Top Gluten-Free Fast Food Options: A Complete Guide
Introduction
In recent years, the rise of gluten-free options in fast food and casual dining restaurants has been a game changer for many. Whether you’re dealing with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or simply choosing a gluten-free lifestyle, having more choices is a big win. However, it’s crucial to stay cautious about cross-contamination, even when gluten-free options are available. This blog post will guide you through some of the best gluten-free fast food chains, highlight places with limited options, and offer tips for safe dining.
Also read: https://clubglutenfree.com/are-popeyes-fries-gluten-free/
Best Gluten-Free Fast Food Chains
Arby’s
At Arby’s, you can savor meats without buns, enjoy a Farmhouse salad with roast turkey, and treat yourself to gluten-free shakes. However, avoid fries and potato cakes due to shared oil.
Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill offers a delightful selection of seafood dishes, appetizers, salads, grilled fish with gluten-free sauces, and even chicken and steak entrees. Don’t miss their flourless macadamia nut brownie for dessert!
Boston Market
Boston Market is known for its rotisserie chicken, roasted turkey breast, steamed vegetables, and Southwest Cobb salad. While they don’t offer gluten-free desserts, their main course options are plenty.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
At Carrabba’s, you can enjoy appetizers, soups (without noodles), salads, and grilled entrees (request without grill baste). They also offer gluten-free pasta with various sauces, making it a great spot for Italian food lovers.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A’s gluten-free options include grilled chicken sandwiches, breakfast items on gluten-free buns, grilled chicken nuggets, salads, and hash browns and fries made in a dedicated gluten-free fryer. Always mention your gluten allergy when ordering to ensure your meal is safe.
Chili’s Bar and Grill
Chili’s offers soups, salads, burgers without buns, fajitas with corn tortillas, baby back ribs, and salmon. Be aware of potential cross-contamination in the kitchen.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle is a favorite for gluten-free dining, with almost everything on the menu being safe except for the flour tortillas. However, there’s a risk of contamination from workers handling flour tortillas, so proceed with caution.
Five Guys
At Five Guys, you can enjoy burgers wrapped in lettuce and fries cooked in a dedicated gluten-free fryer. Avoid the milkshakes if you’re very sensitive to gluten.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger offers protein-style burgers (wrapped in lettuce) and fries. Always check for the safety of the fries.
Old Spaghetti Factory
The Old Spaghetti Factory features gluten-free pasta with various sauces, baked chicken, and sides. They even have a children’s menu with gluten-free pasta.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse is a great choice with its salads, steaks, seafood, and sides. They also offer gluten-free desserts. The staff is well-trained, but it’s always a good idea to talk to a manager to avoid cross-contamination.
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
P.F. Chang’s offers appetizers, soups, fried rice, entrees, and desserts served on special plates to ensure they are gluten-free.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack provides burgers on gluten-free buns and selected milkshakes. Avoid the fries due to shared fryers.
Sonic Drive-In
At Sonic, you can have bun-less burgers, gluten-free fries and tater tots (check for shared fryers), and shakes. Ensure the mixer used for shakes is clean.
Uno Chicago Grill
Uno Chicago Grill offers gluten-free pizza, soups, salads, entrees, sides, and gluten-free beer. Their gluten-free ice cream sundae is a must-try for dessert lovers.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s gluten-free options include baked potatoes, chili, Frostys, salads without croutons, and bun-less burgers. Check for a dedicated fryer for fries.
Zoe’s Kitchen
Zoe’s Kitchen features hummus (without pita), soups, kebabs, salads, and bowls. They do not have gluten-free desserts available.
Also read: https://clubglutenfree.com/are-chilis-chips-gluten-free/
Fast Food Chains with Limited Gluten-Free Options
Burger King
Burger King has limited safe options with a high risk of cross-contamination.
KFC
KFC offers very few safe options and has a high risk of cross-contamination.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is controversial regarding their fries and has a high risk of cross-contamination.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell has limited gluten-free options and a very high risk of cross-contamination.
Also read: https://clubglutenfree.com/are-lays-barbeque-chips-gluten-free-gf-chips/
Tips for Safe Gluten-Free Fast Food Dining
- Always inform the staff about your gluten sensitivity.
- Ask for allergy alerts on your order.
- Inquire about dedicated fryers and cooking utensils.
- Keep your orders simple and explicit.
Conclusion
The growing availability of gluten-free options is exciting, but staying vigilant about cross-contamination is essential. Make informed choices and communicate clearly when ordering to enjoy your gluten-free dining experience safely.
