Costco shoppers across nearly two dozen states need to check their freezers after the warehouse retailer issued a recall for a recently introduced bakery product that's been flying off shelves since its debut.
The retail giant announced it's pulling packages of mini beignets from stores after discovering a significant packaging error. The problem? Boxes labeled as containing caramel-filled beignets actually hold chocolate-hazelnut filled versions instead. While this might sound like a minor mix-up, the consequences could be serious for anyone with a hazelnut allergy.
The recall affects stores in 22 states spanning from coast to coast. Customers who purchased the mini beignets between January 16 and January 30, 2026, should take action, especially if anyone in their household has a hazelnut allergy or sensitivity. The item number to look for is 1181272.
Where the Recall Applies
The mislabeled beignets were sold at Costco locations throughout Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington. That's a substantial footprint covering much of the country, from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest and everywhere in between.
For context, these mini beignets had only recently arrived in Costco's bakery section. The caramel-filled version generated plenty of attention on social media when it was introduced in late January, with shoppers excited to try the new offering. The New Orleans-style pastries quickly became a hot topic among Costco enthusiasts who share their warehouse finds online.
Understanding the Risk
The issue boils down to what food safety experts call an undeclared allergen. When a product contains an ingredient that isn't listed on the label, it creates a dangerous situation for people with allergies. In this case, hazelnuts are the concern.
For someone without a hazelnut allergy, eating these mislabeled beignets poses no health risk whatsoever. They're perfectly safe to consume if you can tolerate hazelnuts. But for those with an allergy or sensitivity to tree nuts, the stakes are much higher. Hazelnut allergies can trigger reactions ranging from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening responses known as anaphylaxis.
Tree nut allergies are among the more common food allergies, and hazelnut specifically affects a significant number of people. When someone with this allergy unknowingly consumes hazelnuts, their immune system treats the nut proteins as dangerous invaders, launching an attack that can affect multiple body systems. Symptoms might include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
This is precisely why food labeling regulations exist and why companies take these recalls seriously. When you pick up a package at the store, you should be able to trust that what's written on the label accurately reflects what's inside. That trust is fundamental to food safety.
What Shoppers Should Do Now
Costco is making the return process straightforward. Anyone who bought these mini beignets can bring them back to any Costco location for a full refund. No questions asked, no receipt required—that's typically how the warehouse club handles recalls.
If you're not sure whether you have the affected product, check your freezer. Look for the item number 1181272 on the package. If you purchased mini beignets labeled as caramel-filled during that mid-to-late January window, you've got the recalled product.
For households where no one has a hazelnut allergy, Costco has made it clear the beignets are safe to eat. The chocolate-hazelnut filling isn't contaminated or spoiled—it's just not what the label says. So if you and your family can safely consume hazelnuts, you can finish off the box without worry.
That said, if you have any concerns or additional questions about the recall, Costco's customer service department is available to help. The company has set up channels for members to get more information about which products are affected and what steps to take.
The Bigger Picture on Food Recalls
This Costco situation fits into a broader pattern of food recalls that happen throughout the year. Mislabeling issues, while less dramatic than contamination events, represent a significant portion of food safety alerts. Sometimes it's an undeclared allergen, other times it's a product that ends up in the wrong packaging entirely.
The good news is that the food safety system generally works as intended. Companies monitor their products, catch problems, and alert customers before widespread harm occurs. Recalls are disruptive and costly for retailers, but they're an essential part of protecting public health.
For Costco specifically, the warehouse chain has built its reputation partly on quality control and customer service. When issues arise, the company tends to act quickly and communicate clearly with members. This recall appears to follow that pattern, with straightforward information about what's affected and how to handle it.
A Reminder About Food Allergies
This recall serves as a good reminder about the importance of food allergy awareness. Millions of people in the United States live with food allergies, and for many, the condition isn't something they outgrow. Tree nut allergies in particular tend to be lifelong, and they're among the allergies most likely to cause severe reactions.
People with food allergies become experts at reading labels, asking questions at restaurants, and staying vigilant about what they eat. But that vigilance depends on accurate information. When a label says "caramel-filled" and the product actually contains hazelnuts, even the most careful person can't protect themselves.
This is why these recalls matter so much. They're not just bureaucratic paperwork or corporate liability protection. They're about ensuring that people can safely feed themselves and their families without fear that a mislabeled product might trigger a dangerous reaction.
Moving Forward
For now, Costco shoppers in the affected states should check their purchases and act accordingly. If you've got the recalled beignets and anyone in your home has a hazelnut allergy, make that trip back to the warehouse for a refund. Better safe than sorry when it comes to allergen exposure.
If you're clear on the allergy front, you can either return the product anyway or simply enjoy what turns out to be chocolate-hazelnut filled pastries instead of caramel. Not exactly what you ordered, but potentially a pleasant surprise for those who prefer chocolate.
The incident also serves as a reminder to stay informed about food recalls in general. While this particular issue affects a specific product at one retailer, recalls happen regularly across all types of foods and stores. Signing up for recall alerts or periodically checking the Food and Drug Administration website can help you stay on top of any products that might affect your household.
Costco hasn't indicated whether the caramel-filled version will return to shelves after this recall is resolved, or what went wrong in the production process that led to the mislabeling. For now, the focus is on getting the incorrectly labeled products out of homes and ensuring that anyone with a hazelnut allergy stays safe.
