Costco shoppers expect premium products and aren’t afraid to speak up when they feel that isn’t the case. Many customers have taken to social media to share their disappointment over products from the store brand Kirkland. Several items that shoppers once loved have declined in recent years.
Kirkland Signature Thick-Cut Bacon
The bacon aisle used to be an easy win for Costco. Kirkland’s thick-cut offerings were once praised for their flavor and value. Today, though, many customers say the taste has taken a turn for the worse. Once meaty and rich, the slices are now described as gamey, greasy, and stringy.
Several long-time buyers have stopped purchasing it altogether, saying the product has become inconsistent and disappointing. What used to be a breakfast staple now leaves a bad aftertaste.
Kirkland Signature Eggs
Eggs are a kitchen essential, but Kirkland Signature eggs are now described by some as watery, bland, and flavorless. Even longtime members say the quality of this product has dipped.
Many are choosing to buy name-brand eggs from other grocery stores, citing better taste and consistency. For a product that should be simple and clean, the change has been surprisingly noticeable.
Kirkland Signature American Vodka
Vodka is another category where Kirkland once punched far above its weight. But recently, social media has been abuzz with complaints about its American Vodka line. Customers describe the taste as sharp, unpleasant, and in some cases, like “lighter fluid.”
Costco acknowledged issues with certain batches and even issued refunds, a rare step for a product of this kind. While it may have once rivaled premium brands, today’s customers aren’t reaching for a second bottle.
Kirkland Signature Orange Juice
Costco’s orange juice used to be praised for its fresh-squeezed taste and natural sweetness. That’s why many shoppers were caught off guard by a strange, almost medical flavor in recent cartons.
Some describe a licorice-like aftertaste, while others suspect changes in calcium fortification have altered the flavor profile. Either way, a once-reliable morning pick-me-up now leaves customers puzzled and disappointed.
Kirkland Signature Diapers
Once favored for their value and performance, Kirkland diapers have reportedly slipped in quality since Costco changed manufacturers. Customers point out that the new design does not reseal properly and feels less durable. For parents, that’s a deal breaker. A product that once offered peace of mind is now seen as unreliable, leading many families to switch brands despite the higher price.
Kirkland Signature Butter
In the baking community, butter isn’t just an ingredient; it is a dealbreaker. Loyal Kirkland butter users have noted a clear difference in performance, especially in baking. Pie crusts are crumbling, sautéed items aren’t browning the same, and the texture feels off.
Many suspect an increase in water content, which would explain the lack of structure and pale yellow hue. Visibly and functionally, this butter just isn’t what it used to be.
Kirkland Signature Laundry Pods
Laundry pods should make life easier, but that’s not the case with Kirkland’s version. Customers complain that the pods don’t dissolve properly, leaving behind a blue residue that stains clothes. Even when there are no visible marks, clothes reportedly come out feeling filmy or not entirely clean.
Compared to name-brand competitors, Kirkland pods seem to be underperforming, both in washing power and customer satisfaction.
Kirkland Signature Chicken Salad
Kirkland Chicken Salad once had a big following since it was flavorful, balanced, and ready to eat. Now, shoppers say it has become overly salty with a greasy texture that feels artificial.
Where once there was savory creaminess, customers now report an overwhelming saltiness and hints of processed oil. The convenience remains, but the craving is gone among customers.
Kirkland Signature Toilet Paper
Costco’s bulk toilet paper has historically been one of its top-selling items. But lately, customers say the quality is sliding. It’s thinner, tears more easily, and reportedly leaves behind a chalky white dust. Some say the product was never amazing, but now it’s downright frustrating. For a product bought in such large quantities, minor changes make a major impact.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Costco’s chicken breasts were once a go-to for families trying to meal prep on a budget. But buyers are now noticing something off, not necessarily in safety, but in structure. Many attribute this to a condition called “spaghetti meat,” a result of accelerated poultry breeding.
The meat sheds oddly, won’t absorb marinade properly, and feels rubbery when cooked. Some shoppers say the quality is so poor they’ve stopped trusting Costco chicken altogether.
Additional Quality Concerns
Customers have noticed quality declines in other Kirkland products, including popcorn that doesn’t pop right and chicken noodle soup that comes without noodles. The decline of product quality has led many people to let their membership lapse.
