Are you aware that many of the “in-house brand” products at Costco and Trader Joe’s are actually made by the more expensive name brand? It’s 100% true and if you know the Kirkland and Trader Joe’s products to buy, you can SAVE BIG and still get great quality. Here’s how it all breaks down.

So to help you out, I researched the cheaper version of many name-brand items, which in many cases, are actually made by the name-brand and simply repackaged and sold for less. Below is what I found. I hope it helps you make some smart buying decisions in the future.

Costco

Here are the Costco Kirkland brand items that are rumored to be produced by the popular (and more expensive) name-brand.

Kirkland Signature Craft Beer = Gordon Biersch: I love Gordon Biersch beer, and guess what, I love Kirkland craft beer too. Go figure.

Kirkland Signature Premium Small Batch Bourbon = Buffalo Trace: From Insider Louisville, “Kirkland is from Buffalo Trace and tastes like Jim Beam — a little bit, anyway.”

Kirkland Vodka = Grey Goose: The fact that we’re even having the conversation tells me to always buy the WAY cheaper Kirkland brand vodka.

Kirkland Scotch = Macallan 18: A great way to save on a quality Scotch is to buy the Kirkland brand.

Kirkland Tuna = Bumble Bee: According to a bunch of Amazon reviews, Kirkland Tuna tastes just like, or better, than Bumblebee Tuna.

Kirkland Diapers = Huggies: Apparently the Kirkland brand of diapers is made by Huggies.

Kirkland Laundry Detergent = Good chance it’s made by Sun.

Kirkland Canned Chicken Breast = This originally was made by Bumble Bee, but is now made by Costco in their Fremont, Nebraska chicken facility.

Kirkland Batteries = These are actually made by Duracell then labeled as Kirkland brand and sent off to your local Costco.

PRO TIP: FIND GREAT DUPE RECOMMENDATIONS

Specifically, join forums and social media groups dedicated to sharing affordable alternatives to popular products from Costco, Trader Joe’s, and other popular stores.

Here are 4 tips for success:

1. Make Reddit Your Next Best Friend

Platforms like Reddit’s r/Frugal, r/Costco and r/TraderJoes are three of the most active and helpful subreddits for finding cheaper alternatives to name-brand items sold at these stores.

Example posts: “What’s a good Kirkland Signature dupe for X?” and “Trader Joe’s version of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – yay or nay?”

2. Next, look for “Best Buys” Lists in Facebook Groups

Join Facebook groups like “Trader Joe’s Meal Ideas for Busy Moms” and “Costco Buys and Finds”.

Members frequently share their favorite in-store dupes, like Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken (a dupe for Panda Express) or Kirkland Signature Protein Bars (similar to Quest Bars).

3. Use Social Media Hashtags for Store-Specific Dupes

Search hashtags like #CostcoDupes or #TraderJoesDupes on Instagram and TikTok.

Examples: Find TikTokers raving about things like Kirkland Signature Coffee as a Starbucks alternative or Trader Joe’s Cheddar Rocket Crackers as a dupe for Annie’s Organic Bunny Crackers.

4. Post Questions in Groups and Forums

Examples include “Is the Kirkland Signature detergent comparable to Tide?” and “Does Trader Joe’s have a dupe for Sriracha now that it’s hard to find?”

Many members share personal experiences and comparisons, saving you the trial and error.

Trader Joe’s

If you shop at Trader Joe’s here are some brands to be aware of.

Pita Chips = Stacy’s (Frito-Lay): But them at Trader Joe’s for significantly less.

Cream of Tomato Soup = Pacific: I’ve never had the soup, but apparently it’s pretty good.

Indian Food = Tasty Bite Brand: If you like Indian food, buy it from TJ’s and save.

Organic Shells and White Cheddar = Annie’s Homegrown: Never had it. Can it possibly be better than Kraft Mac & Cheese?

Yogurt = Stonyfield Farms: I love their yogurt and it’s definitely priced right.

Pretzel Chips = Snack Factory: Get your snack fix at TJ’s and save money.

Veggie Chili = Amy’s: Yummmm, chili.

Other Products to be Aware of:

Girl Scout Cookies = Keebler: Looking for a cheaper cookie fix than the pricey Girl Scout box? Check out this great Lifehacker article to see which cookie alternative fits the bill.

Victoria’s Secrets pantyhose = Hanes: Shop the Hanes brand pantyhose and get Victoria’s Secret quality for less cash.

Ask the Reader: Any products that I might be missing? Let me know in the comments and I’ll check it out, thanks.

Happy savings.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)