Real talk: The coffee you buy at Costco just got a little more mysterious. For years, Kirkland Signature’s beans were a Starbucks product, stamped with the iconic green logo. But now, those bags are blank, and customers are scratching their heads. What happened to the roast that once defined Costco’s coffee game? The answer isn’t in the packaging anymore—it’s in the chaos of speculation and a coffee industry that’s tighter than a drum.
The shift started in late 2023, when Starbucks quietly exited the Kirkland roster. No official statement, no fanfare—just a quiet removal of the Starbucks logo from bags. Customers noticed immediately. Reddit threads erupted with complaints about burnt, flavorless beans. One user called it “the saddest cup of coffee I’ve ever had.” Others noted lower prices, which only deepened the mystery: Was this a cost-cutting move? A quality downgrade? Or a strategic pivot?
Theories abound. Some pointed to Enveritas, a nonprofit listed on some bags, but that’s not a roaster—it’s a sustainability hub. Others speculated Green Mountain or Rogers Family Coffee, both past Kirkland suppliers, might be back. But here’s the kicker: Costco doesn’t disclose its roasters. The brand’s private-label strategy is airtight, sourcing from multiple players to keep the identity hidden. That means your bag could be a blend of unknowns, with Starbucks possibly still involved in the shadows.
If you’re craving answers, your best bet is recalls. If a supplier’s beans are flagged, Kirkland’s products might show up on the list. But until then, the mystery remains.
Costco sources coffee from multiple roasters, keeping the identity of its private-label products secret.
KEY POINTS: Starbucks exited the Kirkland roasting scene without explanation, leaving customers in the dark. Costco sources coffee from multiple roasters, keeping the identity of its private-label products secret. Tracking recall notices can sometimes reveal supplier ties, but it’s not a guaranteed shortcut.
CLOSE: Have you noticed a difference in your Kirkland coffee since the Starbucks logo vanished? Share your take in the comments—we’re all just trying to sip our way to the truth.
Questions & Answers
Is Kirkland Signature coffee the same as Starbucks?
No. Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label, not Starbucks. It’s roasted and packaged in-house by Costco.
Where is Kirkland coffee roasted?
Kirkland coffee is roasted in the U.S. at Costco’s own roasting facilities. It’s not sourced from Starbucks or other external brands.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
