THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF 2/1/2020!
I almost never eat fast food. I used to — I remember going through the drive-through at the local Jack-in-the-Box and ordering 3 Super Tacos! They were delicious, in a I-don’t-want-to-know-what’s-in-it kind of way. Now I do know what’s in it, and I’m not allowed to eat it anyway since most fast food has gluten in it. Luckily we have In-N-Out Burger here in California, which is in a league of its own when it comes to fast food — and great for people who can’t have gluten!
Even for people who don’t normally eat fast food, there are those times when you’re on the road, or in a new place, or when you’re in the airport, and fast food restaurants are the only choice or the most convenient choice. I know there are a lot of people who do rely on fast food for a quick meal or when traveling, so to make it easier for you, I am putting all the allergen information for some of the most popular fast food chains here in one place.
Rather than listing out everything you can and can’t have, since fast food products and ingredients may change, I have written a little summary and compiled links to the pages of the websites where you can find all the information you need. That way, you can quickly access the info when you need it and print it out before you hit the road!
In-N-Out Burger
Thank you In-N-Out Burger for making real food, but fast! For the celiacs or gluten-intolerant out there, you can order your 100% beef burger “protein style” and it will come wrapped in a lettuce leaf rather than on a bun. You won’t see it on the menu, but you can ask for it and they won’t even look at you funny. The french fries are made from REAL potatoes and nothing else, and are fried on the spot in 100% sunflower oil (changed from cottonseed oil). They only make french fries so no worry about cross-contamination. The spread they use on the burger is gluten-free and dairy-free (it is mayo-based so it contains eggs). Read more about In-N-Out’s Ingredients. Find an In-N-Out Burger location.
McDonald’s
After facing lawsuits in 2006 over the presence of wheat and milk in their french fries after declaring them gluten-free and dairy-free, McDonald’s issued a statement saying that although wheat and milk were used as starting agents in the flavoring, there was no residual protein, hence no allergen, left in the final product. Since that time, however, McDonald’s lists their french fries as containing both wheat and dairy. So can you eat it? I don’t know. Some people with celiac say they eat them with no problem. Some say they have a reaction. You also need to watch out for cross-contamination, as some McDonald’s use a shared fryer with gluten-containing foods, and some use a dedicated fryer for only french fries. See all of McDonald’s Allergens.
Burger King
Here is Burger King’s Allergen List. Things that used to be in a dedicated fryer (french fries) are now in a shared fryer. The only foods (not beverage or dessert) that is gluten-free is a garden side salad! Stay away from Burger King! Given all the crap they put in their foods, you might be glad you have a disease that prevents you from eating it!
Taco Bell
Taco Bell has a handy Allergen Search so you can filter the menu by your particular diet. They have gotten much better over the years with many more gluten-free options. You can also view the Ingredient Statements of every menu item.
Jack in the Box
It’s a little disconcerting that a fast food place offers such a diverse menu — from hamburgers to tacos to fish sandwiches to teriyaki bowls! Okay, judgment aside, if you must eat here for some reason, you can look at two different lists: Allergens and Ingredients. If you are gluten-free, you can have a few of the salads and believe it or not, the french fries. That’s about it.
Wendy’s
Unfortunately there is no all-encompassing allergen list on Wendy’s website, but each item shows which allergens it contains. Be aware that their fries have the warning of: COOKED IN THE SAME OIL AS MENU ITEMS THAT CONTAIN WHEAT, MILK, AND FISH. Best bets are salads or baked potatoes.
Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr is the same as Wendy’s in that they list the allergens when you click on the Menu items, but I couldn’t find ingredients. Not so easy to sift through the information on their site, but it looks like the natural cut french fries are gluten-free (I know you people only care about fries!).
Kentucky Fried Chicken
KFC has a handy Special Diets Wizard to filter their menu by the top allergens, gluten, and MSG. If you can’t eat gluten, don’t even walk in the door unless you like side dishes, like green beans with MSG or corn on the cob — hey, at least it’s just corn!
Subway
Even though this is a sandwich shop, there is a pretty big selection of gluten-free veggies and meats. Some locations have gluten-free bread and gluten-free brownies. See Subway’s Allergen Chart from December 2019.
Have you eaten at any one of these establishments? Let us know how your experience was!
Alisa - Frugal Foodie says
awesome, I didn’t know that about In and Out. I will add it to the fast food section on Go Dairy Free!
heather kennedy says
Thanks for this great info!
About McD’s…. I knew it!
Rebekah says
About Wendy’s.. the last time I ate the chili, I discovered it contained wheat starch. Make sure you check ingredients each time you order something. The formulations can change!
Valree says
I tend to rely on Chick-fil-A for fast food. I usually get a grilled chicken breast and some yummy waffle fries. If there’s no CFA around (or if it’s Sunday), Burger King is my second choice. I’ll get a burger patty and some fries. The patties aren’t all that hot by themselves. Chipotle has been my go-to lately. A burrito bowl always does the trick! At McDonald’s I’ll go for a Fruit n Yogurt Parfait without the granola. I just love those things!
Sharon the Blogger Queen says
Oh Alison, I love you for putting this list together. I, too, like IN-and-Out. Not only because of the quality of the food and their “protein” burgers. But also because its owned by a little old lady. Her and her husband founded it, kept it real, and they treat their employees very, very well. Recently I’ve heard and scene people eating “Animal Style” fries: French fries with grilled onions, cheese, and special sauce on top. They look awesomely fantastic!
About Taco Bell – this is another one of our quickie emergency foods. My daughter gets a side of rice and a side of beans with no sauce or cheese. She loves it more than the local REAL mexican restaurant. Oh well, she’s a kid, what can you do?
Sharon the Blogger Queen says
I meant “seen” not “scene”. I know that was like fingernails on a chalkboard, huh?
Chandra says
In N Out has a ”secret” menu on their website. I am not on a gluten free diet, but tend to eat very low carb. Protein burgers are a staple in my diet. Sharon, the animal style french fries are amazing, but definitely not something you can eat often if you’re counting calories. The 6 dollare burgers from Carl’s Jr are very filling! I can never finish mine, but am always content.
Debi says
Thank you so much for the In-N-Out burger info!!!! We actually have one of those and have never gone! Cool! Also, we do have a local McD’s here in Limon, Co and the french fries do cause a reaction with me. Not pretty. Thanks again for the great info!
Tami Williams says
If you live in the midwest, Culver’s burgers has a gluten-free list, and also does lettuce-wrapped burgers. Jimmy John’s also makes fresh lettuce-wrapped sandwiches.
Lauren says
Thank GOD.
Amy Dumas says
Thanks for the list, I have pretty much given up fast food, other than an occasional salad. I usually just pack a lunch when I’m gonna be out and about. It’s been so long since I’ve been to Wendy’s I forgot about their baked potato… you’ve inspired me with some options. Thanks!
Susan Weissman says
I just wanted to confirm my experience with the burger king fries. My son Eden HAS had a severe reaction to cross contamination with dairy from fries in other restaurants but we are now at over a dozen visits and NEVER at Burger King!
Liz says
Carl’s Jr. will do ANY of their burgers as a lettuce wrap, so don’t limit yourself to their stated low carb burger. I eat at Carl’s at least once a week. Best burgers around.
You Know Who says
I’m sorry but I’ve been told my numerous Burger King and McDonald’s managers that fry oil is moved from other fryers. There is no such thing as dedicated french fry oil fryers in the world of fast food. The economy is struggling and they will recycle the oil. Don’t risk it.
Joyce Staker says
I have eaten at Burger King lots of times and have never had a problem. I eat the Tendergrill chicken with NO bun. If you read the ingredient list (it’s long for sure), it does not contain any wheat or other sources of gluten.
McDonald’s grilled chicken, however, does list wheat in the ingredients. I have not eaten at McDonalds since I was diagnosed a year and a half ago. They are not a celiac-friendly restaurant.
Joyce Staker says
Went to Taco Bell the other day to get a quick meal. I usually have the Zesty Chicken Border Bowl® or Southwest Steak Bowl. This day, however, I found that in our area, they no longer have those Bowls. After scouring the menu and finding no “gf friendly” items, I quickly exited the restaurant still hungry!
Rebecca says
I don’t know where you are in the country, but here in AZ, Jack in the Box serves Grilled Chicken. They are listed as not having any gluten ingredients, and my daughter has had them dozens of times with no problems. Just to let you know that there is a choice at Jack in the Box.
Wayne says
I am allergic to dairy and soy. I’m 66 years young and was excited to see that these fast food places posted their allergens. However, I would caution everyone with an allergy to read carefully the ingredients of all items sold. Most seem to think that soy only applies to soy beans or soy flour. All most all fast food restaurants cook with soy oil. I have found over the years that people with out these types of allergies don’t understand what the problem is or how extensive it can be. They want to help but don’t know how. I have maintained the following method of staying safe. If I can’t personally read the label I don’t eat it.
mark samson says
can you recommend a good book on Eating gluten-free at fast food chains and where do I get it…. Thx
alison says
Mark,
I think the best bet is to check the websites of the fast food chains. Many have allergen charts now. The problem with a book is that things are always changing!
Kay says
Panera Bread is VERY careful about cross contamination when told of allergy, change gloves, cut.board etc. Also have many salads that are gluten free.
alison says
Kay,
Good to know — I would never think of walking into a place with Bread in the name!
Jammie says
I can add that Burger King’s breakfast bowl is completely GF, whether you order with bacon or sausage. I eat it regularly w/no problems. And, Taco Bueno’s crunchy beef tacos are seemingly GF since I eat them about twice a week with no repercussions. 🙂
alison says
Jammie,
Thanks for the info – I know people will appreciate it.
Jan says
Thanks for the info! My son has Celiac disease, diagnosed at 18 months and is now 5. He loves Subway…we are now regulars at the one near our home and they know just what to do, change gloves etc. Most of the lunch meat and cheese is gluten free as are the chips. We live on the East Coast and also love 5 Guys Burgers and Fries. They serve hand cut french fries (they do use peanut oil), burgers and hotdogs (kosher) that do not have gluten. We sometimes go to McDonalds for breakfast if we are traveling…the scrambled eggs are fine.
Vanesa says
My son is 18 months old and is diagnosed with ciliac and is also allergic to eggs wheat milk nuts and the doctors took soy out of his diet as well what are some food options I feel so bad because I feel like he’s not eating enough what are some fast food options or even snack options.
Elaine says
I just heard that Chipotle is all gluten-free except for their tortillas. Never been there, but I hope it’s true!
Elaine says
I just heard that Chipotle is all gluten-free, except for the (flour?) tortillas. Never been there, but I hope it’s true!
Alison says
Elaine,
Yes, check my post on Chipotle.
vangie says
Thank you so much for this! such a big help. now i know which fast food chains to avoid and which ones are safe….
James Fiddler says
I went to a McDonalds in Vinita, OK and asked them for an allergen menu, or if they could tell me what was wheat-free. At that point, public humiliation was taken to a new level. I was treated rudely, ignored (until they saw I wasn’t leaving), and not once but twice, a worker turned to another and said, “Would you talk to this guy? I don’t know what he’s wanting.” and “What is a gloo-tin?” I had to look up their GF selection online and show it to them. Which led to the same above questions. I finally got an overpriced salad. They even gave me croutons. I fought the urge to insert the croutons in some uncomfortable places within the workers…
Adam Bryan says
I had the same issue too because every time I went out to eat, I always felt that I could no longer be sure what’s in my fast food meals. I got so fed up that I didn’t even want to go out because I was sick of the not being assure that my food was gluten-free. But thankfully after doing some research, I found this guide called the “gluten-free guide to fast food restaurants.” Its just like your post but it also lists all the gluten-free fast food available at most popular fast food chains like Chipotle Chick Fil A, Panera Bread, Boston Market, Starbucks, White Castle, Jason’s Deli, Sonic, and much more. I truly can’t go anywhere to eat without checking this guide. Its very helpful so you should check it out too.
Here’s the site: Glutenfreefastfoodguide.com
Mardi says
I have had bad experiences with Taco bell and their lack of information regarding gluten free diets/practices. One worker rolled her eyes at me when I asked them to change their gloves before preparing mine and my daughters food. We both must be GF. The Manager came up to me and said they are very clean and resented me suggesting the restaurant was dirty. it can be discouraging. I have had the best experience with In and Out and Chipotle. They see me or my daughter coming and automatically change their gloves. I was unaware of chick fil A so I will check it out. Thanks to all who help navigate the GF lifestyle. Its not easy living with celiac.
Quinn says
We are gluten/soy/dairy free and have had great luck with 5 Guys, which is popping up nationwide. Their burgers and hot dogs are free of all 3 (we bring an Udi’s bun with us), they don’t cook them with any oil and their fries are in a dedicated fryer using peanut oil. If you don’t have a peanut allergy, it’s worth trying. We love it!!
Haven’t had any luck with Del Taco or Taco Bell. Del Taco uses soy sauce in their beans!
Amy says
JIMMY JOHNS WARNING: there is gluten in their cheese! And the roast beef! I don’t understand why either of these would have gluten. Use real food JJ!
Ashley says
I have yet to see any confirmation on any site there is more debate over the subject than an actual answer. I have the answer- DO NOT eat McDonalds fries! I had some last night thinking I would be fine but I woke up this morning feel like hell. So know matter what you read if you have a gluten intolerance DO NOT eat their fries.
Aisak says
I am not sure if I am gluten or wheat intolerant but it was suggested to me and I have been trying to stay gluten free for a week to see if anything changes healthwise. I was gonna be stuck trying to figure out how I could find something to eat before my acting class. I would have starved to death but thanks to this article I was able to go to In-N-Out for a protein burger. Tasty and really hit the spot. Thanks so much!
Ginger says
I just have to note that if you chose to eat at Subway, make sure that you can tolerate cross contamination! They touch bread and then use those same gloved hands to dig into EVERY condiment there! I have attempted it twice there and have gotten VERY ill both times! Their products are gluten free, but the contamination, you might as well just eat the bread whole!
Tina says
I can not eat soy, dairy or gluten. For some reason Wendy’s allergy list claims that several of their dressings are ok for people with Soy allergies, but if you read the actual ingredients they contain soybean oil. I know a lot of people who have soy allergies do not react to the oil, but a lot of them do. definitely read ingredients closely…they lie
Jason (Gluten Free Dairy Free NJ) says
My favorite is Elevation Burger. They only fry french fries in their fryers so no cc and they are very careful. They offer lettuce wraps for their burgers. They’re only in a handful of states so far but hopefully they are expanding fast!
Larry says
Having a wife and son with various food allergies and sensitivities has made it really hard to eat out so I finally decided to do something about it and started to create a website that allows you to see whats in the food item that is on the menu in that restaurant. Its a work in process but thought I’d share since someone might find it useful.
Karishkn says
Gluten Free Fast Food – Where Can I Eat Good Fast Food? http://www.aboutgrain.com/gluten-free-fast-food-where-can-i-eat-good-fast-food/
Melinda Henry says
I tried one of Subways gluten free sandwhichs, and it was very good, and I didn’t get sick. It is nice to know I have more fast food options if I need them. I am gluten free and dairy free, and it can be a challege trying to find something to eat when I am traveling. Thanks for the help!
sarah says
Mooyah burger is a great place, they will use a seperate fryer to make your fries if you tell them you are gluten intolerant or celiac. They also have lettuce wrapped burgers too! Great v place they really go out of their way to make sure my son and i do not get sick. Very affordable as well.
jessica says
how do we know if we are gluten intolerant? or if it is lactose intolerant? I sometimes get bloated and it looks like i’m pregnant!! I have cut out cows milk and use almond milk or coconut milk. I do like bread a lot…. yikes… what if the bread is from sprouted grain?
Cadience B. says
I looked up Chipotle Mexican Restaurant food allergy menu. They are pretty fast whenever i go in, plus the only gluten containing food i found was the flour tortilla and the pork. Im intolerant to gluten, dairy, and eggs. And i can eat almost everything there!!! Plus its healthier than most food places.
http://chipotle.com/en-us/menu/special_diet_information/special_diet_information.aspx … this is the website address that is direct to the allergen chart.
Tim Ostermeyer says
The following companies put poisonous MSG and other chemicals in food: Kentucky fried chicken, Olive Garden, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, churches chicken, all pizza fast food, Applebee’s, Twin rivers, Burger King, some McDonald’s food. These restaurants do not use msg or chemicals, taco Bueno, Lubys, Cheddars, Jason’s Deli, Denny’s, Mooyahs, All Campbell’s soups have lots of MSG, but there is one soup a walmart brand of clam chowder that has no chemicals and is delicious, I get violently sick from msg