Are Macarons Gluten-Free from Costco?

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Gluten Intolerance Group, products certified as gluten-free must contain 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten or less. So, are macarons gluten-free from Costco? The answer is often yes, as many brands sold at the warehouse retailer are explicitly labeled as a gluten-free product, but careful verification is still essential.

Quick Summary

The article explains that many macaron products sold at Costco, including those from brands like Tipiak and Le Chic Patissier, are certified and labeled as gluten-free. It highlights the importance of checking packaging for specific ingredients and cross-contamination warnings, even with naturally gluten-free products.

Key Points

Check the Label: Always read the packaging on Costco's macarons, as brands like Tipiak and Le Chic Patissier are labeled gluten-free.
Potential for Cross-Contamination: While ingredients are often gluten-free, be aware that industrial production facilities may pose a risk of cross-contamination for highly sensitive individuals.
Traditional Recipe is Naturally Gluten-Free: Authentic macarons are made from almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, which are naturally gluten-free ingredients.
Differentiation from Competitors: Unlike some other store-bought versions (e.g., Trader Joe's), Costco's commonly stocked macaron brands are explicitly gluten-free.
Homemade Offers Ultimate Control: For complete certainty and avoidance of all potential contamination, baking your own macarons at home is the safest option.
Limited Selection vs. High Quality: Costco offers a more limited, but affordable, selection, while dedicated bakeries offer higher quality and more variety at a higher cost.

Are Costco Macarons Safe for a Gluten-Free Diet?

For individuals following a gluten-free diet, the assurance of safety is paramount, especially when purchasing mass-produced food items. While the traditional macaron recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients like almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, store-bought varieties require closer inspection. The good news for Costco shoppers is that the macarons they typically stock are explicitly labeled as gluten-free, with brands such as Tipiak and Le Chic Patissier consistently appearing in their frozen dessert section. However, this isn't a universal green light. The main concerns lie in potential recipe variations and the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.

The Ingredients That Make Macarons Gluten-Free

Authentic French macarons are composed of a few simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients. This basic recipe is why many assume all macarons are safe for a gluten-free diet. The key ingredients are:

Almond Flour: Ground almonds provide the main structure of the delicate shells.
Egg Whites: Whipped egg whites, or meringue, create the light and airy texture.
Powdered Sugar: Used for sweetening the shells.
Granulated Sugar: Stabilizes the meringue.
Fillings: Common fillings like jam or ganache are typically gluten-free, though some variations like cookies and cream could introduce gluten.

Why You Still Need to Check the Label

Despite the traditional recipe, not all mass-produced macarons adhere strictly to these ingredients. Some manufacturers, particularly those in large-scale facilities that process a wide array of products, may introduce gluten-containing additives for various reasons, such as texture or preservation. The only way to be certain is to read the ingredient list on the packaging. For instance, while most of Costco's macarons are safe, a competitor's product, like Trader Joe's macarons, has historically contained wheat-derived ingredients, making them unsafe. Always assume a store-bought version may contain hidden gluten unless the label states otherwise.

Understanding the Risk of Cross-Contamination

Beyond the ingredients themselves, cross-contamination is a significant concern for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. A product might be made with gluten-free ingredients but processed in a facility that also handles wheat flour. This can lead to small, but potentially harmful, amounts of gluten making their way into the final product.

Here’s what you need to know about cross-contamination risk:

Shared Equipment: Is the gluten-free item made on the same lines as products containing gluten? Reputable manufacturers will have strict protocols in place to prevent this, but the risk is rarely zero.
Shared Airspace: In a bakery setting, airborne flour can be a major source of contamination. This is less of a concern with pre-packaged, frozen products from a factory setting.
Packaging Warnings: Look for disclaimers like “May contain traces of wheat” on the packaging. This is a red flag for individuals with high sensitivity.

Costco’s macaron suppliers often adhere to rigorous standards and provide clear labeling. For example, brands imported from Europe often specify “gluten-free,” indicating a higher level of assurance than a product simply made with gluten-free ingredients in a less-controlled environment.

Comparing Costco Macarons to Other Brands

For those who are extremely cautious, exploring dedicated gluten-free bakeries or specialty online stores might be a better option. Here is a comparison of typical store-bought macarons versus specialty options.


Feature	Costco Macarons (e.g., Tipiak)	Dedicated Gluten-Free Macaron Shops (e.g., Pastreez)
Price	Typically much lower due to bulk purchasing.	Higher price point reflects artisanal production and premium ingredients.
Variety	Limited, seasonal rotation of flavors.	Extensive, with creative and custom flavor options.
Quality	Good quality for a mass-produced product; designed for a long frozen shelf life.	Often higher quality, using fresh, all-natural ingredients.
Allergen Control	High likelihood of being made in a mixed-facility, but labeled gluten-free.	Often produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities with no cross-contamination risk.
Sourcing	Imported from Europe (e.g., Belgium, France).	Sourced locally with a focus on fresh, high-quality materials.
Convenience	Readily available in store or via same-day delivery services.	Typically available online with shipping, which may be more costly.

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Macarons

For ultimate peace of mind and control over ingredients, making macarons at home is an excellent option. The traditional recipe is naturally gluten-free, and you can ensure that your kitchen is free of gluten-containing products. The process, while challenging, is rewarding and eliminates any uncertainty regarding allergens.

Essential Tips for Baking Gluten-Free Macarons at Home:

Use a Food Processor: Blend your almond flour and powdered sugar to a very fine consistency before sifting. This creates the smooth macaron shell texture.
Clean Equipment: Ensure all your bowls, spatulas, and mixing attachments are clean and grease-free. A dab of lemon juice or vinegar on a paper towel can help wipe down surfaces.
Proper Macaronage: The folding technique, or "macaronage," is crucial. Stop mixing when the batter has a lava-like consistency that ribbons off the spatula.
Check the Filling: If you are not making a simple ganache or jam, be sure any extra fillings like sprinkles or cookies are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion: Navigating Costco for a Safe Gluten-Free Treat

So, are macarons gluten-free from Costco? Yes, the packaged macarons carried at Costco are almost always labeled and intended to be gluten-free. Brands like Tipiak and Le Chic Patissier explicitly state this on their boxes. However, for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, the possibility of cross-contamination in the manufacturing facility always exists, even with careful production practices. It is crucial to read the entire label and check for any "may contain" warnings. For the highest level of certainty, consider sourcing from a dedicated gluten-free bakery or making your own. For many, however, Costco's convenient and affordable gluten-free macaron option is a trusted and delicious choice.

Check current availability of macarons at Costco via their same-day delivery service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many of the macaron products sold at Costco, such as those from Tipiak and Le Chic Patissier, are explicitly labeled as gluten-free on their packaging. These manufacturers follow strict guidelines to ensure their product meets gluten-free standards.

While the product is labeled gluten-free, cross-contamination is a potential concern for those with severe sensitivities or celiac disease. Large-scale manufacturers may produce other products containing gluten in the same facility. Always read the packaging for any 'may contain' statements.

Traditional macarons are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, including almond flour, egg whites, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar. The filling is also typically gluten-free, such as jam or ganache.

Store-bought macarons can have ingredients added for preservation or flavor that contain gluten. For example, a cookies and cream flavor may include gluten-containing cookies. Always verify the full ingredient list.

No, they are different desserts. Macarons are meringue-based French sandwich cookies, while macaroons are chewy coconut-based confections. While macarons are often gluten-free, you must verify the ingredients for both types of treats.

People with celiac disease can often enjoy Costco's packaged macarons, which are labeled gluten-free. However, due to the potential for cross-contamination in large factory settings, those with high sensitivity should proceed with caution and may prefer products from dedicated gluten-free facilities.

The gluten-free label on the box covers the entire product, including the filling. Manufacturers like Tipiak and Le Chic Patissier ensure that all components are gluten-free, including the ganache or jam filling. Reading the ingredient list will confirm this.