Member's Mark vs. Kirkland Signature vs. Great Value: Which Store Brand Saves You the Most?

What are the most popular store brands?

With inflation driving food prices up 25% since 2020, choosing the right store brand could save the average family $1,200/year.

The most popular store brands from retail giants are:

1. Member's Mark (Sam's Club)

2. Kirkland Signature (Costco)

3. Great Value (Walmart)

Grocery bills are skyrocketing, but savvy shoppers know a secret: store brands often offer quality that's equal (or better!) to name brands, for 20-40% less. So, which one is best?

After weeks of taste tests, quality comparisons, and price analyses, we'll reveal which products are hidden gems and which to avoid – plus money-saving tips to maximize your budget.

Brand Background 

Member's Mark (Sam's Club)

Operated by Walmart, this membership-only warehouse brand focuses on bulk products for families and cost-conscious buyers.

Key Strategy: Large packaging for lower per-unit costs, with a focus on premium ingredients (e.g., organic produce).

Kirkland Signature (Costco)

Named after Costco’s original headquarters, this premium private label rivals national brands at warehouse prices.

Key Strategy: Trust through consistent quality, often made by leading manufacturers (e.g., Huggies makes Kirkland diapers).

Great Value (Walmart)

Walmart’s budget-friendly brand needs no membership, targeting everyday shoppers on a tight budget.

Key Strategy: Price leadership for basic essentials without sacrificing core quality.

Membership & Cost 

Sam's Club (Member's Mark)

Discounts Available: New member promotions, military/teacher/senior discounts

Costco (Kirkland Signature)

Break-even Point: $3,250 annual spend for Executive membership

Walmart (Great Value)

Key Takeaway: Walmart wins accessibility—no membership needed.

Savings Opportunities

Cash Back Comparison (2025)

Pro Tip: Combine Sam's Club Plus membership (2% rewards) with Extrabux for potential 14% total savings.

Who Should Choose Which Brand?

Choose Member's Mark If:

• You want premium quality at mid-range prices.

• You’ll use Extrabux’s 12% cash back + Sam's Club rewards.

• You prefer a mix of bulk and moderate package sizes.

Choose Kirkland Signature If:

• You prioritize organic/high-end ingredients (e.g., non-GMO, grass-fed).

• You spend enough to justify Executive membership rewards.

• You don’t mind large bulk quantities for long-term savings.

• You appreciate curated quality over variety.

Choose Great Value If:

• You refuse to pay membership fees.

• You need small package sizes for everyday use.

• You’re on a strict budget and prioritize rock-bottom prices.

Final Verdict: Price vs. Value in 2025

✅ Kirkland Signature (for premium quality)

✅ Member's Mark (best balance of quality and price)

✅ Great Value (unbeatable for tight budgets)

2025 Inflation Tip: Combine Sam's Club Plus membership (2% cashback) with Extrabux (12% cashback) for the most dramatic savings on bulk purchases. Stock up on non-perishables to hedge against rising costs!

Are Store Brands Worth It? A Deep Dive into Member's Mark, Kirkland Signature, and Great Value

In the world of budget-friendly shopping, store brands have become the secret weapon for savvy consumers. But do they really deliver on quality? Let's unpack the pros, cons, and must-buy items from Sam's Club's Member's Mark, Costco's Kirkland Signature, and Walmart's Great Value.

#1. Review of Member's Mark – Is Sam’s Club’s Store Brand Worth It?

Member's Mark: Sam's Club's Quality Contender

Member's Mark vs. Name Brands: How Does It Compare?

✅ Pros of Member's Mark:

• High quality at lower prices – Many products rival (or even surpass) national brands.

• Bulk savings – Ideal for families, meal preppers, or small businesses.

• Exclusive deals – Sam’s Club members get extra discounts on Member's Mark items.

• Generous return policy – Sam’s Club allows returns on most items, even food.

• Paper Products Reign Supreme - Their bath tissue and paper towels rival premium brands like Charmin and Bounty at nearly half the price.

• Surprising Food Hits - The spinach artichoke dip and seasoned rotisserie chicken outperform many restaurant versions.

• Pharmacy Value - Supplements like calcium and allergy meds offer identical active ingredients to name brands.

❌ Potential Drawbacks:

• Requires a Sam’s Club membership ($50-$110/year).

• Limited variety compared to Walmart or Costco.

• Hit-or-Miss Groceries - Some items (like tropical fruit salad) receive complaints about artificial flavors.

• Storage Issues - Certain supplements may clump in humid conditions.

Top-Rated Member's Mark Products (Worth Buying!)

After testing dozens of items, here are our top picks:

Best Pantry Staples

Member's Mark Peanut Butter (2-pack) – Creamy and rich, comparable to Jif.

Member's Mark Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – High quality, great for cooking.

Member's Mark Premium Coffee (Colombian & Dark Roast) – Smooth and bold, beats many pricier brands.

Best Frozen & Prepared Foods

Member's Mark Take & Bake Pizza – Restaurant-quality, better than Digiorno.

Member's Mark Chicken Bites – Crispy and flavorful, perfect for quick meals.

Member's Mark Frozen Mixed Berries – Great for smoothies, no freezer burn.

Best Household Essentials

Member's Mark Premium Paper Towels – Strong and absorbent, like Bounty.

Member's Mark Laundry Detergent – Cleans well, huge cost savings vs. Tide.

Member's Mark Trash Bags (FlexTech) – Durable and leak-resistant.

Best Health & Wellness Buys

Member's Mark Daily Multivitamins – Comparable to Centrum at half the price.

Member's Mark Omega-3 Fish Oil – High potency, no fishy aftertaste.

Member's Mark Probiotic Gummies – Tasty and effective for gut health.

How to Save Even More on Member's Mark Products

Since Sam’s Club already offers great prices, why not stack savings? Here’s how:

Get Up to 12% Cash Back with Extrabux!

Extrabux is a cashback and coupon site that lets you earn money back on Sam’s Club (and Walmart) purchases.

How it works:

Sign up for Extrabux (free + $20 welcome bonus!).

Search for Sam’s Club and click "Shop Now."

Check out as usual → Cash back is added to your account in 1-7 days.

Final Verdict: Is Member's Mark Worth It?

✔ Yes, if you’re a Sam’s Club member – The quality is excellent for the price.

✔ Best for bulk shoppers – Saves money in the long run.

✔ Some products outshine name brands – Especially paper goods, coffee, and vitamins.

Pro Tip: Combine Member's Mark deals + Extrabux cashback for maximum savings!

#2. Review of Kirkland Signature – Is Costco’s Store Brand Worth the Hype?

Kirkland Signature: Costco's Premium Player

Kirkland Signature vs. Name Brands: How Does It Compare?

✅ The Good:

• Name-Brand Quality - Many products come from top manufacturers (Starbucks roasts their coffee, Kimberly-Clark makes diapers).

• Exceptional Value - High-end items like organic olive oil cost 30-50% less than specialty brands.

• Bulk savings – Ideal for families, businesses, or stock-up shoppers.

• No artificial junk – Many Kirkland items are organic, non-GMO, or free from unnecessary additives.

• Generous return policy – Costco’s satisfaction guarantee means you can return almost anything.

❌ The Not-So-Good:

• Requires a Costco membership ($60–$120/year).

• Large package sizes – Not ideal for singles or small households.

• Not Everything's Perfect - Some spirits (like bourbon) receive mixed reviews for taste.

The Best Kirkland Signature Products (Tested & Approved)

After tasting, testing, and comparing, here are the top Kirkland products worth buying:

Best Grocery Staples

Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Comparable to premium Italian brands, half the price.

Kirkland Signature Colombian Coffee (Starbucks-roasted) – Smooth, bold, and $10+ cheaper than Starbucks bags.

Kirkland Signature Almond Butter – Creamy, no added sugar, better than Justin’s.

Best Frozen & Fresh Foods

Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Beef Patties – Tastier than most fast-food burgers.

Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Berries – Perfect for smoothies, no filler fruit.

Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken ($4.99!) – Juicy, flavorful, and the best deal in retail.

Best Household & Health Products

Kirkland Signature Laundry Detergent (Tide-quality at half the price).

Kirkland Signature Toilet Paper (soft & strong, like Charmin).

Kirkland Signature Omega-3 Fish Oil (high potency, no fishy aftertaste).

Best Supplements (That Rival Name Brands)

Kirkland Signature Daily Multivitamin (similar to Centrum Silver).

Kirkland Signature Vitamin C (identical to Emergen-C for less).

Kirkland Signature Probiotic (comparable to Align & Culturelle).

How to Save Even More on Kirkland Products

Since Costco already offers great prices, why not stack savings?

Does Costco Offer Cash Back?

Currently, Extrabux does not offer cash back at Costco, but you can still save with:

Costco Executive Membership (2% back on purchases).

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card (3% back on dining & travel, 2% at Costco).

Seasonal Costco coupons (check the monthly savings book!).

Final Verdict: Is Kirkland Signature Worth It?

✔ YES – If you have a Costco membership, Kirkland products deliver unbeatable value for the quality.

✔ Best for bulk shoppers who care about premium ingredients.

✔ Some products are BETTER than name brands (coffee, olive oil, vitamins).

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a Costco membership, split bulk buys with a friend to maximize savings!

#3. Review of Great Value – Is Walmart's Budget Brand Worth Your Money?

Great Value: Walmart's Budget Champion

Great Value vs Name Brands: The Honest Truth

✅The Good:

• Unbeatable prices - Consistently the cheapest option.

• No membership required - Unlike Costco or Sam's Club brands.

• Surprisingly good quality on many staples.

• Wide availability - In every Walmart and online.

• Surprising Standouts - Products like ranch dressing and ketchup rival name brands.

• Expanding Premium Lines - New organic and gluten-free options.

❌ The Not-So-Good:

• Quality Inconsistency - Some items (like potato chips) frequently disappoint.

• Recipe Changes - Longtime customers notice formulation changes.

• Basic Packaging - Lacks the premium feel of competitors.

• Limited premium options - Not competing with Kirkland's high-end items.

• Fewer bulk options than warehouse store brands.

The Best Great Value Products (And Ones to Skip)

After rigorous testing, here are our top recommendations:

Pantry MVP's

Great Value Long Grain White Rice - Indistinguishable from name brands.

Great Value Creamy Peanut Butter - Just as good as Jif for half the price.

Great Value Olive Oil - Perfect for everyday cooking.

Dairy & Frozen Winners

Great Value Shredded Mozzarella - Melts perfectly for pizzas.

Great Value Vanilla Ice Cream - Creamy and flavorful.

Great Value Frozen Mixed Vegetables - No noticeable quality difference.

Household Heroes

Great Value Paper Towels - 85% as good as Bounty for 60% less.

Great Value Dish Soap - Cuts grease just like Dawn.

Great Value Tall Kitchen Bags - Durable and leak-resistant.

Products to Think Twice About

Great Value K-Cups - Weak flavor compared to name brands.

Great Value Potato Chips - Often stale or broken.

Great Value Cola - Doesn't quite capture the Coke/Pepsi magic.

How to Maximize Your Great Value Savings

Want to stretch your dollars even further? Try these pro tips:

Use Walmart+ - Free shipping and delivery on Great Value items.

Price Match - Walmart will match competitors' prices.

Buy Seasonal - Look for back-to-school and holiday promotions.

Check Unit Prices - Sometimes larger Great Value packages offer better per-ounce costs.

Final Verdict: Is Great Value Worth It?

✔ YES - For budget-conscious shoppers who want decent quality at rock-bottom prices.

✔ Best For everyday staples where premium quality isn't crucial.

✔ Skip when you're craving name-brand taste or premium ingredients.

Smart Shopping Strategies for Store Brands

1. Membership Math: Which Club Fits Your Lifestyle?

• Costco (Kirkland Signature): Worth it if you spend $250+/month on groceries

• Sam's Club (Member's Mark): Ideal for occasional bulk shoppers

• Walmart (Great Value): Always accessible with no membership required

2. Maximize Savings with Cashback Stacking

• Extrabux: Get 12% back at Sam's Club, 1% at Walmart

• Costco Visa: Earn 2% back on in-store purchases

Pro Tip: Combine Sam's Club Plus membership (2% rewards) with Extrabux for potential 14% total savings

3. Bulk-Buying Calculator

• Family of 4+: Kirkland or Member's Mark (best bulk value)

• Solo/Couples: Great Value (smaller quantities, no membership)

Final Verdict: Which Store Brand Wins?

Category Winners

• Premium Pick: Kirkland Signature (Unbeatable quality)

• Value Champion: Member's Mark (Best quality-price balance)

• Budget Winner: Great Value (Lowest prices, no membership)

Key Takeaways

Each brand serves different needs:

• Great Value: Widest selection of budget essentials (but check quality)

• Kirkland: Premium products at warehouse prices (smaller curated selection)

• Member's Mark: Strong middle ground - good quality, wide variety

"For most shoppers, Member's Mark offers the best combination of quality, selection and value - which is why it's our Editor's Choice!"

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