Costco Fans Say These Kirkland Copycats Are Even Better Than Name Brand

Costco may be known for its rotisserie chicken, convenient take-and-bake meals, and top-tier bakery section, but within the aisles, there are even more hidden gems that shoppers swear by. From copycat products that save you money to high-quality Costco exclusive items that you can’t find anywhere else, there’s always something new to discover.

On Reddit, thousands of members recently shared their favorite “No substitutions” Kirkland products, meaning, the store’s top private label picks that they feel are even better than other brand names. Many of the products mentioned are likely ones you already know and love, such as peanut butter-filled pretzels and Kirkland Signature Vanilla Ice Cream. With this in mind, we sifted through the comments to find some of the lesser-discussed standout products that shoppers keep loading into their carts again and again.

The Best Kirkland Products According to Costco Shoppers

Kirkland Signature Organic Strawberry Spread 

One social media user said Costco’s Organic Strawberry Spread is the “best I’ve had except my grandma’s,” a comment which received over a thousand upvotes. It’s no surprise that members love these 2-pound jars so much. The first ingredient listed on the label is organic strawberries, meaning it’s packed to the brim with fresh fruit taste. One Redditor offered a note of caution about the spread, however. “There’s two manufacturers they switch between. The taller jars are inferior to the rounder jars”. Another person agreed, writing “And it’s not even close.” Some mentioned their ideas for using the fruit spread in recipes, and we have no doubt that it would be an excellent addition to a swirled cheesecake or piped into a moist vanilla cupcake.

Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn

There’s no better way to kick off movie night than with a bag of microwave popcorn covered in theater-style butter. Kirkland Signature’s version is so good, fans are sent into a frenzy if they can’t find it. Members say the 44-bag case is their family’s preference over other store brands, noting that it has “just the right amount of butter flavor.” If you’re a casual popcorn eater, the box might seem intimidating, but you’ll be surprised at how quickly your stockpile dwindles. “I bought it and my husband said we will NEVER get through that much popcorn…I have 3 bags left,” noted one Redditor. Plus, at less than 40 cents per bag, it’s a budget-friendly option for hosting game night or donating to your kids’ class parties.

Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna 

Lasagna is a labor of love, but sometimes you just want to bite into the cheesy family favorite without all of the work that comes with it. It can be risky to switch up a beloved comfort meal, but Redditors agree that Costco’s Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna is “better than most restaurants.” The Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna comes as a two-pack and includes sauce made from vine-ripened tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and whole-milk mozzarella cheese. So, while it may not be your Grandma’s best-ever lasagna, when time is of the essence, it’s pretty darn close.

Kirkland Signature Chunk Chicken Breast

This canned meat alternative might not be at the top of your list, but all the ways you can use it make it a stellar addition to the pantry. Each bundle includes six cans of lean chicken breast packed in water that you can drain and use in all your favorite dishes, such as chicken salad and buffalo chicken crust pizza. One reviewer even swapped it for fresh chicken in our restaurant-style chicken nachos recipe and said it was a hit with the family. On Reddit, one person said their family members were “pleasantly surprised at how good it was,” with another adding that Costco’s brand is far superior to any others they’ve tried.

Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars

Members say that Costco’s chocolate-coated ice cream bars are an excellent swap for Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Milk Chocolate Almond Ice Cream bars. One Redditor said Costco’s version tastes fresher than Häagen-Dazs, calling them “magic.” And in a separate thread, users praised the bar’s chocolate shell for not being excessively sweet, and being much thicker than the competition. Costco’s bars come in boxes of 18, making them perfect for stocking your deep freezer for the summer or hosting an ice cream party.

Kirkland Signature Frozen Cheese Pizza

Members love Costco’s food court pizza slices, but when you’re looking to fill your freezer, Kirkland Signature Frozen Cheese Pizza is the next best thing. The pizza is made with whole milk mozzarella and served on a hearth-baked crust, giving it a taste that one fan says tops other brands. “I have eaten a LOT of frozen pizza and theirs is far and away the best I’ve ever had.” Many social media users said that they love to customize their frozen pizza with toppings such as pesto and sundried tomatoes, or chopped veggies and pepperoni from the store’s bulk-sized bags. Each box includes four pizzas, which comes out to less than $4 each, making this an unbeatable deal compared to buying a single pie from other grocery stores.

Kirkland Signature Almond Butter

We already know that Costco’s peanut butter is a fan-favorite, but its pricier cousin, almond butter, has also earned the seal of approval from members. One 27-ounce jar of Kirkland Signature Almond Butter is more than enough to use in smoothies, on top of oatmeal, in energy balls, and all your favorite almond butter-based recipes without sweating the cost. At just under $10, it’s quite a bargain. Shoppers love that the spread has only one ingredient—roasted almonds—doesn’t contain added salt, and is made in a peanut-free facility. A few offered this pro tip: Store the jar upside down the first day before opening it. This will redistribute the oil, which naturally floats to the top. Then, stir it up and store it in the refrigerator to minimize future separation.