Sugar Foods LLC has voluntarily recalled certain lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons after tracing a seasoning ingredient back to dry milk powder recalled by California Dairies, Inc. over potential Salmonella contamination. The recall was announced May 15, 2026, and published by the FDA on May 18, 2026. No illnesses have been reported. The affected croutons were distributed exclusively to Kroger stores in 17 states between March 7 and April 7, 2026.
What’s Being Recalled?
The recall covers 5-ounce pouches of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons with UPC code 011110813534. Nine best-by dates are included: February 17, 2027; February 18, 2027; February 27, 2027; February 28, 2027; March 6, 2027; March 9, 2027; March 21, 2027; April 1, 2027; and April 7, 2027. The best-by date is printed on the product packaging. The croutons were distributed to Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. No other Kroger crouton varieties or Sugar Foods products are included in this recall.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
The recall traces through a three-tier supply chain. California Dairies, Inc. recalled its bulk dry milk powder in April 2026 over potential Salmonella contamination. That milk powder was supplied to Solina USA, which used it to make the seasoning blend applied to the croutons. Sugar Foods purchases that seasoning from Solina USA and applies it to the Kroger-branded croutons. This is the same California Dairies recall linked to Ghirardelli beverage mixes, Utz Zapp’s and Dirty chips, Aldi and Walmart frozen pizzas, and Blackstone Parmesan Ranch seasoning. The affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella before use, but Sugar Foods initiated the recall precautionarily. Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, and can be fatal in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
What Should You Do?
Check your pantry for 5-ounce pouches of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons with UPC code 011110813534 and any of the nine best-by dates listed above. Do not eat the recalled product. Discard it or return it to any Kroger store for a refund. Contact Sugar Foods at 332-240-6676, available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with questions.
