The Truth Behind the Fryers at Buffalo Wild Wings
For many patrons following vegetarian, vegan, or certain dietary guidelines, ordering a plant-based option like cauliflower wings at a chain restaurant seems like a safe bet. However, the reality of cross-contamination and shared cooking equipment often complicates this assumption. At Buffalo Wild Wings, this is particularly true due to the restaurant's widespread use of a single frying oil for most of its menu items, including the seemingly meat-free choices. This practice has significant implications for those with specific dietary needs, and it highlights the importance of checking a restaurant's allergen and preparation guides before ordering.
The Use of Beef Shortening
Buffalo Wild Wings' official allergen and preparation guide explicitly states that they use beef shortening, commonly known as beef tallow, for deep-frying the majority of their menu. This includes not only their classic chicken wings but also other fried items like French fries, potato wedges, and, most importantly for this discussion, the cauliflower wings. The chain uses beef shortening for several reasons, primarily for flavor and consistency. Beef tallow has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-temperature frying, and it imparts a distinct, rich flavor that many customers associate with their fried products. While this may be a preference for some, it makes the cauliflower wings unsuitable for strict vegetarians, vegans, and those avoiding beef for religious or ethical reasons.
Implications for Different Diets
Vegetarians: The use of beef fat immediately disqualifies the fried cauliflower wings for vegetarians, as the product is cooked in a non-vegetarian fat derived from an animal. Even if the cauliflower itself is plant-based, the cooking process makes the final dish unsuitable.
Vegans: For vegans, the issue is even more pronounced. In addition to the beef tallow used for frying, the batter on the cauliflower wings may also contain dairy or eggs, further complicating its vegan status. Without a baked option, the dish is not vegan.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Individuals with Alpha-Gal syndrome, a condition caused by a tick bite that results in an allergy to red meat and its by-products, must also avoid the fried cauliflower wings. Since the wings are cooked in beef tallow, they pose a significant health risk.
Potential Solutions and Alternatives
Some customers have reported that certain Buffalo Wild Wings locations may offer to bake the cauliflower wings instead of frying them upon special request. This is not a guaranteed option at all locations, and even when available, it often takes longer to prepare and can result in a less crispy texture compared to the fried version. For those unwilling to take the risk or find a location that doesn't offer this alternative, here are some practical alternatives.
Order Sauces and Rubs Carefully: Several of Buffalo Wild Wings' sauces and dry rubs are vegan-friendly. Options like Asian Zing, Mango Habanero, and many dry rubs can be used with a different menu item, such as a side salad or baked pretzel knots, to create a more suitable meal. It is important to ask which sauces are prepared without animal products or seed oils, which may also be a concern for some patrons.
DIY Cauliflower Wings at Home: For a guaranteed vegetarian or vegan meal, making cauliflower wings at home is the safest option. Many recipes are available online that use vegan batters and healthier cooking methods like baking or air frying, ensuring no animal products are used.
Explore Other Restaurants: With the rise in popularity of plant-based foods, many other restaurants have dedicated vegetarian or vegan options that are prepared in separate fryers or are baked by default. Checking with other local restaurants might provide a better dining experience.
Comparison of Fried vs. Baked Cauliflower Wings
| Feature | Fried Cauliflower Wings (at BWW) | Baked Cauliflower Wings (request at BWW or homemade) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Deep-fried in beef tallow | Baked in an oven; requires special request |
| Suitability for Vegetarians | No; unsuitable due to beef tallow | Yes; free from animal fats |
| Suitability for Vegans | No; unsuitable due to beef tallow and potential batter ingredients | Yes; free from animal products |
| Flavor Profile | Rich, savory, with potential beef undertones from the tallow | Dependent on the batter and sauce; no beef flavor |
| Texture | Crispy exterior due to high-temperature frying | Less crispy than fried, but can still achieve a good texture with proper baking |
| Dietary Restrictions | Unsuitable for those with Alpha-Gal syndrome or avoiding beef | Safer for various dietary needs, provided the sauce is also suitable |
Conclusion
For anyone with dietary restrictions regarding animal products, especially beef, it is critical to know that Buffalo Wild Wings' cauliflower wings are not a safe or suitable choice unless they are specifically baked to order, and even then, cross-contamination is a risk. The company's use of beef tallow in its fryers extends to all fried menu items, including the vegetarian options. Consumers should consult the restaurant's allergen guide or speak directly with staff about cooking methods to ensure their food aligns with their dietary needs. For the safest option, preparing vegetarian or vegan wings at home is the best bet to avoid any hidden animal by-products.
Allergen information from the official BWW website should always be the final source of truth.
Key Takeaways
- Beef Tallow is the Fryer Oil: Buffalo Wild Wings uses beef tallow (beef shortening) for all its deep-fried items, including the cauliflower wings.
- Unsuitable for Vegetarians and Vegans: This cooking method means the cauliflower wings are not vegetarian or vegan, despite being plant-based themselves.
- Baked Option is Not Guaranteed: While some locations may bake the wings upon request, this is not a consistent policy and does not apply to all stores.
- Cross-Contamination is a Risk: Even with a special request, the risk of cross-contamination from shared surfaces remains a concern for strict diets.
- Sauce and Rub Considerations: Many sauces and dry rubs are vegan-friendly, but always confirm ingredients, and avoid fried foods entirely to be safe.
FAQs
Question: Are Buffalo Wild Wings' cauliflower wings vegetarian? Answer: No, the fried cauliflower wings are not vegetarian because they are cooked in beef tallow, a fat derived from beef. Vegetarians should request a baked version or choose another menu item.
Question: Are the cauliflower wings at BWW vegan? Answer: No, the standard fried cauliflower wings are not vegan. They are cooked in beef tallow, and the batter may also contain dairy or egg. Vegans should avoid this dish or specifically request a baked version with a dairy-free sauce.
Question: Can I ask for my cauliflower wings to be baked instead of fried? Answer: You can, but it is not guaranteed. Some locations may accommodate the request to bake the wings in the oven, but it depends on the specific restaurant's policy and kitchen setup. The final product will have a different texture than the fried version.
Question: Does the batter on the cauliflower wings contain dairy or eggs? Answer: According to some reports, the batter on Buffalo Wild Wings' breaded items may contain dairy and egg ingredients. This, combined with the beef tallow frying, makes the dish unsuitable for vegans.
Question: What other items are fried in beef fat at Buffalo Wild Wings? Answer: The vast majority of fried items are cooked in the shared beef tallow fryer. This includes French fries, mozzarella sticks, tater tots, and various chicken products.
Question: What are some safe vegetarian/vegan options at Buffalo Wild Wings? Answer: Safe options include some side salads (with the right dressing), pretzels knots (if baked and without queso), and various sauces and dry rubs that are confirmed to be free of animal products. Always ask a staff member to be certain.
Question: Is the use of beef tallow a new policy for Buffalo Wild Wings? Answer: No, Buffalo Wild Wings has used beef shortening for many years to achieve the specific flavor and texture of its fried foods. It is not a new practice, but its impact on new menu items like cauliflower wings is a more recent concern for customers.
Question: Can I be certain that a baked cauliflower wing is not cross-contaminated? Answer: It is difficult to be 100% certain of no cross-contamination in a shared kitchen. While baking eliminates the use of the beef tallow fryer, ingredients could still come into contact with animal products on prep surfaces or tools. This is a risk that individuals with severe allergies or strict dietary rules must consider.
