Cheapism
Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand has some serious fans, and rightfully so. Many of the store’s brand items deserve their cult-like following. However, sometimes even Costco strikes out. Shoppers say these Kirkland products are so bad that you should never, ever buy them.
Although rotisserie chickens are one of Costco’s signature, long-time items, some Costco shoppers are disgusted. Many find the seasoning used in the chickens completely unpalatable and others say it has a "distinct chemical taste." The rumor is that the seasoning used has a similar effect that cilantro does — you either love it or hate it.
Redditors question why you would bother buying this when a pack of the beloved Raos is sitting right next to it in stores. Some customers decided to give it a shot anyway, but ended up regretting their choice. It appears you either can barely taste it and need to add seasoning, or it tastes like Spaghetti-O’s sauce.
Probably better to stick with Rao's marinara.
Go for the best when choosing your deli meat — and unfortunately, Kirkland brand isn’t it. Common complaints are that the turkey is slimy even when fresh and simply doesn’t taste good. Plus, deli meat goes bad fast, so if you don’t mind the taste and texture, you still risk most of it getting thrown out unless you make a lot of sandwiches.
Kirkland alcohol is definitely a mixed bag, with many people loving the tequila and vodka while plenty say they’re gross. However, Redditors generally agree that the store’s spiced rum is a pass. It is strongly reminiscent of a combination of hand sanitizer and liquid smoke, according to one Redditor.
Some fans of the bars say that they are “fine” and that the 20 grams of protein at a great price make them worth it. Meanwhile, other Redditors call the bars “inedible” and say they have to choke them down. Pretty much nobody calls them delicious.
Yet another product that used to be better. One common complaint is that the Kirkland Signature balsamic vinegar is now way too sweet, without a vinegary bite. Others say it pours out of the bottle like water.
Not all laundry detergents are created equal, and Kirkland’s are a cut below the rest. Redditors complain that the pods don’t dissolve well, and even worse, stain their clothes with the coloring.
Customers complain that the blue liquid has a strong scent that’s not very pleasant. But the real problem is it doesn’t clean very well, according to multiple shoppers on Reddit. Some even said it doesn’t cut grease as well as classic Dawn, so you have to use more of it, meaning buying store brand didn’t save you any money in the end.
The Costco brand toilet paper has been getting worse and worse over the years, according to Redditors. Common complaints from customers are that it's too thin and too scratchy, with some even comparing it to sandpaper. We’ll stick to Charmin in that case.
Yet another Kirkland product that was once great and now's garbage. The dishwasher tabs have terrible reviews. Redditors mention that they leave a build-up of residue, with entire loads of dishes needing to be rewashed.
If you’re trying to save a few bucks by stocking up on Costco brand batteries, stay far, far away. Several Redditors comment that they have experienced the batteries leaking acid and breaking their electronics.
According to some Redditors, the store brand lens solution isn’t lubricating enough and leaves their eyes feeling drier than if they had bought a name brand.
The drink isn’t always in stock at some locations, but that’s probably a good thing. Some people can’t get enough of the sweet drink, but others have described the flavor as similar to Lemon Pledge.
Costco’s version of Greenies for dogs is certainly more affordable, with a 72 count bag costing the same as a 36 count bag of the name brand. But apparently, many dogs are nobody’s fool. Some Redditors say their dogs turned their snouts up at them. They are luckier than the buyers who say the treats gave their dogs terrible stomach issues.
Don’t bother with this item, recommends multiple Redditors. There are numerous complaints that you can’t even get them out of the package without the sheets ripping apart. These wipes are supposed to decompose in the toilet, not in your hands while using them.
Yet another Kirkland product that has apparently gone downhill, the store’s name brand tees used to be thick and nicely cut. Now Redditors complain that the shirts are thin, long and awkward-looking.
Generally, the various flavors of Kirkland dog food get good reviews from buyers, who consider the ingredients high-quality and say their dogs enjoy the food. The problem is that often specific formulas are not consistently available in-store or online. Owners then have to wean their dogs onto something else (which often causes stomach issues) temporarily.
Don’t bother with Costco’s store brand sealer bags — some Redditors say they are trash. Customers say the seal breaks frequently when the bags are frozen, which pretty much defeats the purpose of the item.
You would think buying diapers in bulk at Costco would be a great deal. However, the store brand isn’t any cheaper than Walmart or Target store brands, and not as good, according to some Redditors.
They complain the diapers don’t hold in blowouts and leak like crazy, which is the last thing a parent needs to deal with.