eBay Watch: KS Stool Softener?

hm...slightly grossed out, disturbed, and curious, I found this on eBay recently. I'm skeptical of buying drugs on eBay, even though they may guarantee a sealed container. The main question is, why won't they just return it to Costco? They don't require a receipt, and they are fairly liberal about returns.

don't ever be surprised about what one may find on eBay, the world's garage sale.

Kirkland brand vs. name brand

I'm a big fan of Kirkland brand products, as you may well be aware. But it was interesting to discover this fatwallet thread.


Some highlights:

• Some people still prefer Charmin over KS. I actually prefer the KS b/c the Charmin "crumbles."
• KS vodka is made at the same facility as Grey Goose in Cognac, France!
• KS laundry detergent is highly rated by Consumer Reports.
• KS batteries = Duracell
• KS diapers are made by Kimberly Clark (Huggies)
• KS non-stick pots & pans rated #1 by Consumer Reports.
• KS undershirts are the best!! (gotta pick me up some)
• KS baby formula is made by CG Nutritionals (a division of Abbott/Ross which produces Similac)
• KS fabric softener = Downy
• I really want to get KS vanilla ice cream, but wifey vetoes it! Others love it!

There you have it, the power of the web. Don't just take my opinion on the quality of KS, read lots of other people's opinion!

Kirkland brand vitamins on sale!

Stopped by Costco yesterday and saw a bunch of the Kirkland brand vitamins on sale (instand coupons) until Mon, 1/19.

I picked up the 500 ct. daily multivits for $11.89 (reg. $14.39), 600 ct calcium+vit D for $7.99 (reg. $9.99) & the 500 ct. vit C for $9.59 (reg. $11.59). There were a few others that were on sale too.

Go pickup some vitamins!!!

eBay Watch: Kirkland brand diapers

I know I've mentioned diapers before, but seeing this auction on ebay sparked another thought.

There are tons of diaper brands out there, and everyone has their opinion on which is the best. We've tried Pampers, Huggies, Walgreens generic, but have yet to try the Kirkland brand. We haven't bought diapers in months b/c of gifts, stocking up on diaper deals beforehand, etc. I would like to "sample" the Kirkland, but don't want to commit to buying the whole box of 200+ diapers. There was a sample a month back for the new Kirkland Supreme diapers, which we sent away for, but if you want a bit more of an extended trial, might be worth it to check eBay and see if someone is selling a smaller batch of the brand that you want. That way you can try a certain brand w/o committing to a large box. This probably only works for Kirkland brand or other club store generics.

Nothing completely novel, just a thought for you parents out there.

Free Kirkland brand diaper sample!

Apparently Costco is introducing a new Kirkland brand Supreme diaper. It's in the upcoming November coupon book, and they are also offering a sample from their website. Go get a sample now!

It is interesting though, that the sample is promised between 4-6 weeks, but the coupon is valid 11/17-12/7. Hopefully one would get the sample before committing to a big box of diapers. BTW, the coupon is for $5 off. Guessing the price of a box is around $30.

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Wines at Costco

I'm a big fan of Kirkland brand, but ever wonder about the quality of Costco's own wines? This columnist from the Statesman's Journal in Oregon did. Don't know if he's a wine expert, but since I know nothing, I'll take his opinion over mine...

the highlights, you can also click through:

Let's start with that bubbly, the Kirkland Signature, Brut Champagne, $22. This is real, upper-case Champagne. At that low-end price point, though, do you have the right to expect Bollinger or Veuve Clicquot? No, but, this is pretty darned good stuff.

It's fairly rich, with wonderful yeasty, baked-apple-pie aromas. The creamy texture, with frothy, tiny bubbles, enliven the apple flavors. Very good. And just think: You can buy at least two of these for the price of a typical Champagne.

The Kirkland Signature, 2007 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, $10, is the one wine of this bunch that is produced by an actual winery. And it is classic New Zealand sauvignon blanc, with zippy grapefruit and peach aromas. The tart flavors of mango and peach, and big notes of grapefruit, make for a wonderful wine.

The Kirkland Signature, 2007 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, $14, is predictably very California-like, and that's good or bad, depending and how Oregonized you are.

It begins with aromas of violets, earth and a note that I get so often in California pinot, of resin. The flavors are herbal, with notes of raisin and bing cherry. It's a pretty hefty wine, for pinot, weighing in at 14 percent alcohol. Not much in the way of acidity. But that's coming from someone who was weaned on Oregon pinot noir. I suspect if you like California pinot, you'll enjoy this.

So let's get it on with the Kirkland Signature 2005 Margaux, $18. The skinny on this Bordeaux region is that the wines tend to be more elegant, more aromatic than some of the neighboring big boys.

And that's exactly what I found, beginning with the fabulous floral, cedar and black-currant aromas. It's fairly light, more delicate than one might normally expect of Bordeaux. It has good chewy tannins, and earthy flavors of blackberry and currant. Excellent with a side of beef.

Top 10 Kirkland Signature Items

"Generic brand or name brand?" That's the question everyone always asks. There are certain things, like pharmaceuticals, where generic is the same thing as name brand b/c of FDA regulations. With food and other consumer packaged goods though, it varies. You will get different answers on different products. Having worked for a food company for the past 5 years, I can tell you that yes, it does vary, based on the product. There is some cheese powder that we make for "generic" brand of mac & cheese that is better quality than our (K)raft blue-box mac & cheese. Marketing at my company, and most CPG companies, are tasked to build the brand, so that consumers will pay more for the name more than anything.


That being said, I'm a believer in Kirkland brand products at Costco, and firmly believe the quality is the same, if not better, than their name brand counterparts. Here's a list of my favorite Kirkland items:

10. Batteries - 48 AA batteries for $9.99, compare to the Duracell, 36 for $12.89.
9. Vitarain - Like Vitamin Water, but not the price? Try the 4 flavors of Vitarain, 24 20oz bottles for $11.99.
8. 13 gal kitchen drawstring bags - very strong bags, haven't had one break yet. 200 ct box for $14.79.
7. Boneless, skinless chicken breast (co-branded w/Tyson) - 6.5 lb frozen bag for $15.99, each chicken is individually wrapped, reduces freezer burn!
6. Chocolate chunk cookies - best cookies ever. 36 oz ~24 cookies for $6.49
5. Organic Instant Oatmeal - 45 packets of five flavors (Apples & Cinnamon, Oats & Flax, Regular, Mixed Berry, Maple Syrup) - my daily breakfast, much higher quality than Quaker. 45 packets for $8.99
4. Baby wipes - Box of 704 total wipes for $15.49. We also have used Huggies brand wipes, and I would argue that Kirkland wipes are better.
3. Laundry detergent - We use the free & clear detergent and it's great! 170 fl.oz or 110 loads for $12.79. It's great if you have any allergies b/c it has no perfumes or dyes, and it's also a nice substitute for baby laundry, instead of buying Dreft!
2. Rotisserie chicken - A quick, easy, yummy dinner choice that will last you a few meals. Price has gone up to $6.49, but still a great deal. Beats Boston Market anyday.
1. Toilet Paper - I'm not a fan of Charmin, it's crumbly, for lack of a better word (TMI?) Kirkland brand wipes smooth and is much more affordable at 36 rolls/425 sheets per roll for $16.99. #1 bestseller at Costco.

Feel free to add some of your favorites!