Search the Community

Celiac.com 05/27/2025 - For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding safe breakfast options at popular coffee chains can be tricky. Cross-contamination is a major concern, and menu items frequently change. This guide compares the current (2024) gluten-free breakfast offerings at Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks, highlighting which options are truly safe and what to watch out for. Understanding Gluten-Free Needs at Coffee Chains Before diving into the menus, it's important to note: Neither Dunkin' nor Starbucks has a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, meaning cross-contamination is possible. Oats can be risky—unless certified gluten-free, they may be contaminated with wheat during processing. Always check with staff about preparation methods, as ingredients and recipes can vary by location. Dunkin' Donuts Gluten-Free Breakfast Options Dunkin' has a limited but growing selection of gluten-free breakfast items. Here's what's currently available: Safe Gluten-Free Choices Hash Browns Made from potatoes, oil, and salt. No gluten ingredients, but fried in shared oil (risk of cross-contamination). Best for those with mild gluten sensitivity (not ideal for celiacs). Egg & Cheese Wake-Up Wraps (Without the Tortilla) The eggs and cheese themselves are gluten-free, but the tortilla contains wheat. You can ask for just the eggs and cheese in a bowl. Confirm with staff to ensure no gluten-containing additives. Yogurt Parfait (Without Granola) The yogurt and fruit are gluten-free, but the granola contains wheat. Ask for it without granola to avoid gluten. Items to Avoid All donuts, muffins, and bagels (contain gluten). Breakfast sandwiches & wraps (the bread/tortillas contain wheat). Oatmeal (not certified gluten-free, high cross-contamination risk). Pro Tip for Dunkin' If you have celiac disease, stick with plain coffee, cold brew, or tea and pair it with hash browns (if you tolerate shared fryers) or a yogurt cup. Starbucks Gluten-Free Breakfast Options Starbucks offers a few more gluten-free certified options, but selection varies by location. Safe Gluten-Free Choices Egg Bites (Bacon & Gruyère or Egg White & Red Pepper) Made with eggs, cheese, and veggies. No gluten ingredients, but prepared in shared equipment (moderate risk). Best for gluten-sensitive individuals (celiacs should assess personal tolerance). Hearty Blueberry Oatmeal (If Certified GF Available) Some locations carry certified gluten-free oats, but most do not. Always ask if the oats are gluten-free before ordering. Marshmallow Dream Bar (GF Certified) A sweet, gluten-free snack made with marshmallow, crispy rice, and chocolate. Officially labeled gluten-free, but check packaging for confirmation. Cheese & Fruit Protein Box Contains cheese, nuts, grapes, and gluten-free crackers. No gluten ingredients, but check for updated packaging. Items to Avoid All bakery items (croissants, muffins, cake pops—all contain gluten). Regular oatmeal (unless confirmed gluten-free). Sandwiches & paninis (all contain wheat). Pro Tip for Starbucks If you have celiac disease, the safest bets are: Egg bites (if you tolerate shared equipment) Gluten-free certified snacks (like the Marshmallow Dream Bar) Plain coffee or tea with a side of fruit Which Chain Is Better for Gluten-Free Breakfast? Feature Dunkin' Donuts Starbucks Dedicated GF kitchen? No No Certified GF items? No Yes (limited) Best GF options Hash Browns, Egg Bowls Egg Bites, Marshmallow Bar Cross-contamination risk High (shared fryers) Moderate (shared ovens) Best for... Mild gluten sensitivity More GF-certified choices .responsive-table { width: 100%; margin: 1em 0; border-collapse: collapse; } .table-row { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; border: 1px solid #ddd; } .header { font-weight: bold; background-color: #f5f5f5; } .table-cell { flex: 1; padding: 12px 15px; min-width: 120px; box-sizing: border-box; border-right: 1px solid #eee; } /* Responsive behavior */ @media screen and (max-width: 600px) { .table-row { flex-direction: column; border-bottom: 2px solid #ddd; margin-bottom: 10px; } .table-cell { flex: 1 1 100%; border-right: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; padding: 8px 10px; position: relative; padding-left: 40%; } .table-cell:before { content: attr(data-label); position: absolute; left: 10px; width: 35%; font-weight: bold; } .header { display: none; } } Winner? Starbucks (by a small margin) Offers certified gluten-free snacks. More protein-rich options (like egg bites). Better transparency about allergens. However, neither chain is 100% celiac-safe due to cross-contamination risks. Final Tips for Gluten-Free Coffee Shop Breakfasts Ask About Prep Methods – Confirm if items are heated in shared ovens/fryers. Check Packaging – Look for "gluten-free" labels on pre-packaged items. When in Doubt, Go Simple – Black coffee, tea, or a banana are the safest bets. For people with celiac disease, preparing breakfast at home is still the safest option, but if you're on the go, Starbucks' certified gluten-free snacks or Dunkin's hash browns (for gluten-sensitive folks) can work in a pinch. Would you like recommendations for other chains? Let us know in the comments! Watch the video version of this article:

Celiac.com 05/18/2024 - In a recent turn of events following the shocking allegations against The Savory Fig bakery in Patchogue, New York, the gluten-free community has been left reeling from the discovery that products labeled as gluten-free and vegan may have contained undeclared wheat gluten. The incident, initially brought to light by John Stengel of Cindysnacks, has highlighted the critical need for stringent quality control and transparency in the food industry, particularly concerning dietary-restricted products like those for individuals with celiac disease. Nearly a month after The Savory Fig was called out for selling gluten bakery products that looked remarkably similar to regular Dunkin' Donuts, they issued the following recall on the New York State Department of Agriculture website: Despite The Savory Fig's voluntary recall and cooperation with authorities, the recall notice comes too late for many celiacs who unknowingly purchased and consumed the mislabeled products. The recall, issued due to possible undeclared wheat gluten, soy, and/or milk allergens in various baked goods, including doughnuts, frosted rolls, scones, and muffins, raises serious concerns about the safety and integrity of gluten-free products in the market. All Trust Lost in The Savory Fig Following the initial allegations, The Savory Fig faced significant backlash, leading to the closure of its Instagram page and a flood of negative comments on its Facebook page. However, for individuals with celiac disease, the recall notice offers little solace as the damage has already been done. Many in the celiac community expressed frustration and disappointment, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent such incidents in the future. The recall notice serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with mislabeled or fraudulent gluten-free products. It underscores the importance of due diligence and vigilance when purchasing and consuming gluten-free items, urging individuals with celiac disease to rely on trusted sources and verify the authenticity of products to safeguard their health and well-being. Read more at: agriculture.ny.gov

Celiac.com 03/27/2024 - For people living with celiac disease, finding safe and delicious gluten-free treats can be a challenging task. However, recent allegations against a bakery in Long Island, New York, have raised serious concerns about the authenticity and safety of gluten-free products. Cindysnacks, a vegan market in Huntington, Long Island, took to Instagram to accuse The Savory Fig, a Patchogue-based bakery, of attempting to pass off Dunkin' Donuts products as homemade vegan and gluten-free doughnuts. According to reports, the Division of Food Safety and Inspection department of New York and Suffolk County Department of Health are investigating the accusations. The controversy arose when John Stengel, co-owner of Cindysnacks, discovered that doughnuts delivered by The Savory Fig bore an uncanny resemblance to Dunkin' Donuts products. The doughnuts were garnished with sprinkles that resembled the iconic "D" shaped sprinkles found on Dunkin' Donuts treats. Concerned about the authenticity and safety of the doughnuts, Stengel ordered an at-home gluten test, which returned a "high positive" result for gluten. Stengel's allegations have sparked outrage among individuals with celiac disease and food allergies, who rely on gluten-free products for their health and well-being. Many have shared their experiences living with celiac disease and expressed their concerns about the potential risks associated with consuming mislabeled products. In response to the allegations, The Savory Fig has shut down its Instagram page, and its Facebook page has been inundated with negative comments and ratings. Cindysnacks has Contacted the Authorities to Ensure the Safety and Proper Labeling of Food Products. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in the food industry, especially when it comes to catering to individuals with dietary restrictions. For those with celiac disease, it highlights the need for vigilance when purchasing gluten-free products and the importance of verifying the authenticity of food items. In a similar past case, Paul Selig was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pulling a similar stunt. As investigations into the matter continue, individuals with celiac disease are urged to exercise caution and seek out reputable sources for gluten-free products. By staying informed and advocating for their dietary needs, individuals with celiac disease can protect their health and well-being in an increasingly complex food landscape. Stay tuned for more on this and related stories. Read more at nyeater.com and Today.com

Celiac.com 05/08/2019 - As Dunkin' looks to rebrand itself as a destination for more than just donuts, it has begun to offer breakfast foods, like the Power Breakfast Sandwich that launched earlier this year. Starting today at participating restaurants nationwide, Dunkin' is offering two new breakfast bowls, the Egg White Bowl and the Sausage Scramble Bowl. And one question we've seen a lot, one thing many gluten-free eaters want to know is: Are Dunkin' Donuts Breakfast Bowls gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease? First, let's take a quick look at the products and their ingredients. The Egg White Bowl is made with egg whites, spinach, roasted potatoes, cheddar cheese and caramelized onions and delivers 14 grams of lean protein and 250 calories. The Sausage Scramble Bowl is made with scrambled eggs, sausage, melted cheddar jack cheese, peppers and onions, with 21 grams of protein and 450 calories. On the surface, these products list no gluten ingredients, so are they gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease? The answer is likely no. The first clue is the absence of any clear claim by Dunkin' about these products being gluten-free. No gluten-free label, then they're likely not gluten-free. So, are they gluten-safe, that is, are they products made with no gluten ingredients that might be safe for some people with celiac disease? The Dunkin' Donuts website makes no mention of gluten at all. Nor does the site mention the new breakfast bowls. The best a curious person can do is to try to find specific menu items, and look for the allergen information for each product. To do that, a user must click on Food & Drinks, then click Sandwiches & Wraps, then click any given menu item, then click on Customization & Nutrition for find allergen information. Here's a shortcut link to Dunkin' Donuts breakfast sandwiches. Even for items like breakfast sandwiches that clearly come on a bagel, or croissant, or an English Muffin, Dunkin' Donuts makes no mention of gluten. The simply stick with their standard disclaimer: "Please be advised that any of our products may contain, or may have come in contact with, allergens including Eggs, Fish, Milk, Peanuts, Shellfish, Soy, Tree nuts, and Wheat. Before placing your order, please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy." They use the same disclaimer even for products like has browns, that officially contain no allergens. Moreover, the site makes no mention of their breakfast bowls, and appears to have no allergen information on those items. The breakfast sandwiches are clearly not gluten-free and not safe for celiac sufferers. Even in the absence of clear allergen information, or gluten-free labels, it is reasonable to assume that the new breakfast bowls are not gluten-free, and not safe for people with celiac disease. Dunkin’ Bowls are available now at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide for a limited time only. However, if you're looking for a gluten-free guarantee, or if you have celiac disease, you'll probably want to look elsewhere for breakfast. Article Update 03/07/2020 According to an ingredient list published on their Web site, wheat is not listed as an ingredient in either breakfast bowl: Egg White Bowl: Scrambled Egg Whites (Egg Whites, Milk, Corn Starch, Sea Salt, Pepper), Roasted Russet Potatoes (Russet Potatoes, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate for Color Retention), Spinach, Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (Color)], Caramelized Onions (Yellow Onion, Sugar, Apple Juice Concentrate), Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Contains 2% or less of: Maltodextrin, Cultured Dextrose, Sodium Diacetate, Salt, Egg White Lysozyme, Nisin (Preservative), Natural Flavors, Canola Oil, Salted Butter, Gum Arabic, DATEM, Enzyme Modified Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt and Enzymes), Spices. ALLREGENS: Eggs, Milk. Sausage Scramble Bowl: Scrambled Whole Eggs [Whole Eggs, Nonfat Milk, Soybean Oil, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Butter Flavor (Maltodextrin, Natural Flavor, Annatto and Turmeric added for Color), Pepper], Pork Crumbles (Pork, Water, Salt, Sugar, Spices, Natural Flavors), Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese Blend {Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (Color)], Monterey Jack Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes)}, Red and Green Bell Peppers, Caramelized Onions (Yellow Onion, Sugar, Apple Juice Concentrate), Contains 2% or less of: Maltodextrin, Cultured Dextrose, Sodium Diacetate, Salt, Egg White Lysozyme, Nisin (Preservative), Natural Flavors, Canola Oil, Salted Butter, Gum Arabic, DATEM, Enzyme Modified Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes), Spices. ALLREGENS: Eggs, Milk, Soy. According to the ingredients listed these items may be gluten-free, although Dunkin' does not label them as such. In this case we still advise celiacs to proceed with caution.

Celiac.com 08/06/2018 - Okay, so it’s not a gluten-free donut, but Dunkin’ Donuts has announced the debut of a gluten-free fudge brownie, the company’s first-ever gluten-free bakery product, that will be available in all of Dunkin's 8,500 US stores. A company statement said that Dunkin’ Donuts recognizes "the importance of providing alternative choices for people with dietary restrictions or who choose a gluten-free diet." Gluten-free food sales are projected to exceed $2 billion in sales by 2020, up 20% from 2015, according to industry research group Packaged Facts. Dunkin's gluten-free brownie is one of several new items the company is introducing, although it is the only one that is gluten-free. Other new non-gluten-free items include waffle-breaded chicken tenders, pretzel bites and ham and cheese roll-ups. All of these items are priced at $2 each, as part of the chain's new Dunkin' Run menu, which the company hopes will draw customers beyond the usual breakfast rush. The latest menu changes are all part of a concerted effort by the company to rebrand, including ditching the ”Donuts" part of its name in some new stores, reducing its food offerings, emphasizing its drink selections, and pursuing plans to double the number of stores. Gluten-free donut lovers may have to wait indefinitely for a genuine gluten-free Dunkin’ donut, but a reliable, readily available gluten-free brownie is a good start. If you get a chance to try Dunkin’s new gluten-free brownie, please let us know your thoughts.

Celiac.com 02/10/2014 - Dunkin' Donuts is quietly ditching its much publicized, much anticipated campaign to introduce gluten-free donuts across the nation. Information is scant, as Dunkin' has not issued any official press release. Dunkin' Donuts did, however, release the following statement to Gluten-Free Living: "In 2013, we tested a gluten-free Cinnamon Sugar Donut and Blueberry Muffin in select markets. We are currently assessing the results of this test, as well as feedback from our guests and franchisees, and we do not have plans to launch these products nationally at this time. We are continuing to develop additional gluten-free products for future tests, and we remain committed to exploring ways to offer our guests gluten-free choices." Word is that the rollout was doomed partly by complaints about the quality of the gluten-free donuts Dunkin' was offering, among other issues. We will do our best to keep you updated on this and other gluten-free stories. In the meantime, what do you think of the news? Is it better to not do gluten-free at all than to do it poorly? Are you disappointed? Share your comments below. Source: Open Original Shared Link