Costco Dupes That Are Better Than the Real Thing

Costco is rumored to abide by a 1% better policy, where its private-label offerings must “meet or exceed whatever the industry leader is,” according to a Reddit user with insider knowledge. While some Kirkland Signature products are manufactured by the very brands they’re “duping,” others are simply just as good (if not better) because of this mandate. Best of all, they’re almost always cheaper than the national brands — often by 20% or more.

Here are the Costco dupes fans swear by and why they deserve a permanent spot in your shopping cart.

1. Kirkland Signature Alkaline AA Batteries (Dupe for Duracell)

These Kirkland AA batteries last just as long as Duracells in most household gadgets, but at a fraction of the cost. If your home is filled with remotes and battery-hungry devices, stocking up on these will save you serious money over time.

2. Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks (Dupe for Chick-fil-A Nuggets)

These chicken breast chunks deliver the same lightly breaded, slightly sweet, tender bite that Chick-fil-A fans crave, minus the drive-thru line. Toss them in the air fryer and you’ve basically recreated a fast-food favorite at home.

3. Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech 13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Bags (Dupe for Glad)

Kirkland’s Flex-Tech line holds its own against Glad’s stretchable bags, featuring drawstrings that won’t snap and sides that expand without ripping. They’re durable, dependable, and noticeably cheaper.

4. Kirkland Signature American Vodka (Dupe for Grey Goose)

This is one of Costco’s most famous dupes, and for good reason — it’s believed to be produced in the same region, using the same water source, as Grey Goose. Whether or not that’s true, the taste is clean and smooth enough to fool most vodka drinkers. When mixed into cocktails, it’s virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

5. Kirkland Signature Uncured Bacon and Gouda Egg Bites (Dupe for Starbucks Egg Bites)

If you love Starbucks egg bites but want to skip the drive-thru, the Kirkland version is a game changer. They’re smoky, cheesy, and have that same custardy texture that makes the originals so addictive. Stash a box in your freezer for a quick breakfast that comes together in the air fryer in just a few minutes.

6. Kirkland Signature Extra Crispy French Fries (Dupe for Ore-Ida)

These french fries crisp up beautifully while staying fluffy inside, tasting more like a restaurant-quality side than something pulled from your freezer. These are the closest you’ll get to authentic, double-fried french fries from your oven or air fryer.

7. Kirkland Signature Krinkle Cut Kettle Chips, Himalayan Salt (Made by Kettle Brand)

This is one of those glorious open secrets: Kettle Brand actually makes these chips. If you look closely, you’ll find their logo right on the bag. They’re virtually identical to the original — super crunchy with that thick-cut texture — but at a lower price per ounce.

8. Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter (Dupe for Kerrygold)

Kirkland’s take on grass-fed butter is rich and smooth, with that hint of creaminess Kerrygold lovers look for. It’s lower in salt than its competitor, which makes it more suitable for cooking.

9. Kirkland Signature Stretch-Tite Plastic Wrap (Dupe for Saran Wrap)

Stretch-Tite clings, stretches, and seals better than almost any name-brand food wrap. Plus, the dispenser box is far sturdier, a detail that seems trivial until you’ve ripped a flimsy cardboard cutter halfway through a roll.

10. Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean HE Liquid Laundry Detergent (Dupe for Tide)

Tide-level cleaning power without the Tide-level price tag? Costco delivered. Its Ultra Clean HE formula tackles odors, stains, and everyday grime impressively well. Consumer Reports ranked this as one of its top five detergents, awarding it the title of “Best Value.”

11. Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn (Dupe for Act II Movie Theater Butter)

If you want authentic theater-style popcorn at home, this is your ticket. The Kirkland version pops up light and fluffy with a rich, buttery coating that isn’t greasy or bland.

12. Kirkland Signature Nut Bars (Dupe for KIND Bars)

Kirkland managed to recreate the satisfying crunch and nut-heavy texture of KIND bars while trimming the price. Just keep in mind that unlike KIND bars, the Kirkland variety contains dairy — though it does offer a wider assortment of nuts and seeds.

13. Kirkland Signature Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (Dupe for California Olive Ranch)

Costco’s EVOO is popular for its fresh, peppery flavor. Many shoppers prefer it over more expensive bottles because it delivers a complex, full-bodied profile without the boutique markup.

14. Kirkland Signature Prosecco (Dupe for La Marca)

This bottle is often compared to La Marca prosecco, and while the notes are similar — crisp, lightly fruity, and not too sweet — it’s the price difference that really seals the deal.

15. Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter (Dupe for Jif)

Made with only dry-roasted peanuts and sea salt, this organic peanut butter delivers a clean, rich flavor. It’s simple, smooth, and tastes purer than many mainstream brands. Since there are no added sugars, stabilizers, or oils, the natural peanut oil will separate — a quick fix is to store the jar upside down in the refrigerator.

Why These Dupes Deserve the Hype

Costco’s Kirkland Signature line didn’t become legendary by accident. These products consistently deliver quality comparable to — or better than — the name brands they mimic, and the savings add up fast. Whether you’re stocking the pantry, the cleaning cabinet, or your snack stash, these Kirkland standouts prove you don’t have to spend big to get the good stuff.