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Does Costco Sell Culturelle? Finding Probiotics at Your Favorite Warehouse

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 4 million adults in the U.S. have used probiotics or prebiotics, with interest in digestive health growing rapidly. This popularity has led many to wonder, "does Costco sell Culturelle?" The answer is yes, but its availability depends on whether you shop in the warehouse or online.

Quick Summary

Yes, Costco sells Culturelle, though it is often available primarily through its online store, not always in physical warehouses. This article details how to find Culturelle on Costco.com, provides a comparison of online versus in-store options, and lists popular alternative probiotic brands like Kirkland Signature.

Key Points

  • Online Only: Costco primarily sells Culturelle through its website, with availability in physical warehouses being rare.

  • Check Online First: To purchase Culturelle, your best bet is to check the Costco.com or Costco.ca website for adult capsules and children's versions.

  • In-Store Alternatives: For those who need an in-warehouse purchase, Costco offers its own Kirkland Signature Daily Probiotic, which provides a high CFU count at a value price.

  • Compare Online vs. In-Store: Be aware that online prices at Costco can be slightly higher than in-store prices due to shipping and handling costs built into the price.

  • Consider Your Needs: When choosing, evaluate the specific probiotic strains and CFU count to ensure it aligns with your health goals, whether you pick Culturelle or a different brand.

In This Article

Does Costco Sell Culturelle? Finding the Product

For shoppers seeking the popular probiotic supplement, the good news is that Costco does sell Culturelle. However, its presence can vary significantly between the physical warehouse locations and the Costco online store. For the most part, Culturelle is consistently listed as an online-only product on Costco's website in both the U.S. and Canada. This online-only status means you may not be able to find it during your regular shopping trip inside the warehouse.

To find Culturelle on the Costco website, you can use the search bar and look for "Culturelle" or browse the "Health & Personal Care" section, specifically under "Vitamins, Herbals & Dietary Supplements" and then "Probiotics". Online availability typically includes the adult Digestive Health capsules, and sometimes children's chewables as well. The online-only model also means you benefit from doorstep delivery, though shipping times may vary.

Why Culturelle is Often Online-Only at Costco

Costco operates a unique inventory system, where many specialty or brand-name items are reserved for online sales. This approach allows the company to offer a wider variety of products without dedicating precious warehouse floor space. For probiotics like Culturelle, which do not require refrigeration, this model is highly effective. Online customers can still access the brand they trust, while the warehouse prioritizes its in-store inventory for higher-demand, faster-moving products and its own Kirkland Signature line.

Comparing Probiotic Options: Culturelle vs. Alternatives at Costco

While you can buy Culturelle online, many shoppers prefer the convenience of in-store purchasing. Fortunately, Costco's warehouses offer a range of excellent probiotic alternatives, most notably from its own Kirkland Signature brand. Here is a comparison to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Feature Culturelle (Online) Kirkland Signature Daily Probiotic (In-Store/Online)
Availability Primarily Online Only In-Warehouse and Online
Main Strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Various strains, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium
CFU Count Typically 10 Billion CFU Often 30 Billion CFU or higher
Form Vegetarian Capsules Vegetarian Capsules
Price Generally competitive Often lower due to bulk sizing and private label pricing
Refrigeration Not Required Not Required

Other Probiotic Choices at Costco

In addition to the Kirkland Signature brand, Costco also carries other well-known probiotic brands. Depending on your location and the current inventory, you may find options like Align, Florastor, or products from brands like Jamieson and Webber Naturals. These are often found in the same vitamins and supplements aisle as the Kirkland products.

  • Align: Known for its Bifidobacterium 35624 strain, this is another pharmacist-recommended brand that occasionally appears at Costco or its online store.
  • Foods with Probiotics: Beyond supplements, Costco stocks a variety of probiotic-rich food items, including Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt, kombucha, and kimchi.

The Price Advantage and Sourcing Considerations

One of the main reasons people ask, "does Costco sell Culturelle?" is the expectation of better prices. While Costco's online prices for Culturelle are very competitive compared to other retailers, you should always factor in potential shipping fees. For many shoppers, the best deals come from the in-store alternatives, particularly the Kirkland Signature line, which offers a large quantity of capsules for a significantly lower price per unit.

When choosing a probiotic, consider more than just price. Look at the specific strains of bacteria included and the CFU count to ensure it meets your specific health needs. Some studies suggest that the effectiveness of probiotics is strain-specific, so what works for one person may not work for another. Always check the supplement facts to see what you are getting.

Conclusion

In summary, yes, Costco does sell Culturelle, but it is primarily an online-only item that is not regularly stocked in warehouse stores. For those who prefer shopping in-store, Costco offers excellent and cost-effective alternatives, including its own Kirkland Signature brand and other well-regarded labels. Whether you choose to order Culturelle online for the specific Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain or opt for a convenient in-store option, Costco provides multiple ways to address your digestive health needs. Always check both the website and your local warehouse's inventory for the most up-to-date availability and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is unlikely you will find Culturelle in your local Costco warehouse, as it is primarily sold as an online-only item on Costco's website.

Yes, Costco warehouses typically stock several other probiotic brands, most notably their own Kirkland Signature Daily Probiotic, which is a popular and cost-effective alternative.

Online prices at Costco can sometimes be slightly higher than in-warehouse prices for similar items, as the online cost often includes shipping and handling fees.

You can check for Culturelle's availability by visiting Costco.com and searching for the product by name. The website will indicate if the item is in stock and available for delivery.

The main difference is the probiotic strain and CFU count. Culturelle uses Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG with typically 10 billion CFUs, while the Kirkland Signature version often features a different blend of strains and a higher CFU count, such as 30 billion.

Yes, Costco.com has been known to carry Culturelle Kids Daily Probiotic Chewable Tablets online. You can search the website for current availability.

Some items on Costco.com can be purchased by non-members, but a membership is required to access certain deals and for in-warehouse purchases.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.