Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Drive Thru Fast Food

1974girl

By 1974girl
in Gluten-Free Restaurants

Recommended Posts

1974girl Enthusiast
1974girl
Posted

I totally know that any fast food is dangerous. I was just wondering when (or if) you go to them, what can you order? I am going to have to depend on your guys because my 11 year old has ZERO symptoms. We will never know if she gets glutened. (She was tested due to having a thyroid problem and they found it) So...she could eat a Big Mac and not react. So...here is what we have done so far. Any problems?

Wendy's- baked potato and chili

McDonalds- fruit and yougart parfait and fries (yes, i know the debate on the fries)

Chick Filet- grilled chicken kids meal and fries (Manager is married to a celiac and has assured me this is safe)

I would appreciate any other suggestions! I have read the Tostadas at Taco Bell were safe but I am scared to try them.

I downloaded a free phone app that told me Hardees hashrounds were safe and the manager said absolutly not. So be careful with those apps!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

You may find she develops glutening symptoms as she goes along. In the beginning I had zero, now I'm getting them.

Anyhow...

If you have in-n-out burger, they are gluten-free except the bun. Ask them to press the allergy button for the bin and do it protein style.

Five Guys does gluten-free - I think they are safe except the bun, also.

Chipotle does gluten-free very well. Only gluten is the flour tortillas. Tell them she is gluten-free and they switch out their utensils, gloves.

Pei Wei does gluten-free. They have a seperate menu.

Jamba Juice has gluten-free smoothies. Most are gluten-free. Ask for the allergy book listing.

Rubios has some gluten-free options but I'm not sure what they are. Check their website.

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

I totally know that any fast food is dangerous. I was just wondering when (or if) you go to them, what can you order? I am going to have to depend on your guys because my 11 year old has ZERO symptoms. We will never know if she gets glutened. (She was tested due to having a thyroid problem and they found it) So...she could eat a Big Mac and not react. So...here is what we have done so far. Any problems?

Wendy's- baked potato and chili

McDonalds- fruit and yougart parfait and fries (yes, i know the debate on the fries)

Chick Filet- grilled chicken kids meal and fries (Manager is married to a celiac and has assured me this is safe)

I would appreciate any other suggestions! I have read the Tostadas at Taco Bell were safe but I am scared to try them.

I downloaded a free phone app that told me Hardees hashrounds were safe and the manager said absolutly not. So be careful with those apps!

Wendy's is pretty good with offerings. Goggle each fast food you want to pursue.

AND loose Taco Bell, totally! :angry:

Teach you daughter to forgo fast food. She can actually be a leader with her peers. She can be a health food guru. It's very popular, I hear. ;)

lizard00 Enthusiast
lizard00
Posted

Chipotle does gluten-free very well. Only gluten is the flour tortillas. Tell them she is gluten-free and they switch out their utensils, gloves.

I'd steer clear of anything at Chipotle that they use their hands for... ie cheese and lettuce. I've seen (on more than one occasion) where they put too much cheese on a burrito and dumped it back in the bowl. And there's the whole holding a burrito one minute and putting cheese on it with the same gloves... even if they change gloves for you, who knows how many times it went it the cheese or lettuce before. #steppingoffthesoapbox

I will occasionally eat at Chick Fil A or Wendy's. Taco Bell and McDonald's just scare me outright. I have eaten the parfait at McDo's, and it works in a pinch, but I seemed to never escape McDo's without a headache/stomachache. So, I just quit. Most fast food is so gluten heavy that your chances of not having the few gluten-free options contaminated are slim. Frustrating when you're on the go. I totally understand.

pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

I'd steer clear of anything at Chipotle that they use their hands for... ie cheese and lettuce. I've seen (on more than one occasion) where they put too much cheese on a burrito and dumped it back in the bowl. And there's the whole holding a burrito one minute and putting cheese on it with the same gloves... even if they change gloves for you, who knows how many times it went it the cheese or lettuce before. #steppingoffthesoapbox

I will occasionally eat at Chick Fil A or Wendy's. Taco Bell and McDonald's just scare me outright. I have eaten the parfait at McDo's, and it works in a pinch, but I seemed to never escape McDo's without a headache/stomachache. So, I just quit. Most fast food is so gluten heavy that your chances of not having the few gluten-free options contaminated are slim. Frustrating when you're on the go. I totally understand.

Their training procedure is to get your cheese/lettuce from a new bin. But you have to watch - not all employees do it.

I must say, out of all the restaurant food I've eaten (ok, not much since gluten-free but I've eaten at one particular Chipotle the most of all) they are by far the best at gluten-free.

Ironically, I wonder if it's a small-town thing. There are only 3 restaurant there who will do gluten-free, so they get alot of gluten-free business. They never skip a beat when I ask.

hexon Rookie
hexon
Posted

You may be pretty limited on the fast food. I eat McDonalds fries on the go sometimes with no issues. My favorite place by far is Chik-Fil-A. Just about every time I go they take the extra time to make the grilled nuggets fresh, making sure they're safe. They're always really apologetic for taking their time to do it though, which makes me feel bad since I'd rather them take their time than me go through 3 days of feeling like crap (pun intended). I've read that Subway is working on providing gluten free sandwiches, along with a method of making sure no CC occurs, but I think it's just in trial now. Here's what a quick google turned up Open Original Shared Link

krystynycole Contributor
krystynycole
Posted

I've heard subway has been trying that for a year now and is stale with progress, but we can hope right!

However, I have good experiences with salads at subway. I tell them about the gluten issue and they change there gloves and wash their cutting utensils. I've never had a problem at the one by me, but I think subways are a case by case basis.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


CeliacAndCfsCrusader Apprentice
CeliacAndCfsCrusader
Posted

When really, really stuck...a hot fudge sundae or milk shake at McDonald's will do (I always order without cherry and whipped cream, just in case). Never had a reaction.

modiddly16 Enthusiast
modiddly16
Posted

I think the Subway thing is dead in the water. I have a relationship through my work with a few local franchisee's and they said that no one feels comfortable enough to try it because the risk of CC is so high, it'd almost be impossible to avoid.

pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

I think the Subway thing is dead in the water. I have a relationship through my work with a few local franchisee's and they said that no one feels comfortable enough to try it because the risk of CC is so high, it'd almost be impossible to avoid.

Subway only has themselves to blame for that one. They could train employees not to use hands to dip into the bins but evidently choose not to. Or, they could have a protocol for using new bins for gluten-free. The presence of so much bread still would make me nervous but if they developed a good reputation I would try it.

larry mac Enthusiast
larry mac
Posted

Our Subway had had gluten-free subs for quite a while. They are actually pretty good. As soon as you say gluten-free, they wash hands and put on fresh gloves. The same person handles your food from begining to end. The bread and knife are indivudually wrapped. There's a gluten-free ingredient list at the start of the counter.

I think the bun is from French Meadow, and they also provide individually wrapped brownies. The gluten-free subs are smaller than the regular ones, and are $1 more.

best regards, lm

pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

Our Subway had had gluten-free subs for quite a while. They are actually pretty good. As soon as you say gluten-free, they wash hands and put on fresh gloves. The same person handles your food from begining to end. The bread and knife are indivudually wrapped. There's a gluten-free ingredient list at the start of the counter.

I think the bun is from French Meadow, and they also provide individually wrapped brownies. The gluten-free subs are smaller than the regular ones, and are $1 more.

best regards, lm

Did they get your meat and veggies from fresh bins?

At the Subways near us I watch them dip hands into bins, smash bread, repeat. They put stuff on sandwiches, take it off and toss it back in the bins. No way I'd ever eat from those bins.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,979
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    volivier
    Newest Member
    volivier
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      Outgrow celiac?

      By trents · Posted

      @Riley, on this forum we sometimes get reports from people with similar experiences as you. That is, their celiac disease seems to go into remission. Typically, that doesn't last. At age 18 you are at your physical-biological peek in life where your body is stronger than it will ever be and it is able to fight well against many threats and abuses. As Wheatwacked pointed out, absence of symptoms is not always a reliable indicator that no damage is being done to the body. I was one of those "silent" celiacs with no symptoms, or at least very minor symptoms, whose body was being slowly damaged for many years before the damage became pronounced enough to warrant investigation, leading to a diagnosis. By that time I had suffered significant bone demineralization and now I suffer with back and neck problems. Please, if you choose to continue consuming gluten, which I do not recommend, at least get tested regularly so that you won't get caught in the silent celiac trap down the road like I did. You really do not outgrow celiac disease. It is baked into the genes. Once the genes get triggered, as far as we know, they are turned on for good. Social rejection is something most celiacs struggle with. Being compliant with the gluten free diet places restrictions on what we can eat and where we can eat. Our friends usually try to work with us at first but then it gets to be a drag and we begin to get left out. We often lose some friends in the process but we also find out who really are our true friends. I think the hardest hits come at those times when friends spontaneously say, "Hey, let's go get some burgers and fries" and you know you can't safely do that. One way to cope in these situations is to have some ready made gluten-free meals packed in the fridge that you can take with you on the spot and still join them but eat safely. Most "real" friends will get used to this and so will you. Perhaps this little video will be helpful to you.  
    • Wheatwacked
      Outgrow celiac?

      By Wheatwacked · Posted

      @Riley., Welcome to the forum.   It was once believed that Celiac Disease was only a childhood disease and it can be outgrown.  That was before 1951, before gluten was discovered to be cause of Celiac Disease, also called Infantilism.  Back then Cileac Disease was thought to be only a gastro intestinal disease, once you  "outgrew" the colicky phase, you were cured. You were so lucky to be diagnosed at 5 years old so your developing years were normal.  Gluten can affect multiple systems.  The nervous system, your intellegence. The muscules, skeleton. It can cause neurological issues like brain fog, anxiety, and peripheral neuropathy.  It can cause joint pain, muscle weakness, and skin rashes. Epilepsy is 1.8 times more prevalent in patients with celiac disease, compared to the general population. Because through malabsorption and food avoidances, it causes vitamin D and numerouus other essential nutrient deficiencies, it allows allergies, infections, poor growth, stuffy sinuses and eustacian tubes. There is even a catagory of celiac disease called "Silent Celiac".  Any symptoms are explained away as this, that or the other thing. Gluten is one of the most addictive substances we consume.  Activating the Opiod receptors in our cells, it can numb us to the damage that it, and other foods are causing.  It has become socially acceptable to eat foods that make us feel sick.  "There's a pill for that".   It is generally accepted that n fact you are weird if you don't. The hardest part is that if you don't eat gluten you will feel great and think why not.  But slowly it will effect you, you'll be diagnosed with real diseases that you don't have. You'll be more susseptable to other autoimmune diseases.  As you read through the posts here, notice how many are finally dianosed, after years of suffering at older ages.  Is it worth it? I think not. Perhaps this book will help:  Here is a list of possible symptoms:   
    • Riley.
      Outgrow celiac?

      By Riley. · Posted

      Hi! Im Riley, 18 years old and have been diagnosed for 13 years.. the testing started bc I stopped growing and didn’t gain any weight and was really small and thin for my age.  I got diagnosed when I was 5 and have been living gluten free since, in elementary and middle school it was hard for me and I kept contaminating myself bc I wanted to fit in with my friends so so badly. I ate gluten secretly at school and mostly regretted it 30 minutes later.  I’ve had symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, headaches, stomachaches, threw up a lot and was really emotional.  In 2022 I really started working on myself and tried to stay gluten free and if I did eat gluten I wouldn’t tell anyone and suffer in silence.  Last year in July I begged my mom to let me „cheat“ one day bc I just wanted to fit in… I ate a lot of different stuff, all the stuff I missed out on in my childhood like nuggets, pizza and all that.. I didn’t have symptoms that day and was doing really fine My mom and I wanted to test how far we can go and said we would test it for 12 weeks to get my blood taken after to see if I’m doing good or if symptoms start showing  As a now 18 year old girl who finally gained a normal weight and doesn’t get symptoms I’m to scared to get tested/my blood taken cuz I finally found comfort in food and it got so much easier for me and my family.  A year and 4 months later i still didn’t get any symptoms and have been eating gluten daily.  I’m scared to get tested/my blood taken cuz what if I’m actually not fine and have to go back to eating gluten free. Any tips to get over that fear and „suck it up“ cuz I know I could seriously damage my body… sorry if I seem like a idiot here… just don’t really know what to do :,)
    • Mari
      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      By Mari · Posted

      There is much helpful 'truth' posted on this forum. Truths about Celiac Disease are based on scientific research and people's experience. Celiac disease is inherited. There are 2 main Celiac 'genes' but they are variations of one gene called HLa - DQ What is inherited when a person inherits one or both of the DQ2 or the DQ8 is a predisposition to develop celiac disease after exposure to a environmental trigger. These 2 versions of the DQ gene are useful in diagnosing  celiac disease but there are about 25 other genes that are known to influence celiac disease so this food intolerance is a multigenic autoimmune disease. So with so many genes involved and each person inheriting a different array of these other genes one person's symptoms may be different than another's symptoms.  so many of these other genes.  I don't think that much research on these other genes as yet. So first I wrote something that seem to tie together celiac disease and migraines.  Then you posted that you had migraines and since you went gluten free they only come back when you are glutened. Then Scott showed an article that reported no connection between migraines and celiac disease, Then Trents wrote that it was possible that celiacs had more migraines  and some believed there was a causal effect. You are each telling the truth as you know it or experienced it.   
    • tiffanygosci
      Aldi Pueblo Lindo Yellow Corn Tortillas

      By tiffanygosci · Posted

      Another annoying thing about trying to figure this Celiac life out is reading all of the labels and considering every choice. I shop at Aldi every week and have been for years. I was just officially diagnosed Celiac a couple weeks ago this October after my endoscopy. I've been encouraged by my local Aldi in that they have a lot of gluten free products and clearly labeled foods. I usually buy Milagro corn tortillas because they are cheap and are certified. However, I bought a package of Aldi's Pueblo Lindo Yellow Corn Tortillas without looking too closely (I was assuming they were fine... assuming never gets us anywhere good lol) it doesn't list any wheat products and doesn't say it was processed in a facility with wheat. It has a label that it's lactose free (hello, what?? When has dairy ever been in a tortilla?) Just, ugh. If they can add that label then why can't they just say something is gluten free or not? I did eat some of the tortillas and didn't notice any symptoms but I'm just not sure if it's safe. So I'll probably have to let my family eat them and stick with Milagro. There is way too much uncertainty with this but I guess you just have to stick with the clearly labeled products? I am still learning!
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.