Although a big Costco grocery shopping trip often ends in getting a week’s worth of food, not many can resist stopping for one of Costco’s famous Kirkland Signature hot dogs on their way out of the warehouse.
However, you may be wondering who makes Kirkland Signature hot dogs, if they have always been made by the same company, and more. If so, this article might be just what you are looking for, so keep reading!
Who Makes Kirkland Hot Dogs in [currentyear]?
Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs are manufactured in Costco’s own meat facility within the United States in [currentyear]. Making its own hot dogs gives Kirkland complete freedom on the ingredients that go into them, and also allows Costco to sell them in its store at the most affordable price possible.
Keep reading if you would like to learn more about why Costco started making its own hot dogs, where you can buy them, and much more!
Which Company Is Actually Responsible for Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs?
Most Kirkland Signature products come from different well-known companies and manufacturers across the world.
Although Kirkland Signature hot dogs were once produced by another big company, this is no longer the case, as the company now makes its own hot dogs.
Costco’s meat plant was once believed to be owned by Hebrew National, but is now, of course, owned by Costco.
The plant is located in California, where it is packed with Costco employees in order to make its hot dogs and the other various meat products that it manufactures and sells.
Why Does Costco Make Its Own Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs?
It’s hard to know exactly why Costco removed the other supplier of its hotdogs and began making its own. However, there are a few possible factors involved.
For example, not only were the hot dogs getting too expensive and Costco didn’t want to raise the price, but the company also wanted full control of the ingredients going into them.
Should You Try Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs?
Even after a slight recipe change when Costco started manufacturing its own hot dogs, shoppers still go crazy for them.
The hot dogs may have even become more popular after Costco started manufacturing them on its own.
Flavorwise, there are many reviews online that say great things about the taste of these hot dogs.
In fact, they even beat out many other well-known brands such as Nathan’s Angus Beef, Oscar Mayer, and Trader Joe’s.
If the taste has not yet convinced you that you should try Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs, you may want to take its ingredients into consideration.
Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs are made with 100% pure beef and do not include any by-products, corn syrup, fillers, phosphates, artificial colors, or artificial flavors.
Yet another reason to try Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs is that the price cannot be beaten. At Costco’s food court, a pre-made hot dog currently costs about $1.
However, if you’re planning on picking up a package of Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs, they are not as affordable as they go for about $1.11 per hot dog.
In comparison to another well-known brand, Oscar Mayer, it does not seem like such a good deal, as these hot dogs go for about $0.20 each.
However, it is important to remember that quality plays a big factor when it comes to Kirkland Hot Dogs.
Where Can You Buy Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs?
Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs can be purchased in a package at your local Costco Wholesale store in the refrigerated or freezer section.
As mentioned before, you can even pick one up, already prepared, on your way out of Costco at the Food Court.
Also, if you don’t want to leave your house, but are planning your next family barbeque, you can even order a package online from Costco.com or from third-party sellers such as Instacart.com.
Opting to order online gives the added bonus that you don’t need a Costco membership in order to shop.
However, it’s important to note that if you choose to shop without a membership on Costco’s website, there will be an added surcharge of 5% on your bill.
What Are the Best Toppings to Add to Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs?
Of course, when purchasing an already prepared hot dog from Costco’s Food Court, you’re provided with basic toppings such as ketchup, mustard, and sweet relish.
However, when making Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs at home, you may want to take them to the next level by adding your own toppings.
Listed here are some great topping ideas that might just be worth trying:
- Avocado
- Bacon
- Chilli
- Coleslaw
- Baked Beans
- Potato Chips
- Sauerkraut
- Brown Mustard
- Brown Gravy
- French Fries
- Pickles
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Buffalo Sauce
- Blue Cheese
- Pimento Cheese
- Pickled Jalapenos
- Sauteed Mushrooms
- Caramelized Onions
- Salsa
- BBQ Sauce
- Onion Rings
- Cheddar Cheese
- Bell Peppers
- Mac & Cheese
- Dill Pickle Relish
- Mayonaise
- Corn
- Spinach
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Relish
The following is a list of recipes that you may want to give a shot at your next barbeque:
- Mexican Steet Corn Dog
- Banh Mi Dog
- BLT Dog
- Seattle Hot Dog
- Sonoran Hot Dog
- Puka Dog
- Animal-Style Dog
- Southwest Dog
- Buffalo Wing Dog
- Frito Pie Dog
- Chicago Hot Dog
- Chilli Cheese Dog
To learn more, you can also read our posts on the things to know before buying Costco hot dogs, is Kirkland canned chicken cooked, and who makes Kirland ice cream.
Conclusion
Kirkland Signature Hot Dogs are both manufactured and distributed by Costco, which allows the company to not only control the pricing of the hot dogs but also allows it to control the ingredients going into the hot dogs.
One thing is for sure- you will have no regrets if you reward yourself with a Kirkland Signature Hot Dog after your long shopping trip at Costco.
Thank you for the well written article on Kirkland hot dogs, answered my questions. Dogs are very good and they are not better than buying them individually from the retailer but better than all the other brands to prepare at home. For the money and quality of the product, I found a good dog I can make at home.