For years, Costco shoppers could glance at a bag of Kirkland Signature coffee and know exactly who roasted it. Recently, that certainty disappeared, and with it came speculation, debate, and plenty of strong opinions from caffeine-loving members.
As packaging changed and flavors seemed different, one question kept popping up among loyal customers of Costco: who actually makes Kirkland Signature coffee now?
Kirkland Signature Coffee Mystery
For a long time, the answer was clear. Kirkland Signature coffee was roasted by Starbucks, a partnership that was openly disclosed on packaging and widely known among shoppers. That association helped cement Kirkland coffee’s reputation as a reliable, high-quality option at a warehouse-friendly price.
By late 2023 and into early 2024, however, shoppers began noticing that the familiar Starbucks branding had quietly vanished from Kirkland coffee bags. The removal sparked immediate curiosity. Customers wondered whether the partnership had ended, whether a new roaster had stepped in, and whether the coffee itself had changed as a result.
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Kirkland Signature Coffee Changes Overview
| Aspect | Before 2024 |
|---|---|
| Roaster disclosure | Starbucks clearly listed |
| Packaging | Starbucks branding visible |
| Customer perception | Consistent, familiar flavor |
| Pricing | Stable, premium-for-value |
| Aspect | After 2024 |
|---|---|
| Roaster disclosure | No longer listed |
| Packaging | Updated, simplified design |
| Customer perception | Mixed reviews |
| Pricing | Slightly lower in some regions |
Did Starbucks Stop Roasting Kirkland Coffee?
Reports from Costco shoppers started circulating in 2024, especially on Reddit and other forums. Customers noted that not only did the packaging look different, but the coffee itself tasted different as well. Descriptions like “burnt,” “flat,” and “less flavorful” appeared repeatedly, particularly when referring to the Kirkland Signature House Blend.
Some shoppers went directly to the source and asked warehouse employees. In at least a few reported cases, staff members told customers that Starbucks had not renewed its contract with Costco and was no longer the primary roaster. While this information was never formally announced by either company, it fueled the belief that the long-standing relationship had ended.
For some customers, this news was welcomed. Starbucks has its critics, and a portion of Costco members hoped a new roaster might deliver a different, possibly better, flavor profile. Others, especially longtime buyers of Kirkland coffee, felt disappointed and nostalgic for the previous version they trusted.
Why Kirkland Signature Products Create Confusion?
Part of the mystery comes from how Kirkland Signature operates as a private-label brand. Unlike traditional brands, Kirkland doesn’t manufacture most of its own products. Instead, Costco partners with established industry leaders to produce items that meet strict quality and pricing standards.
This model applies across categories, from food to household goods. In many cases, the Kirkland version is made by the same manufacturer as a well-known brand, just without the branding and at a lower cost. However, Costco is not required to disclose these suppliers publicly, and often chooses not to.
Coffee is especially complex because sourcing, roasting, and blending can involve multiple companies. Even within a single product line, beans may come from different regions and be roasted by different facilities depending on supply and demand.
Companies Linked to Kirkland Signature Coffee Over Time
| Company | Role |
|---|---|
| Starbucks | Former disclosed roaster |
| Green Mountain Coffee Roasters | Past Kirkland supplier |
| Rogers Family Coffee | Linked to some blends |
| Multiple regional roasters | Likely current model |
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Multiple suppliers | Ensures steady supply |
| Private-label rules | No disclosure required |
| Regional roasting | Reduces logistics costs |
| Quality standards | Must meet Costco specs |
The Enveritas Confusion Explained
As shoppers searched for clues, some noticed the name Enveritas printed on newer Kirkland Signature coffee bags. This quickly led to speculation that Enveritas was the new roaster replacing Starbucks.
In reality, Enveritas is not a coffee roaster at all. Enveritas is a nonprofit organization that works with coffee producers and companies to promote sustainability, ethical sourcing, and transparency within the coffee supply chain.
Their name appears on packaging because they verify responsible sourcing practices, not because they roast the beans. While their presence may reassure consumers about sustainability standards, it does not reveal who actually roasted the coffee.
Who Is Roasting Kirkland Signature Coffee Now?
The most realistic answer is that there may not be just one roaster. Costco likely works with multiple roasting partners, depending on the specific blend, region, and time of year. This approach helps ensure consistent supply for a product sold in massive volumes.
Companies such as Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Rogers Family Coffee have previously been linked to Kirkland coffee products. It’s possible that they, along with other regional roasters, are currently producing different Kirkland blends.
Starbucks may not be completely out of the picture either. Some industry watchers believe Starbucks could still roast certain Kirkland products under private agreements, even without visible branding. Without official confirmation, however, this remains speculation.
Why the Flavor of Kirkland Signature Coffee Might Taste Different?
Even if the roaster has changed, that doesn’t automatically mean quality standards have dropped. Flavor differences can stem from many factors, including changes in bean origin, roast profile, or blending ratios.
Coffee is also an agricultural product, meaning harvest conditions vary year to year. Climate shifts, crop yields, and sourcing decisions can all influence taste. When combined with a new roasting partner or updated specifications, these variables can create noticeable differences for regular drinkers.
That said, consistency is a major reason people stick with a specific coffee. When a familiar flavor changes, even slightly, loyal customers tend to notice immediately and react strongly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did Starbucks officially stop roasting Kirkland Signature coffee?
Costco and Starbucks have not made a public announcement, but Starbucks branding was removed from Kirkland coffee packaging in late 2023 or early 2024.
2. Is Enveritas the new roaster for Kirkland coffee?
No. Enveritas is a nonprofit that verifies sustainable sourcing and does not roast coffee.
3. Does Costco use more than one coffee roaster for Kirkland products?
Most likely yes. Costco commonly works with multiple suppliers for private-label items, including coffee.
4. Why does Kirkland coffee taste different now?
Flavor changes can result from new roasters, different bean sources, updated roast profiles, or natural variations in coffee crops.
Until Costco decides to lift the curtain, the true identity of Kirkland Signature coffee’s roaster may remain a mystery—but for curious shoppers, the search is part of the brew.
Thank you for letting me accompany you on this Kirkland Signature Coffee adventure.
