Understanding the Ingredients: Are the Wings Themselves Gluten-Free?
The journey to understanding if Buffalo Wild Wings' traditional, bone-in wings are gluten-free begins with their base ingredients. Unlike their boneless counterparts, which are breaded and clearly contain gluten, the traditional wings are simply fresh chicken. As a raw product, un-breaded chicken is naturally gluten-free. Therefore, the issue for a gluten-sensitive or celiac individual lies not with the chicken itself, but with the cooking and preparation methods used in the restaurant's kitchen.
The Critical Problem of Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination is the most significant hurdle for celiac diners at Buffalo Wild Wings. The restaurant openly states that it cannot eliminate the risk of cross-contact due to shared cooking and preparation areas. This means that a risk exists at multiple stages of the food preparation process.
Here are some of the primary cross-contamination risks:
- Shared Fryers: Historically and currently, many Buffalo Wild Wings locations cook all fried products, including breaded items like boneless wings and onion rings, in the same fryers as the traditional wings. Some past reports mentioned dedicated fryers, but recent allergen guides and diner experiences confirm this is not a consistent practice across all locations and is not guaranteed.
- Shared Saucing Bowls: After frying, the traditional and boneless wings are often tossed in the same metal bowls used for all wing orders. This practice directly transfers gluten particles from breaded wings to the traditional wings, making them unsafe.
- Other Shared Utensils and Surfaces: Spatulas, tongs, and general kitchen surfaces are also shared, presenting further opportunities for gluten cross-contact.
Making the Right Choices: A Celiac's Guide to Ordering
While Buffalo Wild Wings poses a challenge for celiac diners, taking specific precautions can help mitigate some of the risks. It is crucial to remember that no order can be guaranteed 100% gluten-free due to the shared kitchen, but these steps can improve safety.
- Talk to a Manager: Upon arrival, immediately speak with a manager to discuss your dietary restrictions. Clearly explain that you have a severe gluten allergy (celiac disease) and that any cross-contamination is a concern.
- Request Separate Preparation: Ask if they can cook your wings and other fried items in a separate, dedicated fryer. Some locations may have one or be willing to start one for you. If this is not possible, your best bet is to avoid fried items altogether. As an alternative, some locations offer grilled chicken options.
- Order Wings 'Naked' or with Sauce on the Side: To avoid the shared sauce bowls, request your traditional wings to be served plain ('naked') with the sauce provided on the side in a separate container. You can then apply the sauce yourself.
Comparison Table: Safe vs. Unsafe BWW Practices for Gluten-Free Dining
| Practice | Safety for Celiac Diners | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering traditional wings | High Risk | Raw, un-breaded wings are often cooked in shared fryers with breaded items, leading to cross-contamination. |
| Ordering boneless wings | Unsafe | Boneless wings are breaded and contain gluten as a core ingredient. |
| Requesting naked wings with sauce on side | Moderate Risk | Mitigates the risk from shared sauce bowls but does not eliminate fryer contamination risk. |
| Confirming dedicated fryer use | Best Practice | Some locations might offer this, but it requires direct confirmation from a manager and is not standard. |
| Using shared sauce bowls | Unsafe | Directly transfers gluten from breaded to un-breaded wings. |
| Checking the online Allergen Guide | Crucial First Step | Provides general ingredient information but explicitly warns against guaranteed allergen-free status. |
A Note on Sauces and Seasonings
Not all hope is lost for a flavorful meal. Many of Buffalo Wild Wings' sauces and dry rubs are listed as being made without gluten-containing ingredients. It is essential to consult the most recent in-store allergen menu or online guide, but typically, many of the classic and spicy sauces are safe. However, the same cross-contamination rules apply, especially if sauces are handled with the same utensils or bowls. Always request sauces on the side.
Gluten-Free Side and Drink Options
While the wings present the biggest challenge, several side items can be ordered with caution. Many diners report being able to safely consume items like french fries or tots if cooked in a dedicated fryer, though this must be verified with the manager. A simple side salad with a gluten-free dressing is a safer option. Ciders, as opposed to beer, are also naturally gluten-free.
The Final Verdict and Conclusion
Are bone-in wings from Buffalo Wild Wings truly gluten-free? No, they cannot be considered a safe gluten-free option for those with celiac disease or severe sensitivities due to the high risk of cross-contamination. The traditional, un-breaded wings are made from gluten-free ingredients, but the shared fryers and saucing methods present an unacceptable risk for safe consumption. The restaurant's official stance confirms they cannot guarantee allergen-free items, placing the responsibility on the diner. While diligent ordering and communication with a manager can lower the risk, the only completely safe approach is to avoid BWW's fried items entirely. For those with celiac disease, enjoying a guaranteed gluten-free wing experience at a restaurant like Buffalo Wild Wings is simply not possible without a significant and potentially dangerous leap of faith. The safest option is to choose a restaurant with certified gluten-free practices or to prepare gluten-free wings at home.
For further research into celiac-safe restaurant protocols, consult Celiac.com's guides on restaurant dining: Celiac.com
