Does Whole Foods Have Gluten-Free Cookies?

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, approximately 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder triggered by consuming gluten. For these individuals, and many others with gluten sensitivity, finding delicious cookies that are safe to eat is a top priority. Whole Foods Market is a well-known destination for specialty dietary items, including a vast array of gluten-free treats, especially cookies.

Quick Summary

Whole Foods Market provides a broad range of certified gluten-free cookies, available from both the in-house brand 365 and various specialty brands. Options can be found in the dedicated gluten-free aisle, the refrigerated section, and the bakehouse. Selection includes ready-to-eat cookies, baking mixes, and refrigerated dough.

Key Points

• Yes, Whole Foods stocks many gluten-free cookies: The market offers an extensive selection for customers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

• Look in multiple store sections: Find gluten-free options in the dedicated gluten-free aisle, the refrigerated section, and sometimes from the in-house bakehouse.

• In-house brands include options: The 365 by Whole Foods Market brand carries certified gluten-free cookie mixes and other baked goods.

• Many specialty brands are available: Popular third-party gluten-free brands such as Tate's, Maxine's Heavenly, and Partake Foods are typically found at Whole Foods.

• Always check for certification: For severe allergies, look for the Certified Gluten-Free label and read ingredient lists to avoid cross-contamination risk.

• Ask team members for assistance: For questions, especially regarding in-store bakery items, speak with a Whole Foods team member.

Yes, Whole Foods Market provides a substantial assortment of gluten-free cookies, catering to customers with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and those following a gluten-free diet. Shoppers can find these products throughout the store, including in the dedicated gluten-free aisle, within the refrigerated and frozen sections, and sometimes from the in-house bakehouse. The options range from ready-to-eat packaged cookies to bake-at-home mixes and refrigerated dough. This robust selection is part of the store's commitment to accommodating various special dietary needs, ensuring that sweet treats are accessible to everyone.

Popular Gluten-Free Cookie Brands at Whole Foods

Whole Foods carries an impressive selection of third-party brands that specialize in gluten-free products, offering a variety of flavors and styles. The in-house 365 by Whole Foods Market brand also features several certified gluten-free products.

Featured Brands:

• 365 by Whole Foods Market: The store's private label includes certified gluten-free options like cookie mixes and frozen desserts with cookie dough. Checking the ingredients is always a best practice, but many 365 items are explicitly labeled and third-party tested for gluten content below 20 ppm.
• Tate's Bake Shop: Known for its signature thin and crispy texture, Tate's offers several gluten-free versions of its popular cookies, including Chocolate Chip.
• Maxine's Heavenly Cookies: This brand provides certified gluten-free cookies in flavors like Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin.
• Partake Foods: A brand specializing in allergy-friendly foods, Partake offers certified gluten-free and vegan cookies, including Chocolate Chip and other flavors.
• Enjoy Life Foods: These products are free from 14 common allergens, including gluten, and are found at Whole Foods. They offer mini chocolate chips for baking, which are perfect for homemade cookies.
• HighKey: This brand focuses on low-carb and keto-friendly products and offers miniature chocolate chip cookies that are also gluten-free.
• Goodie Girl: A popular brand with gluten-free versions of classic cookies, such as Mint Cookies and Fudge Striped Cookies.

Whole Foods' Own Bakehouse

For an extra treat, some Whole Foods locations feature an in-house, dedicated Gluten-Free Bakehouse. Products from the WFM Gluten Free Bakehouse are made in a separate area to minimize cross-contamination and can include items like peanut butter cookies and vanilla confetti cake. It is always recommended to verify with a store team member about the status of the bakery, as not all locations offer this service. The bakehouse provides delicious options baked fresh in-store, which can be a real treat for gluten-free shoppers.

Where to find gluten-free cookies in the store

To successfully locate gluten-free cookies, shoppers should check a few key areas within Whole Foods:

• The Dedicated Gluten-Free Aisle: Many stores have a specific aisle or section for gluten-free items, typically marked clearly. This is where you will find most packaged brands like Tate's, Partake, and Goodie Girl.
• The Bakery Department: While traditional bakery cases contain gluten, check for pre-packaged, clearly labeled gluten-free products. The WFM Gluten Free Bakehouse items are often stocked in a separate display to prevent cross-contamination.
• The Refrigerated/Frozen Section: Look for refrigerated cookie dough from brands like Sweet Loren's, which offers gluten-free and dairy-free options. The frozen desserts section also includes gluten-free treats, such as non-dairy cookie dough ice cream from 365 by Whole Foods.

Gluten-Free Cookie Availability: What to Check

Location in Store	Common Products	Brands to Look For	Allergen Information
Dedicated Aisle	Packaged cookies, crackers, snacks	Tate's, Maxine's Heavenly, Partake Foods, Goodie Girl	Certified Gluten-Free on packaging
In-Store Bakery	Pre-packaged cookies, cakes, cupcakes	WFM Gluten Free Bakehouse	Baked in a dedicated, separate area
Refrigerated Section	Refrigerated cookie dough	Sweet Loren's	Often dairy-free as well as gluten-free
Frozen Foods	Frozen cookie dough, desserts	365 by Whole Foods Market, ice cream	Certified Gluten-Free labels, check for 'non-dairy' status

Tips for Safe Gluten-Free Shopping

For those with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease, mindful shopping is essential. While Whole Foods takes great care to label its products, some common practices will ensure your cookies are safe to consume.

Always check the labels

Even with a clear "gluten-free" label, it is important to review the ingredient list for any potential hidden sources of gluten or allergen cross-contamination warnings. While Whole Foods verifies gluten-free claims for its products, understanding the label is the consumer's responsibility. The FDA mandates that a gluten-free product must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, which is an industry standard.

Ask a team member

If you have any doubts about a specific product, especially items from the in-house bakery, do not hesitate to ask a Whole Foods team member. They can provide clarification on the production process and help locate items.

The Whole Foods Difference

Whole Foods Market is distinguished from other grocery stores by its thorough approach to special dietary needs. By verifying and labeling products and providing dedicated gluten-free options, they offer peace of mind to many shoppers. The variety available goes beyond a single type of cookie, offering flavors and textures to suit every palate. Whether you prefer a soft-baked almond cookie or a crispy chocolate chip, there is likely a gluten-free option waiting for you.

Conclusion

In summary, yes, Whole Foods absolutely has gluten-free cookies, and the selection is both diverse and high-quality. From their own certified 365 line and bakehouse options to a broad array of third-party brands, finding a safe and delicious gluten-free cookie is an easy task. By understanding the different locations within the store and reviewing labels, individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease can confidently enjoy a sweet treat. The store's commitment to special dietary needs makes it a top destination for gluten-free grocery shopping. You can find more information about shopping for a gluten-free diet on the official Whole Foods Market website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the cookies from the Whole Foods bakehouse guaranteed gluten-free?

Some Whole Foods locations have a dedicated Gluten-Free Bakehouse that bakes products in a separate area to prevent cross-contamination. However, it is essential to check with a store team member to confirm if the specific bakery items were produced in a dedicated gluten-free environment.

Can I find gluten-free cookie dough at Whole Foods?

Yes, Whole Foods carries refrigerated gluten-free cookie dough from various brands like Sweet Loren's in the refrigerated or dairy section. The 365 by Whole Foods Market brand also offers gluten-free frozen desserts featuring cookie dough.

Does the 365 by Whole Foods Market brand offer gluten-free cookies?

Yes, the 365 private label includes certified gluten-free products such as baking mixes and sometimes prepared cookies, with labels verifying third-party testing.

Is 'wheat-free' the same as 'gluten-free' at Whole Foods?

No, a 'wheat-free' label does not guarantee a product is 'gluten-free.' A product may still contain other gluten-containing grains like barley or rye. Always look for the specific 'Gluten-Free' certification on the packaging.

Where is the best place to start looking for gluten-free cookies in the store?

The most reliable place to start is the store's dedicated gluten-free aisle, which is often clearly marked and contains the widest range of packaged, certified gluten-free products.

Does Whole Foods verify the gluten-free status of its products?

Yes, Whole Foods ensures that all products with a 'gluten-free' claim on its own brands, and those with a 'gluten-free' shelf tag, are verified to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.

Are there vegan and gluten-free cookies available?

Yes, many gluten-free brands carried by Whole Foods also offer vegan options. For instance, Partake Foods specializes in allergy-friendly products that are both gluten-free and vegan. Always check the specific product label for both 'gluten-free' and 'vegan' certifications.