These 9 Kirkland Signature Items Just Didn’t Work for Costco Shoppers

Not every Kirkland Signature product is a hit. While Costco has a reputation for great deals and quality, some items just didn’t meet shoppers’ expectations. Whether it’s a weird texture, an off-putting taste, or just not living up to the hype, these products missed the mark. Some were discontinued, while others still linger on shelves, waiting for someone willing to give them a shot. Here are the Kirkland Signature items that Costco shoppers weren’t too thrilled about.

Mango Smoothie

Costco introduced the Kirkland Signature Mango Smoothie to its food court menu, aiming to provide a refreshing and tropical beverage option. Despite its appealing concept, customers found the smoothie overly sweet and lacking the authentic mango flavor they anticipated. The texture was often described as too thick, bordering on syrupy, which detracted from the drinking experience. Additionally, some patrons felt the smoothie had an artificial aftertaste, possibly due to the use of flavor enhancers. These collective shortcomings led to its eventual removal from the menu.

Kirkland Protein Bars

Positioned as a cost-effective alternative to popular protein bars, Kirkland Signature Protein Bars offered high protein content with low sugar. However, many consumers criticized their dense and chewy texture, making them challenging to consume. The flavor profiles, such as chocolate chip cookie dough and brownie, were often deemed bland or artificial. Some users also reported digestive discomfort after consumption, possibly due to the inclusion of sugar alcohols. Despite their nutritional benefits, these factors led many to seek other protein bar options. ​

Kirkland Light Beer

In an effort to cater to beer enthusiasts seeking affordability, Costco launched Kirkland Signature Light Beer. Unfortunately, it garnered overwhelmingly negative reviews, with consumers likening its taste to “urine-soaked diaper sitting on a piping-hot radiator.” The beer’s watery consistency and lack of flavor depth made it unpalatable for many. Despite its attractive price point, the poor reception led to its discontinuation in 2018.

Kirkland Boxed Macaroni and Cheese

Attempting to offer a budget-friendly alternative to beloved mac and cheese brands, Kirkland Signature Boxed Macaroni and Cheese fell short in several areas. Consumers reported that the cheese sauce lacked the creamy richness found in competitors, resulting in a bland and unappetizing dish. The pasta often had a mushy texture after cooking, further diminishing the overall experience. Despite its affordability, the product couldn’t compete with established brands, leading to its eventual removal from shelves.

Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo

Marketed as a salon-quality product, Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo aimed to provide hydration and shine to hair. However, users reported that it left their hair feeling dry and tangled, contrary to its moisturizing claims. The shampoo’s scent was also a point of contention, with some finding it overpowering. Additionally, the product didn’t lather well, making it difficult to distribute evenly through the hair. These issues led many customers to revert to their previous hair care brands.

Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue

While competitively priced, Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue faced criticism regarding its quality. Users found it to be thinner and less durable compared to other brands, leading to a less comfortable experience. Some customers also reported excessive lint and dust from the tissue, causing cleanliness concerns in bathrooms. The large roll size, although economical, didn’t fit standard toilet paper holders, adding to user frustration. These factors contributed to shoppers seeking alternative options.

Kirkland Signature Sliced Bacon

Once a favorite among shoppers, Kirkland Signature Sliced Bacon experienced a decline in quality over time. Customers noted that the slices became thinner and contained more fat than meat, affecting the taste and texture. The increased sugar content in the curing process led to a sweeter flavor, which wasn’t well-received by all. Additionally, the bacon shrank significantly during cooking, offering less value for money. These changes led to dissatisfaction among long-time buyers.

Kirkland Signature Colombian Cold Brew Coffee

Aimed at providing a convenient caffeine fix, Kirkland Signature Colombian Cold Brew Coffee missed the mark for many consumers. The beverage was criticized for its bitter and acidic taste, lacking the smoothness typically associated with cold brew. Some customers described it as having a “chemical” aftertaste, making it unpleasant to drink. The packaging also received negative feedback, with cans sometimes leaking or having inconsistent quality. Due to these issues, many opted for other cold brew brands.

Kirkland Signature UltraShine Dishwasher Detergent Pacs

Designed to offer an affordable solution for dishwashing needs, Kirkland Signature UltraShine Dishwasher Detergent Pacs fell short in performance. Users reported that the pacs didn’t dissolve completely during cycles, leaving residue on dishes and in the dishwasher. The cleaning power was also questioned, with dishes often emerging with spots or food remnants. Some customers experienced a strong chemical smell post-wash, which was off-putting. These performance issues led many to switch back to their preferred detergent brands.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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