together. 

Ocean Spray

costco-ocean-spray
Shutterstock

Lovers of cranberry juice's tart and sweet flavor can trust the Kirkland Signature cranberry juice; it is produced by powerhouse brand Ocean Spray. The drink features North American cranberries with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. 

Related: The Best Costco In Every State

Reynolds

reynolds-wrap-costco
Shutterstock

Another brand that has partnered with Costco under the Kirkland Signature brand is the famous Reynolds tin foil company. Just like the Chinet party cups, this product can ensure your party leftovers are safely wrapped up and secure. 

Sonova

Hearing aid. The doctor assumes the woman hearing aid in your ear
Shutterstock

Surprisingly, Costco also sells hearing aids and they're produced by the Swiss hearing-care solution company Sonova, according to The Hearing Review

Starbucks

costco-coffee
Shutterstock

Several Kirkland Signature coffee products, such as dark roast espresso blend and medium roast whole-bean coffee, boast right on the packaging that they are custom-roasted by Starbucks

For more Costco news, check out Costco Is Offering This Perk If You Sign Up For A Membership Now.

Kristen Warfield
Kristen Warfield is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz’s journalism program in the Hudson Valley region of New York. Read more about Kristen