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Celiac.com 02/11/2025 - For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, dining out can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. The prospect of enjoying a meal outside your home is often tempered by the fear of accidental gluten exposure, which can trigger severe health reactions. Fortunately, with greater awareness and a growing demand for gluten-free options, many restaurants are now better equipped to cater to those with dietary restrictions. This guide provides essential tips for safe and enjoyable gluten-free dining and highlights restaurants that prioritize gluten-free guests. Understanding the Gluten-Free Dining Challenge Dining out gluten-free is more than avoiding wheat-based bread or pasta. For individuals with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can cause harmful immune responses. This means that cross-contact, hidden gluten in sauces or dressings, and miscommunication with restaurant staff pose significant risks. However, the landscape is improving. Many restaurants are becoming more informed about the needs of gluten-free diners, offering dedicated menus or training staff on the importance of avoiding cross-contamination. Understanding how to navigate these options empowers diners to make informed choices while still enjoying a meal out. Essential Tips for Safe Gluten-Free Dining 1. Do Your Homework Beforehand Before heading out, research the restaurant. Look for establishments that explicitly state they cater to gluten-free diets. Online reviews, allergen menus, or direct calls to the restaurant can help you determine whether it's a good fit. Apps and websites like Find Me Gluten-Free or Gluten-Free Passport can also provide valuable insights. 2. Communicate Clearly Once at the restaurant, inform your server about your gluten-free needs. Emphasize whether this is due to a medical condition like celiac disease or a preference. Using phrases like “strictly gluten-free” can stress the importance of avoiding cross-contamination. 3. Ask Detailed Questions Ask about the preparation methods of specific dishes. Some critical questions include: Is gluten-free bread toasted in the same toaster as regular bread? Are gluten-free items fried in shared oil with gluten-containing foods? Does the restaurant use separate utensils and surfaces for gluten-free items? 4. Stick to Naturally Gluten-Free Options While gluten-free substitutes like pasta or bread are tempting, sticking to naturally gluten-free items can reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Grilled proteins, fresh salads (without croutons or hidden dressings), and steamed vegetables are often safer choices. 5. Be Cautious with Sauces and Dressings Gluten can lurk in soy sauce, gravies, marinades, and salad dressings. Opt for simple seasonings like olive oil and lemon or ensure the restaurant uses certified gluten-free alternatives. 6. Advocate for Yourself It’s okay to politely advocate for your needs. If the restaurant seems uncertain about accommodating you, it’s better to err on the side of caution and dine elsewhere. Restaurant Picks for Gluten-Free Dining 1. Fast-Casual Chains Many fast-casual restaurants have made strides in offering gluten-free options, thanks to their customizable menus. Chains like Chipotle and MOD Pizza cater to gluten-free diners with specific preparation practices, such as separate bowls and cutting tools. 2. Gluten-Free Dedicated Establishments For ultimate peace of mind, seek out entirely gluten-free restaurants or bakeries. These establishments eliminate the risk of cross-contact, offering gluten-free diners a stress-free experience. Examples include Wildwood Bakehouse in Austin, Texas, or Gluten-Free Gloriously in New Jersey. 3. Steakhouses and Seafood Restaurants Steakhouses and seafood restaurants often offer naturally gluten-free dishes like grilled steak, fresh seafood, and steamed vegetables. Many chains, such as Outback Steakhouse, provide gluten-free menus and training for staff to ensure safety. 4. Ethnic Cuisine Certain cuisines are naturally more accommodating to gluten-free diets. Of course be sure to speak to the staff before ordering to make sure that they don's use gluten ingredients. For example: Thai: Most Thai curries and rice dishes are gluten-free (watch out for soy sauce). Vietnamese: Most foods are rice-based, including Pho noodles and other dishes. Indian: Many Indian dishes, such as tandoori meats and lentil-based dals, are gluten-free. Avoid naan bread and confirm ingredients in sauces. Mexican: Corn tortillas and tamales are often gluten-free, but check for shared preparation areas. 5. Pizza and Pasta Restaurants With the rise of gluten-free diets, many pizza and pasta restaurants now offer gluten-free crusts and noodles. Look for places that use dedicated gluten-free preparation areas, such as California Pizza Kitchen or Mellow Mushroom. Navigating Common Dining Scenarios Group Dining When dining with friends or colleagues, suggest restaurants with known gluten-free options. If unsure, eat beforehand and enjoy a small snack or drink with the group. Traveling Traveling often complicates dining. Research gluten-free-friendly restaurants near your destination, pack gluten-free snacks, and use mobile apps to locate safe options on the go. Special Occasions Celebratory meals often involve prix fixe menus or buffets, which can be challenging for gluten-free diners. Call ahead to discuss your dietary needs or request a custom meal. Why This Matters for People with Celiac Disease Dining out gluten-free is not just about convenience; it’s about health and inclusion. For those with celiac disease, gluten exposure can lead to severe symptoms like abdominal pain, fatigue, and nutrient malabsorption. Beyond physical health, dining out is an essential social activity, and feeling excluded due to dietary needs can take an emotional toll. By being proactive, communicating clearly, and choosing restaurants wisely, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can enjoy dining out safely. The increasing availability of gluten-free options is a testament to greater awareness and accommodation, making it easier than ever to savor meals with confidence and peace of mind. Conclusion Dining out gluten-free doesn’t have to be daunting. Armed with knowledge, preparation, and a growing list of gluten-free-friendly restaurants, you can enjoy the freedom of eating out without compromising your health. With awareness continuing to rise in the food industry, the future looks bright for gluten-free diners, making it possible to indulge in the joys of dining out while staying safe. Watch the video version of this article:

Celiac.com 02/09/2024 - In a push for increased inclusivity, a gluten-intolerant student has garnered overwhelming support for her petition urging McDonald's to offer more gluten-free options in its UK branches. Chloe Radzikowski, a 22-year-old trainee paramedic from Leigh, launched the petition, which highlights the disparity in gluten-free offerings between UK and European outlets of the fast-food giant. So far, the petition has gained over 10,000 signatures. Radzikowski, who developed gluten intolerance last year, expressed her shock and frustration at discovering that McDonald's provided more gluten-free choices in its European locations than in the UK. Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, she emphasized the challenges faced by those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, describing the limited food choices and the anxiety associated with potential illness from unintentional gluten consumption. In the UK, McDonald's offers a handful of gluten-free items, including fries, hash browns, fruit bags, carrot sticks, salads, and some desserts. However, the chain explicitly states that, due to the setup of their kitchens, they cannot guarantee the prevention of cross-contamination, and burgers are notably absent from the list of gluten-free options. Radzikowski's advocacy gained momentum after her discovery of a more extensive gluten-free menu in McDonald's Spanish restaurants during a family holiday to Lanzarote. Her petition emphasizes the need for a broader range of gluten-free choices in the UK, aligning with the diverse dietary requirements of individuals with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. A McDonald's spokesperson responded to the petition, noting that all UK staff undergo allergen awareness training, emphasizing the importance of preparing customized orders with clear allergen labeling. Despite the existing gluten-free offerings, the petition draws attention to the unmet demand for gluten-free burgers and a more comprehensive menu that accommodates a wider spectrum of dietary needs. The petition has attracted notable support, including an endorsement from reality TV star Megan McKenna. As the number of signatures continues to climb, the movement highlights the growing demand for increased gluten-free options in popular fast-food chains, shedding light on the importance of accessible and diverse food choices for individuals with specific dietary requirements. McDonald's now faces increasing pressure to address these concerns and enhance its gluten-free offerings in the UK. Read more at BBC News

Celiac.com 11/29/2023 - We get a lot of questions about which restaurants and restaurant foods are gluten-free. One question we've seen a lot recently is about Olive Garden. Does Olive Garden offer a gluten-free menu? Olive Garden does not offer a menu that is strictly gluten-free, because they don't test all products to ensure that they are gluten-free to below 20ppm. However, Olive Garden does offer a menu for gluten-sensitive patrons. They also have a dedicated page on their website, where you can check their policy and practice regarding gluten-free items. According to Olive Garden's website: Gluten Sensitive Diet "At Olive Garden, we aim to ensure we have a range of options to meet our guests varying health and wellness needs including Gluten Sensitive choices." What is the gluten-free pasta made out of? "The gluten-free pasta uses brown rice flour as the primary ingredient, giving it an even better pasta texture." Do you have special handling procedures for gluten-free pasta? "Our gluten-free pasta is cooked and held separately until ordered. At that time it is added directly to the sauté pan to avoid cross contact with other pasta or pasta water." What does gluten-sensitive mean? The menu items we call "gluten sensitive" are our menu items that are made without gluten-containing ingredients. We do not claim these items are "gluten free" because we have not chemically analyzed them to confirm if they meet the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) definition of "gluten free" (20 parts per million of gluten). While we do have processes and procedures in place to minimize cross-contact with other gluten-containing foods, these items may not be suitable for our guests who are highly sensitive to gluten. Please know that our "gluten free" pasta does meet FDA's formal definition of gluten-free." For this reason, if you have celiac disease, or have any medical sensitivity to gluten, it's best to look elsewhere for gluten-free Italian options. Olive Garden's Gluten Sensitive Menu items include: Zuppa Toscana Famous House Salad without croutons Grilled Chicken Parmigiana Herb-Grilled Salmon 6 oz Sirloin Rotini Pasta with Marinara Rotini Pasta with Meat Sauce Grilled Chicken with Rotini Pasta & Marinara (kids) Rotini with Marinara (kids) Rotini with Meat Sauce (kids) As most celiacs know already, eating out involves the risk of cross-contamination, so be sure to discuss this with a staff member if you decide to eat at Olive Garden.

Celiac.com 05/22/2021 - We get a lot of questions from celiac community members wondering if certain fast food restaurants are gluten-free, or have gluten-free options. We've shared information about the gluten-free options at McDonald's in Europe, and offered some other info on other fast food options. One question we see a lot is about Taco Bell. Is Taco Bell gluten-free? The short answer is no. Taco Bell does not specifically label any of its food gluten-free. However, while Taco Bell does not specifically label any of its food gluten-free, and they don't recommend it for people with celiac disease, they do have some dishes that contain no gluten ingredients, and they have a guide for how to eat Taco Bell while you are avoiding gluten. The guide is called How To Eat Taco Bell When You’re Avoiding Gluten. The list includes the following Taco Bell options, which do not contain gluten ingredients: Power Menu Bowl, which includes rice, black beans, cheese, guacamole, tomatoes, and Chicken, Steak, or Veggies Black Beans and Rice Crunchy Taco Crunchy Taco Supreme Doritos Locos Tacos Hash Brown Naturally these items, even if they happen to be gluten-free by themselves, could get cross-contaminated in a busy fast food environment, so beware!

Celiac.com 09/19/2023 - Disney has long been celebrated for their wide range of park dining options catering to gluten-free guests. However, recent reports suggest a decline in gluten-free offerings, leaving some Disney fans concerned, especially those with conditions like celiac disease, who need to eat a gluten-free diet. For individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, finding safe dining options can be challenging, but Disney has had a history of commitment to accommodating these dietary needs. They have not only offered gluten-free menu items but have also provided gluten-free versions of popular dishes like Mickey-shaped waffles. This dedication has made Disney a go-to destination for families with members who require gluten-free diets. However, recent feedback in Disney Dining, from guests visiting Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, has raised concerns about the diminishing availability of gluten-free options. One recent guest with celiac disease expressed disappointment in the reduced gluten-free choices and increased difficulty in ordering through the Disney app. They reported that some locations had no gluten-free options at all, leaving them with limited choices for meals. The guest's feedback has sparked a discussion among Disney enthusiasts, with some expressing similar concerns about the decline in gluten-free offerings. While opinions vary, this criticism potentially tarnishes Disney's reputation for accommodating dietary restrictions. Disney's response to this feedback will be closely watched by fans and the public. Maintaining a reputation for catering to diverse dietary needs, including gluten-free diets, has been a point of pride for the company. Addressing these concerns promptly and effectively is essential for ensuring that Disney remains an inclusive and welcoming destination for all visitors, regardless of their dietary requirements. What do you think? Have you been to a Disney park lately? How was your experience with gluten-free food access and options? Share your story below. Read more in Disney Dining.

Celiac.com 01/16/2020 - Gluten-free eater beware! Don't get fooled by fake gluten-free menus (and fake news!). Just because a company posts clear allergen and gluten-free listings on their menu doesn't mean that the food is reliably allergen or gluten-free and safe to eat. That point was driven home recently when an article from a seemingly reliable source, and a glance at the gluten-free listings on the menu at Buffalo Wild Wings, made it seem that their food was safely gluten-free. However, after reading fine print buried in their website, we discovered a different tale. Listing gluten-free items on a menu but not preparing them in a gluten-free manner can cause confusion, and can be dangerous, not just for those with celiac disease, but especially those who might get anaphylactic allergic reactions to allergens on such "free from" menus. [The original article begins here. It has been corrected to reflect the fact that Buffalo Wild Wings uses shared fryers and is unlikely to be gluten-free as prepared.] Thankfully, Buffalo Wild Wings makes it easy to find out which menu items contain allergens by using its handy Allergen and Preparation Guide, which can be found on its website. Not only does it list which menu items contain wheat and/or gluten, it also outlines those containing egg, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts and items fried in beef shortening. Wheat and gluten are the last allergens listed so it can be a little confusing to follow the dots all the way across the guide. Many items appear to be free of wheat or gluten. Here's a link to the Buffalo Wild Wings Allergen and Preparation Guide. Be sure to read the fine print. Here’s everything on the Buffalo Wild Wings menu that contains no wheat or gluten: All-beef hamburger patty Burgers and more Buffalo loaded tots with mild, medium or hot Blazin’ sauce Bourbon honey mustard sauce Buffalo chips Buffalo seasoning Caribbean jerk sauce Cheese: American, blue, cheddar, cheddar jack, pepper jack, queso and Swiss Chicken Chipotle BBQ seasoning Chili queso dip with tortilla chips Chips and salsa Desert heat seasoning Dressings: Blue cheese, light Caesar, ranch, fat free ranch, southwestern ranch, lemon vinaigrette French fries Grilled chicken breast Honey BBQ sauce Hot sauce Hot BBQ sauce Kids’ menu Lemon pepper seasoning Mango habanero sauce Medium sauce Mild sauce Naked chicken tenders Parmesan garlic sauce Salt and vinegar seasoning Sauces/Dry rubs Shareables Spicy garlic sauce Sweet BBQ sauce The whole enchilada traditional wings Toppings: Bacon, avocado, ketchup, yellow mustard and loaded chili Traditional wings Ultimate nachos (with or without chicken) Wild sauce Note: No salads are gluten-free without modifications. Also, whenever eating out there is always a risk of cross-contamination, so eating here may not be suitable for everyone. At a glance, this menu might seem to offer gluten-free items, but a close read of the top portion carries the following red flag: [Because of] "shared cooking and preparation areas in our kitchens, and cooking procedures, we cannot eliminate the risk of cross-contact or guarantee that any item is free of any allergen and no items are certified as gluten-free..." Buried further in their site we found: "We do not use separate fryers; due to this use of shared fryers there is the potential for allergen cross-contact between fried foods." So always be sure to double- and triple-check, because it's easy to make a mistake, or be fooled by what seem like gluten-free listings. Anyone with celiac disease knows that accidental wheat consumption can come with unpleasant, and sometimes serious consequences. So, check your sources, read menus carefully, ask questions and be diligent. Note: This article was originally published on 01/16/2020 and was revised after we discovered that shared fryers and other contamination issues exist in their kitchens.

Celiac.com 06/21/2019 - Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease in which gluten in food causes the body’s immune system to attack the gut. There is no cure. Celiac disease is a lifelong condition, and the only treatment is a strict gluten free diet. When people with celiac disease accidentally eat gluten, they can have bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pains and lethargy. Symptoms can last several days, and sometimes require medical attention. Ireland has nearly 50,000 celiac disease sufferers among almost 5 million citizens. In an effort to improve menu offerings for Ireland’s celiac sufferers, the Coeliac Society of Ireland is calling on Ireland’s restaurateurs to take their Gluten Free Eating Out Pledge. Launched as part of Coeliac Awareness Week, the pledge is designed to encourage restaurants and cafes to reassure people with celiac disease that they can order gluten-free food with confidence. Under the terms of the Gluten Free Eating Out Pledge, restaurants agree to: Meet the Gluten Free Standards established by the Kitchen Safety Checklist Have staff members complete online catering training Clearly mark all gluten-free menu items with the gluten-free symbol, or offer a separate gluten-free menu What do you think about the idea? Should more restaurants commit to serving safe, reliable gluten-free meals? Share your thoughts below.