The growing need for a gluten-free diet means even fast food chains are beginning to respond. The following is a list of gluten-free items at some popular fast-food restaurants. (accurate as of 7/9/2011). Just be careful! The risk of cross contamination in fast-food restaurants is high. Keep your order simple and your instructions explicit for the best results.
Wendy's
Many people with celiac or gluten intolerance head to Wendy's as their first choice when looking for a gluten-free fast food restaurant. According to Wendy's published gluten-free menu, most or all of the chain's trademark baked potatoes are gluten-free, as are Wendy's chili and chocolate and vanilla Frostys. At Wendy's, you can eat the salads without croutons (assuming they're not pre-prepared with croutons — never, ever pick croutons off a salad!), and most of the salad dressings are listed as gluten-free, as well. You also can order a hamburger or cheeseburger without the bun.
In some Wendy's locations, you may be able to eat the French fries — you'll need to check to see if they're fried in the same oil as gluten-containing items.
Arby's
Owned by the same company as Wendy's, also features a fairly comprehensive gluten-free menu for a fast food restaurant. If you're gluten-free, it's possible to dine at Arby's on most of the meats (without a bun, of course) and two meal-sized salads — the farmhouse salad with turkey and ham and the farmhouse salad with roast chicken. The chocolate, jamocha swirl and vanilla shakes also are listed as gluten-free. However, unlike Wendy's (and like most other fast food restaurants), Arby's prepares its fries in the same oil as it cooks gluten foods, so Arby's fries and potato cakes are not safe.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A provides the best gluten-free list of any fast food restaurant — the six-page document lists a huge variety of menu options and provides the ingredients for each one, so people with additional food allergies or intolerances can determine what's safe for them to eat.
It's possible to enjoy several different meal-sized salads (with chicken or without), a couple of different breakfast items, and Chick-fil-A's waffle fries, which are cooked in separate fryers (be sure to check with your individual restaurant to be sure about the fryer status). In addition, Chick-fil-A's yogurt parfait and Ice Dream dessert cup are listed as gluten-free. Many people report good gluten-free experiences at Chick-fil-A.
McDonald's
McDonald's doesn't maintain a gluten-free menu, stating instead that since ingredients and suppliers change frequently, people with concerns should check back at the company's website. Although this is subject to change, here is a current list of McDonald’s gluten-free items for your reference: apple juice, hot chocolate, coffee, 1% lowfat milk ( white or chocolate), orange juice, soft drinks, Chocolate Triple Thick Shake, Strawberry Triple Thick Shake, Vanilla Triple Thick Shake, Apple Dippers and low fat caramel dipping sauce, Fruit & Yogurt Parfait (no granola), Ice cream sundaes, Mc Flurry with M&M's candies, Breakfast Beef Steak, Canadian Bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, Caesar salad without chicken, side salad, Newman's Own salad dressings ( Creamy Caesar Dressing, Cobb Dressing, Ranch, Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette), and Newman's Own Salsa.
There's a tremendous debate in the celiac community about whether McDonald's fries are gluten-free. The oil they're fried in contains wheat derivatives, but McDonald's maintains the fries themselves contain no gluten detectable by tests
that go down to 3 parts per million.
Burger King
Burger King unveiled its newgluten-sensitive list in early 2010 as part of its "BK Positive Steps" campaign to provide more nutrition information on its menu items.
The Burger King list includes both menu items and ingredients in menu items, and it can be difficult to decipher what on the menu actually will turn out gluten-free — for example, it states that "salad mix" and "lettuce" are gluten-free, but doesn't say whether a prepared salad would be safe.
Still, the list might provide some options for a starving celiac if it was coupled by an understanding Burger King staffer. It might be possible to get a bunless hamburger there.
.
Chipotle Mexican GrillChipotle
Mexican Grill, which spans the gap between a fast food restaurant chain and acasual dine-in restaurant, offers a huge variety of options for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. In fact, everything on Chipotle's menu except for the flour tortillas is listed as gluten-free on the company's Special Diet Information handout.
Celiacs who react to distilled vinegar should avoid the red tomatillo salsa, and Chipotle's notes that anything with corn might have been contaminated by other grains before ever getting to the restaurant (they've obviously done their homework!). Otherwise, if you're lucky enough to have a Chipotle's nearby, enjoy. Just make sure to ask the people making your food to change their gloves first.
Sonic Drive-In
If you like burgers without a bun, you can order one at Sonic Drive In, and the fries and tater tots are gluten-free, too, according to Sonic's allergen table.
However, Sonic's shakes, which come with a huge variety of toppings, are a better reason to go to the drive-in fast food restaurant. Most of the potential shake toppings are gluten-free (with the exception of obvious ones, such as Oreos and pie crumb pieces).
In-N-Out Burger
Devotees of In-N-Out Burger (and there are quite a few in the gluten intolerant community) order their burgers "protein-style," or wrapped in lettuce instead of in a bun.This is such a popular item (both for the gluten-free and for Atkins devotees) that the fast food restaurant chain has it listed on its secret menu. In addition, the In-N-Out fries should be gluten-free and therefore safe (but never forget to ask).
DQ®
Gluten-Free Products
For our customers with gluten intolerance, the following Dairy Queen® treats are some of our top selling gluten-free products: containing no wheat, barley, oats or rye.
Vanilla and Chocolate Soft Serve
Additionally the following toppings are gluten-free: chocolate, hot fudge, marshmallow, butterscotch, strawberry, caramel
Our supplier of manufactured novelties informs us that the following items are also gluten-free: DQ Fudge, DQ Vanilla Orange Bar, Dilly Bar (look for this in a sealed plastic wrap)
Zeppe’s Pizzeria now has gluten-free pizza!
Zeppe's Pizzeria, the leader in high-quality ingredient menu items, has partnered with Still Riding Pizza—makers of a gluten free pizza crust—to enable those that are on a gluten or wheat free diet to indulge in one of life’s most popular comfort foods.
Zeppe’s Pizzeria prides itself on their award-winning Pizzas, and now even those on this restricted diet can enjoy their pizza! Joe Ciresi, President and Founder
of Zeppe’s said,” We realized that 1 out of 133 people are affected with Celiac disease, and have to follow a gluten-free diet. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve pizza on this crust, and know that it will make it pleasurable for many customers that couldn’t have traditional pizza because of their diets.”
Liz Silverman, President of Still Riding Pizza states,
“Zeppe’s is the perfect partner for Still Riding Pizza. They really understand that pizza is more than just food; it’s one of the most popular ways to socialize, and now
people on a gluten free diet no longer need to be left out. We’re thrilled to be partners.”
Zeppe’s Pizzeria and Still Riding Pizza will work together to maintain the purity of the gluten free pizza. The crust is produced and pre-baked at Still Riding’s
own, dedicated 100% Gluten Free and Kosher certified facility in Connecticut and shipped directly to Zeppe’s 30 locations. At Zeppe’s, the pizza is assembled using uncontaminated and gluten free toppings, baked on a special baking tray so that it doesn’t touch the deck of the oven, and cut with a clean and dedicated cutter before it is served. Still Riding Pizza and Zeppe’s have collaborated on the safest preparation methods and techniques to avoid the risk of cross-contamination. The gluten free pizza is now a part of their regular menu and is available for pick-up and delivery.
Zeppe’s Pizzeria locations are open Monday through Wednesday from 11 am to 10 pm,
Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to midnight, and
Sunday from Noon to 10 pm.
Wendy's
Many people with celiac or gluten intolerance head to Wendy's as their first choice when looking for a gluten-free fast food restaurant. According to Wendy's published gluten-free menu, most or all of the chain's trademark baked potatoes are gluten-free, as are Wendy's chili and chocolate and vanilla Frostys. At Wendy's, you can eat the salads without croutons (assuming they're not pre-prepared with croutons — never, ever pick croutons off a salad!), and most of the salad dressings are listed as gluten-free, as well. You also can order a hamburger or cheeseburger without the bun.
In some Wendy's locations, you may be able to eat the French fries — you'll need to check to see if they're fried in the same oil as gluten-containing items.
Arby's
Owned by the same company as Wendy's, also features a fairly comprehensive gluten-free menu for a fast food restaurant. If you're gluten-free, it's possible to dine at Arby's on most of the meats (without a bun, of course) and two meal-sized salads — the farmhouse salad with turkey and ham and the farmhouse salad with roast chicken. The chocolate, jamocha swirl and vanilla shakes also are listed as gluten-free. However, unlike Wendy's (and like most other fast food restaurants), Arby's prepares its fries in the same oil as it cooks gluten foods, so Arby's fries and potato cakes are not safe.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A provides the best gluten-free list of any fast food restaurant — the six-page document lists a huge variety of menu options and provides the ingredients for each one, so people with additional food allergies or intolerances can determine what's safe for them to eat.
It's possible to enjoy several different meal-sized salads (with chicken or without), a couple of different breakfast items, and Chick-fil-A's waffle fries, which are cooked in separate fryers (be sure to check with your individual restaurant to be sure about the fryer status). In addition, Chick-fil-A's yogurt parfait and Ice Dream dessert cup are listed as gluten-free. Many people report good gluten-free experiences at Chick-fil-A.
McDonald's
McDonald's doesn't maintain a gluten-free menu, stating instead that since ingredients and suppliers change frequently, people with concerns should check back at the company's website. Although this is subject to change, here is a current list of McDonald’s gluten-free items for your reference: apple juice, hot chocolate, coffee, 1% lowfat milk ( white or chocolate), orange juice, soft drinks, Chocolate Triple Thick Shake, Strawberry Triple Thick Shake, Vanilla Triple Thick Shake, Apple Dippers and low fat caramel dipping sauce, Fruit & Yogurt Parfait (no granola), Ice cream sundaes, Mc Flurry with M&M's candies, Breakfast Beef Steak, Canadian Bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, Caesar salad without chicken, side salad, Newman's Own salad dressings ( Creamy Caesar Dressing, Cobb Dressing, Ranch, Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette), and Newman's Own Salsa.
There's a tremendous debate in the celiac community about whether McDonald's fries are gluten-free. The oil they're fried in contains wheat derivatives, but McDonald's maintains the fries themselves contain no gluten detectable by tests
that go down to 3 parts per million.
Burger King
Burger King unveiled its newgluten-sensitive list in early 2010 as part of its "BK Positive Steps" campaign to provide more nutrition information on its menu items.
The Burger King list includes both menu items and ingredients in menu items, and it can be difficult to decipher what on the menu actually will turn out gluten-free — for example, it states that "salad mix" and "lettuce" are gluten-free, but doesn't say whether a prepared salad would be safe.
Still, the list might provide some options for a starving celiac if it was coupled by an understanding Burger King staffer. It might be possible to get a bunless hamburger there.
.
Chipotle Mexican GrillChipotle
Mexican Grill, which spans the gap between a fast food restaurant chain and acasual dine-in restaurant, offers a huge variety of options for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. In fact, everything on Chipotle's menu except for the flour tortillas is listed as gluten-free on the company's Special Diet Information handout.
Celiacs who react to distilled vinegar should avoid the red tomatillo salsa, and Chipotle's notes that anything with corn might have been contaminated by other grains before ever getting to the restaurant (they've obviously done their homework!). Otherwise, if you're lucky enough to have a Chipotle's nearby, enjoy. Just make sure to ask the people making your food to change their gloves first.
Sonic Drive-In
If you like burgers without a bun, you can order one at Sonic Drive In, and the fries and tater tots are gluten-free, too, according to Sonic's allergen table.
However, Sonic's shakes, which come with a huge variety of toppings, are a better reason to go to the drive-in fast food restaurant. Most of the potential shake toppings are gluten-free (with the exception of obvious ones, such as Oreos and pie crumb pieces).
In-N-Out Burger
Devotees of In-N-Out Burger (and there are quite a few in the gluten intolerant community) order their burgers "protein-style," or wrapped in lettuce instead of in a bun.This is such a popular item (both for the gluten-free and for Atkins devotees) that the fast food restaurant chain has it listed on its secret menu. In addition, the In-N-Out fries should be gluten-free and therefore safe (but never forget to ask).
DQ®
Gluten-Free Products
For our customers with gluten intolerance, the following Dairy Queen® treats are some of our top selling gluten-free products: containing no wheat, barley, oats or rye.
Vanilla and Chocolate Soft Serve
Additionally the following toppings are gluten-free: chocolate, hot fudge, marshmallow, butterscotch, strawberry, caramel
Our supplier of manufactured novelties informs us that the following items are also gluten-free: DQ Fudge, DQ Vanilla Orange Bar, Dilly Bar (look for this in a sealed plastic wrap)
Zeppe’s Pizzeria now has gluten-free pizza!
Zeppe's Pizzeria, the leader in high-quality ingredient menu items, has partnered with Still Riding Pizza—makers of a gluten free pizza crust—to enable those that are on a gluten or wheat free diet to indulge in one of life’s most popular comfort foods.
Zeppe’s Pizzeria prides itself on their award-winning Pizzas, and now even those on this restricted diet can enjoy their pizza! Joe Ciresi, President and Founder
of Zeppe’s said,” We realized that 1 out of 133 people are affected with Celiac disease, and have to follow a gluten-free diet. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve pizza on this crust, and know that it will make it pleasurable for many customers that couldn’t have traditional pizza because of their diets.”
Liz Silverman, President of Still Riding Pizza states,
“Zeppe’s is the perfect partner for Still Riding Pizza. They really understand that pizza is more than just food; it’s one of the most popular ways to socialize, and now
people on a gluten free diet no longer need to be left out. We’re thrilled to be partners.”
Zeppe’s Pizzeria and Still Riding Pizza will work together to maintain the purity of the gluten free pizza. The crust is produced and pre-baked at Still Riding’s
own, dedicated 100% Gluten Free and Kosher certified facility in Connecticut and shipped directly to Zeppe’s 30 locations. At Zeppe’s, the pizza is assembled using uncontaminated and gluten free toppings, baked on a special baking tray so that it doesn’t touch the deck of the oven, and cut with a clean and dedicated cutter before it is served. Still Riding Pizza and Zeppe’s have collaborated on the safest preparation methods and techniques to avoid the risk of cross-contamination. The gluten free pizza is now a part of their regular menu and is available for pick-up and delivery.
Zeppe’s Pizzeria locations are open Monday through Wednesday from 11 am to 10 pm,
Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to midnight, and
Sunday from Noon to 10 pm.