Kirkland Signature makes hundreds of products, but these nutritious ingredients stand out as the ones devoted Costco shoppers say they never skip.
Reviewed by Dietitian Mandy Enright, M.S., RDN, RYT
Key Points
- The plain Greek yogurt is a protein-packed, versatile base for meals and snacks.
- The dried mangoes are a fiber-rich, antioxidant-filled snack beloved for their taste and texture.
- The basil pesto is a flavorful, convenient sauce perfect for quick, healthy meals.
Costco, one of only a handful of grocery stores that requires a membership to shop there, is well-known for its bulk savings and perks like discounted travel to customers, but the primary benefit of shopping at Costco is access to its house brand. Kirkland Signature, Costco’s exclusive private label, has quite the following, and members love both the products themselves and the cost savings on everything from baby formula to frozen vegetables.
But which Kirkland Signature food products do Costco shoppers love the most? To find out, we scoured Reddit. Costco shopper u/altecsz asked: “What is your favorite Kirkland-brand product that you swear by?” More than 500 Costco shoppers weighed in on the thread, sharing which Kirkland products they buy the most and why. Read on for five Kirkland Signature foods shoppers love, what’s so great about them, and why dietitians agree they’re worth adding to the shopping cart on your next Costco run.
1. Plain Organic Greek Yogurt
First on the list was Kirkland Signature Organic Plain Greek Yogurta 48-ounce tub of plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt that packs nearly 20 grams of protein per ⅔-cup serving. “You can add whatever you want to plain yogurt,” said one commenter. “I usually like adding lemon juice and honey, or sometimes strawberry jam. [It] lets you customize your daily yogurt.”
Shailja Chandela registered dietitian, calls Kirkland Signature Organic Plain Greek Yogurt “a top-tier nutrient carrier.“ For its protein and probiotic content alone, she says it’s a great Costco buy, one she describes as a “true chameleon.”
“This ingredient not only works as a breakfast base when paired with seeds,” Chandel says, “but can also be substituted for sour cream or mayonnaise to prepare a wide range of savory dishes.” In addition to its protein content, Kirkland Signature’s strained (Greek-style) yogurt is nonfat, contains no added sugars and is an excellent source of calcium that can help stabilize blood sugar, strengthen bones, and promote heart health. We agree it’s a great item to add to your Costco cart!
2. Dried Mangoes
Dried fruit contains more fiber than fresh and can give you some extra antioxidants, making it a great choice for a snack. Costco members say Kirkland Signature Dried Mangoes are both a delicious and affordable win since dried mangoes are a sweet, chewy and versatile that one can use for making homemade energy bites or topping salads.
“I [bought] some dried mango slices last time I was there. I went through the whole bag in two days and a half,” said one Reddit commenter. Another added that the dried mango slices “make a good [snack] for the kids.”
Molly McMillana chef and registered dietitian, says dried mangoes are always on her own Costco shopping list because they’re so soft and tasty. McMillan also notes that along with the sweetness, “They’re a good source of fiber and an easy snack to bring on the go.”
3. Imported Basil Pesto
A paste of pine nuts, basil, salt, cheeses, and olive oil, pesto is a vibrant, green sauce. While freshly-made pesto is delicious, it’s also a great meal shortcut for nights when you need to whip up a quick dinner.
Costco shoppers love Kirkland Signature Imported Basil Pesto. “It’s super-good, the best non-homemade pesto I’ve had,” one commenter said of the pesto, which comes in a 22-ounce jar that contains about 10 servings. “I freeze it in portions so I don’t have to use it quickly.”
“It’s not as bitter or strong as some store-bought pesto I’ve had,” said another. “It leans more toward the olive oil and Parmesan flavors. I’ve only used it as a pasta sauce, but it would also be great as a chicken or turkey sandwich spread.”
McMillan calls Kirkland pesto “an amazing meal starter,” that she’s purchased multiple times. “It’s great for marinades or sauces,” she says, “or even used as a salad dressing base.”
4. Organic Frozen Blueberries
EatingWell found Costco’s frozen fruit to be one of the best values out there, generally several dollars cheaper per pound than other grocery store brands, and Redditors agree. They’re quick to sing the praises of Kirkland Signature Organic Frozen Blueberriesin particular, along with other frozen berries like strawberries and mixed berries. “They are delicious with the Greek yogurt mentioned above,” said one commenterwhile another suggested sprinkling some walnuts into the mix to give the yogurt a little something extra and make it a filling breakfast.
Costco’s version contains only organic, frozen blueberries, with no sugars or additives. Chandel says she loves them because the berries are “flash-frozen at the peak of their ripeness to lock in anthocyanins—potent antioxidants that protect brain health and reduce inflammation.” Whether fresh or frozen, blueberries are a delicious way to add a bit more vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, along with fiber, to your diet. There are two ways Chandel likes to incorporate them into her own diet. “For breakfast, I add a handful to hot oatmeal, where the berries thaw to release a natural sweet syrup that eliminates the need for added refined sugar,” she said. “I also use them to make antioxidant-rich snack smoothies.”
5. Organic Peanut Butter
One Costco-shopping redditor shared that of all the Kirkland Signature products out there, the one they love most is Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter. “I like other brands, too,” they added, “but you can buy way more Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter, 28 oz, 2-count | Costco at Costco at once.”
And more peanut butter isn’t a bad thing; it’s a good source of protein and antioxidants and eating peanut butter regularly can help balance blood sugar and may reduce heart disease risk. Plus, peanut butter is delicious, nutty, salty and creamy, perfect for spreading onto a slice of multigrain toast at breakfast or adding to apple slices for a mid-day pick-me-up. What’s more, Chandel calls the ingredients list “entirely flawless” due to only containing 2 ingredients: peanuts and salt.
“It only contains dry-roasted, organic peanuts and sea salt, with none of the added hydrogenated oils, emulsifiers, or sugars that would turn it into a highly-processed food,” she explains. “It also provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and plant protein.”
Our Expert Take
Costco shoppers and dietitians agree, there are lots of healthy, satisfying, delicious grocery items made by Costco’s Kirkland Signature in-house brand.If you’re looking for a few Kirkland Signature items that are recommended by both Costco shoppers and dietitians alike, we recommend the Organic Peanut Butter, Imported Basil Pesto, and Dried Mangoes. In the cold sections, grab a container of Organic Greek Yogurt or Organic Frozen Blueberries. These five items are a great place to start if you’re looking to get familiar with Costco’s Kirkland Signature products, and they’re also dietitian-recommended.
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