Costco Recalls Mini Beignets Over Undeclared Hazelnut Allergen

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 4, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Costco Wholesale is voluntarily recalling its Mini Beignets filled with Caramel due to a packaging error that resulted in the presence of undeclared hazelnuts. According to the FDA, the product packaging indicates a caramel filling, but the trays may actually contain beignets filled with chocolate hazelnut. This mislabeling poses a serious or life-threatening risk to consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts or tree nuts.

Costco Recall: Quick Summary

Costco has issued a recall for its popular bakery item, Mini Beignets filled with Caramel, sold across 22 states. The recall was triggered after it was discovered that the “Caramel” packages actually contained chocolate hazelnut beignets, introducing a hidden tree nut allergen. The affected products were sold between January 16 and January 30, 2026. Consumers with nut allergies are urged to return the product immediately for a full refund.

What Happened?

The FDA said Costco initiated the recall after discovering that its Mini Beignets filled with Caramel were inadvertently packaged with Mini Beignets filled with Chocolate Hazelnut. The recall was announced on February 2, 2026, impacting warehouses in nearly two dozen states. The issue is a classic “cross-packaging” error where the outer label does not reflect the actual contents, leaving the hazelnut ingredient undeclared.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned:

“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product”.

Affected Products

The recall applies to the following specific item:

Brand	Product	Item #	Dates Sold	Issue	Affected States
Costco	Mini Beignets filled with Caramel	1181272	Jan 16 – Jan 30, 2026	Undeclared Hazelnut	AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IA, LA, MI, MO, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WA

What Caused the Issue?

According to the FDA notice, the cause of the recall was a packaging error where the Chocolate Hazelnut variety was placed in trays labeled as Caramel. This “mismatch” means the ingredient list on the package fails to disclose hazelnuts (filberts), a major tree nut allergen.

For individuals with tree nut allergies, consuming even trace amounts of the allergen can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal reaction. Symptoms include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. As of the recall announcement, no illnesses have been reported.

Questions You Might Have

1. What specific product is recalled? Costco’s “Mini Beignets filled with Caramel,” specifically Item #1181272.
2. How do I identify if I have the recalled product? Check the label for Item #1181272 and verify if it was purchased between January 16, 2026, and January 30, 2026.
3. What is the actual danger? The product may contain hazelnuts (a tree nut) not listed on the label. This can cause life-threatening reactions for those with nut allergies.
4. Has anyone gotten sick? No. As of the recall announcement, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions.
5. Is it safe if I don’t have a nut allergy? Yes. If you are not allergic to hazelnuts or tree nuts, the beignets are safe to consume, though they may be chocolate-filled rather than caramel.
6. Do I need a receipt to return it? No. Costco typically does not require a receipt for recalls; they can verify the purchase through your membership or simply accept the return.
7. Where was it sold? It was sold in Costco warehouses in 22 states, including Florida, California, New York, and Texas.
8. Can I just throw it away? Yes, you can dispose of it, but returning it allows you to get a full refund.
9. What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction? Symptoms can include hives, facial swelling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis).
10. Who can I contact for more information? You can contact Costco Customer Service via their website or by calling your local warehouse.

Here’s What You Should Do

• Stop consumption: If you have a tree nut allergy, do not eat these beignets.
• Check the Item Number: Look for #1181272 on the package label.
• Return for Refund: Bring the product to your local Costco warehouse member services desk for a full refund. No receipt is required.
• Contact Costco: For questions, call Costco Customer Service or visit Costco.com.

Behind the Brand

Costco Wholesale is one of the world’s largest retailers, known for its bulk products and popular “Kirkland Signature” private label. The bakery section is a key driver of foot traffic, often introducing rotating seasonal items like these mini beignets. This recall highlights the challenges of managing complex inventory where visually similar products (like caramel vs. chocolate beignets) can be easily swapped during packaging.

Other Relevant Recalls

This is not the first time Costco or major retailers have faced allergen-related recalls. Recently, Costco recalled its Dubai Style Chocolate due to undeclared wheat. Additionally, Kirkland Signature faced a recall for its Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke Bowl due to Listeria concerns. Other brands like Gerber recently reissued warnings on teething sticks due to choking hazards.

Supply chain analyst Mark Wilson noted:

“Cross-contact with allergens is one of the most common triggers for recalls. It often happens when allergen labeling isn’t verified at each packaging stage, especially with look-alike products.”

In a significant safety alert involving packaging defects, Costco also recalled Kirkland Signature Prosecco due to exploding bottles. While the beignet recall addresses a labeling error, the Prosecco incident highlights physical hazards, where internal pressure caused bottles to shatter, posing a risk of injury from flying glass. This underscores the diverse range of safety challenges retailers must manage, from allergens to structural integrity. Other brands like Gerber have similarly reissued warnings on teething sticks due to choking hazards.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said that while the Costco recall highlights a single packaging error, it also underscores a broader truth in the food industry:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”

Broader Pattern

This is the latest in a series of allergen-related recalls affecting bakery items sold at major U.S. retailers. Over the past six months, several companies have issued similar recalls where “look-alike” products were mislabeled. The FDA has cited undeclared allergens as the leading cause of food recalls in the United States, accounting for nearly half of all reportable food safety events.

Ensuring Safe Eats

Labeling errors like this impact consumer confidence and safety. For brands, it reinforces the need for automated visual inspection systems on packaging lines to prevent manual errors. Consumers rely on accurate labels to protect their health.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls happen, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly.

For more information or to report a concern about a food product, you can visit our contact page at https://source86.com/contact/.