Are Costco Extra Crispy fries gluten-free? A Detailed Guide

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

For those with gluten sensitivity, finding safe food options can be challenging, and frozen french fries are no exception. The question of 'Are Costco Extra Crispy fries gluten-free?' is a common one, but the answer depends on which version you're considering: the Kirkland Signature frozen product or the food court fries.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive look at the gluten status of Costco's Extra Crispy fries, detailing ingredient lists for the Kirkland Signature frozen product and confirming the high risk of cross-contamination for the food court version. It also discusses the ingredients' gluten sources and offers alternative certified gluten-free options sold at Costco.

Key Points

Frozen vs. Food Court: The Kirkland Signature frozen Extra Crispy fries are not certified gluten-free, while the Costco food court fries are not gluten-free and carry a high risk of cross-contamination.
Ingredient Analysis: The Kirkland frozen fries' ingredient list does not contain obvious gluten, but 'dextrin' is a potential concern if sourced from wheat.
Cross-Contamination is Key: For celiacs and those highly sensitive to gluten, the lack of a certified gluten-free label on the Kirkland frozen fries means manufacturing cross-contamination is a significant risk.
Avoid the Food Court: Due to shared deep fryers, the Costco food court fries are never a safe option for anyone with a gluten sensitivity or allergy.
Safe Alternatives Available: Certified gluten-free options like Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries and Tropicland Organic Sweet Potato Fries are frequently available at Costco and clearly labeled for safety.
Trust the Label: For a gluten-free diet, prioritize products with clear 'certified gluten-free' labels to minimize risk and ensure safety.

Understanding the Kirkland Signature Frozen Extra Crispy Fries

The Kirkland Signature Extra Crispy fries, sold in large bags in the freezer aisle, are a popular item for many Costco shoppers. When considering their gluten-free status, it is crucial to examine the ingredients and potential for cross-contamination.

Analyzing the Kirkland Ingredient List

The ingredients for Kirkland Signature Crispy French Fries include:

Potatoes
Vegetable Oil (containing canola, palm, soybean, sunflower)
Modified Food Starch (corn, tapioca)
Rice Flour
Salt
Dextrin
Leavening (disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate)
Xanthan Gum
Color (annatto)

Based on this list, there are no gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, or rye. The fries' crispy coating comes from rice flour and modified food starch, which are typically gluten-free. However, the ingredient 'dextrin' can sometimes be sourced from wheat, though in the US it is most often corn-based and highly processed. Under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), a product containing wheat dextrin would need to declare wheat on the label.

The All-Important Cross-Contamination Risk

While the ingredients may appear safe, the processing environment is a major concern for those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity. Kirkland Signature products are known to have a higher risk of cross-contact, and without a 'certified gluten-free' label, there is no guarantee that the fries were processed on dedicated gluten-free equipment. Many members of the celiac community on forums like Reddit advise caution with uncertified Kirkland products due to historical issues.

The Verdict on Costco Food Court Fries

In contrast to the frozen fries, the fries served in Costco's food court are decidedly not gluten-free. The primary reasons are:

Cross-Contamination: The fries are cooked in shared deep fryers that are also used for gluten-containing items like churros or chicken bakes. This is a significant cross-contamination risk that makes them unsafe for celiac patients.
Batter/Coating: The food court fries, similar to the Kirkland frozen variety, may have a crispy coating that, while possibly lacking obvious gluten ingredients, is not guaranteed safe due to processing concerns and potential ingredient sourcing changes.

Comparison: Costco Frozen vs. Food Court Fries

To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison table:


Feature	Kirkland Signature Frozen Extra Crispy Fries	Costco Food Court Fries
Availability	Freezer aisle of the warehouse	Prepared food court
Stated Gluten Status	Not labeled gluten-free	Not gluten-free
Key Ingredients	Potatoes, corn/tapioca starch, rice flour, dextrin, seasonings	Unknown, but includes batter/coating
Cross-Contamination	Possible, due to shared manufacturing facilities	High risk, due to shared deep fryers
Best For	People with moderate gluten sensitivity who are comfortable with uncertified products.	Those without any gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Worst For	Individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity.	All individuals with gluten-related disorders.

Safe Gluten-Free Fry Alternatives at Costco

Fortunately, Costco often carries several reliably gluten-free frozen potato products. A popular and certified gluten-free option is the Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries, which are explicitly labeled as gluten-free on the packaging. Many Costco locations also stock Tropicland Organic Sweet Potato Fries, which are also explicitly marked as certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

For those managing a gluten-free diet, especially due to celiac disease, vigilance is key. Always read product labels, understand the risks of cross-contamination, and prioritize certified gluten-free products where possible. The Kirkland Signature Extra Crispy frozen fries have a low inherent gluten risk based on ingredients, but an uncertified status means they carry a cross-contamination risk. In contrast, the Costco food court fries should be completely avoided due to shared fryers. By choosing certified alternatives like Ore-Ida or Tropicland, you can enjoy crispy fries with complete peace of mind.

This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for dietary guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the fries sold at the Costco food court are not considered gluten-free. They are cooked in shared deep fryers with other gluten-containing items, posing a high risk of cross-contamination.

No, Kirkland Signature Extra Crispy frozen fries are not certified gluten-free. While their ingredient list contains no obvious gluten, they are not processed in a dedicated gluten-free facility, making them a risk for those with celiac disease.

It is not recommended to consume the Kirkland frozen fries if you have celiac disease. The lack of a certified gluten-free label means there is a significant risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Dextrin can be sourced from various starches, including corn, tapioca, or wheat. In the US, if it's derived from wheat, it must be declared on the label. However, for maximum safety, products containing dextrin should be certified gluten-free.

Costco often carries Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries, which are explicitly labeled as gluten-free. They also sometimes offer certified gluten-free sweet potato fries, such as those from Tropicland.

The crispy coating on Kirkland frozen fries comes from rice flour and modified starches (corn and tapioca), not wheat flour. These ingredients, along with the cooking method, help achieve the desired crispy texture.

The most reliable way is to look for a 'certified gluten-free' label on the product packaging. This certification indicates that the product has been tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten and was processed in a controlled environment.