Costco’s Kirkland Signature line is known for its wide range of affordable and quality products. However, not all of them live up to the hype. Here’s a list of nine Kirkland Signature items that customers have found disappointing, based on real shopper feedback.
1. Kirkland Signature Brisket Burnt Ends
Price: $19.99 (per 2 lbs.)
Barbecue fans might be tempted by the idea of pre-cooked brisket burnt ends, but the reality has left many Costco shoppers unimpressed. The texture and flavor have been widely criticized, with complaints of tough, chewy meat and excessive fat.
Customer Feedback:
- “Gross,” “horrible,” and “not worth it” are some of the descriptors used by customers.
- “Tough and chewy chunks of meat cubes with an extreme amount of fat,” one customer shared on Reddit.
2. Kirkland Signature Bar Soap
Price: $9.99 (per 15-pack)
Despite being made with shea butter and moisturizing cream, this bar soap has left many customers with dry, uncomfortable skin. Shoppers have described the soap as difficult to use and not as hydrating as they hoped.
Customer Feedback:
- “Their bar soap is absolutely awwwwwwful. Left my skin feeling so dry and I couldn’t seem to rinse it off without feeling rubbery,” a user lamented.
- “Pulls at the skin like a needy toddler,” another commented.
3. Kirkland Signature Colombian Cold Brew Coffee
Price: $13.99 (per 12-pack)
Cold brew coffee should be smooth and less acidic, but many Costco shoppers find Kirkland’s version falls short. Despite the convenience, the taste has been compared to “week-old coffee,” leading some to deem it undrinkable.
Customer Feedback:
- “These taste like week-old coffee left on a counter,” one customer wrote.
- “It’s quite close to battery acid,” another added.
4. Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue
Price: $23.49 (per 30 rolls)
Toilet paper is a staple in every household, but many customers have noticed a decline in the quality of Kirkland’s bath tissue. The paper is often described as too linty, easy to tear, and less soft than it used to be.
Customer Feedback:
- “Their [toilet paper] quality declined MASSIVELY after COVID. Had to switch to Charmin,” a Redditor shared.
5. Kirkland Signature Chicken Bakes
Price: $12.49 (per 8-pack)
While the food court version of the Chicken Bake is a fan favorite, the frozen variety sold at Costco hasn’t earned the same praise. Shoppers describe the at-home version as dry, bready, and lacking in flavor, making it a poor substitute for the original.
Customer Feedback:
- “I really like their in-store Chicken Bakes. Got the frozen ones so I could have them any time I want, and they were awful,” one customer stated.
- “Not even close to the real thing,” another added.
6. Kirkland Signature Ultra Shine Liquid Dish Soap
Price: $9.99 (135 fl oz.)
Shoppers have reported a range of issues with Kirkland’s liquid dish soap, from it solidifying in the bottle to not cleaning dishes effectively. Many recommend opting for a name-brand alternative instead.
Customer Feedback:
- “The Kirkland dish soap congeals into lumps and blocks my dish soap dispenser,” a user shared.
- “Pay the extra dollar or two and get the Dawn Platinum!” suggested another shopper.
7. Kirkland Signature UltraShine Dishwasher Detergent Pacs
Price: $13.99 (115 count)
These dishwasher detergent pacs have received criticism for not cleaning dishes as well as name brands. Additionally, customers have complained about the scent and residue left on dishes after use.
Customer Feedback:
- “They’re okaaaay but absolutely it’s worth getting the Cascade instead,” a customer wrote.
- “The dishwasher packs are so bad. It’s the only item I’ve ever taken the time to stand in line and return,” another added.
8. Kirkland Signature Sport Drink Variety Pack
Price: $11.49 (per 24-pack)
Costco’s version of popular sports drinks has been criticized for being overly sweet, making them less desirable for those looking for a refreshing workout beverage.
Customer Feedback:
- “It’s way too sugary. I would never want it while working out,” one customer noted.
- “Only thing I’ve found it to be decent for is when I’m hungover, but I’d still prefer Gatorade,” another commented.
9. Kirkland Signature Batteries
Price: $18.99 (per 48-pack)
Although the price might be appealing, Kirkland Signature batteries have been plagued by reports of leakage, often damaging the devices they power. Many customers have decided to avoid these batteries altogether.
Customer Feedback:
- “They always leak/discharge so I quit buying them a few years ago,” one shopper shared.
- “They have all exploded and taken whatever their device was with them,” another said.
10. Kirkland Signature Organic Lemonade
Price: $7.99 (per 2-pack of 96 fl oz. each)
Kirkland Signature Organic Lemonade may seem like a refreshing choice, but it’s loaded with sugar. With 29 grams of sugar per 8-ounce serving, this lemonade exceeds the daily recommended sugar intake for women and comes close for men, according to the American Heart Association.
Customer Feedback:
- “It’s way too sweet, especially for something labeled as organic.”
- “I was shocked by how much sugar is in this. It’s not as healthy as I thought.”
11. Kirkland Signature Milk
Price: $3.65 (per gallon)
Kirkland Signature Milk’s square containers have been a source of frustration for many shoppers. The design may be environmentally friendly and cost-effective for shipping, but it’s also prone to spills and difficult to handle.
Customer Feedback:
- “The square jug is a nightmare. I always spill milk when I try to pour it.”
- “The design might save space, but it’s not worth the hassle.”
12. Kirkland Signature Bacon Crumbles
Price: $11.99 (per 20 oz. bag)
Bacon lovers, beware! Kirkland Signature Bacon Crumbles contain sodium nitrate and sodium phosphate, additives that have been linked to health risks. Additionally, processed meats like this have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization.
Customer Feedback:
- “I didn’t realize how unhealthy this was until I read the ingredients. I won’t buy it again.”
- “It’s convenient, but I’m not comfortable with the additives.”
13. Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken
Price: $4.99 (per chicken)
Costco’s famous rotisserie chicken might be a staple for many, but it comes with concerns. Critics have pointed out the high salt content and the use of carrageenan, an additive linked to inflammation. Additionally, the conditions in which the chickens are raised have sparked controversy.
Customer Feedback:
- “The salt content is way too high. It’s tasty, but I worry about the health effects.”
- “I’ve stopped buying it after learning about the additives and the conditions the chickens are raised in.”
14. Kirkland Signature Olive Oils
Price: $13.99 (per 2-liter bottle)
While Kirkland Signature Olive Oil may seem like a great deal, the large container size could lead to the oil going rancid before you can use it all. Experts recommend using opened olive oil within two to three months, which might be difficult with such a large quantity.
Customer Feedback:
- “It’s a lot of olive oil, and it doesn’t stay fresh long enough.”
- “The price is good, but I can’t use it all before it goes bad.”
Final Thoughts
While Costco’s Kirkland Signature line includes many beloved products, these nine items have left customers disappointed. If you’re looking to avoid frustration, consider skipping these products on your next Costco run.