List of Menu Options for Gluten Free Fast Food Restaurants

Categories : Healthy eating
Tags : Diet nutrition

Page content

The information in this article is deemed to be accurate, but that who are gluten intolerant need to take a proactive stance in managing their health, and always ask to see printed copies of a restaurant’s nutrition and allergen information. Discuss any special needs with staff members and when in doubt, avoid eating any potentially harmful foods. Many factors affect whether or not food is totally gluten free like food handling practices, human factors, suppliers, and product handling.

Arby’s offers the following items according to information from the Celiac Society website:

Eleven sauces: creamy ranch spread, BBQ dipping sauce, Dijon honey mustard sandwich sauce, marinara sauce, red ranch sauce, tangy Southwest sauce, brown berry sauce, and cheddar cheese sauce.
Three salad dressings: buttermilk ranch, raspberry vinaigrette, and Santa Fe ranch dressing.
Six condiments or side dishes: dried cranberries, ketchup, light mayonnaise, mayonnaise, seasoned tortilla strips, and potato cakes.
Eight meats and cheeses: roasted ham, roast beef, sausage patty, roast turkey, breakfast bacon, grilled diced chicken, pepper jack cheese, and swiss cheese.
Shakes: chocolate, Jamocha, strawberry, and vanilla.

Individuals on a gluten free diet should find these options available at most Burger King Restaurants, but for the most accurate and up-to-date information, please ask for a copy of “Burger King Positive Steps Gluten-Sensitive List”:

Seventeen sauces: BBQ dipping sauce, buffalo dipping sauce, Stacker sauce, smoky cheese sauce, caramel sauce, chocolate fudge sauce, sweet and sour sauce, French fry sauce, marinara sauce, ranch dipping sauce, tartar sauce, zesty onion ring sauce, and vanilla icing.
Six salad and fruit items: BK fresh apple fries, lettuce, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and salad mix
Eleven beverages: Apple and orange juice, drinking water, and coffee.
Five meat, egg, or side dishes: hamburger patty, chicken breast fillet, egg omelet, Southwest potato mix, and liquid eggs.
Eight condiments: breakfast syrup, grape jam, honey, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, strawberry jam, and sliced pickles.
Eleven dairy products: processed cheeses: American, pepper jack, cheddar, Swiss, and three-cheese blend. Fat-free and 1% low fat chocolate milk; chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry shakes; soft serve in a cup.

Here is a list of some other fast food restaurants that offer gluten free menu items, as well as the title of the informational document.

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers offers a nice variety of gluten free menu items, but again, to be on the safe side, ask for a copy of their June 2010 edition “U.S. Menu Items without Gluten.” Try some chili with a plain baked potato and coffee or tea.
McDonalds – ask for “McDonald’s USA Ingredients Listing for Popular Menu Items.” Best choices are a beef patty with no bun, apple dippers and caramel sauce, fruit and yogurt parfait (skip the granola), Casear salad sans chicken, or even a yummy chocolate shake.
Kentucky Fried Chicken – request the “Allergen & Sensitivities Guide,” valid as of May 2010. The menu options are slim, but try a Caesar side salad without dressing or croutons, or a house side salad without dressing, green beans, corn on the cob, potato salad, or coleslaw.
Subway’s – their allergen chart is titled “Subway’s Ingredient Information for People with Food Allergies & Sensitivities,” March 2010. Stick to the salad selections here and be aware of the potential for cross-contamination.
Dairy Queen – ask for “2010 Allergen Information DQ Grill & Chill/Brazier U.S.” Try a tasty treat like vanilla or chocolate soft serve, DQ fudge bar, or Dilly bar.
Chick-fil-a – Look for their “Gluten Information” guide. Safe choices are the chargrilled chicken filet sandwich, chargrilled chicken garden salad, chargrilled chicken and fruit salad, fruit cup, side salad, cole slaw, carrot & raisin salad, or yogurt parfait.

While finding fast food options for those on gluten free diets is challenging, it is not impossible. As more and more fast food restaurants add gluten free foods, the options will become more varied and tasty. One way to help bring about this type of change is to contact your favorite fast food eatery and let them know about your special dietary needs. For more information about healthy gluten free eating, please read “Gluten Free Snacks.”