The retailer has discontinued a beloved ingredient, and Costco fans and chocolate fans alike are voicing their disappointment. A Reddit user shared on July 31 that Kirkland Signature brand chocolate chips had been replaced at their local store by Nestlé.
“They completely replaced the chocolate chips with Nestle,” a user wrote on the r/Costco sub-Reddit. The publication went viral very quickly, with more than 500 reactions and 160 comments. Kirkland Chocolate Chips are not currently available on the Costco website, although they are on the Costco Business Center website.
In another Reddit post, a user shared an email sent to him by Costco explaining why it was discontinued and its “long-term hope to offer it again.” “Unfortunately, we are moving forward with the discontinuation of KS chocolate chips,” that was the sentence with which the email began, explaining that the decision was made “due to the increase in cocoa costs.”
In the email they explained that cocoa costs had increased, almost 200% compared to the previous year. “This was a decision we considered very carefully, but the reality is that the cost presented to us by our suppliers would no longer give our Kirkland Signature chocolate chips value against national brands such as Nestlé, Toll House,” they added.
The Controversy Is Wide Among Costco Fans
“We will likely remain out of KS for at least 12 months, but our long-term plan is to offer the item again in the future.” Fans are quite upset about the change; one of them said the product is “truly the best chocolate chip ever.”
“It’s my only option! There is nothing comparable, and I tried to find something as good when they stopped making them a few years ago,” the user commented. “Whaaaaat! “I just bought them for the first time and I love them!” wrote another.
“It is a great disappointment, without a doubt. “It’s not gone forever, but it’s superior to Nestle in every way,” another redditer said.
Another customer explained that the Kirkland brand was the only one that met all of their dietary restrictions: “I liked the Kirkland because it had certified kosher parve. I have a friend who is allergic to dairy proteins and these were dairy free. The advantage was that they didn’t have coconut, which is my rare allergy.”
“I bought three Kirkland brand bags a few weeks before they went to the evil Nestlé. I’ll settle for two years, hahaha,” one joked.
Other Costco — Kirkland Products You Should Try
- Kirkland Signature Creamy Almond Butter
If almond butter isn’t to your taste, I understand it’s not for every palate, but I’m not here to try to convince you that it’s superior to peanut butter in any way.
But if you’re someone who does like almond butter, then Kirkland’s version is worth trying. It’s rich and creamy, and it’s incredibly affordable. The online price has you paying $0.28 per ounce, but in-store prices are almost always more affordable. At a local supermarket, the cost per ounce is almost double.
- Kirkland Signature Almonds, Milk Chocolate
These may make you feel a little less guilty about making it with chocolate covered almonds, since these are a little less junk than regular milk chocolate.
Kirkland Milk Chocolate Almonds are out of this world. They’re sweet, obviously, but not cloying. The only problem is that you can eat too many at once because they are very addictive.
- Kirkland Signature Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix
Although sugar is good from time to time, sometimes a non-sweet snack, like when you go for a walk on a hot day. Kirkland Signature Sweet Heat Snack Mix is perfect for this occasion. It’s a BBQ almond blend, yes, almonds again, seasoned cashews, honey roasted sesame sticks, glazed pecans, and corn nuggets.
They have just the right amount of spice, but it’s not like you’ll have to drink a jug of water every few bites.