If you recently picked up a box of Mini Beignets from Costco, you might want to check your freezer before taking another bite. The popular warehouse store just announced a recall on one of their bakery favorites, and the reason is a serious one. A packaging mix-up means some customers got a completely different product than what the label says. For anyone with tree nut allergies, this mistake could cause major problems.
What exactly happened with these beignets
Here’s the deal. Costco sold packages labeled as “Mini Beignets Filled with Caramel” between January 16 and January 30. But the boxes didn’t actually contain caramel-filled beignets at all. Instead, they were packed with chocolate hazelnut-filled beignets. That’s a pretty big difference, especially for anyone who can’t eat tree nuts. The packaging error happened somewhere along the way, and now thousands of these mislabeled boxes are sitting in people’s kitchens.
The problem isn’t that the beignets themselves are bad or contaminated. They’re perfectly fine to eat if you don’t have any nut allergies. The issue is that the label doesn’t warn people about the tree nuts inside. The FDA requires food companies to clearly list all major allergens on their packaging. When a product says caramel but contains hazelnuts, that’s a serious labeling failure that puts people at risk.
Which states are affected by this recall
This recall covers Costco warehouses in 22 states across the country. If you live in one of these areas and bought Mini Beignets during that two-week window, your box might be affected. The states include 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 pretty wide reach, covering both coasts and plenty of spots in between.
If your state isn’t on this list, you’re probably in the clear. But it’s still worth double-checking your beignets if you have any doubts. The specific item number to look for is 1181272. This number appears on the packaging, so grab your box and take a look. Even if you already ate some and felt fine, it’s good information to have in case you bought multiple packages.
Why tree nut allergies are no joke
You might wonder why a little hazelnut matters so much. For most people, swapping caramel for chocolate hazelnut would just be a pleasant surprise. But for the millions of Americans with tree nut allergies, eating hazelnuts can trigger serious reactions. We’re talking about symptoms ranging from hives and swelling to difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. Some reactions can be life-threatening, which is why the FDA takes undeclared allergens so seriously.
Tree nut allergies are among the most common food allergies, and they don’t usually go away with age. People who have them need to carefully read every food label before eating anything new. When a label says one thing but the product contains something else, it completely undermines their ability to stay safe. That’s why Costco moved quickly to get the word out about this packaging error and offer full refunds.
How to identify if your beignets are recalled
Figuring out if you have the recalled beignets is pretty simple. First, look at the label on your clamshell container. Does it say “Mini Beignets Filled with Caramel”? Next, check the item number. It should read 1181272 if it’s the recalled product. Finally, think about when you bought them. The recall only covers purchases made between January 16 and January 30 at Costco warehouses in those 22 states mentioned earlier.
If all three things match up, you’ve got the recalled product. Open the container and look at the beignets themselves. Do they look like they have chocolate filling instead of caramel? That’s another sign you got the mixed-up batch. Costco has posted photos of the recalled product packaging on their recall announcement page, so you can compare if you’re unsure about what you’re looking at.
What to do if you have the recalled product
Got the recalled beignets at home? Your next steps depend on whether you have a tree nut allergy. If you or anyone in your household is allergic to hazelnuts or other tree nuts, do not eat these beignets. It doesn’t matter how delicious they look or how much you were looking forward to dessert. The risk simply isn’t worth it. Set them aside and plan a trip back to Costco for a full refund.
If nobody in your home has tree nut allergies, you have more options. You can still return the beignets to Costco for a refund if you really wanted caramel-filled ones instead. Or you can just enjoy what you got! Chocolate hazelnut is a pretty popular flavor combination after all. The beignets aren’t dangerous to eat if allergies aren’t a concern. They just weren’t what the package promised you were buying.
Getting your refund from Costco is easy
Costco has a famously generous return policy, and this recall is no exception. All you need to do is bring the product back to any Costco warehouse. You don’t need your receipt. The item number in their system will confirm the purchase. The store will give you a full refund on the spot. If you’ve already eaten some or thrown the box away, you can still contact customer service to discuss your options.
Some people feel awkward returning food items, but don’t let that stop you. Costco expects returns on recalled products and wants to make things right. Their customer service team can answer any questions you have about the process. You can reach out by phone or through their website. Remember, this recall exists specifically because Costco wants to protect its customers. Taking them up on the refund offer is completely reasonable.
The mini beignets had just come back to stores
Here’s an unfortunate twist to this story. The Mini Beignets had recently returned to Costco’s bakery section after being away for a while. Fans of the treat were excited to see them back on shelves. Many people rushed to grab a box before they disappeared again, since Costco is known for rotating products in and out of their stores. The timing of this recall couldn’t have been worse for beignet lovers.
These little fried pastries have a loyal following among Costco shoppers. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a late-night snack. The fact that they came back only to face an immediate recall must be frustrating for both customers and the company. Hopefully, once this packaging issue gets sorted out, the beignets will return again with the correct labels and everyone can enjoy them worry-free.
Costco has faced other product issues recently
This beignet recall isn’t the only product problem Costco has dealt with lately. Just days before this announcement, the company got hit with a class-action lawsuit over their famous rotisserie chicken. The lawsuit claims that Costco’s in-store signs say the chicken has “no preservatives,” but the product actually contains sodium phosphate and carrageenan. These ingredients can function as preservatives, according to the people suing the company.
The lawsuit argues that customers make buying decisions based on labels like “preservative free.” When the fine print tells a different story, shoppers feel misled. A lawyer representing the plaintiffs said consumers reasonably rely on clear claims about what’s in their food. Costco hasn’t commented publicly on the lawsuit yet. Whether it has merit or not, it adds to a rough stretch of product headlines for the warehouse giant.
How to stay informed about food recalls
Food recalls happen more often than most people realize. The FDA posts new recall notices regularly, covering everything from snacks to frozen meals to fresh produce. Staying informed doesn’t have to be complicated though. You can sign up for recall alerts through the FDA website or check their recall page every few weeks. Many grocery stores also post recall information near their customer service desks.
Another option is following your favorite stores on social media. Companies like Costco often post recall notices on their official accounts. You can also sign up for emails from stores where you shop frequently. Being aware of recalls helps you protect yourself and your family from unexpected problems. It only takes a minute to check, and that small effort could prevent a scary situation involving allergens or other food safety issues.
At the end of the day, this Costco beignet recall serves as a good reminder to always double-check your food labels. Mistakes happen, even at major retailers with strict quality controls. If you have the recalled Mini Beignets and a tree nut allergy, please return them right away. For everyone else, now you know what to look for and how to get your money back if needed. Stay safe out there and keep enjoying your Costco runs.
