Bacon is one of life‘s greatest pleasures, but the prices at regular grocery stores can quickly put a damper on your pork parade. If you‘re lucky enough to live near a Costco, you know that buying in bulk can lead to big savings. But what do you need to know before filling your cart with packages of Costco bacon?
As a retail expert and bacon aficionado, I‘m here to share my top 15 tips for buying bacon at Costco, with a special focus on their fully cooked Kirkland Signature bacon. Get ready to bring home the bacon without breaking the bank!
1. Costco offers a wide variety of bacon options
While Costco is known for its Kirkland Signature regular and thick-cut bacon, they also offer several other pork products to satisfy your cravings:
- Kirkland Signature fully cooked bacon (made by Hormel)
- Kirkland Signature low sodium bacon
- Kirkland Signature bacon bits
- Hormel uncured bacon
- Other name-brands like Farmer John, Smithfield, and Jones Dairy Farm
The selection may vary by location and availability, but chances are you‘ll find something to suit your tastes.
2. Costco bacon is an incredible value
The main reason to buy your bacon at Costco is the unbeatable price. Kirkland Signature regular bacon ranges from $3-4 per pound, while the thicker cut varieties are around $4-5 per pound. Compare that to other store brands which can cost $6-8 per pound or specialty butcher shops that charge $10+ per pound.
Even the pricier fully cooked bacon ends up being a great deal when you factor in the convenience. A standard 1 lb package costs around $12-14, working out to about $0.75-0.90 per slice. Not bad for a quick and easy breakfast!
3. You can freeze Costco bacon for longer storage
Buying bacon in bulk only makes sense if you can use it all before it goes bad. Luckily, both raw and cooked bacon freezes beautifully for longer-term storage.
For raw bacon, I recommend separating it into smaller portions (1/2 lb or 1 lb) before freezing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Raw bacon will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months.
If you‘re freezing fully cooked bacon, I suggest laying out the individual slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Place the tray in the freezer for 1-2 hours until the bacon is frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This method allows you to remove only as many pieces as you need without thawing the whole package. Frozen cooked bacon is best used within 1-2 months but can be kept for up to 6 months.
4. Fully cooked bacon is a fast, mess-free option
Speaking of Kirkland fully cooked bacon, this product can be a lifesaver on busy mornings or for low-effort meals any time of day. Since it‘s already cooked, there‘s no messy grease splattering on your stove or lengthy prep time. You can use it straight from the fridge on sandwiches or salads, or quickly heat it up in the microwave, oven, or air fryer for a crispier texture.
Another benefit of fully cooked bacon is the longer shelf life compared to raw bacon. An unopened package will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the fridge, while leftovers can be safely stored for 5-7 days after opening. Just be sure to check the expiration date on the package and use your best judgment.
5. The fully cooked bacon is made by a big name brand
Did you know that Costco‘s fully cooked bacon is actually made by Hormel? This well-known brand partnered with Costco to produce a high-quality product that meets their strict standards.
According to Costco‘s culinary team, they visited multiple bacon production facilities to find the best possible partner. Hormel stood out for their commitment to flavor and quality, so Costco worked with them to develop a thicker cut fully cooked bacon exclusively for Kirkland Signature.
While Hormel sells a similar product under their own label, the Kirkland version is a better value and features a heartier slice. Just one more reason to love Costco!
6. Kirkland bacon stacks up nutritionally to other brands
If you‘re worried that the lower price of Costco bacon means it‘s less healthy or contains fillers, you can rest easy. The ingredients and nutritional info for Kirkland bacon are very similar to other major brands.
Here‘s a side-by-side comparison of Kirkland Signature Bacon and Hormel Black Label Bacon:
Kirkland Signature:
Ingredients: Pork, Water, Sea Salt, Sugar, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite
Serving size: 2 pan-fried slices (15g)
Calories: 60
Total Fat: 4.5g (6% DV)
Sodium: 180mg (8% DV)
Protein: 3g
Hormel Black Label:
Ingredients: Pork Cured With Water, Salt, Sugar, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite
Serving size: 2 pan-fried slices (19g)
Calories: 90
Total Fat: 7g (9% DV)
Sodium: 250mg (11% DV)
Protein: 5g
As you can see, the primary ingredients are the same, with only minor variations. The Kirkland bacon actually has slightly less sodium and fat per serving. Of course, any bacon should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. But it‘s good to know that you‘re not sacrificing nutrition for a lower price.
7. Costco‘s bacon earns top marks for taste and quality
Now for the most important question: how does Costco bacon actually taste? According to numerous reviews and taste tests, Kirkland Signature bacon is a winner in both flavor and texture.
Consumer Reports included Kirkland bacon in their "Best Bacon" roundup, praising it for the balanced blend of salt, smoke, and meatiness. The regular bacon crisped up nicely and had an appealing crunch.
Meanwhile, the Kirkland thick-cut bacon has earned even more accolades for its hefty slices and great ratio of meat to fat. Serious Eats called it "the perfect bacon for 90% of your bacon needs" thanks to the ideal thickness, smoky undertones, and consistent quality.
As for the fully cooked bacon, Amazon reviews rave about the convenience and surprisingly good texture after heating. Several shoppers even said it‘s replaced regular bacon in their household since it tastes just as good without the hassle.
8. Thick-cut bacon may have some advantages
If you‘re torn between regular or thick-cut bacon, here are a few factors to consider:
- Thick-cut bacon tends to shrink less when cooked, so you get more meat in each slice
- The sturdier slices hold up better in dishes like pastas, sandwiches, and appetizers
- You may use less thick-cut bacon overall since 1-2 slices is plenty filling
- Thick-cut takes a bit longer to cook but is more forgiving (less likely to burn)
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use the bacon. I find that Costco‘s thick-cut is more versatile and a better value, but the regular cut is still tasty if you prefer a thinner, crispier slice.
9. You can use Costco bacon in all your favorite dishes
With such a large quantity of bacon on hand, you may be wondering how to use it all up. Fortunately, bacon is a fantastically versatile ingredient that works in recipes for any meal.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to cook with Costco bacon:
- Classic breakfast dishes like eggs, hash browns, pancakes, and quiche
- Sandwiches and burgers (try a maple bacon jam or candied bacon slices)
- Pastas like spaghetti carbonara or bacon mac and cheese
- Appetizers such as bacon-wrapped dates, jalapeno poppers, or bacon deviled eggs
- Salad toppings for a cobb, wedge, or spinach salad
- Slow cooker meals like baked beans, chowders, or braised greens with bacon
- Bacon fat for sauteing or flavoring veggies, potatoes, and sauces
Don‘t be afraid to experiment and find new family favorites. With bacon this good (and affordable), you really can‘t go wrong!
10. Watch out for variable slice thickness
One potential downside of buying bacon in bulk is the risk of inconsistency between slices. Some Costco shoppers have reported that the slices within a single package can vary quite a bit in thickness, especially for the regular cut bacon.
While not a dealbreaker, uneven slices can lead to some pieces cooking faster than others. You may need to keep a closer eye on the bacon as it cooks to avoid burning.
This seems to be less of an issue with the thick-cut and fully cooked bacon. If you do get a package with a lot of variation, you could try sorting the slices by size before freezing or cooking.
11. Stock up when bacon goes on sale
Even though Costco bacon is less expensive than other stores, you can sometimes score an even better deal. According to deal-hunting sites, Kirkland bacon tends to go on sale a few times per year for $1-2 off per package.
If you have extra freezer space, it‘s worth stocking up when the price drops. Otherwise, just keep an eye out for promotions around holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Fourth of July when bacon is in high demand for entertaining.
12. Bacon bits are a convenient alternative
In addition to full slices, Costco also sells bacon in a precooked, crumbled form under the Kirkland Signature label. A 20 oz bag costs around $10-12, which is a great price compared to other brands.
Real bacon bits are an easy way to add bacon flavor to salads, baked potatoes, egg dishes, and more. Since they‘re fully cooked, you can use them straight from the bag without any extra prep.
The main difference is texture, as bacon bits won‘t give you the same satisfying crunch as a slice of bacon. But in terms of smoky, salty, porky flavor, they‘re a tasty substitute to have on hand.
13. Know the signs of spoilage
Even properly stored bacon can go bad, so it‘s important to know what to look for before eating. The main warning signs are:
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Dullness or grayish color
- Sour, rancid, or "off" smell
- Mold growth
- Past printed expiration date
If you notice any of these red flags, it‘s best to err on the side of caution and toss the bacon. Food poisoning is never worth the risk, no matter how great of a deal you got.
14. Consider other Kirkland Signature pork products
In addition to bacon, Costco‘s Kirkland Signature line includes several other pork products that are worth trying. Depending on your store, you may find:
- Pork loin chops or roasts
- Pork tenderloin
- Pork belly
- Pork shoulder (butt or picnic roast)
- Italian sausages
- Dinner sausages
- Deli ham or prosciutto
These items tend to be high quality and less expensive than other grocery stores or butcher shops. If you enjoy the flavor of the Kirkland bacon, chances are you‘ll like their other pork products too.
Have you ever wondered about the Kirkland Signature brand and where it got its name? Turns out, when Costco first introduced their store brand in 1995, they named it after the company‘s original headquarters in Kirkland, Washington.
Kirkland Signature products are designed to be premium quality items that meet or exceed name brands, but at a lower price point. Costco works directly with manufacturers to develop these products and ensure they adhere to strict standards.
In addition to food items like bacon, the Kirkland Signature line includes groceries, housewares, clothing, pet supplies, and much more. Many of these products have a cult following among Costco shoppers for their great value and consistent quality.
The bottom line on Costco bacon
For bacon lovers, Costco is a one-stop shop for all your porky needs. Between the Kirkland Signature regular, thick-cut, and fully cooked bacon, you‘re sure to find a product that fits your taste and budget.
Buying bacon in bulk from Costco can save you a significant amount of money compared to regular grocery store prices. You can stock up when bacon goes on sale and easily store extra in the freezer for 1-6 months.
When it comes to flavor and quality, Kirkland bacon consistently earns top marks from reviewers and regular shoppers. The fully cooked bacon is an especially great value for the convenience it offers.
Whether you‘re feeding a crowd at brunch, meal prepping for the week, or just indulging in a bacon craving, you really can‘t go wrong with Costco bacon. So go ahead and fill up your cart – your wallet and your taste buds will thank you!
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