Bacon lovers unite!
If you’re a fan of Costco’s Kirkland Signature bacon, you might be wondering who the mastermind behind this delicious product is.
Well, we’ve got the answer for you.
Costco has been picky with its bacon supplier, and after visiting 10 different bacon plants, they landed on a co-branded product with Hormel.
But that’s not all – there’s more to the story.
Read on to discover the secrets behind Costco’s beloved bacon and why it’s been getting so much attention lately.
Who Makes Costco Bacon?
As mentioned earlier, Costco’s bacon is made in partnership with Hormel. The hickory-smoked, pre-cooked bacon is the only exception to the other types of bacon sold under the Kirkland brand.
Costco’s corporate buyer, Sarah George, spent a long time searching for an appropriate bacon supplier that met the chain’s high-quality standards. When she couldn’t find one, she reached out to Hormel and asked them to manufacture a product specifically for Costco.
The resulting product is co-branded as Hormel and is different from Hormel’s pre-existing product in that it’s sliced thicker. According to George, it was designed to be big enough so that it looked like a real piece of bacon on the plate.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature bacon has received rave reviews from Consumer Reports, who rated it as the only excellent product when compared to other bacon brands such as Oscar Mayer, Trader Joe’s, and Niman Ranch.
Costco’s Bacon Selection Process
Costco takes its bacon selection process very seriously, ensuring that only the highest quality bacon is sold under its Kirkland brand. The selection process begins with Costco’s corporate buyer, who spends a significant amount of time searching for an appropriate bacon supplier that meets the chain’s high-quality standards.
If a suitable supplier cannot be found, Costco will reach out to potential partners, such as Hormel, to manufacture a product specifically for Costco. The resulting product is then co-branded as Hormel and sold exclusively at Costco.
Costco’s bacon selection includes a variety of options, including its Kirkland Signature regular cut bacon, Kirkland Signature thick-cut bacon, and even low-salt versions. Additionally, Costco sells fully cooked bacon from Daily’s Special, a 16-pack from Pederson Natural Farms, Columbus turkey bacon, Farmers thick-cut bacon, and Deen halal beef bacon.
The selection may vary by store, but the chances are good that if you’re heading to Costco for bacon, you will find something that fits your preference. Overall, Costco’s commitment to quality and attention to detail in its bacon selection process ensures that customers can expect nothing but the best when shopping for bacon at Costco.
The Co-Branded Product With Hormel
The co-branded product with Hormel is the hickory-smoked, pre-cooked bacon that Costco sells under the Hormel brand. Costco’s corporate buyer, Sarah George, visited 10 bacon plants before deciding to work with Hormel to manufacture a product that met Costco’s high-quality standards.
The co-branded product is different from Hormel’s pre-existing product in that it’s sliced thicker. According to George, the bacon was designed to be big enough so that it looked like a real piece of bacon on the plate. The panelists who sampled the bacon were impressed by its taste and appearance, with one panelist noting that it tasted as if it had just been cooked from raw bacon.
Costco introduced the co-branded product in June 2004 in a 1-pound package that sells for $8.99. It is merchandised in display-ready boxes in stand-up coolers, next to the milk and eggs. Apart from sampling, Costco didn’t give the bacon any special promotional treatment, as is its custom with new products. Nonetheless, the product was well-received by customers who appreciated its premium quality and taste.
What Makes Costco’s Bacon Unique?
Costco’s bacon is unique in several ways. Firstly, it is made with high-quality ingredients and is hickory-smoked for a rich, smoky flavor. Secondly, it is pre-cooked, which makes it convenient for busy households. Additionally, the bacon is sliced thicker than most other pre-cooked bacon products on the market, which gives it a more authentic appearance when served.
One of the most notable things about Costco’s bacon is that it is made with 100% naturally smoked real bacon. This sets it apart from many other bacon crumble products on the market that are made with textured soy flour or other non-bacon ingredients. The use of real bacon in Costco’s bacon crumbles gives them a unique flavor and texture that is hard to replicate with artificial ingredients.
Finally, Costco’s Kirkland Signature bacon is priced competitively compared to other brands, making it an affordable option for families on a budget. Despite its lower price point, however, the quality of the product has not been compromised. This has made it a popular choice among consumers, especially during the pandemic when many people are looking for ways to save money without sacrificing quality.
Recent Buzz Around Costco’s Bacon
During the pandemic, Costco’s Kirkland Signature bacon has seen a spike in demand as it is cheaper than its competitors at under $4 a pound for both regular and thick-sliced strips. The Wall Street Journal reported that the wholesale store has seen a higher demand for the product amid the coronavirus pandemic.
However, some recent customer reviews have stated that Costco was hiding fattier, smaller pieces of bacon under meatier slices in the packaging, leading to accusations of a “bait and switch.” Despite this, top editors have praised the bacon for its taste and quality.
Costco’s decision to work with Hormel for their pre-cooked bacon has proven successful, as it has become a customer favorite and has received excellent reviews from Consumer Reports. The partnership with Hormel allowed Costco to create a product that met their high-quality standards, with thicker slices that look like real bacon on the plate.
Bacon Recipes To Try With Costco’s Kirkland Signature Bacon
If you’re a bacon lover, then you’re in luck with Costco’s Kirkland Signature bacon. Here are some delicious recipes to try with this popular pork product:
1. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of Kirkland Signature bacon and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Stuff pitted dates with a small piece of blue cheese and wrap each date with a slice of Kirkland Signature bacon. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
3. Bacon and Egg Breakfast Sandwich: Fry up some Kirkland Signature bacon in a pan until crispy. Beat some eggs and season with salt and pepper. Cook the eggs in the same pan as the bacon until scrambled. Toast a bagel or English muffin and assemble the sandwich with the bacon, eggs, and your favorite cheese.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Fill each half with cream cheese and wrap with a slice of Kirkland Signature bacon. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Season a pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Wrap the tenderloin with slices of Kirkland Signature bacon, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pork is cooked through.
These are just a few ideas to get you started with cooking Costco’s Kirkland Signature bacon. With its great flavor, quality, and price, it’s no wonder why this product is so popular among consumers.
