When it comes to shopping at Costco, there are certain items that are always on our list. One of those staples is the Kirkland Signature Bacon. This hickory-smoked bacon is a top pick for its affordability and great taste. It has an ideal fat-to-meat ratio and a delicious smoky-sweet flavor. In fact, it even won a Consumer Reports taste test for the overall best bacon brand, beating out popular brands like Oscar Mayer, Wright, and Trader Joe’s.
What Makes Kirkland Bacon So Good?
One of the reasons why Kirkland bacon stands out is the quality of the hogs used. Costco focuses on sourcing higher quality hogs from start to finish, which sets their bacon apart from the competition. Additionally, Costco is known for its high-quality standards, and their private-label products like Kirkland bacon are often outsourced to third-party vendors. These vendors, which include well-known food industry moguls, offer top-tier goods at lower price points, ensuring that your membership holds its value.
If you've ever thought that Costco's bacon tasted similar to bacon from other supermarkets, you might be correct. While the exact supplier of Kirkland bacon is not publicly disclosed, it is believed that Smithfield, one of the largest regional suppliers of premium pork products, contributes an estimated 75 to 80% of the bacon sold under the Kirkland Signature label. Smithfield is a trusted producer of bacon sold at major grocery stores, so it's no surprise that Costco would entrust them as a primary producer.
Who Makes Costco's Kirkland Bacon?
While the exact supplier of Kirkland bacon remains undisclosed, there have been speculations about the brand responsible for producing it. Hormel, a well-known meat brand, has been linked to Kirkland bacon in the past. In 2004, Costco sold a co-branded package of bacon featuring both the Kirkland Signature and Hormel labels. However, it's important to note that Hormel has denied their involvement in producing Kirkland bacon. The sourcing of Kirkland products, including bacon, can vary depending on availability and location. Costco traditionally utilizes single-source suppliers for most of their products, but the meat industry presents unique challenges in maintaining a single source.
While we cannot confirm the exact supplier of Kirkland bacon, it's safe to say that if Smithfield is the brand behind it, shoppers are getting Smithfield-level quality at a much lower price point. This is one of the reasons why Kirkland bacon is a favorite among Costco members.
Costco's Kirkland Signature Bacon is a delicious and affordable option for bacon lovers. With its ideal fat-to-meat ratio and smoky-sweet flavor, it has become a top pick for many. While the exact supplier of Kirkland bacon is not publicly disclosed, it is believed that Smithfield, a leading producer of premium pork products, plays a significant role in its production. Whether it's grilling Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers in the summer or baking a cozy Bacon Breakfast Casserole in the winter, Kirkland bacon is a versatile choice for enjoying bacon any time of the year.
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