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Costco just got rid of its popular Kirkland Signature Organic Creamy Peanut Butter. Unfortunately for shoppers, it’s not an uncommon practice for Costco, nor for Kirkland products. But that doesn’t make it just as devastating when it does happen. One Reddit user called the jar “[t]he best peanut butter on the planet.” Another fan, a self-identifying “peanut butter fiend” said she’s tried almost every brand of peanut butter, and she “could give a TED Talk on why this one tops them all.” Though much of Costco members’ affection for the chain comes down to the discounted costs, in order to sell at great prices, the company has to be picky about its inventory. Featured Video An Inc.com Featured Presentation Sometimes that comes at the price of pulling fan favorites. In this case, it’s the Kirkland peanut butter, but other Kirkland products that recently got the boot are the mango salsa, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and the soy milk. Sometimes foods even vanish and reappear, like the Kirkland Signature Sweet Heat snack mix. Why Does Costco Discontinued Kirkland Products? The frequent shuffling in and out of products is part of Costco’s business model. In order to maintain low prices and efficient processes, it relies on small stock keeping. That means that if any one product isn’t performing well, it won’t be sticking around. “This is Costco, you NEVER get attached to what they offer,” said one Reddit user. Another reason for discontinuing products is when the warehouse chain doesn’t see savings in it. If there’s a national brand at a great price, there’s no need to produce, or continue to produce, a Kirkland version. But Costco isn’t always to blame. Sometimes outside factors are ripping these popular products from the shelves. Obstacles like contracts or seasonality can be the reasons for the disappearances. Members shouldn’t expect Costco to change this practice any time soon, but there are some methods for finding products, even if they’re no longer in Costco stores. First, know that some changes are temporary—for instance, if the ingredients are season-dependent. But if it is permanent, customers shouldn’t immediately accept defeat. Some have gone so far as to investigate where they can find products elsewhere. Name brands are often sold at other stores, albeit for a slight change in price, but even Kirkland Signature items come from outside manufacturers. Starbucks roasts some of the Kirkland Signature coffee products, and Einstein Bros. Bagels are behind the Kirkland Signature bagels. Other suppliers aren’t publicly listed, but they aren’t impossible to find. If you really can’t live without Kirkland’s peanut butter, you may have to do some digging to find its roots. Start where most internet sleuths congregate: Reddit.
