Folks save money at Costco in a variety of ways, though it’s fair to say a big chunk of it is down to bulk buying. When you’re buying a 36-pack instead of a four-pack of something, it gets a whole lot cheaper, even for name brands.
But the real key to saving as much as possible at Costco isn’t about buying name brands. Instead, it’s all about that Costco-exclusive house brand that is all but synonymous with devoted shoppers: Kirkland Signature.
If you want high-quality essentials at hard-to-beat prices, then you’ll want to shop for these Kirkland Signature items at Costco.
1. Kirkland Signature paper towels
This is one of Costco’s best-selling items, and for good reason: You get large rolls (160 sheets vs. the 110 sheets on other brands) that you have to change less often, and the towels are sturdy and absorbent. Plus, you’re only paying around $0.21 a square foot, which is less expensive than even Walmart ($0.27 per square foot for Great Value paper towels).
2. Kirkland Signature nuts
The price for nuts at the grocery store always makes my eyes widen a bit, especially since I’ve switched to buying them solely at Costco (or Sam’s Club). The price is right on bulk nuts of all kinds, from shelled walnuts to roasted peanuts to chocolate-covered almonds (the best kind of almond).
3. Kirkland Signature batteries
If you (or a family member) go through hearing aid batteries like they’re candy, then take a look at the selection next time you hit Costco. While you’re at it, take a look at the well-priced AAA and AA batteries, too.
Pro tip: All of these great everyday essentials mean Costco hauls can add up. The credit card rewards can, too, when you use one of our top rewards credit cards for Costco.
4. Kirkland Signature alcohol
I’ve watched several videos and read a number of reviews from professional alcohol…people (they all had fancier titles, I assume), comparing Costco’s Kirkland alcohols with name brands. Every one of them ends up “pleasantly surprised” by the quality of the booze. We’re coming up on the holiday drinking season, so consider stocking the bar with Kirkland libations.
5. Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Pretzels
While this style of delightful snack is admittedly not unique to Costco, the Kirkland Signature version is well worth a try. It offers the salty-sweet yumminess you’d expect — at a fraction of the price.
The cheapest version I’ve managed to find elsewhere was Walmart for around $4 a pound, but they’re just not quite as good as some of the other brands. The Kirkland Signature PBP (peanut butter pretzels, for the uninitiated) are addictively tasty, while also being about 25% less expensive than the cheaper alternatives.
6. Kirkland Signature allergy medications
If dust, dander, or just life in general sets off your allergies, give the Kirkland Signature allergy medications a try. There are Kirkland versions of several major brands, including both Allegra and Zyrtec, for pennies on the dollar of the name brands. Even a once-a-day preventive will only cost you $16 for a year’s supply.
7. Kirkland Signature merino-wool blend socks
Merino wool is my go-to fabric for socks; I like the way it wears and the warmth it provides. Kirkland has merino-blend socks that offer the best of both worlds, and you can get a bundle for what you’ll often pay for one pair elsewhere. While I haven’t tried them myself yet, the reviewers on costco.com give them 4.7 stars (women’s) and 4.6 stars (men’s) out of 5, with at least 1,200 reviews each.
8. Kirkland Signature coffee
Whether you use a French press or a plastic pod, keeping pace with your coffee habit can get expensive if you refuse to settle for grocery store brand coffee. Happily, Kirkland Signature isn’t a grocery store brand. Its coffees get high marks for quality across the board, with most varieties getting at least 4.5 stars from reviewers.
Learn more: Want a simple strategy for saving money on Costco purchases? See how easy it can be with this cash back rewards card.
9. Kirkland Signature double-sided gift wrap
Whether you need to wrap a sleighful of presents or just never want to buy wrapping paper again, a three-pack of double-sided paper totaling 270 square feet should do the trick. According to reviewers (and social media), it’s also sturdy and attractive (which is about all you can ask for from something meant to be thrown away at the end of the day).
10. Kirkland Signature laundry detergent
Costo’s Kirkland laundry detergents come in a few varieties (liquid and pods, scented and non), and are generally cheaper than the name brands, especially if you buy it in person. It’s an especially great buy when it’s on sale, as this can save you a few cents per load.
It’s also worth noting that if you do have a certain brand loyalty (we all have scent preferences and skin sensitivities), Costco sells the three major brands — All, Gain, and Tide — for an excellent price.
Kirkland is why we Costco
For a lot of folks, the switching to Kirkland Signature products is a big part of what makes Costco worth the cost of membership. Those savings on everyday necessities can really add up over the year, making that membership fee a great investment.