Costco Store-Brand Products, Least to Most Processed
Each product is ranked by its own Processing Score, lowest first.
What should you look for on the label?
- Kirkland products are often made by premium national brands under the Kirkland label
- Bulk sizes mean checking per-serving processing score, not just total ingredient count
- Costco's limited selection means most Kirkland products are category leaders
- Compare Kirkland to the suspected national brand manufacturer for best context
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How are products scored?
Every product is evaluated using two independent scores. The Processing Score (lower is better) measures the degree of industrial processing based on ingredient analysis, including the presence of artificial additives, preservatives, and highly modified ingredients. The Nutrition Score (higher is better) rates overall nutritional quality, rewarding protein and fiber while penalizing excess sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat.
Products are assigned to one of four processing levels: Minimal (score ≤ 2.5), Processed (2.6 to 5.0), Highly Processed (5.1 to 8.0), and Ultra-Processed (above 8.0). Each product in the ranking is placed by its own Processing Score, not by its brand. Based on our analysis of 445K+ curated products from the USDA FoodData Central database. For a deeper look, see our Processing Score guide and Two-Score System explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best items to buy at Costco?
From a processing standpoint, Kirkland staples like olive oil, nuts, canned goods, and simple dairy products score very low. These bulk basics offer both value and clean ingredient lists.
Is Kirkland brand processed?
Kirkland products vary by category, from simple staples to snack foods with long ingredient lists. Check the product: each product page shows its own score.
Does Costco carry gluten free options?
Costco stocks a growing selection of Costco gluten free products across multiple categories, from snacks to frozen meals. Some Costco products carry a gluten-free label. Check each package.
Which Kirkland products are most processed?
Kirkland snack foods, frozen meals, and bakery items score highest. Kirkland staples like olive oil, nuts, and canned goods score very low.
Is buying in bulk more processed?
Bulk size does not change processing level. The same product in a larger container has the same ingredients. Bulk buying reduces cost per unit without affecting food quality.