Costco’s olive oil

Extra Virgin Costco’s olive oil

When it comes to olive oil, Costco’s Kirkland Signature line has achieved a cult-like status that few “store brands” ever reach. In fact, many professional chefs and food critics consider it the gold standard for high-volume, high-quality oil. But how does it actually stack up against the convenient neighborhood trips to Kroger or Publix in 2026?

Here is a deep dive into Costco’s olive oil offerings, their flavor profiles, and how they compare to the grocery store giants.

The Costco Lineup: Kirkland Signature

Costco doesn’t just sell “olive oil”; they sell a curated range tailored to different kitchen needs. Their sourcing is notoriously strict, often passing independent quality tests that name-brand competitors fail.

Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2L)

• The Profile: This is the “workhorse” of millions of kitchens. It is a multi-origin blend (usually from Italy, Greece, Spain, and Tunisia).
• Taste: It’s known for being mild, buttery, and balanced. It lacks the aggressive “throat burn” of more intense oils, making it perfect for those who don’t want their oil to overpower the dish. You’ll catch faint notes of green apple and almond.
• Price: Approximately $18.39 to $20.99 for 2 liters ($\approx$ $9.20 per liter).
• Best For: Daily sautéing, salad dressings, and baking.

Kirkland Signature 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2L)

• The Profile: Packaged in a dark glass bottle to protect it from light, this is Costco’s “premium” tier. It is often traceable to specific regions in Italy and carries the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) seal.
• Taste: This is for the bold. It is herbaceous, grassy, and finishes with a distinct peppery kick at the back of the throat—a sign of high polyphenol (antioxidant) content.
• Price: Roughly $27.49 for 2 liters ($\approx$ $13.75 per liter).
• Best For: Finishing a dish, dipping bread, or drizzling over fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.

Kirkland Signature 100% Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3L)

• The Profile: Sold in a massive plastic jug, this is the ultimate value play.
• Taste: A bit more robust and “funky” than the organic blend. It has a slightly smoky, nutty undertone with a medium peppery finish.
• Price: Around $24.99 for 3 liters ($\approx$ $8.33 per liter).
• Best For: Large-scale roasting, meal prep, and high-volume cooking where you still want real EVOO flavor.

Comparing the Competition: Kroger & Publix

While Costco wins on volume and unit price, Kroger and Publix offer variety and convenience. However, the “hidden cost” of buying at these stores is often the quality-to-price ratio.

Kroger (Private Selection & Simple Truth)

Kroger’s “Simple Truth Organic” and “Private Selection” oils are respectable, but they typically can’t match Costco’s price floor.

• Taste: Private Selection’s regional oils (like their Greek or Spanish bottles) are actually quite good, offering fruity and sharp notes. However, their standard “Kroger Brand” EVOO is often criticized for being “flat” or “waxy” compared to Kirkland.
• Price: A 750ml bottle of Simple Truth Organic EVOO usually runs about $11.00 – $13.00.
  • Math Check: That’s roughly $15.00+ per liter, making it significantly more expensive than Costco’s Organic version.

Publix (Premium & Name Brands)

Publix is where “shopping is a pleasure,” but your wallet might feel otherwise when it comes to liquid gold.

• Taste: Publix Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a solid middle-of-the-road choice—clean and neutral. However, Publix tends to lean heavily on name brands like Bertolli, Pompeian, or Filippo Berio.
• Price: Publix is notorious for higher markups on oils unless they are on a “BOGO” (Buy One, Get One) sale. A standard 750ml bottle of a name-brand EVOO at Publix can easily hit $15.00 – $18.00.
  • Math Check: At $20.00+ per liter, you are paying nearly double the Costco rate for an oil that is often lower in quality.

The Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	Costco (Kirkland Organic)	Kroger (Simple Truth)	Publix (Name Brands)
Price per Liter	$\approx$ $9.20	$\approx$ $15.50	$\approx$ $20.00+
Quality/Purity	Consistently high; rarely fails “fake oil” tests.	Moderate; multi-source blends.	Variable; depends on the brand.
Flavor Profile	Mild, buttery, versatile.	Nutty, occasionally flat.	Neutral to robust (brand dependent).
Packaging	Large tins/jugs (harder to pour).	Standard glass/plastic (easy use).	Standard glass (easy use).

The Verdict: Which should you choose?

Choose Costco if…

You use olive oil at least three times a week. The price-to-quality ratio is unbeatable. The Italian EVOO in the glass bottle is a genuine “gourmet” product at a “budget” price. The only downside is the bulk size; if you don’t use it within 6 months, it can lose its freshness and turn rancid.

Choose Kroger if…

You want a specific regional flavor (like a 100% Greek oil) but don’t want to buy two liters of it. Their Private Selection regional series is the best “standard grocery” alternative for those who appreciate variety without a membership.

Choose Publix if…

There is a BOGO sale. This is the only time the price per liter becomes competitive with Costco. Otherwise, you are paying a premium for the convenience of the store location and the smaller, easier-to-handle bottle size.

Pro-Tip: If you buy the giant Costco jugs, decant a small amount into a dark glass dispenser for your counter. Keep the big jug in a cool, dark pantry to prevent the oil from oxidizing, which preserves that fresh, grassy taste much longer.