The End of an Era: Starbucks Egg Bites at Costco
For a time, Costco warehouses were a paradise for fans of Starbucks' popular sous vide egg bites, offering the same delicious, protein-packed breakfast at a significant discount. The convenience of being able to purchase a bulk pack and prepare them at home was a major selling point. The popular Bacon & Gruyère and Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper varieties were staples in many members' freezers and fridges. However, this partnership, like many between Costco and name brands, was never permanent. In retail, it is common for a store to carry a product from a national brand to gauge its popularity before deciding to create a private-label version. The immense success of the Starbucks product at Costco made it a prime candidate for this business strategy.
The Rise of Kirkland Signature Egg Bites
Starting in the summer of 2024, eagle-eyed shoppers began noticing a change on the shelves. The familiar green-labeled Starbucks boxes were replaced by a new, nearly identical package bearing the Kirkland Signature logo. The rollout confirmed that Costco had officially discontinued the Starbucks version in favor of its own, lower-priced alternative. The new Kirkland Signature Sous Vide Egg Bites come in similar flavors, including Uncured Bacon & Gouda and Egg White with Cheese Trio & Roasted Red Pepper. While the aesthetics of the packaging and even the cooking instructions bear a striking resemblance to the former product, a closer look reveals some key differences in both price and recipe.
Taste and Texture Showdown: Starbucks vs. Kirkland
Customer reviews regarding the quality of the Kirkland version are decidedly mixed. For some, the new bites are an acceptable, cheaper substitute, while others find the difference in taste and texture to be significant. The variation likely stems from slight changes in the ingredient list, even though both products are manufactured by the same sous vide specialist, Cuisine Solutions.
| Feature | Starbucks Egg Bites (at Costco, now discontinued) | Kirkland Signature Egg Bites | Observation & Customer Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Used specific cheeses like Gruyère for its signature flavor. | Uses a mix of cheeses, potentially different varieties. | Many reviewers note the Kirkland version has a different, sometimes more muted, flavor. |
| Texture | Generally described as smooth, firm, and custardy. | Described by some as slightly more wet, spongy, or scrambled. | Customer experience with texture varies significantly, depending on the cooking method. |
| Price | Replaced at a significantly lower price point. | Often priced 20-25% lower than the Starbucks version was. | A major advantage for budget-conscious members. |
| Availability | Discontinued from Costco stores in mid-2024. | Widely available in Costco warehouses and for same-day delivery. | A consistent, reliable replacement for the former brand. |
| Ingredients | Recipe included specific ingredients to match the Starbucks cafe item. | Ingredient list has minor variations, including different cheeses. | The subtle ingredient changes are often cited as the reason for the different taste. |
Why Did Costco Make the Switch?
Costco's decision to drop the Starbucks brand is a classic example of its private-label strategy. By replacing a nationally-branded product with its own Kirkland Signature version, the company achieves several business goals:
- Increased Profit Margin: As the owner of the Kirkland brand, Costco removes the need to pay a licensing fee to Starbucks. This allows them to capture a larger share of the profit margin for every box sold.
- Lower Price Point: The cost savings from eliminating the middleman are passed on to the customer in the form of a lower price. This enhances the value proposition of the Kirkland product and solidifies customer loyalty.
- Brand Loyalty: By creating a high-quality, house-brand version, Costco strengthens the reputation of its Kirkland Signature line. Members come to trust that Kirkland products offer comparable or better quality at a reduced cost.
Finding Alternatives for the Original Fan
For those who prefer the original Starbucks taste and texture, all hope is not lost. The bites are still sold at Starbucks locations, though at a higher price and without the bulk discount. Additionally, other brands of sous vide egg bites are occasionally sold at Costco or other grocery stores. For instance, some users have mentioned finding the Three Bridges brand at the warehouse club.
Another viable option is making your own homemade copycat versions. With a blender, muffin tins, and an oven or an immersion circulator for a more authentic sous vide experience, you can customize the flavors and achieve a very similar result. This method gives you complete control over ingredients and seasoning.
Conclusion
In summary, yes, Costco has discontinued the Starbucks-branded egg bites, a change that came into effect in mid-2024. The move was a deliberate business decision to replace the national brand with a more profitable, lower-cost Kirkland Signature version. While the new product is made by the same company, Cuisine Solutions, differences in taste, texture, and recipe have been noted by customers. For those who miss the original, purchasing them from a Starbucks cafe or making them at home are viable options. Ultimately, the new Kirkland egg bites continue Costco's tradition of offering compelling value under its trusted house brand, even if it means saying goodbye to a beloved former favorite. For a detailed comparison, consider reading a side-by-side taste test from a food publication like Eat This, Not That!.
