For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding gluten-free products at the grocery store can be a challenge. Kroger, one of the largest supermarket chains in the US, offers a wide selection of gluten-free items. But does Kroger have a dedicated gluten-free section? Let’s take a closer look.
What is gluten and why do some people need to avoid it?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten can cause serious health issues.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body mounts an attack against itself when gluten is ingested. This causes damage to the small intestine and can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and more. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes similar gastrointestinal symptoms when gluten is consumed.
The only treatment for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. This means avoiding any foods that contain gluten, including many breads, cereals, pastas and baked goods.
What foods are gluten-free?
While gluten-free versions of breads, pastas and other wheat-based foods are now widely available, there are many nutritious foods that are naturally gluten-free:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Fresh meats, fish and poultry
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Potatoes
- Beans, legumes and nuts
- Corn and corn-based products
- Amaranth
- Millet
- Sorghum
- Teff
There are many delicious and nutritious gluten-free recipes that focus on these whole, unprocessed foods. Following a balanced gluten-free diet is important for health.
Overview of Kroger’s gluten-free offerings
Kroger offers a wide variety of gluten-free products across its supermarket departments:
- Bakery: Gluten-free bread, bagels, muffins, cookies and more
- Pasta: Gluten-free pasta, noodles and wraps
- Cereal: Gluten-free oats, granola, muesli and cold cereals
- Snacks: Gluten-free pretzels, crackers, chips, popcorn, bars and snacks
- Frozen foods: Gluten-free waffles, pancakes, pizza and prepared meals
- Condiments: Gluten-free soy sauce, barbecue sauce, salad dressings, ketchup and more
- Special diet foods: Gluten-free flours, baking mixes and xanthan gum
Kroger also carries specialty gluten-free brands such as Udi’s, Glutino, Against the Grain, Canyon Bakehouse, Glutenberg and more. Their selection of gluten-free products has grown considerably over the years to meet increasing demand.
Does Kroger have a dedicated gluten-free section?
Unfortunately Kroger does not have a distinct gluten-free section or aisle in their stores. Gluten-free items are interspersed throughout the supermarket departments.
However, there are still ways to easily identify and find gluten-free products at Kroger:
- Look for shelf tags or signs that say “Gluten-Free”. These are placed in front of eligible items.
- Search the Kroger website or mobile app for gluten-free products.
- Ask an employee for help locating gluten-free items.
- Check endcaps for displays of new gluten-free products.
- Browse the natural foods section which often stocks many gluten-free brands.
Tips for shopping gluten-free at Kroger
Here are some helpful tips for safely finding gluten-free groceries at Kroger:
- Check labels carefully. Look for the words “gluten-free” clearly stated.
- Verify gluten-free certification symbols. Look for GFCO, Certified Gluten-Free, etc.
- Avoid potentially contaminated foods. Be wary of bulk bins, deli meats and other high-risk foods.
- Stick to naturally gluten-free foods. Shop the produce, meat and dairy sections.
- Talk to store management. Ask about dedicated gluten-free areas or new product stocking.
- Order online. Kroger’s ClickList allows you to shop online and pick up gluten-free groceries.
Gluten-free specialty products at Kroger
In addition to pantry staples and basics, Kroger also carries an expanding assortment of specialty gluten-free products:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Prepared Foods | Gluten-free frozen meals, pizza crusts, burritos, potstickers |
| Baking Mixes | Gluten-free cake, brownie, cookie, pancake and bread mixes |
| Flours & Grains | Gluten-free flours, oats, quinoa, teff, millet |
| Ethnic Foods | Gluten-free tamari, naan, tortillas, ramen noodles |
| Snack Foods | Gluten-free pretzels, crackers, granola bars, potato chips |
| Dairy Alternatives | Gluten-free almond milk, coconut milk yogurt, cheese |
New gluten-free products are frequently being added at Kroger, providing more choices for customers seeking gluten-free specialty items.
Kroger’s gluten-free private label brands
Kroger offers several store brand lines of gluten-free products under their Simple Truth and HemisFares labels:
- Simple Truth Gluten Free: All-purpose flour, bread, bagels, baked goods, pasta
- Simple Truth Organic Gluten Free: Oats, crackers, cookies, pizza crust
- HemisFares: Gluten-free international cuisine meals and sides
Simple Truth and HemisFares products are certified gluten-free and must adhere to strict standards. They provide affordable gluten-free options for shoppers on a budget.
Availability of gluten-free items at Kroger
The availability of gluten-free groceries can vary between Kroger locations. Larger Marketplace and Kroger signature stores tend to have wider selections.
However, even smaller Kroger stores and affiliates like Ralphs, Fred Meyer and Fry’s carry gluten-free basics like bread, pasta and crackers. speak to the store manager regarding getting more gluten-free items in stock.
Stock will also depend on customer demand in that area. Requesting specific products from store employees helps identify top gluten-free priorities.
Kroger’s gluten-free cooking aids
Kroger offers a variety of helpful gluten-free cooking aids to assist customers with meal preparation:
- Xanthan and guar gums – Thickeners to provide structure in gluten-free baking
- Cornstarch – Used as a thickener and binding agent
- Flaxseeds and chia seeds – Help bind gluten-free doughs
- Gluten-free non-stick cooking spray – Prevents sticking and aids release
- Parchment paper – Provides non-stick surface for baking
- Digital kitchen scale – Useful for precisely weighing gluten-free flours
These items make preparing gluten-free recipes much easier and improve the end results. They are stocked along with the specialty diet foods.
Is Kroger’s gluten-free food safe?
Kroger takes steps to provide safe gluten-free food for customers with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. These include:
- Supplier gluten-free verification
- Labeling review to ensure gluten-free statement
- Testing of in-house prepared gluten-free items
- Dedicated preparation areas in deli and bakery departments
- Worker training on gluten-free protocols
- Oversight of vendor stocking to avoid cross-contamination
However, there is always a small risk of trace gluten exposure. Customers with celiac disease should use their own judgment regarding comfort level with Kroger’s gluten-free food safety policies.
Steps to stay safe
Here are some extra tips for customers to stay gluten-free when shopping at Kroger:
- Wipe down cart handle with disinfecting wipes
- Bring your own shopping bags to avoid cross-contact
- Check out at designated gluten-free registers when available
- Wash all produce thoroughly at home to remove any traces of gluten
- Verify no cross-contamination during food preparation at home
Gluten-free deli options at Kroger
Kroger delis now provide some gluten-free lunch meats, cheeses and salad options:
- Gluten-free turkey, ham and roast beef slices
- Aged cheddar, Swiss, provolone cheese wedges
- Pre-packaged gluten-free tuna salad and chicken salad
- Salad bar items like veggies, eggs, chickpeas (avoid croutons)
There is potential for cross-contact at the deli counter. Make sure to clearly request gluten-free items and freshly sliced meats.
Tips for the deli
- Ask about dedicated slicers for gluten-free meats
- Avoid self-serve salad bar utensils
- Request new gloves before handling gluten-free items
Gluten-free bakery items at Kroger
Kroger bakeries provide gluten-free breads, cakes, cookies and snacks:
- Breads – sandwich, hamburger buns, bagels, rolls
- Muffins and scones
- Cakes – birthday, chocolate, vanilla
- Cookies – chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal
- Donuts
Always verify packaging states gluten-free. There is high risk of cross-contact in the bakery.
Tips for the bakery
- Ask about dedicated prep areas and tools
- Only buy pre-packaged baked goods
- Avoid self-serve bakery displays
- Request fresh bakery items from the back
Dining out gluten-free with Kroger
Kroger also operates food courts and restaurants located within some Marketplace stores. These eateries now offer several gluten-free options:
Kroger Marketplace Food Courts
- Salads with gluten-free dressing
- Burgers without a bun
- Grilled chicken breast
- Steamed vegetables
- Fresh fruit cups
Kroger Kitchen 1883 Restaurants
- Gluten-free pizza crust
- Grilled salmon
- Gluten-free pasta
- Desserts like flourless chocolate cake
Be sure to ask about gluten-free prep procedures and risk of cross-contact with order. Also clarify gluten-free status of salad dressings, seasonings and sauces.
Catering and online ordering with Kroger
Kroger also provides catering and online ordering options for shoppers through Kroger Personal Finance:
- Catering: Order gluten-free platters, sandwiches, salads and desserts for events.
- Online ordering: Shop the gluten-free category online and pick up in-store or opt for delivery.
This allows customers to order gluten-free dishes for large gatherings or pre-shop the dedicated gluten-free section online.
Overall verdict on Kroger
While Kroger does not have distinct gluten-free aisles, they provide ample gluten-free products through several store brands and specialty suppliers. Shoppers have access to gluten-free basics along with an increasing variety of specialty items. Those seeking gluten-free groceries can follow tips like reading labels carefully, verifying preparation procedures and using online ordering.
Kroger makes decent efforts to serve the gluten-free community. But always remember individual responsibility in verifying gluten-free status when safety is paramount.
The bottom line
Kroger has made great strides in expanding their gluten-free offerings across departments, providing customers with more choice and variety. While they currently do not have dedicated gluten-free sections, many resources exist to help shoppers safely identify gluten-free products. By being a careful label reader, asking questions and using services like online ordering, those avoiding gluten can successfully shop at Kroger.
