By CostcoFan | Updated June 2026
Item #71013 | Kirkland Signature Peanut Oil | 35 lbs (4.58 gallons) | $50.99-58.99 (varies by location, previously $47.99) | Costco Business Center and select warehouses
If you deep fry anything — turkey, chicken, fish, french fries — you need peanut oil. And if you need peanut oil, you buy it at Costco. At $50.99-58.99 for 35 lbs, the Kirkland Signature Peanut Oil is consistently the cheapest price per gallon available from any major retailer. The same jug runs $65-100 on Amazon. Walmart charges $60+ for 3 gallons of a competitor brand. The math isn’t close.
This isn’t a product you buy for its excitement. It’s a product you buy because it does its job better than every other frying oil and Costco sells it cheaper than anyone else. Here’s what you need to know.
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Why Peanut Oil for Deep Frying
Peanut oil is the gold standard for deep frying for 3 reasons:
High smoke point (450°F+). Peanut oil can handle sustained high heat without breaking down, smoking, or producing toxic compounds. Deep frying a turkey requires oil at 350-375°F for 30-60 minutes. Peanut oil stays stable the entire time. Lower smoke point oils (like olive oil at 375°F) would break down and burn at those sustained temperatures.
Neutral flavor. Despite being made from peanuts, refined peanut oil has almost no peanut taste or smell. It doesn’t transfer flavor to your food — your fried turkey tastes like turkey, not peanuts. One of the most common first-timer reactions is surprise at how little peanut flavor the oil has.
Reusable. Peanut oil can be strained, stored, and reused 3-4 times before it degrades. That means your 35 lb jug can cover multiple frying sessions, making the per-use cost even lower. Strain it through cheesecloth after each use, store in the original container in a cool dark place, and it stays good for months.
The Seed Oil Debate
Let’s address this directly: peanut oil is technically a seed oil, and seed oils have become controversial in health and wellness circles. Critics argue that seed oils (soybean, canola, corn, sunflower) contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids that promote inflammation when consumed in excess.
Where peanut oil differs from most seed oils: it’s naturally higher in monounsaturated fats (similar to olive oil) and lower in omega-6 compared to soybean or corn oil. It contains zero trans fats, zero sodium, zero sugar, and is a source of vitamin E and phytosterols. Is it as healthy as olive oil for everyday cooking? No. Is it the best oil for high-heat deep frying? By a wide margin, yes.
The practical reality: if you’re deep frying a turkey twice a year, the amount of peanut oil you’re consuming is negligible in the context of an overall diet. Use olive oil or avocado oil for daily cooking. Use peanut oil when you need sustained high heat. Different tools for different jobs.
Product Details
- Brand: Kirkland Signature
- Volume: 35 lbs (4.58 gallons / 17.35 liters)
- Ingredient: Peanut oil (single ingredient)
- Smoke point: 450°F+
- Kosher certified
- Expeller pressed
- 0g trans fat per serving
- Recommended uses: Pan frying, deep frying, nut roasting
- Contains: Peanuts (allergen warning)
- Storage: Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, cap sealed tightly
Per serving (1 tablespoon / 14g): 130 calories, 14g total fat (2.5g saturated), 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium
Costco Pricing vs. Competitors
Costco (Item #71013): $50.99-58.99 for 35 lbs ($1.46-1.69/lb)
Price history at Costco:
- 2021: $47.99
- 2023-2024: $50.99-54.99
- 2026: $50.99-58.99 depending on location
Amazon (Kirkland Signature 35 lbs): $65-100 (fluctuates wildly, often $80+)
Walmart (Pik-Nik 3 gallons peanut oil blend): $60+ for significantly less oil
Sam’s Club (comparable brands): $55-70 for similar quantities
Even at the top of Costco’s current range ($58.99), you’re paying $1.69/lb. Amazon frequently charges $2.29-2.86/lb for the exact same Kirkland jug. That’s a $20-40 premium for the convenience of home delivery on a product that’s always available at Costco Business Centers.
Availability at Costco
This is primarily a Costco Business Center item available year-round. Regular Costco warehouses stock it seasonally — typically late October through December for Thanksgiving and holiday frying season. If your regular Costco doesn’t have it, check the nearest Business Center.
Online availability through Costco.com is inconsistent. When it does appear online, the price includes shipping on a 35 lb jug, which adds to the cost. In-store or Business Center pickup is the best deal.
Pro tip: Buy it in September or early October before the Thanksgiving rush. Every year, stock runs thin in November as turkey fryers stock up. Early buyers get the guaranteed supply.
Deep Frying a Turkey: Quick Guide
Since this oil and Thanksgiving are inseparable, here’s the quick version:
Oil needed: 3-5 gallons depending on your fryer and turkey size. A 35 lb jug (4.58 gallons) covers most standard turkey fryers with a 12-15 lb bird.
Oil temperature: Heat to 350-375°F before lowering the turkey.
Cook time: Approximately 3-4 minutes per pound. A 12 lb turkey takes roughly 36-48 minutes.
Critical safety rules: The turkey must be completely thawed and patted dry. Any moisture on the bird will cause the oil to splatter violently. Never deep fry indoors. Never overfill the fryer. Search “turkey fryer fail” if you need motivation to follow these rules.
After frying: Let the oil cool completely (several hours). Strain through cheesecloth into the original container. Store for reuse or dispose responsibly — never pour oil down the drain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much peanut oil do I need to deep fry a turkey?
3-5 gallons depending on your fryer size and the turkey. Costco’s 35 lb jug (4.58 gallons) is enough for most standard turkey fryers with a 12-15 lb bird.
Does Kirkland peanut oil smell or taste like peanuts?
No. Refined peanut oil has a neutral flavor and virtually no peanut smell. Your food will not taste like peanuts.
Can I reuse peanut oil after frying?
Yes. Strain through cheesecloth after cooling, store in the original container in a cool dark place. Reuse 3-4 times before discarding. The oil degrades with each use — when it darkens significantly or smells off, replace it.
Is peanut oil safe for people with peanut allergies?
Highly refined peanut oil (like Kirkland’s) removes nearly all peanut proteins that trigger allergic reactions. The FDA exempts highly refined peanut oil from allergen labeling. However, individuals with severe peanut allergies should consult their doctor before consuming any peanut-derived product.
Is Costco peanut oil available year-round?
At Costco Business Centers, yes. At regular Costco warehouses, it’s seasonal — primarily October through December. Stock up before Thanksgiving when supply is still high.
Is peanut oil a seed oil?
Technically yes. Peanut oil is higher in monounsaturated fats than most seed oils and closer in profile to olive oil. For occasional deep frying, it remains the recommended oil due to its high smoke point, neutral flavor, and stability at sustained high temperatures.
Where to Buy
Costco Business Center: $50.99-58.99 for 35 lbs (Item #71013) — available year-round
Costco Warehouse: Same price, seasonal availability (October-December typically)
If your Costco doesn’t have it in stock:
Kirkland Signature Peanut Oil, 35 lbs on Amazon → The exact same Kirkland Signature peanut oil sold at Costco. Price fluctuates on Amazon — typically $65-100. Buy at Costco if possible, use Amazon when Costco is out of stock.
GasOne 30Qt Turkey Fryer and 10Qt Fish Fryer Set on Amazon → Complete outdoor fryer kit with 30 qt pot, basket, propane burner, and thermometer. Everything you need for deep frying a turkey except the oil and the bird.
Amazon Grocery, Peanut Oil, 128 Fl Oz on Amazon → Smaller quantity for people who don’t need 35 lbs. 1 gallon for smaller frying jobs — fish, chicken, fries. Good starter option if you’ve never cooked with peanut oil before.
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Very strange, there is no smell of peanuts.
It’s fairly common. Most peanut oil does not taste or smell like peanuts =)