The Company Behind Costco Kirkland Signature Cold Brew Coffee

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When big retailers like Costco and Sam's Club use other, often well-known, companies to make their private-label goods, it can be tough to decipher exactly where those products come from. Some famous brands behind Kirkland products are easy enough to identify because their names appear right on the label. But some, like the producer of Kirkland Signature Organic Eggs, come to public attention because of recalls. Case in point: Kirkland Signature Colombian Cold Brew Coffee is made by Berner Food & Beverage of Dakota, Illinois, which recalled more than 2.7 million cans of the coffee in 2023.

According to a statement posted on Costco's website, the recall — one of the biggest to ever hit the retailer — was issued because of "foreign material contamination (a bolt being in the can)," which seems pretty alarming. However, no injuries were reported, and the company appears to have exercised an abundance of caution to ensure that all potentially contaminated products were removed from shelves.

Beyond cold brew, Berner Food & Beverage makes protein shakes, energy drinks, teas, dips, and sauces under its Dakota brand, as well as aerosol cheese under the Party Cheese name. While it makes other private-label products beyond Costco's cold brew, it's tough to pin down exactly which stores or chains it produces them for because that information isn't generally released to the public.

As for Kirkland Signature Colombian Cold Brew, the online reviews are generally favorable. On Costco's website, it has a solid 4.6 out of 5 stars, with some buyers praising its smooth taste, portability, and versatility. However, many say it needs a little extra flavor to get it just right, whether that's a flavor extract, sweetener, or cream. On Reddit, one reviewer said, "Do they taste good? No. Will they get you caffeinated? Yes, they're basically jet fuel." Another Redditor, who appears to be a bit of a canned coffee aficionado, said they regularly try Kirkland's cold brew "to see if it's improved at all," but would recommend several brands over Costco's version. 

One brand that regularly comes up as a great alternative, and is also available at Costco, is Stōk Cold Brew, which might make for an easy switch. So, while you may not have to roll the dice on metal contamination, it appears that you may be rolling the dice on flavor with Kirkland Signature Cold Brew. But if you doctor it up just right, you might be good to go.