Nutrition Diet: Who Makes Kirkland CoQ10? A Deep Dive into Private Label Sourcing

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Private label supplements account for a significant portion of the dietary supplement market, yet the actual manufacturers often remain a mystery. This is the case for many popular products, including the well-regarded Kirkland Signature line, leading many consumers to ask: Who makes Kirkland CoQ10?

Quick Summary

The manufacturer of Kirkland CoQ10 is not a single entity but a rotating network of third-party suppliers, which is standard practice for Costco's private label products. Quality is maintained through strict internal standards and certifications, though the specific company producing the supplement may vary by region and batch.

Key Points

Multiple Manufacturers: The Kirkland CoQ10 is made by various third-party manufacturers, not a single company, which is standard for Costco's private label brand.
Regional Differences: The specific manufacturer can vary depending on where the product is sold, with different suppliers for Canada, the UK, and other regions.
Check the Label: For the most accurate information on a specific batch, you must inspect the product packaging for details like the country of origin or a manufacturer's name.
Costco's Quality Control: Costco maintains quality by enforcing strict standards and sourcing from reputable suppliers who follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
USP Certification: Some Kirkland products have achieved USP certification, which independently verifies quality and purity, though this can vary by product and batch.
Ubiquinone Form: Kirkland CoQ10 is typically in the ubiquinone form, an antioxidant supporting cardiovascular health and cellular energy.
Value Proposition: The private label model allows Costco to offer a competitive price for a high-quality product, leveraging its partnerships with major manufacturers.

Understanding the Kirkland Signature Brand

Kirkland Signature is the private label brand for Costco Wholesale, offering a wide array of products from groceries to electronics. Costco's strategy is to sell high-quality, name-brand-equivalent products at a lower price point. To achieve this, Costco partners with a network of respected, third-party manufacturers to produce items to their specifications. This means that a single product, like Coenzyme Q10, is not made by one company forever. For example, some Kirkland coffee pods are made by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and some pet food by Diamond Naturals. The same principle applies to their dietary supplements, including CoQ10.

The Variability of Manufacturers

The answer to "Who makes Kirkland CoQ10?" is not static. The specific manufacturer depends on several factors, including the production region and sourcing contracts at any given time. For instance:

Regional Differences: A Kirkland product sold in Canada may be produced by a different manufacturer than one sold in the United Kingdom or the United States. Searches on Amazon.uk for older batches have shown NBTY International UK Ltd as a manufacturer, while Canadian product pages mention production in Canada.
Private Label Partnerships: For newer versions, a search result from a Canadian Costco implies the involvement of Webber Naturals, a prominent Canadian supplement manufacturer, for a specific formulation of Kirkland CoQ10.
Listing Discrepancies: Different Amazon listings have shown varied manufacturer names, which could be errors, changes over time, or related to specific product bundles or sellers. Ultimately, the most reliable information is found on the product's packaging itself.

The Product Itself: What is in Kirkland CoQ10?

Regardless of the specific manufacturer, the core of the Kirkland CoQ10 product remains consistent with industry standards. It typically contains Ubiquinone, the oxidized form of CoQ10, housed within a softgel capsule.

Core Ingredients and Features:

Active Ingredient: Coenzyme Q10 (Ubidecarenone).
Format: Softgel, often clear enteric-coated for enhanced absorption and to minimize stomach irritation.
Dosage: Available in various strengths, such as 100 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg.
Added Nutrients: May contain ingredients like soybean oil, soy lecithin, and gelatin to aid in formulation and absorption.

The Role of Certifications and Quality Control

Costco manages quality by imposing stringent standards on its third-party partners. This often involves ensuring that manufacturers follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and, for some products, obtaining third-party verification from organizations like the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). A key distinction to note is that a specific Kirkland CoQ10 formulation may carry a USP certification, while others may not. This highlights the importance of checking each product's label for specific quality marks.

Comparison: Kirkland CoQ10 vs. Other Brands


Feature	Kirkland CoQ10	Nature Made CoQ10	Sports Research CoQ10
Manufacturer Info	Varies by region and sourcing. Private label brand of Costco.	Known manufacturer (Nature Made).	Known manufacturer (Sports Research).
USP Certification	Some formulations in the past or present may be USP certified; check label.	Often carries the USP Verified mark.	Not necessarily a USP mark, but often third-party tested.
CoQ10 Form	Typically Ubiquinone.	Offers both Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol forms.	Offers both Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol forms, often focusing on enhanced absorption.
Price Point	Generally lower, as expected for a Costco private label.	Mid-range.	Can be higher, particularly for specialized formulations like Ubiquinol.
Sourcing Transparency	Less transparent; depends on Costco's procurement practices.	Transparent about its own manufacturing and quality standards.	Transparent about third-party testing and specific ingredients like coconut oil.

How Kirkland's Sourcing Affects Consumer Trust

For consumers, the private label model has both advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is the high-quality product offered at a competitive price. Costco's brand reputation hinges on providing reliable, value-driven alternatives, which means they vet their suppliers rigorously. A downside is the lack of specific manufacturer transparency for every batch. However, for most consumers, the consistent quality and value proposition outweigh the need for a specific, identifiable manufacturer. The brand's focus on certifications like GMP helps build trust and ensures that the product meets or exceeds minimum quality standards.

Conclusion: A Multi-Sourced Approach

So, to answer the question directly, a single, identifiable manufacturer does not make Kirkland CoQ10. Instead, a series of third-party partners are contracted by Costco to produce the product under the Kirkland Signature brand. While the specific company may change or vary by location, Costco's reputation for quality control and value ensures a consistent product for its members. The brand's use of certifications like GMP and, at times, USP verification, provides consumers with the confidence that they are purchasing a reliable dietary supplement. For specific details, always check the label of your particular product. Costco’s approach to private labeling allows them to deliver quality supplements at a reduced cost, passing the savings on to the consumer.

For more information on the sourcing and manufacturing of dietary supplements, you can review resources like the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single primary manufacturer for Kirkland Signature products. Costco partners with a network of various reputable, third-party companies to produce goods under its private label brand, depending on the product category and region.

It is possible, as Costco often uses the same major manufacturers that produce name-brand equivalents, but they do not disclose the specific companies for every product. The manufacturer can also vary by region and over time.

Your best resource is to check the product label on your specific bottle, which may indicate the country of origin (e.g., 'Product of Canada') and sometimes the manufacturer or distributor, though it often lists 'Kirkland Signature' as the brand.

Yes, Kirkland products are generally considered high-quality due to Costco's rigorous quality control standards and its strategy of working with respected manufacturers. Their reputation depends on providing reliable, value-driven alternatives.

While all supplements should be produced in GMP-compliant facilities, some Kirkland formulations have been certified by organizations like the USP, which independently verifies purity and potency. You should always check the label for specific certification marks.

Kirkland CoQ10 primarily uses the ubiquinone form of the coenzyme. Ubiquinone is the oxidized form, while ubiquinol is the reduced form, which is more readily absorbed but also generally more expensive.

Manufacturers for Kirkland products can change based on Costco's contractual agreements, sourcing strategies, and shifts in supply chain logistics. This allows Costco to maintain competitive pricing and supply chain flexibility.