Costco is packed with incredible deals on everything from electronics and home goods to groceries and frozen food. But regular shoppers know that Kirkland bacon is one of the best deals because it tastes great and is cheap. If it seems just as good as brand-name options at the grocery, thats not a coincidence.
Hormel, a big company that cures and packages meat, seems to be the source of the bacon sold at Costco. It seems that the partnership began in the early 2000s, when Costco was having a hard time finding a supplier of bacon that met its high standards. So, they got in touch with Hormel, which is known for its many bacon products sold in stores.
There was a time when this partnership was very clear, with Hormel’s name on the package along with the usual Costco and Kirkland logos. While thats no longer the case in the United States (though it may still be in the U. K. and Canada), it’s not clear if this is just a change in the packaging or a sign that they’re getting their bacon from somewhere else these days.
As a devoted Costco shopper, I always load up on Kirkland bacon during my warehouse runs. Its perfect balance of smoky flavor, crispy texture, and awesome price point keeps me coming back for more But despite having this tasty bacon in my fridge for years, I actually had no idea which company was behind Costco’s store-brand bacon. The mysterious supplier’s identity has been kept under wraps..until now!
After some detective work, the veil has finally been lifted on the secret brand responsible for bringing home the bacon for Kirkland Read on to learn the truth behind who makes Costco’s bacon
Why Kirkland Bacon Stands Out
Before revealing the big name producer, let’s discuss what makes Kirkland bacon so special in the first place. Costco is known for its rigorous quality standards for any items sold under its signature private labels. Kirkland bacon is no exception
Shoppers rave about the applewood smoked bacon’s ideal thickness with just the right amount of fat. It cooks up perfectly crispy without any annoying foam splatter. The smoky aroma and well-balanced flavor profile keep fans coming back for this bacon over and over again.
Beyond taste and texture, Kirkland bacon also wins points for value. It’s significantly less expensive per pound compared to other premium bacon brands on the market. Based on glowing customer reviews, Kirkland bacon stands toe-to-toe against top national brands in blind taste tests.
The Hunt to Uncover Kirkland’s Bacon Supplier
So who exactly has been producing this beloved bacon for Costco’s shelves? For years, the supplier’s identity has been shrouded in secrecy. Costco is notoriously tight-lipped about where their private label products originate from.
Previously, there was speculation that major pork producer Hormel might be the mysterious bacon maker for Kirkland. However, Hormel representatives have denied any involvement.
Costco was also rumored to have partnered with Smithfield for their bacon production. While never directly confirmed, Smithfield is considered a likely supplier, responsible for an estimated 75-80% of Kirkland bacon output. As one of the biggest bacon producers nationwide, Smithfield certainly has the capabilities to be Costco’s top bacon resource.
Why the Supplier Matters
Knowing the vendor behind Kirkland bacon gives insight into why it has become a customer favorite. Costco chooses only the most reputable suppliers to produce their store label products. By partnering with bacon heavyweights like Smithfield, Costco ensures top-notch quality control from pig pen to packaging.
Smithfield has some of the most rigorous standards in the pork industry when it comes to breeding, feeding, and processing practices. Choosing hogs bred specifically for premium flavor allows Smithfield to deliver exceptionally tasty bacon. Combine these high-end pork bellies with Smithfield’s proprietary smoking methods and seasonings, and you’ve got an award-winning bacon formula.
Get the Best Bacon for Less
The bottom line is that by outsourcing production to a top-tier supplier like Smithfield, Costco can provide members with one of the best-tasting bacons at a fraction of the price of other gourmet bacon brands.
Shoppers get the advantage of public brand recognition and trust in Smithfield pork paired with Costco’s discount bulk pricing. It’s a win-win that has made Kirkland bacon a staple in household fridges and Costco carts everywhere.
Next time you’re stocking up on bacon at Costco, appreciate the mastery that goes into making this store-brand a cut above the rest. While the supplier may still be somewhat of an enigma, it’s clear that only a bacon boss could be behind Costco’s beloved Kirkland Signature Bacon.
Cooking Kirkland Bacon to Perfection
Now that you know the inside scoop behind this top-rated bacon, it’s time to sizzle up some Kirkland bacon deliciousness at home.
Here are tips for cooking Kirkland bacon flawlessly every time:
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Bake bacon slices on a foil-lined sheet pan in a 400°F oven for 15-18 minutes. The fat drips away while the bacon cooks evenly.
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Pan fry over medium-low heat for 5-6 minutes per side until the bacon reaches your ideal crispness. Pour off excess grease as it cooks.
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Microwave for 1-2 minutes between paper towels. Less mess!
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Avoid overcooking. Pull bacon from heat just before it reaches desired crispness since it will continue to crisp up a bit more once removed.
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Add a bit of brown sugar to the bacon before cooking for candied bacon with a hint of sweetness.
Now that you’re in on the insider info, grab some Kirkland bacon on your next Costco run to start cooking up the good stuff at home.
A tried-and-true Costco trick
Some people might find the deal odd, but it’s actually an example of white-labeling, a production method that lets well-known food companies and others make “store brand” versions of a product using the same tools and materials as the more expensive brand name. This method lets stores stock high-quality food for their low-cost generic brands without having to build their own factories. It also lets producers make extra money and keep their workers and machines busy.
Other well-known companies like Starbucks, Ocean Spray, Bumble Bee, Jelly Belly, Diamond Pet Foods, and more make food and drinks for Costco, either in secret or with Kirkland’s brand. Like many other white-labeled products from well-known food companies, Hormel’s Costco bacon might not be the same as the bacon sold in supermarkets under the Hormel brand. Some Reddit users have pointed out differences in texture that can be felt. Some even argue some Kirkland brand products are better than the brand name original.
But there’s no arguing with the price, which can save shoppers a lot of money compared to name brands. And thats something bacon lovers everywhere can agree on.
Where the savings come from
But how does Costco’s bacon cost so little? Anyone who has shopped there knows that selling in bulk is a big part of how they make money. Kirkland bacon comes in four packs of one pound each, and two packs of two pounds and a half each for thick-cut bacon. Instead of making small profits on a single package or pound, Costco’s bulk options make sure that each purchase of bacon brings in more than enough money to cover its costs.
Another real reason why Costco’s bacon is so cheap is that it sells a lot of it, which gives companies like Hormel a chance to make money. Producers can sell to Costco for less than to regular supermarkets because they know that large orders will help their bottom line no matter what and are easier to ship than a lot of smaller orders. These steady, long-term partnerships are a dream for many brands who participate in white-labeling.
It’s also important to remember that Costco’s business model is to sell all Kirkland products for 2020% less than similar brand names, without lowering the quality of the products or the store’s profits. To put it simply, Costco probably wouldn’t sell any bacon if it couldn’t meet these high standards. This helps to explain how the store chooses its products and why customers are so loyal to it.
We Finally Know Why Costco’s Bacon Is So Cheap
FAQ
Who makes the Kirkland brand bacon?
Who makes member’s mark bacon?
Who makes Kirkland brand at Costco?
Does Hormel make Kirkland Bacon?
We previously reported that we suspected the supplier was industry leader Hormel because Costco and Hormel used to have a co-branded bacon line together back in 2005, as confirmed by Supermarket News . However, a brand representative for Hormel reached out to debunk the rumor: Hormel does not make Kirkland bacon after all.
Does Costco sell Kirkland Bacon?
Take a gander at the image above. On the left, you’ll see Kirkland bacon, while Member’s Mark is on the other tray. The bacon from Sam’s Club displays far more pink and less white than the strips sold under Costco’s store brand.
Where can I buy Kirkland & member’s Mark Bacon?
You can get it at either warehouse although not necessarily from the store brands. Kirkland Signature produces this variety, but Member’s Mark doesn’t. If you’re headed to Sam’s Club, you’ll find thick-cut bacon by brands like Wright and Hormel instead. Kirkland and Member’s Mark bacon comes from pigs.
Is Kirkland Signature Bacon a good deal?
You can opt-out at any time. Some things don’t need to be bought in bulk, but Kirkland Signature bacon isn’t one of them. The bacon, , is about 20% cheaper than comparable brands. And people have taken notice of this deal, seeing as the wholesale store has reportedly for the product amid the coronavirus pandemic.