The 8 Best Gluten-Free Fast Food Items That Aren't Just Salad
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When you have a gluten sensitivity or just choose to avoid gluten, eating out can be a challenge—especially when it comes to fast food. Many of our favorite fast food spots' items are full of gluten, and salads and apple slices don't always cut it. In a quest to prove that you can eat fast food while being gluten-free, we looked through online menus and lists of allergens to select the best gluten-free menu item from each of the top fast food spots.
We looked for what the Celiac Disease Foundation calls "obvious ingredients" that contain gluten, including wheat, barley, rye, malt, brewer's yeast, and oats (that aren't labeled gluten-free). Not every items has a full ingredient list available, so we crossed out any items containing wheat. Hidden or trace ingredients are always possible, so keep that in mind.
Additionally, restaurants have their own disclaimers about allergens and ingredients. Recipes can change, and cross contamination is possible. For example, fries could be cooked in the same oil as other foods. Make sure to check each menu for ingredients and use your best judgment when ordering.
Need a coffee to pair with your fast food lunch? Here's our guide to gluten-free items at Starbucks.
Wendy's: Frosty
While you could order an Apple Pecan Salad, Taco Salad, or chili, Wendy's iconic Frosty is the chain's ultimate gluten-free item. We might even recommend pairing it with an order of fries for a sweet and salty treat—although it's worth noting that the fries are cooked in the same oil as other wheat-containing items.
Check out Wendy's menu and ingredient lists.
Chipotle: Chicken Burrito Bowl
Chipotle might be one of the best fast food spots to eat if you're gluten-free. Apart from potential cross contamination, the only items containing gluten are the flour tortillas. So while you can't enjoy a burrito, you can dive into a hearty burrito bowl—we like barbacoa or chicken. Other great options are lifestyle bowls or tacos, in a corn tortilla, of course.
You can also check out this chart that highlights menu ingredients along with allergens and special diets.
Taco Bell: Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco
Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Tacos are gluten-free. You heard us. Browse this page for other gluten-free options, including Power Menu Bowls and Crunchy Tacos. Try out this allergen tool to find other menu items.
Chick-fil-A: Grilled Chicken Filet on a Gluten-Free Bun
Yep, you can get a full gluten-free lunch at Chick-fil-A. Just order the grilled chicken filet on a gluten-free bun and pair that with a side of Waffle Potato Fries, and you have yourself a meal.
You can also check out this list of Chick-fil-A gluten-free menu items and the full menu.
McDonald's: McFlurry with M&M's
Skip the apple slices and opt for a McFlurry with M&M's for a gluten-free treat. While we thought the World Famous Fries would be gluten-free, they actually contain a natural beef flavor which has hydrolyzed wheat. That doesn't mean you can't treat yourself. Several of the ice cream-based desserts are gluten-free. You can check out the full menu here.
Burger King: Fries
The best gluten-free item to get at Burger King is an order of fries. Other items like the Hershey's Chocolate Shake and oatmeal are wheat-free, too. You can check out the the allergens across the menu items here.
Checkers: Classic Wings
While the deliciously seasoned fries sadly contain gluten, the Classic Wings (with any of the sauces) are wheat-free, according to the nutritional information. If you're avoiding gluten, you can also order the chili.
Subway: Buffalo Chicken No Bready Bowl
The Buffalo Chicken No Bready Bowl is a flavorful, filling option if you're avoiding gluten at Subway. Many of the salads and No Bready Bowls don't have any wheat or gluten, according to this handy chart, but not all, so you'll want to double check before ordering.
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