Where is gluten free bread in Costco?

Finding gluten-free products at Costco can be challenging for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Costco offers a limited selection of gluten-free items compared to traditional grocery stores. However, Costco does carry some gluten-free bread options, though availability varies by location. Here’s an overview of where to find gluten-free bread in Costco and which brands to look for.

Is gluten-free bread available at Costco?

Yes, Costco does sell some gluten-free bread options, though selection is limited compared to traditional supermarkets. The availability of specific gluten-free bread brands and types will vary by Costco warehouse location. Some locations may have a decent variety, while others may only carry one or two options.

The most commonly found gluten-free breads at Costco are sandwich/deli-style sliced breads, bagels, and sometimes gluten-free wraps or buns. Loaves of gluten-free sandwich bread are typically found in the regular bread aisle, while bagels and buns may be in the freezer section.

What brands of gluten-free bread does Costco sell?

Some of the major gluten-free bread brands sold at Costco include:

  • Canyon Bakehouse – Loaves of sliced sandwich bread, bagels, and buns
  • Schar – Sliced sandwich bread and rolls
  • Udi’s – Sliced bread loaves, bagels, wraps, and buns
  • Kinnikinnick – Sliced bread, bagels, and donuts
  • Against the Grain – Bagels, rolls, pizza crust
  • BFree – Wraps

The assortment will vary by location. Canyon Bakehouse, Udi’s, and Schar brand items are most commonly found. Kinnikinnick, Against the Grain, and BFree may be carried at some warehouses but are less consistently stocked.

Where is gluten-free bread located in Costco?

Finding where gluten-free bread is shelved at Costco requires some searching, as it’s never with the regular breads. Here are the typical locations:

  • Gluten-free sliced bread loaves are usually on a designated gluten-free shelf in the back corner of the bakery section, near the cakes.
  • Bagels and bagel thins are typically in the freezer section near other frozen breakfast foods.
  • Buns and sandwich rolls may either be on the gluten-free shelf or in the freezer.
  • Gluten-free wraps are usually found along with other wraps near the deli meats and cheeses.

Ask at the service desk if you are having trouble locating the gluten-free breads. Warehouse staff can check current inventory and lead you to the right location. The selection is always changing, so brands and availability will vary from visit to visit.

Tips for finding gluten-free bread at Costco

Follow these tips when shopping for gluten-free bread options at Costco:

  • Check manufacturer websites first to see which stores they supply. This can provide insight into which brands may be available.
  • Aim for early morning visits within a day or two of deliveries to maximize fresh selection.
  • Ask customer service if they have any additional gluten-free items in the back stockroom.
  • If a desired item is out of stock, ask staff when they expect to get more in.
  • Shop early in designated gluten-free sale events for the best selection.
  • Inspect packaging carefully and avoid open packages which may be contaminated.

With some work, those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can usually find enough options to make Costco a worthwhile place to shop for gluten-free breads and other items. Paying close attention to locations in the warehouse and seeking help from staff can make the search much easier. Being flexible across brands and types of bread products also helps in navigating Costco’s inconsistent gluten-free offerings.

Gluten-free bread varieties sold at Costco

While selection is limited compared to traditional grocers, Costco does carry a range of different gluten-free bread types from leading brands:

Sandwich bread

  • Sliced sandwich loaves – white, multigrain
  • Round or oval sandwich loaves – white, whole grain
  • Short or tall sandwich loaves
  • Sandwich buns – hamburger, hot dog

Breakfast breads

  • Bagels – plain, everything, sesame, cinnamon raisin
  • English muffins
  • Donuts

Other breads

  • Wraps
  • Pizza crust
  • Bread rolls – dinner rolls, sandwich rolls, hot dog buns
  • Specialty loaves – cinnamon swirl, cheese, fruit and nut

While selection is minimal compared to gluten-free specialty stores, Costco does carry a diverse range of basic gluten-free bread styles from leading brands to meet a variety of needs. Availability of specific items varies widely across locations and timing.

Costco gluten-free bread prices

One advantage of Costco is that prices on gluten-free items are often lower compared to traditional grocery stores. Here are some typical price points for gluten-free bread at Costco:

Gluten-Free Bread Item Typical Costco Price
Sliced sandwich bread, 20 oz $5.49
Bagels, 6 count $5.49
English muffins, 6 count $6.49
Sandwich buns, 6 count $5.49
Pizza crust, 14 oz $4.49
Wraps, 6 count $5.49

As you can see, prices on gluten-free bread at Costco tend to range between $4.50 to $6.50 for many standard bread items. This represents nice savings over most grocery stores where gluten-free breads often cost $6.99 or more per loaf or package. The value sizes like 6 bagels per package also help maximize the price advantage.

Just note that specialty gluten-free bread loaves in flavors like cinnamon raisin or fruit and nut may be priced higher than the numbers above. But for basic sandwich breads, bagels, buns, and similar items, Costco offers very competitive pricing versus other retailers.

Costco vs grocery stores for gluten-free bread

How does Costco compare to traditional supermarkets when shopping for gluten-free bread? Here’s an overview of the pros and cons:

Costco advantages

  • Lower prices – loaves and packages often $1+ less than grocery stores
  • Bulk pack sizes – bigger value for money
  • High product turnover results in freshness
  • Carries major national gluten-free brands
  • Dedicated gluten-free sections make finding items easier

Costco disadvantages

  • Limited overall selection compared to supermarkets
  • Inconsistent availability – stock varies by location and timing
  • No store-baked fresh gluten-free bread options
  • Very little variety of specialty gluten-free bread types
  • Not all locations carry gluten-free items

The lower prices and ability to buy bulk packages make Costco worth considering for grocery staples like sandwich bread, bagels, buns, and wraps. But those seeking a huge variety of fresh gluten-free bread styles may want to shop elsewhere. Combining Costco for the pantry basics along with a dedicated gluten-free bakery for special loaves and treats offers a nice balanced approach.

Tips for buying gluten-free bread at Costco

Follow these shopping tips to find and purchase the best gluten-free bread options at Costco:

  • Check online for item availability at your local warehouse.
  • Call ahead to ask staff to hold fresh loaves for you.
  • Inspect loaves thoroughly and avoid open packages.
  • Focus purchases around existing sales and promotions.
  • Seek out coupons and rebates on brands carried at Costco.
  • Buy early after deliveries and inspect expiration dates.
  • Freeze extras to maintain freshness longer.
  • Shop early on weekends when bakery stock is fullest.
  • Ask customer service about back stock availability.
  • Report concerns over damaged or opened packages.

With some planning and clever shopping tactics, Costco can be a budget-friendly option for keeping your pantry stocked with gluten-free sliced bread, bagels, buns, and other basics. Take advantage of their lower prices but compensate for limited selection by shopping sales wisely and supplementing with purchases from gluten-free bakeries.

Are there any risks buying gluten-free bread at Costco?

For those with celiac disease, there are some precautions to take when purchasing gluten-free breads at Costco:

  • Cross-contamination – Other wheat-based breads are sold nearby so trace gluten is possible.
  • Ingredient purity – Some brands may have purity issues in facilities.
  • Open packages – Other shoppers may open, contaminating contents.
  • Shared production lines – Some brands make gluten and non-gluten products.
  • Allergens – Milk, eggs, nuts may be present depending on item.

Recommendations when buying gluten-free bread at Costco include:

  • Stick to reputable national brands.
  • Check labels and allergen info for each new product.
  • Avoid open loaves or packages.
  • Inspect for damage or contamination.
  • Ask brands about production protocols.
  • Contact manufacturers with any concerns.

While the risks are low, those with celiac disease should take some basic precautions when purchasing gluten-free breads from any retailer including Costco. Inspect packages carefully, research brand production thoroughly, and contact the manufacturer with any questions or issues.

Gluten-free alternatives to Costco bread

For those unsatisfied with the gluten-free bread selection at Costco, several alternate shopping options exist:

Dedicated gluten-free bakeries

Local gluten-free bakeries offer huge variety of fresh bread like loaves, rolls, and bagels baked daily on site. However these come at a premium cost.

Online gluten-free retailers

Shopping at online stores like Amazon exposes you to a vast selection of gluten-free bread brands, types, and flavors. But shipping costs can offset any price savings.

Natural food stores

Health food markets like Sprouts and Whole Foods have expansive gluten-free sections and specialty items you won’t find at Costco. Prices are also higher.

Direct from manufacturers

Many gluten-free brands sell directly through their own websites. Though limited to their product line, this ensures freshness.

Combining Costco for the basics with other sources for diversity and freshness is the best overall approach to gluten-free bread shopping. Costco alone may not satisfy all needs and preferences.

Summary

While Costco only offers a limited assortment of gluten-free bread compared to traditional grocery stores, some key takeaways exist for shoppers with gluten intolerance:

  • Costco does carry gluten-free bread, but selection varies by location.
  • Look for major brands like Canyon Bakehouse, Udi’s, and Schar.
  • Check bakery, freezer sections, and gluten-free shelves.
  • Prices are typically lower than grocery stores.
  • Balance purchases at Costco with other gluten-free bread sources.
  • Take precautions against cross-contamination.

With careful inspection of labels, some strategic shopping, and common sense precautions, Costco can be a worthwhile place to shop for keeping gluten-free bread staples like sandwich loaves, bagels, and buns on hand at reasonable prices.

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