Does Costco Serve Gluten-Free Food? A Comprehensive Guide

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2020 study, the market for gluten-free products has seen significant growth, making major retailers like Costco key players in providing accessible options. So, does Costco serve gluten-free food? The answer is a resounding yes, offering a wide array of products throughout its warehouse.

Quick Summary

Costco provides numerous gluten-free options across its store, including dedicated products, naturally free foods, and some potentially safe food court items. This guide covers what to look for, highlighting specific products and precautions for shoppers.

Key Points

Variety: Costco offers a vast and growing selection of gluten-free products, from snacks to full meals.
Food Court Caution: The food court is high-risk for cross-contamination; avoid baked goods and exercise extreme caution with other items.
Trusted Brands: Look for well-known gluten-free brands and Costco's own Kirkland Signature products, many of which are explicitly labeled as gluten-free.
Label Reading: Always check product labels for explicit gluten-free claims and be wary of products with potential cross-contamination risks.
Seasonal Rotation: Be aware that Costco's product selection can change seasonally, so consistently check for your favorite gluten-free items.

Navigating Costco's Gluten-Free Aisles

Costco has become a haven for those following a gluten-free diet, primarily due to its bulk quantities and competitive pricing. Shoppers can find an impressive selection, though product availability can vary by location and season. The key to a successful gluten-free trip is knowing where to look and what labels to trust.

The Frozen and Refrigerated Sections

Frozen Pizza: Brands like Sabatasso's and Milton's offer certified gluten-free cauliflower crust pizzas, providing a quick and easy meal option.
Frozen Meals: Look for brands such as Real Good Foods, which frequently offers gluten-free frozen entrées like enchiladas. Ore-Ida Golden Tater Tots are also a reliable gluten-free freezer find.
Meats: The Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken is often a safe bet, as is the Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork and many fresh meat selections. It is still crucial to read the labels for any added marinades or seasonings.
Dairy: Beyond naturally gluten-free dairy, Costco stocks products like Three Bridges Egg Bites, which are explicitly labeled as gluten-free.

Pantry Staples and Snacks

Baking Mixes and Flours: Brands such as Namaste and King Arthur Flour provide gluten-free flour blends, pancake mixes, and baking ingredients in bulk. Kirkland Signature also offers its own superfine almond flour.
Pasta and Grains: Options include Banza chickpea pasta, Lotus Foods rice ramen, and various rice and quinoa packets from brands like Seeds of Change.
Snacks and Crackers: The snack aisle features a wide variety of explicitly labeled gluten-free items. Favorites include Crunchmaster multi-grain crackers, Simple Mills almond flour crackers, and Kirkland Signature Cashew Clusters.
Protein and Snack Bars: Kirkland Signature Protein Bars are certified gluten-free, as are many Kind and MadeGood products.

The Fresh Bakery and Produce

While the fresh bakery is a cross-contamination nightmare and should be avoided, the produce section offers a naturally gluten-free paradise. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and pre-packaged salads are safe choices, but shoppers should be wary of pre-made dressings or croutons that may contain gluten.

The Costco Food Court: A Word of Caution

The food court is a high-risk area for cross-contamination due to shared cooking surfaces and equipment. While some items may be gluten-free by ingredients, they are not recommended for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.

Food Court Risk Assessment


Item	Gluten-Free by Ingredient?	Cross-Contamination Risk	Recommendation
All-Beef Hot Dog (no bun)	Yes	High	Not recommended for Celiac
Polish Dog (no bun)	Yes	High	Not recommended for Celiac
Chicken Caesar Salad (no croutons)	Yes	Medium	Proceed with caution
Very Berry Sundae	Yes	Low	Potentially safe
All-Beef Hot Dog (with bun)	No	N/A	Contains gluten
Pizza	No	N/A	Contains gluten
Chicken Bake	No	N/A	Contains gluten

Note: Even for items with low risk, such as the Very Berry Sundae, equipment can be shared, so it's best to confirm with staff or avoid entirely if cross-contamination is a concern.

Label Reading and Celiac Safety

For those with celiac disease, reading labels is paramount. While many products are marked gluten-free, some may contain "natural flavors" or "yeast extract" derived from wheat. A certified gluten-free label from an organization like GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) is the most reliable indicator of a product's safety. Always read the fine print, especially on Kirkland Signature products, as formulations can change.

Conclusion: Costco Serves the Gluten-Free Community

Costco undeniably serves gluten-free food, offering a wide and ever-evolving selection of products suitable for a gluten-free lifestyle. From pantry staples to frozen meals and snacks, the options for bulk purchasing are plentiful and budget-friendly. However, exercising caution is essential, particularly in the high-risk food court, where cross-contamination is a significant concern. By being a diligent label reader and knowing which areas to navigate with care, those with gluten sensitivities can shop with confidence.

A Note on Cross-Contamination

For individuals with celiac disease or other severe gluten sensitivities, even small amounts of gluten can cause adverse reactions. Always be aware of your level of sensitivity and take appropriate precautions. For a detailed guide on reading food labels and other resources, organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation provide excellent information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many sources indicate that the Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken is gluten-free by ingredients, but it's always best to double-check the label for any changes in the seasoning.

No, the in-store bakery is a high-risk area for cross-contamination. It is not advisable for individuals with celiac disease to consume any items from this section.

While the fries themselves may be made of potatoes, the shared fryer environment presents a very high risk of cross-contamination with other gluten-containing items like the chicken bake. For celiac safety, it's best to avoid them.

Yes, Costco typically carries several gluten-free flour brands, such as Namaste and King Arthur, often sold in large, budget-friendly bags.

The most reliable method is to read labels carefully for a 'certified gluten-free' mark. Many items are also grouped, and seasonal product listings can be found online or by asking an employee.

The Very Berry Sundae is generally considered gluten-free by ingredients. However, as with all food court items, there's a risk of cross-contamination from the shared environment.

Most Kirkland Signature products with a gluten-free claim are safe, especially if they carry a certification from an organization like GFCO. However, always check the label for each specific product, as ingredients and certifications can change.