Costco Recalled Protein Bars: How To Identify And Act
Costco recalls popular protein bars due to undeclared allergens like cashews and dairy—check your pantry now for these affected products.
Costco shoppers should immediately check their pantries for certain popular protein bars that have been subject to voluntary recalls due to undeclared allergens. These recalls involve SimplyProtein Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bars potentially containing cashews and NuGo Dark Chocolate variety packs that may include undeclared dairy. Both pose serious risks to individuals with allergies, prompting swift action from manufacturers Wellness Natural USA Inc. and NuGo Nutrition.
What Protein Bars Are Recalled at Costco?
Two distinct recalls affect Costco-exclusive protein bar packs, both sold in bulk variety formats popular among health-conscious members seeking convenient snacks.
SimplyProtein Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bars
Wellness Natural USA Inc. expanded its voluntary recall to all lots of the 15-count SimplyProtein variety pack containing Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bars (UPC: 6 86207 80906 8 on carton; 6 86207 00914 7 on individual bar wrappers). These packs include five Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bars alongside two other cashew-declaring flavors. Affected products have Best Before dates from 11 APR 2023 to 14 MAR 2024.
The recall was triggered by a consumer complaint revealing undeclared cashews in the Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bars, despite no cashew listing on that specific flavor’s label. The other two flavors in the pack properly declare cashews and remain safe for non-allergic consumers.
NuGo Dark Chocolate Protein Bars
NuGo Nutrition recalled select lots of the 18-count variety pack (Item #1372590) featuring Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Dark Chocolate Pretzel flavors. This recall targets Costco locations in the Northeast region, with affected purchase dates from October 2, 2024, to November 20, 2024. Recalled lots are B24235A, B24235B, B24236B, C24236A, with Best By dates of 22 DEC 2025 and 23 DEC 2025.
The issue stems from potential undeclared dairy (milk) in these bars, which could trigger severe reactions in milk-allergic individuals. Products are safe for those without dairy sensitivities.
Why Were These Protein Bars Recalled?
Both recalls prioritize consumer safety amid undeclared allergens—a common yet critical issue in packaged foods. Undeclared allergens occur when trace amounts from shared manufacturing lines contaminate products without label disclosure, violating FDA labeling laws.
- SimplyProtein Recall: Initiated voluntarily after a single consumer complaint; no other reactions reported. Expansion to all qualifying lots reflects caution during ongoing root cause investigation.
- NuGo Recall: Proactive measure for potential dairy cross-contamination in specific production lots.
These incidents highlight supply chain vulnerabilities in protein bar production, where nuts and dairy are frequent ingredients processed on multi-use equipment.
Health Risks of Consuming Recalled Protein Bars
For those with allergies, even trace undeclared allergens can provoke anaphylaxis—a life-threatening response involving hives, swelling, breathing difficulties, and shock.
| Allergen | Recall Product | Potential Reactions |
|---|---|---|
| Cashews (Tree Nuts) | SimplyProtein Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy | Severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis; risk highest for diagnosed nut allergies. |
| Dairy (Milk) | NuGo Dark Chocolate Varieties | Symptoms from mild digestive upset to severe respiratory distress or cardiovascular collapse. |
According to FDA guidelines, consumers with allergies must avoid recalled items entirely. No illnesses beyond the initial SimplyProtein complaint have been confirmed, but vigilance remains essential.
How to Identify Recalled Costco Protein Bars
Examine packaging carefully:
- SimplyProtein: Look for 15-count box with Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bars. Check Best Before dates (11 APR 2023–14 MAR 2024) on bar wrappers and carton.
- NuGo: 18-count Dark Chocolate variety pack (Item #1372590). Verify lots B24235A/B, B24236B, C24236A and Best By 22/23 DEC 2025.
Photos of labels are available on manufacturer announcements for precise identification.
What Should Costco Shoppers Do Next?
Act promptly to mitigate risks:
- Stop consuming immediately if you have cashew or dairy allergies.
- Return to Costco for full refund—no receipt required at most locations.
- Discard safely if return inconvenient, following local guidelines.
- Contact manufacturers: Wellness Natural USA at info@wellnessnaturalusa.com (9 AM–5 PM EST, Mon–Fri); NuGo at recall@nugo.com or 888-421-2032 (8 AM–5 PM EST, Mon–Fri).
Costco has instructed stores to halt sales, isolate, and dispose of affected stock.
Are There Safer Alternatives to Recalled Costco Protein Bars?
Protein bars remain a staple for busy lifestyles, but post-recall, prioritize verified allergen-free options. Costco offers alternatives like:
- Kirkland Signature Chewy Protein Bars (nut-free varieties available).
- Quest Bars (transparent labeling; check for your allergens).
- RxBar (minimal ingredients, clear allergen calls).
Always read labels and use apps like Fig or AllergyEats for cross-contamination checks. For bulk buys, verify recent recalls via FDA recall database.
Understanding Food Allergy Recalls: Broader Context
Recalls like these underscore why the FDA mandates the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), requiring top-9 allergens (including tree nuts and milk) on labels. In 2023–2024, protein bars featured prominently in recalls, with over 20 incidents tied to undeclared peanuts, nuts, and dairy reported nationwide.
Manufacturing realities—shared lines, supplier errors—drive most cases. Consumers with allergies represent 32 million Americans, per FARE estimates, making vigilance non-negotiable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What triggered the SimplyProtein recall at Costco?
A consumer complaint identified undeclared cashews in Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bars, leading to an expanded recall of all qualifying lots.
Which NuGo flavors are affected?
Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Dark Chocolate Pretzel in the 18-count variety pack, specific lots only.
Can I eat the other flavors in the recalled packs?
For SimplyProtein, yes—the other two flavors declare cashews. NuGo packs’ safety depends on your dairy tolerance; discard if allergic.
Do I need a receipt for Costco refund?
No, Costco’s policy allows returns without receipts for recalled items.
How do I stay updated on Costco recalls?
Check Costco’s website, FDA recalls page, or sign up for alerts from manufacturers.
Preventing Allergen Risks in Protein Bars
To minimize future scares:
- Opt for single-ingredient snacks when possible.
- Contact brands pre-purchase for facility details.
- Store opened packs separately to avoid cross-contact.
These recalls, while concerning, demonstrate effective safety systems at work—quick identification and response protect millions.
References
- Protein Bar Recall Expanded — Food Manufacturing. 2023 (approx., based on dates). https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/recalls-alerts/news/22820730/protein-bar-recall-expanded
- RECALL: NuGo Dark Chocolate Protein Bars — Costco97.com. 2024-12-18. https://costco97.com/recall-costco-nugo-protein-bars/
- Costco Just Recalled a Popular Brand of Protein Bars — AOL. Recent (2024 context). https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/costco-just-recalled-popular-brand-154443135.html
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