Is Costco’s Poutine Gravy Vegan?

As someone who’s spent years immersed in digital media and content creation, I’ve learned that what gets attention is the unexpected. Now, here’s a topic that caught my eye recently: Costco’s poutine. If you’re familiar with this iconic Quebecois dish, you know it’s traditionally a savory mix of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. So, when whispers started circulating that Costco’s version of poutine might be vegan, I had to take a closer look.

Having spent 16 years splitting my time between the U.S. and Quebec City, I’ve come to appreciate the regional nuances of poutine. Quebec takes its poutine seriously, and the idea of a vegan version at a large-scale retailer like Costco feels almost sacrilegious. But we live in a world of constant innovation, and retail, food included, is always changing to meet new demands. So, what’s really going on here?

The Claim: Vegan Poutine?

First, let’s clarify what makes a dish vegan. It must be free of any animal products, including dairy, meat, and other by-products like gelatin. On the surface, poutine seems like a long shot for vegan status. Yet, there are versions popping up all over the place — whether it’s vegan cheese, plant-based gravies, or fries cooked in vegan-friendly oil. It’s not impossible. In fact, in retail and dining, we’ve seen hyper-personalization and consumer demands push businesses toward offering more vegan-friendly options.

But Costco? The question got me thinking about how businesses like Costco, known for their bulk-buying, low-cost, no-frills approach, are evolving to meet modern dietary needs. The demand for vegan products is on the rise, and hypermarkets like Costco are taking notice. It’s not about abandoning tradition, but adapting — and possibly drawing in a new demographic of shoppers.

The Breakdown: Fries, Gravy, and Curds

So, what makes Costco’s poutine stand out in this conversation?

1. Fries – French fries, when cooked properly (in oil that hasn’t been cross-contaminated with animal products), are often naturally vegan. From a technical standpoint, the fries at Costco could easily pass the test. But the devil is in the details, and cross-contamination is a real issue in shared fryers. Unless Costco clearly states they use dedicated fryers, this part remains murky.
2. Gravy – Now here’s where things get interesting. Traditional poutine gravy is made with meat-based broths, but plant-based gravies have come a long way. From mushroom broths to rich vegetable bases, it’s possible to recreate that savory flavor profile without meat. Could Costco be using a vegan gravy? Maybe. And it wouldn’t be shocking. Given how many retailers are incorporating plant-based alternatives, it’s entirely plausible Costco has tapped into this trend.
3. Cheese Curds – The biggest hurdle for any vegan poutine is the curds. Vegan cheese options have improved dramatically in recent years, but curds are a texture game. Can a plant-based cheese really replicate that signature squeaky bite? The jury’s out, but again, if anyone can figure out how to do it on a mass scale, it’s a company with the resources of Costco.

The Verdict

Is Costco’s poutine fully vegan? Right now, I’d say it’s not definitive. While elements like fries and plant-based gravy are within the realm of possibility, the cheese curds remain a major question mark. Unless Costco confirms it’s using vegan cheese, we might just be dealing with a highly adaptable “vegan-friendly” option — close, but no dice.

However, the bigger story here is how this conversation reflects broader changes in the retail food landscape. Consumers want options, and businesses are responding. From personalized shopping experiences to products tailored to dietary preferences, we’re moving into an era where even Costco might offer you a vegan poutine.

In the meantime, I’ll keep my ear to the ground. After all, what’s more surprising than Costco shaking up the poutine world? Maybe next, we’ll see plant-based curds that actually squeak.

Until then, happy eating!