Least Processed Foods at Costco
Kirkland Signature is Costco's store brand with ~400 products in our database. While the product count is smaller than other retailers, Kirkland products are often manufactured by premium national brands (like Starbucks for coffee, Duracell for batteries) — and our data shows this quality extends to food processing scores.
Costco at a Glance
Closest Look: Top 5 Least Processed
Least Processed Costco Products
Individual products with the lowest processing scores.
Most Processed Costco Products
Individual products with the highest processing scores.
What to Look for on the Label
- 1Kirkland products are often made by premium national brands under the Kirkland label
- 2Bulk sizes mean checking per-serving processing score, not just total ingredient count
- 3Costco's limited selection means most Kirkland products are category leaders
- 4Compare Kirkland to the suspected national brand manufacturer for best context
How We Score Products
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 – 5.0), Highly Processed (5.1 – 8.0), and Ultra-Processed (above 8.0). Brand averages are calculated across all products in the category to produce the rankings shown here.
Based on analysis of 1.98 million products in the USDA FoodData Central database. For a deeper look at the methodology, see our Processing Score guide and Two-Score System explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kirkland brand processed?
Kirkland products vary by category, but our data shows average processing scores comparable to or better than most national brands. The premium manufacturing partnerships result in quality formulations.
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.
Related Food Guides
Learn more about how individual foods are classified.
Disclaimer: All tools and data visualizations are provided for educational and informational purposes only. They are not intended as health, medical, or dietary advice. Product formulations change frequently — always check the actual label for current ingredients and nutrition facts before making purchasing decisions. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary guidance.