Kroger croutons recall warnings are now in place for specific lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese and Garlic Croutons because of a possible Salmonella contamination risk. This recall involves 5-ounce pouches of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons, and shoppers who bought them should check the package carefully before using them in salads, soups, casseroles, or snack mixes.
This is the type of pantry item that can easily be overlooked. Croutons may sit in a cabinet for weeks or months, and many people do not check best-by dates before adding them to a meal. That is why this Kroger croutons recall matters, especially for households with children, older adults, pregnant individuals, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
Kroger Croutons Recall Details
Sugar Foods LLC announced the recall of certain lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons in 5-ounce pouches. The product has the UPC 0 11110 81353 4 and was recalled because of the potential for Salmonella contamination connected to milk powder used as an ingredient in the seasoning.
According to the company announcement posted by the FDA, the affected milk powder was supplied by California Dairies, Inc. to the seasoning supplier, Solina USA. That seasoning blend was then used on the croutons. The company stated that the affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella before use, but the recall is being conducted out of caution because of the supplier-initiated recall involving the milk powder.
At the time of the announcement, no illnesses had been reported in connection with this recall. Still, consumers should not ignore this notice because Salmonella can cause serious illness in some people.
For more recent food safety notices, visit our Consumer Safety Alerts section on Everyday Answers to stay updated on recalls that may affect your pantry and household.
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Affected Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons
The Kroger croutons recall applies only to specific 5-ounce pouches of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons with UPC 0 11110 81353 4. The affected products include the following best-if-used-by dates:
- FEB 17 27
- FEB 18 27
- FEB 27 27
- FEB 28 27
- MAR 6 27
- MAR 9 27
- MAR 21 27
- APR 1 27
- APR 7 27
These croutons were distributed between March 7, 2026 and April 7, 2026 to Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
If you shop at Kroger and recently bought cheese and garlic croutons, take a minute to look at the front and back of the package. The recalled product is a white and red Kroger Homestyle Cheese and Garlic Croutons pouch. The best-by information should be checked closely because similar products may still be safe if they are not part of the affected lots.
Why This Kroger Croutons Recall Matters
The reason this Kroger croutons recall should be taken seriously is because Salmonella is not something you can see, smell, or taste. A product can look completely normal and still carry a risk if contamination is present.
Salmonella can cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In some cases, diarrhea may be bloody. Serious infections are more likely in young children, older adults, frail individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, Salmonella can enter the bloodstream and lead to more severe illnesses.
Croutons are also a product people often use without cooking. They may be poured directly onto salads or added to soups right before serving. Because they are usually eaten straight from the bag, consumers should not take a “maybe it is fine” approach if the package matches the recalled product information.
You can also review the official FDA recall announcement for the Kroger croutons recall to compare the UPC, best-by dates, product photos, and company contact details.
What Consumers Should Do Now
If you have Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons in your pantry, do not rely on the front of the package alone. Check the UPC and the best-if-used-by date. If the package matches the recalled product, do not eat it.
Place the product aside where it will not accidentally be used. If the bag is already open, avoid tasting it or using it “just a little.” For households with children or older adults, it is even more important to remove the product from the kitchen area so it does not end up in a meal by mistake.
Consumers with questions about the Kroger croutons recall can contact Sugar Foods LLC at 332-240-6676. The company stated that consumers may call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for questions or more information. Media inquiries can contact Ms. Krista Locke at 805-396-5000.
How to Check the Package Correctly
When checking your croutons, look for three things: the product name, the UPC, and the best-if-used-by date. The recalled product is Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons, sold in a 5-ounce pouch, with UPC 0 11110 81353 4.
The best-by dates are especially important because not every Kroger crouton product is part of this recall. If the product name matches but the date does not, compare it carefully with the official recall information before deciding what to do.
This is also a good reminder to keep pantry products organized so recalls are easier to check. Many people only think about meat, dairy, or frozen foods when they hear about recalls, but dry goods, seasonings, snacks, and salad toppings can also be involved.
Consumer Safety Tip: Do Not Skip Pantry Recalls
The Kroger croutons recall is a good example of why pantry recalls can matter just as much as refrigerated food recalls. Dry products may last longer, which means they can stay in homes long after a recall is announced.
If you hear about a food recall, check your pantry the same day when possible. Look at the brand, size, UPC, lot code, and best-by date. A quick check can prevent someone in your home from eating a recalled product later without realizing it.
For families, it may also help to take a photo of recalled products before removing them from the kitchen. That way, if another family member asks what happened to the item, you can show them exactly why it was pulled from the pantry.
Have You Checked Your Pantry Yet?
Food recalls can be easy to miss, especially when they are not trending on social media. Many recalls never make it to TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube in time for shoppers to see them. That is why Everyday Answers tracks these alerts and explains what they mean in plain language.
Have you ever found a recalled product in your pantry after seeing a warning? If so, this is a good reminder to check salad toppings, seasoning blends, snacks, baking items, sauces, and shelf-stable foods more often.
FAQ: Kroger Croutons Recall
What product is included in the Kroger croutons recall?
The recall includes specific lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons in 5-ounce pouches with UPC 0 11110 81353 4.
Why were the Kroger croutons recalled?
They were recalled because of the potential for Salmonella contamination connected to milk powder used in the seasoning ingredient.
Were any illnesses reported?
No illnesses had been reported at the time of the company announcement posted by the FDA.
Where were the recalled croutons sold?
The affected products were distributed to Kroger stores in multiple states, including AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, and WV.
Who should consumers contact?
Consumers can contact Sugar Foods LLC at 332-240-6676, available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Final Thoughts
The Kroger croutons recall is another reminder that food safety alerts are not limited to fresh foods, meat, or dairy. A small pantry item like croutons can still create concern when an ingredient in the supply chain is connected to a possible contamination risk.
If you bought Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons recently, check the UPC and best-by date before using them. If your package matches the recalled product, do not eat it. Set it aside and contact Sugar Foods LLC for more information.
Staying informed does not have to be overwhelming. A quick pantry check when a recall is announced can help protect your household and prevent recalled products from being used by accident.