Who Makes Kirkland Ice Cream In 2024? The Inside Scoop on Costco‘s Creamy Treats

Ice cream is one of America‘s favorite guilty pleasures. Recent surveys show that ice cream is purchased by a whopping 93% of U.S. households. In 2022 alone, the average American ate over 20 pounds of ice cream! With demand this high, the ice cream market is over $11 billion in size and growing.

For Costco shoppers, Kirkland Signature ice cream has long been a popular item. But who is behind these creamy, delicious frozen treats? As it turns out, Kirkland recently changed manufacturers in 2021 after over a decade of outsourcing production.

Kirkland Ice Cream Is Now Produced by Fieldbrook Foods

Fieldbrook Foods, headquartered in Dunkirk, NY, is now the exclusive producer of Kirkland Signature ice creams. The privately-owned dairy company operates three manufacturing plants and has been making ice cream since 1926.

Costco switched suppliers from Wells Enterprises to Fieldbrook Foods in 2021. The change brought production to a dedicated ice cream maker versus Wells‘ broader food portfolio. This move aligns with Costco‘s focus on securing long-term partnerships with quality manufacturers.

Kirkland Ice Cream Continues to Receive Rave Reviews

Even after the manufacturing change, Kirkland ice cream quality remains extremely high. Reviewers continue to rave about the creamy texture, natural ingredients, and delicious flavors.

Here‘s what buyers are saying about Kirkland ice cream on the Costco subreddit:

• "It‘s the best grocery store ice cream I’ve purchased."
• "Literally tastes just as good as my favorite local place."
• "On par if not better than Haagen Dazs."

These sentiment echo reviews on sites like Influenster, where Kirkland ice cream earns 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Kirkland Ice Cream Offers Premium Quality at a Value Price

A container of Kirkland Signature Super Premium Vanilla Bean ice cream costs just $11.99 for 48 oz. Comparable national brands of premium ice cream tend to cost $4 to $6 per pint.

Not only is Kirkland competitively priced, but it offers higher fat content and less air than many competitors. Take a look at how it stacks up against Breyers and Haagen Dazs:

With a focus on quality ingredients like fresh cream, real sugar and egg yolks, Kirkland provides premium ice cream at a value price point.

Kirkland Offers Diverse Flavors and Frozen Novelties

Kirkland ice cream comes in diverse flavors and forms beyond basic buckets:

• Ice Cream Sandwiches – Vanilla ice cream between chocolate wafers
• Bars – Ice cream coated in nuts, chocolate, etc.
• Sherbet – Lighter options like raspberry, lime and rainbow
• Gelato – Authentic Italian-style gelato, including sea salt caramel
• Novelties – Cones, drumsticks, ice cream cakes, and more

This variety caters to every ice cream craving imaginable. You‘ll never get bored with Kirkland Signature in your freezer.

Costco Membership Required to Purchase Kirkland Products

Because Kirkland ice cream is sold exclusively through Costco warehouses, shoppers must hold a current Costco membership to purchase it. Only members can enter and buy products at Costco.

Non-members still have a couple options to buy Kirkland ice cream without a membership:

• Coordinate with a friend who has a membership
• Purchase a Costco Cash Card (limited availability)

But joining Costco provides the easiest access plus additional benefits like food court discounts. Memberships start at $60 per year and offer many perks.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Kirkland Ice Cream

For Costco members, Kirkland Signature ice cream hits the sweet spot of affordability and indulgence. Made by Fieldbrook Foods, a top ice cream producer, Kirkland ice cream delivers premium quality and taste without the premium price tag.

With outstanding reviews and diverse flavor choices, Kirkland ice cream remains a fan favorite freezer staple. The next time ice cream cravings hit, make a run to Costco for these cool, creamy treats.