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Celiac.com 06/04/2025 - Costco’s famous rotisserie chicken is a staple for many households—affordable, convenient, and delicious. But for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the big question is: Is it safe to eat? In this article, we’ll break down whether Costco’s rotisserie chicken is gluten-free, examine potential cross-contamination risks, and provide tips for gluten-free shoppers. 1. The Short Answer: Is Costco Rotisserie Chicken Gluten-Free? According to Costco’s official allergen information, their classic rotisserie chicken does not contain gluten ingredients. The main ingredients are chicken, water, salt, and seasoning blends (which typically include sugar, spices, and natural flavors). Costo has confirmed that their standard rotisserie chicken seasoning does not include wheat, barley, or rye. However, cross-contamination is still a possibility due to shared cooking equipment and preparation areas. Costco does not label their rotisserie chicken as "certified gluten-free," so those with severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease should proceed with caution. 2. Why Gluten-Free Consumers Need to Be Cautious For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), even trace amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms like digestive distress, fatigue, and long-term intestinal damage. Here’s what to consider: A. Shared Cooking Equipment Costco’s rotisserie chickens are often prepared in the same ovens and handled with the same utensils as other gluten-containing products (like stuffed chicken or seasoned meats). While employees follow cleaning protocols, residual gluten could remain. B. Seasoning and Marinades While the standard seasoning is gluten-free, seasonings can change, and some regional Costco locations may use different ingredients. Always check the label (if available) or ask store staff for the latest allergen info. C. Handling and Packaging The chickens are packaged in plastic containers that may have been near gluten-containing foods in the deli area. If you’re highly sensitive, this could pose a risk. 3. What Costco Says About Gluten in Their Rotisserie Chicken Costo’s corporate allergen statements indicate that their plain rotisserie chicken is gluten-free by ingredient standards, but they do not guarantee it’s safe for celiacs due to potential cross-contact. Some key points: No wheat-based ingredients are used in the standard seasoning. No gluten-containing additives (like soy sauce or malt vinegar) are listed. No official gluten-free certification means there’s no third-party verification of safety. If you’re unsure, contact Costco’s customer service or ask the deli manager at your local store for the most current information. 4. How to Safely Enjoy Costco Rotisserie Chicken (If You’re Gluten-Free) If you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, follow these precautions: A. Check the Label (If Available) Some Costco locations provide ingredient lists for their rotisserie chickens. Look for any mention of: Wheat Barley Rye Malt Modified food starch (unless specified as corn-based) B. Ask Store Staff Politely inquire: "Does this rotisserie chicken contain any gluten ingredients?" "Is it prepared in a shared fryer or oven with gluten-containing foods?" C. Consider Alternative Options If cross-contamination is a concern, you might: Buy a plain raw chicken and cook it at home with gluten-free seasonings. Look for pre-packaged certified gluten-free rotisserie chickens (some grocery stores carry these). 5. What Other Gluten-Free Shoppers Have Experienced Many gluten-free consumers report eating Costco’s rotisserie chicken without issues, while others have had reactions. Here’s what some say: Positive Experiences: Most find it safe if they tolerate minor cross-contact risks. Negative Reactions: A few report symptoms, possibly due to hidden gluten in seasoning variations or handling. Bottom line: Individual tolerance levels vary. If you're highly sensitive, proceed with caution. 6. Final Verdict: Should You Eat Costco Rotisserie Chicken? Likely Safe For: Those with mild gluten sensitivity People who don’t react to trace cross-contamination Use Caution If: You have celiac disease (risk of cross-contact) You’ve had reactions to Costco chicken before Avoid If: You require certified gluten-free foods You’ve had past reactions to deli-prepared meats 7. Gluten-Free Alternatives to Costco Rotisserie Chicken If you’d rather avoid the risk, consider: Whole Foods’ gluten-free rotisserie chicken (certified GF in some locations) Sprouts or Trader Joe’s organic roasted chicken (check labels) Homemade rotisserie-style chicken (using gluten-free spices) Conclusion Costco’s rotisserie chicken does not contain gluten ingredients, but cross-contamination is possible. For most gluten-sensitive individuals, it’s a convenient and safe option—but those with celiac disease should weigh the risks or opt for certified gluten-free alternatives. Always double-check labels and ask staff when in doubt! Would you like additional tips on gluten-free shopping at Costco? Let us know in the comments! Watch the video version of this article:

Celiac.com 11/24/2021 - We get a lot of questions from celiac community members wondering if certain products are gluten-free. One question we see a lot is about ham. Specifically, is Costco ham gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease? The answer is yes. Costco sells several hams that are labelled gluten-free. Ham is generally safe for people with celiac disease. As long as nothing containing gluten is added to the ham during or after processing, and if this is the case, then the ham will be gluten-free. Costco Kirkland Signature Spiral Sliced Ham with Natural Juices is hickory smoked, fully cooked, pre-sliced, and it is labeled gluten-free, and so it is safe for people with celiac disease. A glance at the Costco website and the label will confirm that. Costco also sells Noel Jamon Serrano Bone-In Ham Leg, that is aged 12 months, includes a stand and knife, and is labeled gluten-free. Generally speaking, many types of ham will be gluten-free and safe for celiacs, but be sure to read the labels carefully. It's important that people with celiac disease make sure to avoid any gluten ingredients, so be sure to read labels and double check ingredients, to be safe. Happy Holidays!

Celiac.com 10/10/2023 - We get a lot of questions from celiac community members wondering if certain products are gluten-free. One question we see a lot is about ham. Specifically, does Costco sell spiral ham that's gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease? The answer is yes. Costco's Kirkland Signature Spiral Sliced Ham with Natural Juices is hickory smoked, fully cooked, pre-sliced, and labeled gluten-free, and so it is safe for people with celiac disease. A glance at the Costco website and the label will confirm that. Moreover, Costco sells several hams that are labelled gluten-free. Ham is generally naturally gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease. As long as nothing containing gluten is added to the ham during or after processing, and if this is the case, then the ham will be gluten-free. We also have a list of Top Brands of Gluten-Free Ham below. Top Brands of Gluten-Free Ham As with turkey, be careful about any rubs, glazes, or spice packages included with ham. Always check ingredients, avoid gluten ingredients, and choose carefully. Archer Farms Spiral Sliced Honey Ham Archer Farms offers a traditionally cured ham at a bargain price. Includes a clove-scented mix-it-yourself glaze. Beeler's Pure Pork Beeler's makes several varieties of premium ham that are all labelled gluten-free. Boar's Head Boar's Head makes a number of premium ham products that are all gluten-free. Burgers' Smokehouse Burgers' Smokehouse Boneless Sliced Sweet Smoked City Ham Hickory Smoked Uncured Boneless Sliced Quarter Ham Hickory Smoked Uncured Boneless Sliced Quarter Ham is available at Target. Hatfield Original Hatfield Original Hardwood Smoked Dinner Ham is available at Target. Holiday Ham Holiday Ham offers Honey Glazed Spiral Sliced hams. Edward's Edward's Petite Country Ham Pederson's Farms Pederson's Farms Spiral Sliced Uncured Half Ham Boneless Ranch House Meat Company Ranch House Meat Company Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Smithfield Smithfield Brown Sugar Cured Spiral Sliced Half Ham, Fully Cooked, Unglazed, Sweet and Slow-Cooked. Smithfield Honey Cured Spiral Sliced Half Ham, Fully Cooked, Glazed with Honey.

Celiac.com 04/24/2021 - We get a lot of questions from celiac community members wondering if certain products are gluten-free. We recently wrote about how Claritin is gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease. That answer brought more questions about generic equivalents, such as Is Costco or Kirkland Generic Claritin. Is Costco or Kirkland Generic Claritin Gluten-Free? Costco's generic version of Claritin is Kirkland Signature AllerClear. While Kirkland Signature AllerClear is not labeled as gluten-free, there are no allergens listed on the label. According to Costco, their generic Claritin equivalent, Kirkland Signature brand AllerClear has the same active ingredients as Claritin. We previously established that name-brand Claritin products are gluten-free. Claritin active ingredients include: Loratadine 5 mg, an antihistamine Inactive ingredients include: Water, Sodium Benzoate, Glycerin, Edetate Disodium, Maltitol, Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic, Phosphoric Acid, Sorbitol, Sucralose Costco is famous for sourcing their Kirkland brands products from major manufacturers. Costco Generic Claritin/Kirkland Signature AllerClear active ingredients include: Loratadine 10 mg, an antihistamine. So, the Costco version is twice as strong, but otherwise the same. The difference lies in inactive ingredients. Costco's Inactive ingredients include: Lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, povidone, pregelitanized starch. Again, there are no known allergens listed among the Costco ingredients. Remember, any gluten-containing ingredients must be listed. And the starch is gluten-free, by definition. While not labeled as gluten-free, the Costco Claritin equivalent is unlikely to contain gluten, and thus likely safe for people with celiac disease. As always, read labels, choose carefully, and listen to your gut.