Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private brand, but several of its items are produced by other companies. These can include frozen goods or items like coffee, but that doesn’t affect the quality of Kirkland Signature products. One example of these items is batteries, and you may be surprised to find out who makes Kirkland batteries behind the scenes.

Related: Kirkland Batteries vs Duracell: How Do They Compare?

What Company Is Behind the Batteries?

If you’ve ever wondered who makes Kirkland Signature batteries, the answer is a household brand name. In a 2016 interview with Atlanta station WSB-TV, Costco CEO Craig Jelinek revealed that Duracell was the company behind their Kirkland Signature batteries. They manufacture both AA and AAA batteries for Costco. 

Duracell Batteries

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Duracell was created in the 1920s through the work of Samuel Ruben and Philip Mallory in the United States. After the formation of the P.R. Mallory Company, the two men created a large manufacturing industry of alkaline batteries, specialty cells, and rechargeable batteries. It is not confirmed if they produce batteries for any other companies. 

Does Costco Also Sell Duracell Batteries?

Costco sells both Kirkland Signature and Duracell batteries in their stores. While Kirkland Signature only comes in either AA or AAA, Duracell is sold in sizes AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V. As a result, there is a wide variety available depending on your needs and preferences.

Check Out: Who Makes Costco Kirkland Signature Products?

Is There A Difference Between Duracell and Kirkland Signature?

Kirkland Signature batteries

There are differences between Kirkland and Duracell batteries, but each brand surpasses the other when it comes to certain features. In terms of battery life, power, and size variety, Duracell surpasses Kirkland. On the other hand, Kirkland is slightly cheaper than Duracell. Since the differences are minimal, and come down to effectiveness versus cost, the better brand depends on your personal preference. 

Which Brand is Cheaper?

Kirkland Signature batteries are a few dollars cheaper than Duracell in Costco stores. For instance, a 40-count of Duracell AAA batteries costs $18.99, while a 48-count of Kirkland batteries only costs $15.99. A three-dollar difference for eight additional batteries produces big savings, especially if you are stocking up on batteries.  If you prefer being more precise, that comes out to about $0.48 per battery for Duracell and $0.33 for Kirkland Signature – making Costco’s brand about 30% less expensive.

Read More: 15 Things Every First-Time Costco Shopper Should Buy

Batteries are a useful commodity, but they can be expensive. Buying batteries at a warehouse like Costco means you can opt for Kirkland batteries and save money. If you don’t mind slightly less power and you find the right size, you can count on Kirkland batteries to get the job done just like Duracell. Since Duracell is the company behind Costco’s batteries, there is a quality promise for both brands — and it’s up to you as the consumer to decide which package to grab next time you’re in Costco.