How To Find Out Information About A Fast Food Chains Allergen Statement And Information
When youre at a drive through or standing in line at a fast food restaurant, it can seem like this information isnt anywhere in sight.
You may need to ask about how the restaurant or chain handles allergens and specifically gluten. There may be a pamphlet on a bulletin board or a binder or folder that someone who works there can pull out from behind the counter for you.
What youre looking for is to understand how this specific fast food chain handles allergens and if anything is done to ensure that foods with gluten or other allergens arent subjected to cross contamination.
The big spoiler here is that most fast food restaurants will likely have some cross contamination and thats just the nature of visiting one of these places for a convenient meal.
You have to know what your bodys level of gluten sensitivity is and what your comfort level is knowing that gluten may be on the food that you order even if theres no gluten in that particular menu item.
If you cant find any allergen information in the fast food restaurant itself, you can look online. Most websites have some way of helping you to identify whether foods are made in shared fryers or what the ingredients in a menu item are.
If theres no obvious allergen statement online, you can assume that there is no question about cross contamination at this fast food chain, and that it for sure happens at this set of restaurants.
Jack In The Box: Southwest Chicken Salad
There’s no easy way to modify Jack’s Stacked Grilled Cheese Burger, so sadly, those with Celiac will never know the wonder of Munchie Meals. But this salad does have pepper jack cheese and black beans, at least. Just beware the crunchy toppings.
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Kristin Hunt is a staff writer for Thrillist. She does not have a gluten intolerance, but always orders a Reese’s Blizzard at DQ anyways. Follow her to ice cream at @kristin_hunt.
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Wendys: Strawberry Fields Salad
At Wendys, chicken is cut on the same cutting board as their sandwich bread and burger buns, so cross-contamination can occur. But if you order this salad sans chicken, youre good to go. For a side, you can have any of their baked potatoes, and for dessert, a chocolate or vanilla Frostybecause you deserve both.
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Choose Where You Eat:
Always choose the place where you eat wisely. Many restaurants are everywhere that prepare different foods according to customers requirements.
Moreover, ask a question about your food because food prepared in the kitchen where a lot of food is prepared simultaneously has a high chance of getting contaminated.
Studies have also shown that shared scoops, holding trays, fryers, and baskets are one of the primary sources of cross-contamination.
Can Upset The Stomach:
The human body digests the fats slowly as compared to carbs and protein. These fats also contain more calories, depending upon how they are cooked.
French fries contain a high amount of fats, so if it remains in the stomach for a long time, they can cause stomach-related issues.
According to a study , if fried food remains in the stomach for longer, it can cause stomach pain and other side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and bloating.
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Bottom Line: High Five Guys
Since Five Guys has a pretty gluten-free-friendly menu, theres a lower risk of cross contamination. That doesnt mean you arent at risk, but the odds are in your favor in comparison to other chains.
You can also specifically tell them you have an allergy, which they will note when making your order.
Five Guys also mentions to avoid these foods due to gluten:
- malted milk and cherry milkshake mix-ins
- Oreo piece mix-ins
Note: Five Guys uses peanut oil to fry, so youll want to avoid this chain if you have a peanut allergy.
Summary Of Gluten Free Menu Options At Jack In The Box
Pro tips and a quick summary of everything gluten free at Jack In The Box
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Restaurants To Buy Gluten
The following restaurants offer gluten-free French fries:
- Chick-fil-a: This restaurant is known for its signature waffle fries. These fries are made in a separate fryer and peanut oil.
- Five Guys: Five Guys hand-cut fries are very famous. This restaurant uses a dedicated French fry fryer to make the fries, which are fried in peanut oil.
- Larkburger: Larkburger is a small food chain based in Colorado. This restaurant offers gluten-free French fries and onion rings as well. Both of the fast-food items are prepared in dedicated gluten-free fryers.
- Hopdoddy Burger Bar: This restaurant is also very famous and trustworthy for its gluten-free French fries.
- In-N-Out Burger: This is also a popular fast-food chain that offers gluten-free, gluten-free French fries and other gluten-free fast food items. This restaurant uses sunflower oil and a dedicated fryer.
- Honest Burger: Honest burger is a trendy fast-food chain in the United Kingdom. The French fries and onion rings are cooked in different gluten-free fryers in this restaurant.
- Sonic Drive-Thru: Not all, but some sonic restaurants have separate gluten-free fryers to cook gluten-free French fries and tater tots.
- Red Robin: This restaurant is very famous for its steak fries. These fries are cooked in the gluten-free fryer on request.
Many other restaurants can make gluten-free French fries and other fast food items if the customer requests.
How To Avoid Gluten When Eating Out:
Finding restaurants according to your needs and taste is what everyone wants. These days restaurants are present in almost every area of the city.
However, not all restaurants can provide gluten-free foods. Some restaurants with French fries are safe to eat on your gluten-free diet. Before getting into it, here are a few things that you should keep in mind:
- The policies and procedures of the restaurants can be changed at any time. If a restaurant offers French fries once, it does not mean that it would be the same yearly. It also does not mean that every restaurant would have a dedicated fryer. It would be best if you always asked these things because the most accurate information you can get about any restaurant is at that restaurant.
- When ordering French fries, ask the server if these are cooked in a dedicated or shared fryer? When you ask this question, the server will acknowledge how you are serious about eating gluten-free.
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Are Potatoes Gluten Free
In their raw form, potatoes are always gluten free! Whether its white potatoes, red potatoes, sweet potatoes they will never contain gluten if youre using them in their purest form. You would think that because fries are made from potatoes that they would always be free from gluten, right? Unfortunately, that is not always the case!
Casual Chain Restaurants Options
Gluten-free options in casual chain restaurants are increasing rapidly, but the chains have been slow to move to dedicated fryers for their fries. This means most fries you encounter in casual restaurants are not going to be gluten-free, even if they don’t include gluten ingredients.
Some restaurants serve fries coated with flour which makes them crispier, but unsafe if you can’t have gluten.
Red Robin is one of the nationwide chains with gluten-free options. Despite the fact that the chain has dedicated fryers for their steak fries, its website does warn of potential cross-contamination of gluten ingredients.
Others may offer gluten-free fries. Of course, it varies depending on location, demand, and the gluten-free awareness level of staff membersbut you’ll definitely need to ask.
Be aware that when you ask whether a restaurant’s fries are gluten-free, most will say “yes,” since the waitstaff and even the managers and chefs don’t always realize that frying them in a shared fryer means they’re no longer gluten-free. You’ll have to ask specifically whether the restaurant’s fries are prepared in a separate fryer.
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Spicy Southwest Salad With Chick
The spicy Southwest salad with chick-n-strips comes with tomatoes, cheese, corn, black beans, chiles, bell peppers, all on a bed of mixed greens and topped with tortilla strips, pepitas, fried chicken strips and a creamy salsa dressing. It has 890 calories, 61g fat, 12g saturated fat, 44g carbohydrate, 43g protein, and 1,710mg sodium.
To reduce calories and fat on a salad, go for grilled chicken and skip any high-fat or high-calorie extras. If you dont want to completely skip salad dressing, avoid creamy options, which tend to be high in calories and fat.
If youre trying to watch your sugar intake, remember that condiments like salad dressing can be a source of added or hidden sugar in your diet. Chick-fil-As fat-free honey mustard dressing has 19g of sugar per serving and the zesty apple cider vinaigrette has 14g, as well as 230 calories.
A single serving of Light Italian Dressing adds just 25 calories and 1g fat to your salad, while a serving of Chick-fil-As Creamy Salsa Dressing adds 290 calories and 31g fat.
Toppings like black beans and corn, crunchy tortilla strips, and pepitas can easily add 100 calories each to a salad . Extras like bacon bits, which may add some protein, also tend to be high in sodium. Other than grilled chicken, a chopped, hardboiled egg is another good source of protein.
If youre building a salad at Chick-fil-A, load up on produce options, which includes crisp veggies, fiber-filled fruit like apples, and even antioxidant-rich blueberries.
What Common Fast Food Items Contain Gluten
When dealing with gluten-intolerance, knowledge is safety. Knowing what food items you can eat, as well as those that are taboo, can be the difference between a good afternoon with friends and a painful allergy episode.
While the list of food items containing gluten is inexhaustible, some are more common in fast food circles.
The following food items should be avoided by gluten-intolerant people at fast food outlets: wheat, barley, rye, malt, triticale, wheat starch, and brewers yeast. You should also try to avoid foods that require frying.
Fried foods at fast food restaurants may be gluten-free but are at risk of cross-contamination due to the same oil being used for frying both gluten-free and gluten-containing products.
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Dairy Queen: Reese’s Blizzard
We could tell you to order GrillBurger without the bun, but this is Dairy Queen, after all, which means you’re probably curious about the ice cream. Soft-serve is clear for consumption, just be mindful of your Blizzard toppings: oreo crumbles will always end in misery, but Reese’s are on the good foods list.
Health Risks Of Overeating French Fries:
Undoubtedly, French fries are among the tastiest and most comforting fast food anyone can find easily. Not only this, but these fries are so addictive that no one can stop at just one. There are many people who constantly put French fries with their pizza or burger.
If you are one of them, you should be aware of the side effects of eating too many fries. It can negatively affect your health and increase the risk of various diseases.
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Bottom Line: Service At The Speed Of Sound With A Side Of Contamination
Its a toss-up whether the fries and Tater Tots are gluten-free, and theres a high risk of cross contamination.
Sonic is a tricky one for GF food options, so be sure to tell the employees about your allergy when ordering. If youre ordering with someone else, be sure their food doesnt touch yours. You dont want those gluten-y fries all up on your bunless burger.
But if youre craving ice cream or a slush, you should be A-OK at Sonic.
Are Mcdonalds French Fries Gluten
No, McDonalds French fries are not gluten-free. They are cooked in a shared fryer and contain additives that include wheat.
According to Burger Kings allergen menu, Burger King French fries are also cooked in a shared fryer, meaning they have a high risk of cross contamination with gluten ingredients. These French fries are not safe for those with gluten food allergies and wheat allergy.
You also might like this article on Wendys gluten-free and Chick-Fil-A gluten-free menu options.
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When Are French Fries Not Gluten
To ensure that the French fries are gluten-free, verify that there is nothing in the batter that contains gluten like additives, seasonings, gravies, sauces, and toppings.
Many restaurants and other dining establishments make their french fries by adding a wheat-based batter to make them crispier. So, always read the label or ask the person who cooks your food about all the ingredients when dining outside.
Not only gluten-containing ingredients, but there is another important thing as well: cross-contamination. This cross-contamination can occur when gluten-free foods come in contact with the food containing gluten.
Cross-contamination can also occur in a home kitchen, food manufacturing, and dining establishment.
Gluteen Free: Top Fast Food Restaurants
Here are some of our favorite “Fast Food” places to eat. We hope you enjoy them too.
Five Guys
Five Guys is one of the only fast food restaurants where you can get both a burger and fries without being too concerned about cross contamination, as the only food item that contains gluten in the entire facility are their gluten-filled buns. Their fries are 100% gluten free as they are the only items that enter their fryolators. Therefore, both the cajun fries and regular fries are gluten free! They do not have gluten free buns, but if you let the server know you have an issue with gluten, they will prepare your food in a separate area and will gladly either wrap your burger in lettuce or put it into a bowl. Milkshakes are definitely a no-go, however, as some can contain malted milk and/or Oreo mix-ins. Cross contamination in the blenders is highly possible. Also, avoid the fry sauce and the malt vinegar on the tables.
Favorite Order: Bacon cheeseburger with cajun fries.
Papa Ginos
Favorite Order: Plain cheese pizza or bacon pizza
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Favorite Order: Burrito bowl with pork carnitas, cheese, lettuce, black beans, white rice, mild salsa and corn salsa
sweetgreen
Favorite Order: Toss up between the Kale Caesar or Pesto Portabello
The GluTeen Free blog posts are written by Sarah and Kaitlyn Roffman, twins with celiac disease who are currently juniors at Littleton High School.
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Healthy Substitutes For Buns:
There are many ways you can enjoy your burger without the traditional burger bun. Here are a few tasty ways to replace your burger bun:
- Large Portobello Mushrooms
- Burger and Soup: Heres a cozy combo. Our Roasted Tomato Basil Soup or Wild Rice Mushroom Soup would be the perfect side.
- Sauces and Dips: Add any of these sauces on top of your burger to boost the flavor even more! Homemade Barbecue Sauce, Chipotle Sauce, Dairy-Free Tzatziki, or Avocado Sauce.
- Toppings: Bacon, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, caramelized onions, and cheese are the typical toppings. Feel free to get as creative as you like!
- Gluten-Free Buns: I typically use Trader Joes Gluten-Free Buns. Canyon Bakehouse and Schar Gluten-Free Buns are great options.
I hope you enjoy this gluten-free burger recipe! If you try the recipe, dont forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on and ! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.
All The Recipes On GFB Are Gluten-Free! Browse around and find more tasty recipes to try! Need Ideas?
Do French Fries Have Gluten
Most French fries are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, including potatoes, oil, and salt. However, some restaurants cook them in a fryer that is used for other foods that contain gluten .
These French fries pose a risk for those with gluten dietary restrictions, since some fast food fries could cross-contaminate with gluten.
To ensure French fries are completely gluten-free, they must be made in a dedicated deep fryer that is used only for gluten-free foods.
Its important to always check with the restaurant to find out if their French fries are gluten-free, or made in a designated fryer.
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Is It Safe To Order French Fries If You Follow A Gluten
As a server approaches to take your order, the ultimate moment of willpower arises: Will you order the side salad or a plate of french fries? Sure, the salad’s the nutritious choice, but, let’s be honest, fries are the tastier pick.
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But while potatoes are naturally free of gluten, the fries you order aren’t necessarily gluten-free. They may come in contact with breaded or wheat-containing foods in restaurant kitchens or during the manufacturing process for frozen brands. If you’re sensitive to or can’t eat gluten, you may need to play it safe and skip the fries.
Makes You Gain Weight:
French fries are high in calories like all the other fast foods. Which means these can make you gain weight.
One average serving of French fries has 378 calories, and the main thing is that it is very easy to eat many of them.
According to a study on long-term weight gain in both men and women , per serving of potato chips can increase the weight more than any other food.
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