Is Costco halal? Meat and own-brand food

Is Costco meat halal in the UK?

Costco UK does not publish a statement that its meat is halal, and most fresh meat in its warehouses is not labelled halal. Some warehouses, particularly in areas with large Muslim communities, have stocked halal-certified chicken or lamb from branded suppliers. If a pack carries a recognised halal logo, that product is certified; if it does not, treat the meat as not halal.

Ranges differ between warehouses and change often, so check the pack in your own warehouse.

Costco's own label: Kirkland Signature

Costco's own brand, Kirkland Signature, covers everything from nuts and snacks to coffee and frozen food. Halal status depends on each product's ingredients. Kirkland products made in the US follow US recipes, which can differ from UK products. Check for:

• gelatine in sweets, yoghurts and desserts;
• cheese in snacks and ready meals (see is cheese halal?);
• E471 and other emulsifiers in bakery items (see E471);
• wine in sauces and marinades.

Buying in bulk

Costco sells large packs, so it is worth checking the ingredients before you buy, rather than after. Scan the barcode with the halal checker in the aisle. Many bulk products, such as nuts, rice, oils, frozen vegetables and fish, are naturally halal.

Costco food court

Costco UK's food court sells hot dogs, pizza and baked goods. Hot dogs are generally not halal unless stated, and meat toppings on pizza are not certified halal. Vegetarian pizza and baked goods may be suitable; ask staff about ingredients.

Costco in the USA, Canada and Australia

Costco warehouses in other countries stock different ranges. Some US and Canadian warehouses sell halal-certified meat from specialist suppliers, labelled as halal on the pack. The same rule applies everywhere: look for a recognised halal logo.

Frequently asked questions

Does Costco UK sell halal meat?

Some Costco UK warehouses have sold halal-certified chicken and lamb from branded suppliers, but there is no chain-wide halal range. Only packs with a recognised halal logo are certified.

Is Kirkland chicken halal?

Kirkland Signature chicken is not halal-certified unless the pack shows a halal logo.

Is Costco food court food halal?

Costco UK's food court does not advertise halal meat. Hot dogs and meat toppings are not halal unless stated.

What halal products can I buy at Costco?

Naturally halal products such as rice, nuts, oils, frozen vegetables, fish and many snacks are easy finds. Check sweets, desserts and ready meals for gelatine, cheese and wine.