Does Costco Have Plant-Based Milk? Your 2025 Guide

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

With sales of plant-based milks increasing dramatically between 2012 and 2016, more people are seeking dairy alternatives. Savvy shoppers looking for bulk deals often ask, 'Does Costco have plant-based milk?' The answer is a resounding yes, and their offerings include popular Kirkland Signature varieties and other well-known brands.

Quick Summary

Costco offers a variety of plant-based milks, including its Kirkland Signature brand and other popular brands like Califia Farms and Silk. Shoppers can find shelf-stable and refrigerated options, such as almond, oat, and soy milk, available for bulk purchase both in-warehouse and online.

Key Points

Variety of Options: Costco offers plant-based milks, primarily almond and oat milk, under its Kirkland Signature label and from other brands like Califia Farms and Silk.
Shelf-Stable Availability: The majority of plant-based milk products are sold in bulk, shelf-stable multi-packs, not requiring refrigeration until opened.
Consider Kirkland vs. Name Brand: Kirkland Signature options are more affordable but have mixed reviews on taste and texture, while name brands may offer better-quality flavor and performance.
Compare Oat vs. Almond: Oat milk is creamier and better for frothing in coffee, while almond milk is lower in calories and carbs, making it ideal for smoothies and low-carb diets.
Check Availability Online: Due to limited regional stock and seasonal offerings like cashew milk, checking the Costco website is the best way to see current product availability.
Best Uses: Use creamy oat milk for lattes and rich sauces, while almond milk's thinner consistency is better suited for smoothies, cereal, and low-calorie recipes.
Sustainable Choices: Oat milk generally has a lower environmental impact due to less water usage, a factor to consider when choosing your plant milk.

Your Guide to Plant-Based Milk at Costco

For those who are lactose intolerant, follow a vegan diet, or are simply curious about dairy alternatives, Costco has long been a reliable source for affordable, bulk-sized groceries. The retailer’s selection of plant-based milks has grown in recent years to include several popular options, primarily in shelf-stable multi-packs. However, the exact brands and availability can vary by location and time of year, with some options like cashew milk appearing for limited runs. Knowing what to look for and the key differences between the milks can help you navigate the bulk-buying experience.

Where to Find Plant-Based Milks In-Store and Online

While the refrigerated section is the most obvious place to look, many of Costco’s best value plant milks are shelf-stable and are located in the center aisles with other juices and beverages. For the most up-to-date selection, especially for specific brands, checking Costco's website or the Business Center website is a good strategy. Online offerings can sometimes differ from what's available in your local warehouse, so it's always smart to double-check.

Here are some of the types of plant-based milks commonly found at Costco:

Almond Milk: Often available in both Kirkland Signature and other major brands like Silk or Califia Farms. It's a low-calorie, nutty-flavored staple perfect for smoothies and cereal.
Oat Milk: With its creamy texture and versatility, oat milk is a favorite for coffee and lattes. Costco typically stocks its own Kirkland Signature Organic Oat Beverage and may carry other brands like Oatly or Califia Farms.
Soy Milk: A classic dairy alternative, soy milk is known for being a good source of protein. Availability can be less consistent than almond or oat milk, but it can still be found in some locations and online.
Coconut Milk: Available from time to time, often from brands like So Delicious or Cha's Organic.
Cashew Milk: Recently, some Costco locations have featured Elmhurst 1925's Cashew Milk in limited runs, which is known for its simple ingredients.

Kirkland Signature vs. Name Brand Plant Milks

Costco members are often faced with a choice between the affordable Kirkland Signature house brand and pricier name-brand products. The quality and taste can vary, leading to a long-running debate among shoppers. Some reviewers find Kirkland almond milk to be too watery, while others enjoy its unsweetened vanilla flavor. Kirkland's oat milk has similarly mixed reviews, with some finding it creamy and delicious, and others preferring the flavor profile of other brands. When choosing, it's worth considering your intended use.


Feature	Kirkland Almond Milk	Califia Farms Oat Milk	Kirkland Oat Milk	General Oat Milk	General Almond Milk
Flavor Profile	Subtly nutty, some varieties offer unsweetened vanilla.	Balanced, clean oat with mild sweetness.	Mixed reviews on flavor, can be sweet for some palettes.	Sweet, creamy, mild.	Nutty, sometimes watery.
Texture	Thinner, more watery consistency.	Smooth and creamy, froths well.	Mixed reviews, some find it froths well, others less so.	Creamy, can be thick or thin depending on brand.	Thinner, less creamy than oat milk.
Best For	Low-calorie smoothies, baking, and cereal.	Coffee, lattes, and frothing.	Cereal and budget-friendly use.	Coffee, lattes, baking, creamy soups.	Smoothies, cereal, low-carb applications.
Nutrient Value	Low calorie, low carb; often fortified with vitamin E, D, and calcium.	Higher in carbs and fiber (beta-glucan), less calories than barista blends.	Fortified with vitamins D and B12.	Higher in fiber and carbs.	Lower in calories and fat.
Sustainability	Higher water footprint.	Sustainable sourcing and packaging focused.	Varies, depends on processing and sourcing.	More sustainable than almond milk (less water and land).	Requires more water for production.

Tips for Buying and Storing Plant Milk

Costco is known for its bulk quantities, so knowing how to manage your stock is essential to avoid waste. Shelf-stable cartons are a great option for stocking up as they have a long unopened shelf life and don't require refrigeration until opened. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within seven to ten days, similar to fresh cartons. Look for unsweetened varieties if you're controlling sugar intake, and consider a barista-style milk for coffee drinks that require frothing.

The Future of Plant-Based Milk at Costco

As consumer demand for plant-based and dairy-free products continues to grow, Costco is likely to expand its selection further. The recent appearance of Elmhurst cashew milk, a premium brand, shows that Costco is exploring a wider variety of options beyond the classic almond and oat milks. Shoppers can expect a dynamic inventory with new and limited-run items appearing, so it's always worth keeping an eye on both the refrigerated and shelf-stable aisles during your shopping trips.

Conclusion

So, does Costco have plant-based milk? Absolutely. The warehouse giant provides several options, predominantly focusing on almond and oat milk under its popular Kirkland Signature brand, as well as offering name-brand alternatives. Whether you prioritize a low-calorie option for your smoothie or a creamy, frothable milk for your coffee, you can find a bulk-sized solution at Costco, either in-store or online. With an evolving selection and competitive bulk pricing, Costco remains a key destination for plant-based shoppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews are mixed on the Kirkland Signature plant-based milk. Some find the Kirkland almond milk to be watery, while others enjoy the unsweetened vanilla flavor. Kirkland oat milk is sometimes criticized for its texture and taste compared to other brands.

No, the inventory for plant-based milk can vary significantly by location and time of year. The selection can also differ between the standard warehouse and the Costco Business Center.

Yes, while many bulk options are shelf-stable, some refrigerated plant-based milks can be found in the dairy and milk substitutes section, often in the cold storage aisle.

The product itself is usually the same, but the packaging method is different. Shelf-stable milk is ultra-pasteurized and packaged in aseptic containers, allowing it to be stored at room temperature until opened, while refrigerated milk must be kept cold.

Many people prefer oat milk for coffee due to its creamy consistency and ability to froth well, especially barista-style versions. Califia Farms Cafe Oat Milk is one brand praised for its performance in coffee drinks.

The best plant milk for baking depends on the recipe. Oat milk can mimic cow's milk's creamy properties well, but unsweetened almond or soy milk can also be suitable substitutes.

Oat milk generally has a smaller environmental footprint than almond milk. Almonds require significantly more water to grow, especially in drought-prone areas where they are often sourced, making oat milk a more sustainable option for eco-conscious consumers.