Gluten-free diets are becoming increasingly popular, driven by rising rates of celiac disease diagnosis as well as gluten intolerance and sensitivity. For those who need to or choose to avoid gluten, navigating food labels and understanding what products are safe can be challenging. Store brand cookies in particular often lack clear gluten-free labeling compared to their name brand counterparts. This article provides a comprehensive guide to gluten-free store brand cookies from major grocery chains across the United States.
What is gluten and why do some people need to avoid it?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder, consuming gluten causes damage to the small intestine. It can also lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and fatigue. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
Others may have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity. While not as serious as celiac disease, ingesting gluten can still cause gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort. People with other autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis often report improvements on a gluten-free diet as well.
No matter the reason, finding tasty gluten-free snacks like cookies can be a challenge. Store brand gluten-free cookies provide an affordable option for those managing gluten intake.
What to look for when identifying gluten-free cookies
When evaluating store brand cookies for gluten content, check the ingredient list and allergen information for these clues:
- Contains a “gluten-free” claim on the front of the package
- Lists wheat, barley, rye or malt as ingredients
- Indicates the presence of wheat, barley or rye in the “Contains” allergen statement
- Made in a facility that also processes wheat – may contain traces of gluten
- No gluten ingredients or allergen warnings – likely gluten-free
Certifications like the GFCO (Gluten Free Certification Organization) label also provide third party assurance of less than 10ppm of gluten. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer to inquire about testing and protocols to avoid cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Store Brand Cookies by Grocery Chain
Here is a detailed list of gluten-free cookie options from major grocery store chains:
Aldi
- LiveGFree Vanilla Cremes
- LiveGFree Chocolate Chip Cookies
- LiveGFree Sugar Cookies
- LiveGFree Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- LiveGFree Snack Bites
Aldi’s LiveGFree line of cookies are certified gluten-free to <10ppm. Their chocolate chip and sugar cookie varieties are favorites.
Costco
- Kirkland Signature Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars
- Nature’s Bakery Double Chocolate Brownie Bars
Costco offers several gluten-free cookie options under their Kirkland Signature brand and Nature’s Bakery. The soft-baked chocolate chunk cookies are a beloved classic.
Publix
- Publix Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Publix GreenWise Market Double Chocolate Cookies
- Publix GreenWise Market Lemon Cookies
Publix grocery stores provide fresh-baked gluten-free chocolate chip cookies daily in the bakery. Their GreenWise brand of chocolate and lemon cookies are also gluten-free.
Trader Joe’s
- Gluten Free Crispy Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Gluten Free Joe Joe’s
- Gluten Free Animal Crackers
Crispy, thin gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are a Trader Joe’s specialty. Their Joe Joe’s are similar to an Oreo cookie, while the animal crackers make a great snack.
Target
- Good & Gather Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Good & Gather Sugar Cookies
- Favorite Day Maple Cookies
- Favorite Day Vanilla Cookies
Target’s gluten-free private label brands Good & Gather and Favorite Day offer an array of cookie options like classic chocolate chip and maple flavored.
Walmart
- Great Value Deluxe Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Great Value Sugar Cookies
- Krusteaz Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Look for Walmart’s Great Value brand of gluten-free chocolate chip and sugar cookies. They also stock popular brand Krusteaz gluten-free cookies.
Whole Foods
- 365 Vanilla Snaps
- 365 Chocolate Sandwich Cremes
- 365 Chocolate Chip Cookies
Whole Foods’ 365 private label has several gluten-free cookie options like crispy vanilla snaps and chocolate creme sandwich cookies.
Regional Grocery Chains
Regional grocery store chains like Kroger, Safeway, Stop & Shop, Giant, and more also offer store brand gluten-free cookies including:
- Simple Truth Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Signature Select Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Safeway Kitchens Sugar Cookies
- Nature’s Promise Double Chocolate Brownie Bites
Check your local grocery store bakery and natural foods section for available gluten-free cookie brands and varieties. Online grocery delivery services like Instacart also allow you to search and filter for gluten-free options.
Best Practices for Avoiding Gluten Exposure
When selecting store brand gluten-free cookies, keep these tips in mind:
- Check for certifications like the GFCO label for 3rd party testing
- Look for brands manufactured in dedicated gluten-free facilities when possible
- Communicate with store bakeries about dedicated workspaces and avoidance of cross-contamination
- Inspect packaging for any signs of damage prior to purchasing
- Wash hands immediately after consuming to avoid trace gluten transfer
Following a gluten-free diet requires vigilance. With proper precautions, store brand cookies can be a tasty gluten-free dessert option.
Gluten-Free Cookie Recipes to Bake from Scratch
For those who prefer to bake gluten-free cookies at home, many classic recipes can be adapted:
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter or margarine | 1 cup |
| White sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Eggs | 1 |
| Vanilla | 1 tsp |
| Gluten-free all purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Chocolate chips | 12 oz package |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheets.
- Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1 cup |
| White sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla | 1 tsp |
| Eggs | 1 |
| Gluten-free all purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, white and brown sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in vanilla and egg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake 8-10 minutes until lightly browned.
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla | 1 tsp |
| Egg | 1 |
| Gluten-free all purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and egg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheets.
- Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned on edges.
Following basic gluten-free substitutions, most classic cookie recipes can be adapted to be gluten-free. When baking, look for gluten-free all-purpose flour blends to substitute 1:1 for regular wheat flour. Always read labels to confirm ingredients are gluten-free.
Ready to Eat Gluten-Free Cookie Dough
For the ultimate convenience, several brands now offer ready to eat gluten-free cookie dough:
- Pillsbury Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Nestle Toll House Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Annie’s Homegrown Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Immaculate Baking Company Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
These refrigerated cookie doughs allow you to enjoy the experience of fresh-baked gluten-free cookies without the work. Just slice and bake as needed right from the package.
Conclusion
Following a gluten-free diet opens the door to a wide world of exotic whole grains, nut flours, starches and alternative baking options. But sometimes you just crave a simple, familiar cookie. Fortunately, stores now offer an array of gluten-free cookies to satisfy any sweet tooth. With proper label reading and preventative measures, store brand cookies can provide a tasty gluten-free treat. Of course, baking your own gluten-free cookies allows for total control over ingredients and avoids cross-contamination concerns. With the boom in quality gluten-free flours and cookie doughs, going gluten-free no longer means giving up your favorite baked goods.
