Costco's Paper Towels Have Buyers Saying The Same Thing (And It's Not Good)
Paper towels are among the top household items you should buy in bulk to save money, so a Costco membership comes in handy for those unbeatable prices on bulk essentials. However, according to many customers sharing their thoughts online, Costco's Kirkland Signature paper towel has lost its status as their go-to buy. Social media users and verified purchasers who have left reviews on the retailer's website caution that Costco's house brand paper towel is not the same quality as it used to be. Some people have also observed that the size of the rolls has gotten smaller, though this is part of a trend in our current economic times that is not exclusive to Costco.
It's important to point out that there are also plenty of positive online reviews about Kirkland Signature paper towel. Product reviews can vary widely and tend to be highly subjective, so it's smart to take individual opinions with a pinch of salt. However, there's no denying that there is a consistent message being shared among buyers of Costco's paper towels, and it's not good. The best way to verify the reviews is to test out the paper towel for yourself and make use of Costco's return policy to get your money back if you're unsatisfied.
What buyers are saying about Costco's paper towels
If you're wondering whether to give Costco's Kirkland Signature two-ply paper towels a try, the internet may convince you otherwise. For several years, customers have aired their complaints about the brand's declining quality. The product page on Costco's website features many one-star reviews from verified purchasers who claim the paper is thinner and less absorbent than it once was. Many of these reviews also say the paper towel does not tear correctly, resulting in using more of it than necessary, which reduces the value for money.
Others have noted that the rolls have gotten smaller over the years. A TikTok video from November 2024 and a Reddit post from July 2023 both point out that a newly purchased roll only has 140 sheets, compared to an old roll with 160 sheets. TikTok user @hot.mess.to.not.mess was pleased to see in June 2024 that the rolls were no longer individually wrapped in plastic, but others were unhappy with this update, as it exposes the rolls to dust, dirt, and moisture before they're even used. However, these changes seem to be sporadic, as the paper towels currently for sale on Costco's website contain 160 sheets and say they are individually wrapped.
Many of the comments read that Costco is not the only manufacturer to shrink the quantity of its household paper products. If you've been paying attention, you may have also noticed that toilet paper rolls are getting smaller, even though you're paying more. It's part of a phenomenon known as "shrinkflation," in which companies reduce the quantity of the product while keeping the retail price the same.