Costco occupies an enviable position in the retail world. Not only do its customers pay an annual fee just to shop at its stores, but more than 90% of them renew their memberships, year in and year out. As if that weren’t enough, many of them are also loyal to Costco’s brand, Kirkland, which directly competes with many of the big-name products the big-box warehouse also sells.
However, even with its stellar reputation, Costco isn’t perfect. Some of its Kirkland products, while always lower in price than the name-brand competition, aren’t quite up to snuff, according to the company’s avid shoppers.
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While necessarily a subjective list, as taste and value are in the eye of the individual, here’s a list of some Kirkland products that aren’t unanimously revered by Costco’s rabid band of followers.
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Kirkland Signature Protein Bars
The protein bar market is a tough one to crack, as many hikers, athletes and even average Americans seem to be very vocal about their preferences. The Kirkland Signature Protein Bars have their supporters, to be sure, but many online shoppers complain about the density and flavor of the bars. The lack of a variety of flavors is also a sticking point, keeping the Kirkland bars from generating widespread support.
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Kirkland Signature Toilet Paper
It might be hard to imagine that the single-biggest selling item at Costco — its Kirkland Signature Toilet Paper — has its detractors. But then again, toilet paper is another item that is highly personal and can certainly rub some people the wrong way. To that end, some online commentators consider Kirkland Signature Toilet Paper to be too rough and full of chemicals for their skin. Others think it is simply less of a value than it used to be due to a larger inner tube, resulting in less TP per dollar spent.
Kirkland Rotisserie Chicken
The famous Kirkland $4.99 rotisserie chicken is one of the brand’s signature “loss leaders,” as it loses money on every bird that it sells. But while many rave about its size and value, some chicken aficionados prefer other options. In recent years, comments about the chicken having an odd, soapy taste. According to Bon Appétit, the taste could come from the addition of phosphates during the cooking process. These chemicals help keep the chicken juicy but react with the fat and produce the soapy taste in some people’s palates.
Kirkland Batteries
Many members of the online message board Reddit find that the Kirkland battery line is second-rate compared with national-brand competitors. In addition to complaints that the batteries die rapidly, several users have complained that their batteries leak or damage various home accessories.
Kirkland Signature Bacon Crumbles
The Kirkland Signature Bacon Crumbles don’t always get high marks from Costco fans, and many think there was some type of recipe or production change a few years back. Now, many online comments refer to the bacon crumbles as “fat and chewy” or “hard like rubber.”
Kirkland Signature Bar Soap
Many users find that the Kirkland Signature Bar Soap dries their skin. This may simply be because most bar soaps can be drying, but it’s a complaint that’s often heard online. Many other users find the soap “astonishingly OK,” or comparable to the “free soap at hotels,” but those aren’t exactly ringing endorsements either.
Kirkland Signature Ultra Fresh Scent Booster
While some fans appreciate the scent, others warn that the Kirkland Signature Scent Booster beads don’t dissolve completely. This can cause a host of problems, from sticking in washer components to leaving a filmy residue on clothes. This seems to be a common problem in the industry overall, but it’s not one that the Kirkland Signature line of products seems to have completely solved.
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Sources:
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Reddit thread, “What are some Kirkland Signature items that are just not that good?”
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Bon Appetit, “Why Does Costco’s $4.99 Rotisserie Chicken Taste…Soapy? A Wild Poultry Chase for Answers”
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Tasting Table, “The Costco Kirkland Brand Snack Bar We Won’t Be Buying Again“
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Reddit thread, “We all obviously love Costco, but what’s one item you will never buy again from there?“
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Reddit thread, “Did the bacon bits become terrible recently?”
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Reddit thread, “Kirkland bar soap review“
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Reddit thread, “Kirkland laundry beads – not impresses”
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Kirkland Items That Costco Shoppers Say Aren’t Worth It — Even If They’re Cheaper
