Check Your Pantry Now: Kroger Cheese Garlic Croutons Recalled Over Health Risk

Consumers across 17 U.S. states are being urged to check their pantries after specific lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons were recalled over possible salmonella contamination linked to a dairy supplier.

The affected products were distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.

The recall, announced by Sugar Foods LLC in May, stems from a supplier issue involving powdered milk sourced from California Dairies Inc., a major California-based dairy cooperative.

The affected croutons were produced using seasoning that contained milk powder from recalled supply lots, with “Best If Used By” dates ranging from Feb. 17, 2027, through April 7, 2027.

Recall Traced to Powdered Milk Supplier

According to reports from The Hill and local broadcasters, California Dairies Inc. previously recalled bulk powdered milk and buttermilk products over concerns of potential Salmonella contamination.

Sugar Foods LLC later determined that the seasoning used in certain Kroger-brand croutons included powdered milk tied to those affected lots. The company said it identified the issue through supply chain tracing and ingredient review after receiving notification from the dairy supplier.

Consumers are advised to check both the UPC and the “Best If Used By” date printed on the back of the package to determine whether their product is included in the recall.

No illnesses connected to the recalled croutons have been reported so far.

Why the Recall Is Drawing Attention

One unusual detail in the recall is that testing on the finished crouton seasoning reportedly did not detect salmonella before the products reached store shelves.

The recall was still issued as a precaution because the milk powder ingredient originated from a potentially contaminated upstream source.

Food safety experts have long warned that Salmonella can survive in low-moisture foods and dry ingredients, including powdered dairy products, making precautionary recalls common even when finished product testing comes back negative.

The incident also highlights how a single supplier issue can ripple through multiple grocery products and retailers due to complex food supply chains.

What Consumers Should Do

Consumers who purchased Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons with use-by dates between Feb. 17, 2027, and April 7, 2027, are advised not to eat the product.

Customers can throw away the recalled croutons or return them to Kroger stores for a full refund.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Salmonella infections can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, with symptoms typically developing within 12 to 72 hours after exposure.

In rare cases, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and become life-threatening, particularly for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

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