Is Costco Soup Gluten-Free? A Guide to Making Safe Choices

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

In September 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture warned that Kirkland Signature chicken tortilla soup had been mistakenly labeled gluten-free, leading to a public health advisory. This incident proves why anyone asking, "Is Costco soup gluten-free?" must always exercise caution and thoroughly verify product information.

Quick Summary

Assessing if Costco's prepared soups are safe for a gluten-free diet requires careful label reading and awareness of potential cross-contamination. While some products may be explicitly labeled gluten-free, shoppers should verify ingredients and be cautious, especially regarding Kirkland Signature soups.

Key Points

Always Check the Label: Do not rely on past experiences. Product formulations and labeling can change, so scrutinize the ingredients and allergen warnings on every purchase.
Beware of Mislabeling: A 2023 incident with Kirkland Signature chicken tortilla soup proves that products can be mistakenly labeled as gluten-free, so caution is warranted.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk: Even if ingredients appear safe, shared equipment and facilities in manufacturing processes present a risk. The "may contain" statement warns of this.
Consider Third-Party Certifications: Products with a "Certified Gluten-Free" logo have undergone testing and offer greater assurance against gluten content below 20ppm.
Homemade is the Safest Option: For complete control and zero cross-contamination risk, making soup from scratch using known gluten-free ingredients is the most reliable path.
Food Court Soups are Unsafe: Due to high cross-contamination risk, the Costco food court is not a reliable source for gluten-free soups.

Navigating the aisles of a Costco warehouse is an exercise in bulk buying and product discovery, but for individuals on a gluten-free diet, it also requires a vigilant eye. The question of whether Costco soup is gluten-free is not a simple yes or no, as products and labeling can change. A notable past mislabeling event serves as a critical reminder for all gluten-free shoppers.

The Cautionary Tale of Kirkland Chicken Tortilla Soup

In September 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a public health warning for tubs of Kirkland Signature Chicken Tortilla Soup that were incorrectly labeled as gluten-free. The product, sold in several states, contained undeclared gluten, posing a significant risk to individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Costco promptly removed the product from shelves, and consumers were advised to return or discard any remaining tubs. This event, which was classified as a misbranding issue rather than a recall, highlights a serious concern: even products that appear to be safely labeled may have errors.

Reading Labels: Your First Line of Defense

For anyone managing celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, the label is your most important tool. Do not rely solely on a "gluten-free" claim on the front of the packaging, as the 2023 incident proves it can be wrong. You must always read the ingredient list on the back. Celiac organizations offer clear guidance on what to look for:

Check the Allergen Statement: Look for a "Contains: Wheat" statement, which will quickly tell you if the product is unsafe. Note that barley and rye are not always required in this list.
Scan the Ingredients: Read the full ingredient list for key gluten sources like wheat, rye, barley, malt, brewer's yeast, and unless specifically labeled otherwise, oats. Be wary of ingredient derivatives like malt vinegar or hydrolyzed wheat protein.
Understand "May Contain": Some labels include a "may contain" warning for cross-contamination risks. This indicates the product is processed on shared equipment or in a shared facility. The significance of this warning is a personal risk assessment, but for those with high sensitivity, avoiding these items is recommended.

Identifying Potentially Safe Costco Soups

While the Kirkland Signature brand has had issues, other brands sold at Costco offer verified gluten-free options. These can change with product rotation and regional availability, so in-store verification is a must. A popular example is the Blount Clam Shack gluten-free New England Clam Chowder, which has been positively noted by gluten-free shoppers. It is essential to check the current packaging each time you purchase to ensure the formulation hasn't changed.

Costco Food Court Soup Options

While the food court is a popular stop, it is generally considered unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity due to the high risk of cross-contamination. While some items, like the berry sundae or acai bowl, are inherently gluten-free, soups are not a standard gluten-free option and should be avoided.

Reliable Gluten-Free Soup Alternatives at Costco

If you prefer to avoid the risk associated with some prepared soups, Costco stocks other reliable gluten-free options that can form the basis of a safe, quick meal. Brands like Kevin's Natural Foods offer paleo and typically gluten-free meals in the refrigerated section. You can also find certified gluten-free products like gluten-free pasta and various broths to build your own safe soup at home.

The Ultimate Safe Bet: Making Your Own Soup

For complete control over ingredients and peace of mind regarding cross-contamination, making your own soup from scratch is the best option. Many simple, homemade gluten-free soup recipes are available, such as Broccoli Cheddar or Cream of Mushroom, that are delicious and easy to prepare. This allows you to use your own certified ingredients, including gluten-free broth and flour, to create a completely safe meal.

Comparison: Homemade vs. Costco Prepared Soups


Feature	Homemade Soup	Costco Prepared Soup
Control over Ingredients	Complete control; can use certified ingredients.	Limited control; must trust manufacturer and labeling.
Cross-Contamination Risk	Extremely low if cooked in a dedicated GF kitchen.	Varies by manufacturer; risk is present in shared facilities.
Convenience	Requires time for preparation and cooking.	Convenient, ready-to-heat meal.
Reliability	Very high; you know exactly what is in your food.	Moderate to low; requires constant verification of packaging.

What to Remember When Shopping for GF Soup at Costco

Verify the label every time. Do not assume a product is safe just because it was last month. Product formulations can and do change.
Prioritize Certified GF products. If a product has a third-party certification symbol, it has undergone testing and is generally a safer bet.
Be aware of seasonal and regional products. Costco's stock is not uniform across all locations. What is available in one area may not be in another.
Consider safer alternatives. If no pre-made soup seems reliable, look for other GF options like Kevin's meals or ingredients to make soup at home.

Conclusion

While Costco offers a wide array of products, the question of whether its prepared soup is gluten-free is complex. Past mislabeling incidents and the inherent risk of cross-contamination mean that vigilance is essential. By learning to read labels carefully, being aware of safer alternatives, and embracing homemade options, gluten-free shoppers can navigate Costco's soup section with confidence and safety.

Understanding Gluten-Free Labels from the Celiac Disease Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in September 2023, the USDA issued a public health alert for tubs of Kirkland Signature chicken tortilla soup. It was incorrectly labeled as gluten-free and contained undeclared gluten, though it was a misbranding issue, not a formal recall.

You should always verify the ingredients list and allergen statement. While labeling is generally reliable, the 2023 incident with Kirkland soup shows that errors can occur, so diligent checking is necessary for safety.

Yes, products vary by location, but some Costco stores carry brands known for gluten-free products. For example, some have stocked Blount Clam Shack's gluten-free New England Clam Chowder.

No, the Costco food court environment has a high risk of cross-contamination and should be considered unsafe for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. There are no safe, certified gluten-free soup options available there.

Read the ingredients list thoroughly for barley, rye, malt, and other gluten-containing ingredients. Be mindful of "natural flavors" or "modified food starch" which can sometimes contain gluten. Checking for a Certified Gluten-Free logo is a strong indicator of safety.

Some Kirkland Signature broths, like the Organic Chicken Stock, are labeled as gluten-free. As always, verify the label at the time of purchase to confirm its current status.

The safest method is to purchase separate, certified gluten-free ingredients, like broth and vegetables, and make your own soup from scratch at home to ensure there is no cross-contamination.