Shopping at Costco usually means getting great deals on high-quality products. The store’s Kirkland brand has become so popular that many people prefer it over name brands. But not every Kirkland item is a winner. Some products have left customers so disappointed that they’ve sworn never to buy them again. Here’s what you need to know about the Kirkland products that might not be worth your money.
Kirkland dishwasher pods leave dishes looking worse than before
If you’ve ever opened your dishwasher expecting sparkly clean dishes only to find them covered in a weird film, you’re not alone. Many Costco members have reported major issues with Kirkland dishwasher pods. The pods often don’t dissolve properly, leaving chunks of detergent stuck to dishes and glasses.
The problems don’t stop there. Customers have complained about a strong chemical smell that lingers on their dishes even after multiple rinse cycles. Some people have noticed white residue that’s nearly impossible to remove without rewashing everything by hand.
What’s particularly frustrating is that these pods seem to work fine for the first few loads, then suddenly start causing problems. Many users have found that their dishes actually look dirtier after running them through the dishwasher with these pods than they did before washing.
The residue issue becomes even more noticeable on glassware and dark-colored plates. Users report having to run their dishwasher multiple times to get clean dishes, which defeats the purpose of saving money by buying in bulk. Some have even had to resort to soaking their dishes in vinegar to remove the stubborn film.
Weird taste makes Kirkland cold brew coffee undrinkable
Many coffee lovers have been drawn to Kirkland’s Colombian cold brew coffee, hoping to save money on their daily caffeine fix. However, this product has become notorious for its strange and unpleasant taste. People describe it as having an odd chemical undertone that makes it nearly impossible to enjoy.
Regular customers say the coffee tastes nothing like what you’d expect from Colombian beans. Instead of rich, smooth flavor, they’re getting something that reminds them of old, stale coffee that’s been sitting out for days. The taste has been described as bitter and artificial.
Some people have tried diluting it more than recommended, hoping to make it drinkable, but that just results in weak, still-off-tasting coffee. Others have attempted to mask the flavor with cream and sugar, but the weird aftertaste persists. Many buyers end up throwing out most of the container.
What’s especially disappointing is that this product comes in large quantities, meaning you’re stuck with a lot of coffee you might not want to drink. Several customers have reported that even their coffee-loving friends won’t touch it when offered. The overwhelming consensus is that it’s best to skip this one entirely.
Kirkland bath tissue falls apart too easily
Nobody wants to think too much about toilet paper, but when it’s bad, you definitely notice. Kirkland bath tissue has become a prime example of a product that’s penny-wise but pound-foolish. The main complaint? It takes way more sheets to get the job done compared to other brands.
Many members have noticed that the quality seems to have declined recently. The paper feels rougher than before and has a strange dusty texture that leaves residue behind. Some describe it as feeling like sandpaper rather than toilet paper.
The most frustrating aspect is how easily it falls apart. Users report that the sheets separate into thin layers at the worst possible moments. This means you end up using much more than you would with other brands, negating any cost savings from buying in bulk.
Storage can also be an issue since the paper seems to absorb moisture from the air, making it even more prone to tearing. Many customers have switched back to name brands despite the higher cost, finding that they actually save money in the long run by using less paper per trip to the bathroom.
Something smells off with Kirkland rotisserie chicken
Rotisserie chicken should be a simple, reliable meal option. However, Kirkland’s version has been getting some seriously concerning feedback from customers. The most common complaint? A strange chemical or soapy taste that’s hard to ignore. Some people notice it right away, while others pick up on it after a few bites.
Numerous shoppers have reported that the chicken has an artificial flavor that lingers long after eating. This isn’t just about personal taste preferences – many long-time Costco shoppers who used to buy these chickens regularly have stopped completely.
The issue seems to be most noticeable when the chicken is cold or used in other recipes. People have found that even when mixed into casseroles or salads, that weird taste comes through. Some customers suspect it might be related to the packaging or preservation process.
Making matters worse, some buyers have noticed an odd smell when they first open the package. While the chicken appears fully cooked, the scent has made many people uncomfortable enough to return it. This is particularly disappointing given how convenient these pre-cooked chickens are supposed to be.
Kirkland batteries leak and damage electronics
Batteries are one of those things you don’t think about until they cause problems. Unfortunately, Kirkland batteries have been causing plenty of headaches for Costco members. The biggest issue isn’t just that they don’t last as long as other brands – it’s that they have a tendency to leak and damage expensive electronics.
Many customers have discovered their devices ruined by leaking Kirkland batteries. The damage isn’t limited to cheap items either – people have reported problems with expensive cameras, remote controls, and other electronic devices.
Even when they don’t leak, these batteries seem to die much faster than expected. Users often find themselves replacing them far more frequently than they would with other brands. This means any money saved by buying them in bulk quickly disappears.
The inconsistency is another major problem. Some batteries work fine, while others in the same package die almost immediately. This unpredictability makes them especially risky for important devices like smoke detectors or emergency flashlights. Many users won’t trust them for anything valuable anymore.
Gritty texture ruins Kirkland cream cheese
A good bagel deserves good cream cheese, but Kirkland’s version has left many breakfast lovers disappointed. The biggest complaint is the texture – instead of being smooth and creamy, it often has a gritty or grainy feel that’s impossible to ignore.
Customers report that spreading it on toast or bagels reveals an unpleasant sandy texture that ruins the eating experience. Some describe it as feeling like there’s fine sugar mixed throughout, though it’s not sweet.
The taste also falls short of expectations. While cream cheese should have a mild, pleasant tang, many find the Kirkland version lacks flavor altogether. Others notice an odd aftertaste that lingers uncomfortably. This makes it particularly unsuitable for recipes where cream cheese is a star ingredient.
Temperature seems to affect the texture even more. When cold, it’s too firm and crumbly. When it warms up, instead of becoming perfectly spreadable, it gets oddly separated and watery. Many users have switched back to name brands despite the higher cost.
Kirkland protein bars cause stomach problems
Protein bars should give you energy, not make you regret eating them. Yet many people have found that Kirkland protein bars leave them feeling worse than before. The main culprit seems to be the sugar alcohols used to keep the calorie count low while maintaining sweetness.
Several customers have experienced digestive issues after eating these bars. The problems range from mild discomfort to more severe reactions that have made people miss work or cancel plans. Some users can’t even finish a whole bar without problems.
The texture is another common complaint. Rather than being pleasantly chewy, many find them too dense and hard. Some compare it to eating compressed sawdust. The coating often melts in warm weather, making them messy and difficult to eat on the go.
While the nutritional stats look good on paper, the artificial sweetener aftertaste turns many people off. The bars come in large boxes, meaning you’re stuck with plenty of them even if you discover they don’t agree with you. Many buyers end up giving away most of the box.
Changes make Kirkland bacon mostly fat
Bacon should be a simple pleasure, but Kirkland’s version has been frustrating customers lately. The biggest issue is inconsistency – both in terms of slice thickness and the meat-to-fat ratio. Some packages contain mostly fat with very little actual meat.
Many long-time buyers say the quality has noticeably declined. Where slices used to be uniformly cut, they now range from paper-thin to too thick, often in the same package. This makes it impossible to cook evenly – by the time one piece is done, others are either still raw or burnt.
The excessive fat content is particularly problematic. While good bacon should have some fat, recent packages seem to be mostly white with tiny strips of meat. This means you’re getting less edible bacon than you’re paying for, and it often shrivels to nothing when cooked.
Storage has become an issue too. The packaging doesn’t seem to seal as well as it used to, leading to freezer burn when storing extra portions. Some customers have found that even properly stored bacon develops an off smell before its expiration date.
Kirkland laundry pods leave sticky residue on clothes
Doing laundry is enough work without having to worry about your detergent making things worse. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what’s happening with Kirkland laundry pods. Many users have found that instead of cleaning their clothes, these pods leave behind a sticky residue that’s hard to remove.
Numerous customers have reported finding undissolved bits of the pods stuck to their clean clothes. This is particularly noticeable on dark fabrics, where the residue shows up as light-colored spots. Some people have had to rewash entire loads to get rid of the residue.
The problem seems worse in cold water, but even hot water cycles don’t guarantee the pods will dissolve properly. This defeats the purpose of using cold water to save energy and protect clothes. Some users have tried breaking up the pods before adding them, but this creates a mess and doesn’t really solve the problem.
Even when the pods do dissolve, many people notice their clothes don’t smell as clean as they should. Instead of a fresh scent, there’s often a strange, chemical smell that lingers. This has led many customers to switch back to liquid detergent despite the convenience of pods.
Kirkland chicken pot pie needs serious improvement
A good chicken pot pie should be comfort food at its finest. However, Kirkland’s version misses the mark in several ways. The most common complaint is the crust, which many describe as having the texture and taste of cardboard rather than a flaky, buttery pastry.
Customer feedback indicates that the filling isn’t much better. The chicken often comes in weird, rubbery cubes that don’t taste like real meat. The vegetables, especially the carrots, lack any real flavor and have an odd, mushy texture.
The sauce, which should be rich and creamy, often turns out watery and bland. Some buyers have noticed it separates when heated, creating an unappetizing appearance. The seasoning seems minimal at best, leaving the whole dish tasting flat and uninspiring.
Another issue is the size – while Costco is known for bulk items, these pot pies are too large for most families to finish before they start to lose quality. The leftovers often become soggy, and reheating doesn’t improve the already questionable texture of the crust.
Despite these issues, Kirkland products generally maintain high standards, and Costco’s return policy means you can always get your money back if something doesn’t meet your expectations. Still, it’s worth being selective about which Kirkland items you choose to buy. Many loyal Costco members simply avoid these particular products while continuing to enjoy other Kirkland offerings. Remember, just because something comes with the Kirkland label doesn’t automatically make it a great deal – sometimes spending a bit more on a name brand is worth it for better quality and satisfaction.
