Costco has announced a massive butter recall that affects 79,200 pounds of their Kirkland Signature products. The company pulled both salted and unsalted varieties from shelves due to missing “contains milk” statements on their packaging.
The timing of this Class II recall matters because milk allergies affect 6.2 million Americans. Emergency department visits are necessary for more than 40% of children who have food allergies. Texas customers who bought Kirkland Signature butter should check their products with “best by” dates between February 22, 2025, and March 29, 2025.
This piece covers everything you need about Costco’s unsalted butter choices. You’ll find details about prices that match other brands, quality comparisons, and the right ways to store butter safely. We’ll also guide you through the steps if the current recall affects your products.
Table of Contents
- 1 Understanding Costco Kirkland Unsalted Butter Basics
- 2 Comparing Costco Butter Prices with Competitors
- 3 Quality Assessment and Storage Tips
- 4 Professional Culinary Applications
- 5 Safety and Recall Information
- 6 Here are some FAQs about Costco unsalted butter:
- 6.1 Who makes Kirkland butter for Costco?
- 6.2 Is there an issue with Costco butter?
- 6.3 Does it matter between salted and unsalted butter?
- 6.4 Which Costco butter is the best?
- 6.5 What is the best butter in the world?
- 6.6 Is Costco recalling Kirkland butter?
- 6.7 Why did Costco stop selling butter?
- 6.8 What butterfat is Kirkland butter?
- 6.9 Can you return butter at Costco?
Understanding Costco Kirkland Unsalted Butter Basics
Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter is a Grade AA dairy product that meets USDA standards with its 80% milkfat content. The package includes four one-pound sticks in a box that keeps the butter fresh.
Product specifications and packaging
You’ll find four pounds of butter in each package, and every pound comes as four traditional sticks. This unsalted butter keeps things simple with just two ingredients: pasteurized cream and natural flavorings. The product has Kosher certification and doesn’t use rBST in production.
Nutritional information and health benefits
One tablespoon (14g) serving provides:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 0mg |
On top of that, it packs beneficial compounds like vitamin A, giving you 11% of your daily needs. The salt-free formula lets you control sodium intake better, especially when you have dietary restrictions or need it to bake.
Current pricing and value proposition
A four-pound package of Kirkland Signature Unsalted Butter costs around $17.40. This works out to $3.25 per pound, which is by a lot cheaper than premium brands like Land O’Lakes at $24.00 for the same amount. The value becomes even more obvious when you look at European-style butter brands like Rodolphe Le Meunier, which sells at $8.99 for just 9 ounces.
The butter’s quality stays consistent through daily milk collection from about 400 local farms. Traditional European churning methods and pasteurization create a product that gives you quality without breaking the bank.
Comparing Costco Butter Prices with Competitors
Major retailers show striking differences in their butter prices. A recent analysis reveals Costco’s Kirkland Signature unsalted butter costs $12.49 for four pounds, which comes to $3.12 per pound.
Costco vs Aldi butter price analysis
Aldi prices their butter at $4.39 per pound, which doesn’t match Costco’s rates. Walmart sells butter at $3.98 per pound, and Whole Foods prices theirs at $4.19 per pound. Aldi’s butter prices can drop during promotions, making them a better deal than Costco at times.
Cost per pound breakdown
Here’s a detailed price comparison of Costco’s butter varieties:
| Butter Type | Package Price | Size | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Signature Unsalted | $12.49 | 4 lbs | $3.12 |
| Kirkland Signature Organic | $11.49 | 2 lbs | $5.75 |
| Kirkland Signature Grass Fed | $9.99 | 2 lbs | $4.99 |
| Kerrygold Unsalted | $14.49 | 2 lbs | $7.25 |
Bulk buying benefits
Buying butter in bulk at Costco comes with several advantages:
- You save about 25% compared to regular grocery stores, where four pounds of store-brand butter usually costs $16.00
- You can stock up during sales to maximize savings
- Extra butter freezes well without losing quality
Kerrygold butter shows the biggest price advantage at Costco. Regular grocery stores charge $5.49 for eight ounces, while Costco’s price works out to $3.62 for the same amount. Costco keeps competitive prices on their butter selection, and their store brand remains the most economical choice at $0.19 per ounce.
Quality Assessment and Storage Tips
The texture and taste profile of Kirkland Signature unsalted butter can help you discover its full potential in cooking. This butter has a thick consistency that leaves a distinctive coating on your tongue. Its subtle-yet-delightful buttery taste works best at room temperature, though you’ll need some patience while spreading it.
Texture and taste profile
Cold butter stays quite firm, which affects how well you can spread it. This quality makes it perfect for baking where temperature control is a vital part of the process. The butter creates a cohesive, workable dough that delivers consistent results in recipes of all types once it’s properly softened.
Proper storage methods
The quality of your butter depends on proper storage conditions. Here’s a complete temperature guide:
| Storage Location | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Below 40°F | 6-12 months |
| Room Temperature | Below 70°F | 1-2 days |
| Freezer | 0°F or below | Up to 12 months |
Your butter will stay fresh longer if you keep it in its original packaging in the coldest part of your fridge. A good airtight butter dish or crock protects butter from light and air exposure at room temperature.
Shelf life and freshness indicators
Kirkland Signature unsalted butter stays fresh for about 6 months with proper storage. These preservation methods can extend its life:
- Wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap before freezing
- Store bulk quantities in the freezer and remove only what you need
- Keep butter away from strong-smelling foods since it absorbs odors easily
Your senses are the best guide to freshness – any rancid or unusual sour tastes mean the butter has spoiled. It’s worth mentioning that unsalted butter spoils faster than salted butter, so you’ll need to follow storage guidelines carefully. Let refrigerated butter sit for 30-45 minutes at room temperature before using it.
Professional Culinary Applications
Professional bakers know that the right butter choice makes a vital difference in their culinary results. Baking with unsalted butter gives you exact control over your recipes’ final taste and texture.
Baking with unsalted butter
Tests show that bakers who used Kirkland Signature unsalted butter saw different results in their pie crusts and cookie recipes. Professional testing revealed that Costco butter made slightly more crumbly pie dough, but the final baked product’s quality remained unchanged.
The temperature guidelines below will help you get the best results with Costco unsalted butter:
| Stage | Temperature | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Creaming | 65-67°F | Ideal for cookies and cakes |
| Pastry | 35-40°F | Perfect for flaky crusts |
| Rolling | 45-50°F | Optimal dough handling |
Cooking techniques and temperature control
Temperature control plays a vital role when you work with unsalted butter. Your dry ingredients need proper hydration time to absorb moisture from butter, which reduces crumbliness in final products. Your dough should rest in the refrigerator before rolling or baking to get consistent results.
Recipe adjustments and salt control
You can use this conversion when switching between salted and unsalted butter: reduce or add 1/4 teaspoon of salt per 1/2 cup (1/4 lb; 8 Tbsp; 113g) of butter. If your recipe needs salted butter but you have Kirkland unsalted:
- For 1 cup butter: Add 3/4 teaspoon salt
- For 1/2 cup butter: Add 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For 2 cups butter: Add 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
Professional bakers choose unsalted butter to eliminate variables from their recipes. Different brands contain varying amounts of salt, so unsalted butter will give consistent results in all baking projects. Butter’s water content typically ranges from 10 to 18 percent, so you need to think about moisture levels when adjusting recipes.
Stick to the specified butter type for European-style butter recipes rather than using American-style alternatives. This difference matters because European-style butters have higher fat content (12 grams per 14-gram serving) compared to American-style butters (11 grams per 14-gram serving).
Note that baking demands precision – it goes beyond taste to chemical reactions. Salt in butter can affect gluten development and end up changing your baked goods’ texture and structure. Unsalted butter lets you maintain complete control over these vital chemical processes.
Safety and Recall Information
Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC has started a major recall of Kirkland Signature butter products in Texas. The recall affects both salted and unsalted varieties, with a total of 79,200 pounds of butter.
Current Costco butter recall details
The FDA issued this recall because packages did not have the required “Contains Milk” allergen statement, even though cream was listed as an ingredient. The FDA labeled this a Class II recall, suggesting possible temporary health issues. The recalled products are:
- 1,300 cases (46,800 pounds) of Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter
- 900 cases (32,400 pounds) of Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter
How to check lot numbers
You can identify affected products by checking UPC codes and lot numbers. Here are the details for Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (1-pound packages of four 4-ounce sticks, UPC 96619-38496):
| Lot Number | Best By Date |
|---|---|
| 2424091 | February 22, 2025 |
| 2424111 | February 23, 2025 |
| 2426891 | March 22, 2025 |
| 2426991 | March 23, 2025 |
For Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter (UPC 96619-38488), look for:
- Lot #2424191: Best By February 23, 2025
- Lot #2427591: Best By March 29, 2025
What to do if you have recalled products
If you find this butter in your home, your next steps depend on your situation. People without milk allergies can safely eat the butter. However, if you want to return it, you have options:
- Take it back to any Costco warehouse for a full refund
- Call Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest at 616-295-6438 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. central time, Monday through Friday, with questions
If you decide to throw away the product:
- Wrap the butter securely
- Keep it away from people and animals
- Clean surfaces that touched the recalled product
The FDA monitors this recall, which started on October 11 and received its Class II status on November 7. No one has reported allergic reactions from these products yet.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature unsalted butter is a dependable kitchen essential that delivers professional-grade quality without breaking the bank. A recent recall affects certain lots in Texas, but most Kirkland butter remains safe and excellent to use for home bakers and culinary professionals.
You can extend your butter’s shelf life and quality with proper storage methods. Store it in the refrigerator below 40°F for daily use, or freeze it up to 12 months if you buy in bulk. Unsalted butter lets you control your recipes’ salt content – a vital factor for consistent baking results.
The numbers speak for themselves – Costco’s butter costs nowhere near what you’d pay for similar brands, yet maintains high-quality standards. Kirkland Signature unsalted butter performs just like premium European brands at a fraction of the cost, whether you’re making delicate pastries or cooking everyday meals.
Take a moment to check your butter packages against the recall details listed above before your next Costco trip. You can return any affected products to Costco for a full refund. With proper storage and handling, Kirkland Signature butter continues to be a reliable choice for your culinary adventures.
Here are some FAQs about Costco unsalted butter:
Who makes Kirkland butter for Costco?
Kirkland unsalted butter at Costco is typically produced by major dairy suppliers under Costco’s private label. While the exact manufacturers may change, companies like Dairy Farmers of America and other large dairy producers have been linked to Kirkland butter. The quality of Kirkland unsalted butter Costco is comparable to premium brands, making it a popular choice.
Is there an issue with Costco butter?
There have been occasional reports of issues with Kirkland unsalted butter Costco, including variations in texture or quality. Some customers have noted differences in consistency depending on the batch. However, Costco unsalted butter is generally well-reviewed for its quality and affordability.
Does it matter between salted and unsalted butter?
Yes, the choice between salted and unsalted butter can impact recipes. Unsalted butter Costco is preferred for baking, as it allows better control of salt levels in recipes. Salted butter, on the other hand, is great for spreading and cooking when a little extra flavor is needed.
Which Costco butter is the best?
Kirkland unsalted butter Costco is one of the top choices due to its high quality and competitive price. Many bakers and chefs prefer Kirkland butter for its consistency and rich taste. Costco also sells other butter brands, but Kirkland is known for its reliability.
What is the best butter in the world?
The best butter in the world depends on taste and intended use. Brands like Echiré from France and Kerrygold from Ireland are considered among the best for their rich flavors. However, Kirkland unsalted butter Costco is a great option for those looking for quality at a more affordable price.
Is Costco recalling Kirkland butter?
There have been no widespread recalls of Kirkland butter recently. If any issues arise, Costco is known for quickly addressing quality concerns. Customers can check Costco’s website for any recall updates on Kirkland unsalted butter Costco.
Why did Costco stop selling butter?
Costco has not stopped selling butter, but availability may vary by location. Some customers may experience temporary stock shortages due to supply chain issues. Unsalted butter Costco remains a staple item in most warehouses.
What butterfat is Kirkland butter?
Kirkland butter typically has a butterfat content of around 80%, which is standard for most commercial butter brands. This makes Kirkland unsalted butter Costco ideal for baking and cooking. Higher butterfat percentages are found in European-style butters, which provide a richer taste.
Can you return butter at Costco?
Yes, Costco has a generous return policy, and Costco unsalted butter can usually be returned if there is an issue with quality. However, returning perishable items is subject to the store’s discretion, and some locations may have stricter rules on food returns.
