Costco and Trader Joe’s vanilla ice creams may be more alike than many realize, possibly even produced by the same manufacturer. Both brands offer rich, creamy, and high-quality vanilla ice cream that has sparked online speculation about a shared supplier.
Humboldt Creamery, based in California, is known to produce Costco’s Kirkland Signature Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream. Recent discussions on platforms like Reddit suggest that Humboldt Creamery might also make Trader Joe’s Super Premium French Vanilla Ice Cream. Since both retailers use private labels and outsource production, this is a plausible scenario.
Despite potential shared origins, the two ice creams exhibit subtle differences in flavor and composition. Kirkland’s vanilla has a creamy texture with a mild sweetness, while Trader Joe’s version boasts a more pronounced vanilla flavor, consistent with its “French Vanilla” label. A Reddit user noted, “Just because they are made at the same place doesn’t mean they are the same recipe.” Size and price also vary: Kirkland offers two half-gallon containers for about $17, while Trader Joe’s sells a single quart for roughly $4.79, catering to different consumer preferences.
The ingredient lists of both ice creams are quite similar, containing milk, cream, sugar, carob bean gum, and guar gum—a natural thickener. The main distinctions lie in the egg yolks and vanilla flavoring. Kirkland uses pasteurized egg yolks, while Trader Joe’s uses sugared, pasteurized egg yolks, lending a sweeter taste. Additionally, Kirkland relies on vanilla extract for a subtle, layered flavor, whereas Trader Joe’s uses natural vanilla flavoring, which delivers a more intense vanilla note.
Both products are classified as “super-premium” ice creams, a term defined by the International Dairy Foods Association. This designation means low air content (overrun) and high fat content, resulting in ultra-smooth, creamy textures that elevate the ice cream experience.
For fans of premium frozen treats, both Costco and Trader Joe’s offer quality options with distinct nuances, highlighting the variety available in today’s competitive ice cream franchise market.
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