The Coffee First-Time Costco Shoppers Need To Try

Long-time Costco customers know which products to look for, but for first-time shoppers, it's full of new possibilities. One Costco item that's a must-buy for every first-time customer is Kirkland Signature Whole Coffee Beans, especially the House Blend, which has been touted as a great budget-friendly find at $12.99 per 2.5 pound bag.

What experts say about medium roast coffee is that it typically carries complex sweet and fruity notes, with a robust body and medium acidity. But not everyone agrees that Kirkland Signature House Blend delivers in this regard. Some reviews call it closer to a dark roast than medium. One common complaint, as one Redditor puts it: "I couldn't believe how oily the beans were." Another claimed it's "Too dark, too oily."

While oily coffee beans can indicate freshness, that typically only applies to a dark roast. It can also be a problem for the coffee grinder by sticking to the burrs and creating a clog. Even if Kirkland Signature House Blend skews to the darker side, how does it taste?

Some fans of the Kirkland Signature House Blend on Reddit have said "Clearly in the minority here, but I actually like it, prepared with a French press," and, "I prepare with a press, too, and it tastes just fine to me." One Redditor commented "I was surprised to find it was a TRUE medium roast flavor. I was ecstatic! No more did I need to suffer with a roast so dark." This is in reference to previously when Starbucks produced the coffee for Costco, of which many Redditors critiqued for being a dark roast that tasted burnt. 

You'll have to find out for yourself if Kirkland Signature House Blend is for you — at such a great price point, it's worth the gamble. As per the fans on Reddit, you may want to try it with a French press, the underrated coffee brewing method. If you find the House Blend isn't to your liking, Kirkland whole coffee beans come in other roasts — there's a French roast, as well as an espresso blend.