It is rare for a product at Costco to spark price backlash. The bulk retailer is best known for value-driven deals, not sticker shock. Yet its new Kirkland Signature Wedge Salad With Bacon & Dressing has become an unexpected point of debate among shoppers.
At close to $18 per kit, some customers are questioning whether a prepared wedge salad can justify its cost. For a store filled with budget-friendly bagged salads and ready-made meals, the price has prompted a wave of online discussion. Still, when you break down what is included, how much time it saves, and how it compares to buying the same ingredients elsewhere, the value becomes more nuanced.
Overview: Costco’s Kirkland Signature Wedge Salad Kit at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Kirkland Signature Wedge Salad With Bacon & Dressing |
| Location in Store | Deli section |
| Price | About $7.50 per pound |
| Typical Total Cost | $15 to $17.90 per kit |
| Servings | 8 small wedges or 4 large servings |
| Prep Time | Under 5 minutes |
Why This Salad Is Stirring Controversy?
Costco shoppers are accustomed to low per-unit pricing, especially on prepared foods. That expectation is exactly why this salad kit stands out. At first glance, paying more than $15 for iceberg lettuce feels counterintuitive.
Food retail analyst Jordan Ellis explained, “When a store known for value introduces a higher-priced item, customers immediately scrutinize it. The reaction is less about lettuce and more about expectations.”
The kit is sold by weight and typically comes in at around 2.4 pounds. While that pushes the total price higher, it also means shoppers are getting a substantial amount of food designed for sharing or entertaining.
What’s Actually Inside the Kit?
Each Kirkland Signature wedge salad kit includes four half heads of iceberg lettuce, which can be sliced into eight classic steakhouse-style wedges or served as four larger portions.
The toppings are fully prepared and include chopped bacon, blue cheese crumbles, crispy onions, whole grape tomatoes, and a packet of blue cheese dressing. The only prep required is cutting the lettuce into wedges and slicing the tomatoes if desired.
From start to finish, assembly takes less than five minutes. Once plated and dressed, the salad resembles a classic steakhouse wedge: crisp, salty, tangy, and rich, with sharp blue cheese and smoky bacon.
Prepared foods specialist Dana Whitaker noted, “You are paying for time and consistency here. Everything is washed, portioned, and ready to serve.”
Viral Reaction: Social Media Weighs In
When Costco creator Laura Jayne Lamb, known online as @costcohotfinds, shared the salad on Instagram, the post quickly gained traction, drawing more than 30,000 likes and over 1,000 comments.
Some commenters criticized the price, calling it “$17 for lettuce” or joking that “the steak is missing.” Others argued that the salad could be made at home for far less.
At the same time, many shoppers defended the product. One commenter described it as “the easiest dinner win of the week,” while another pointed out that it was “perfect for hosting without the prep.”
Price Comparison: Costco vs Other Grocery Stores
To understand the cost more clearly, it helps to compare this kit with buying the same ingredients individually.
At Walmart, purchasing the least expensive versions of each ingredient would include:
- Two heads of iceberg lettuce
- Grape tomatoes
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Pre-cooked bacon crumbles
- Fried onions
- Blue cheese dressing
That total comes to approximately $22.40, assuming budget-friendly selections and shelf-stable bacon. The price increases further at a higher-end retailer like Whole Foods Market.
Food budget consultant Claire Donovan said, “When people say they can make it cheaper, they’re often overlooking ingredient quality, leftover waste, and time.”
Convenience vs Perception
Convenience plays a major role in this product’s appeal. Everything arrives in one package, ready to serve, with no planning required.
Culinary instructor Mark Alvarez explained, “Prepared kits like this make sense for families, hosts, or anyone trying to avoid takeout. The value isn’t just in the food, but in eliminating steps.”
The “steakhouse” branding is also intentional. With restaurant prices rising, many home cooks are recreating familiar dining experiences at home. Compared with ordering wedge salads at a steakhouse, Costco’s version is significantly cheaper per serving.
Who This Salad Is Really For?
This wedge salad kit is not meant to replace budget bagged salads. Instead, it targets shoppers hosting guests, feeding families, or looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing side dish.
For those shoppers, the price becomes easier to justify. Eight wedge salads for under $18 compares favorably with dining out, and the time saved adds practical value.
Final Thought
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Wedge Salad Kit is not a dramatic money-saving hack, nor is it an overpriced novelty. It sits squarely in the middle, offering convenience, portion size, and classic flavors at a price that makes sense when compared thoughtfully.
For shoppers who value speed, presentation, and hosting ease, the kit delivers. For those focused purely on the lowest possible grocery bill, buying ingredients individually may still feel preferable. Either way, the debate itself highlights how expectations shape how we perceive value.
FAQs
How much does the Costco wedge salad kit cost?
It typically costs between $15 and $17.90 per kit.
How many servings does it include?
It yields eight small wedges or four large servings.
Is the salad fully prepared?
Yes, aside from slicing the lettuce and tomatoes.
Is it cheaper than making it at home?
In many cases, yes, when comparing full ingredient costs.
Where can I find it in Costco?
It is sold in the deli section.
