If you’re looking for some fast food while rushing between business appointments or need to grab a quick bite before your son’s soccer game, there’s some good news. Several large fast food restaurants are now offering some gluten free items, affirming the 2010 food predictions that I shared with you recently. Here are a few recent examples:
Last week, Burger King officially released their list of the menu items which are gluten free. The list includes beef patties, French fries, Tendergrill chicken fillets, egg omelets and various dips and condiments.
This past November, Arby’s published their list of gluten free menu items. In addition to condiments and drinks, their list includes breakfast items, meats, sides, salads, desserts.
In September, the gluten-free options featured on the website include salad, a bunless burger wrap, and an egg scramble bowl. They also noted: What many people don’t know is that at Hardee’s you can order anything on the menu any way you like it. No gluten? No problem. Visit www.hardees.com/menu/indulge for some ideas and to download a coupon to make your own flavor experiment on us.
In-N-Out Burger offers the Protein Style burger, your favorite burger wrapped in a lettuce leaf instead of a bun.
Subway and McDonald’s each offer several items. And, there are even pizza restaurants from Boston to San Francisco that are starting to provide gluten free pizza. It’s only going to get better and better from here on out.
Word of caution: Don’t assume anything. Ingredients and menu items are always changing. Before you order, make sure to check with each restaurant to confirm that they have not changed anything in the item that you think is gluten free. You may need to specifically inquire whether they have a dedicated fryer for their fries. And, remember, it’s perfectly ok to ask to speak to a manager.
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But watch out for contamination at any restaurant, fast food or otherwise! Make sure the prep cook hasn’t cooked your burger on a contaminated surface or sliced your salad on a counter littered with bread crumbs. Also, ask if the french fries are prepared in dedicated oil, not the same oil as gluten-containing fries.
Absolutely correct, Judy! Thanks for the reminder! This is something that we should always be cognizant of and ask about. I had a very bad reaction a couple years ago myself due to cross contamination.
FYI, the last time I checked, I found that InNOut does use separate fryers for their fries. And, somebody told me that if you like those fries more crisp, you ask can ask for that as well.
Keep in mind that fast foods are best eaten only occasionally at most! Just because a food is gluten free does NOT mean that it is any healthier than the standard counterparts. Our bodies don’t need extra HFCS, saturated fats, artificial colors/flavorings or GMO foods.