Are Canes Tenders Dairy Free? Navigating Dairy Allergies at Raising Cane's

According to Raising Cane's reports and customer feedback, standard breaded chicken tenders contain buttermilk and are not dairy-free. This is important for those with dairy allergies or intolerances.

Quick Summary

Raising Cane's original chicken tenders are not dairy-free, as they are prepared with a buttermilk marinade. Dairy-free diners can request 'naked' tenders, but should be aware of cross-contamination and avoid the Cane's sauce and Texas toast.

Key Points

• Standard Tenders Aren't Dairy-Free: Regular tenders have a buttermilk marinade and contain dairy.

• Order 'Naked' Tenders: Request unbreaded tenders without buttermilk.

• Watch for Cross-Contamination: A shared fryer can cause cross-contamination.

• Avoid Dairy Sides: Texas Toast contains butter and dairy.

• Cane's Sauce is Dairy-Free: The sauce is mayonnaise-based and does not contain dairy, but contains egg, fish, and soy.

• Talk to the Staff: Communicate your dietary needs to ensure safe food preparation.

Dairy in Raising Cane's Tenders

The reason why Raising Cane's standard chicken tenders aren't dairy-free is due to their preparation. The chicken is marinated in a buttermilk and egg mixture to keep it juicy. Buttermilk is a milk product, unsuitable for dairy-free diets. The marinade is essential to the recipe before breading and frying. The breading is dry, but the buttermilk is the key dairy component.

Dairy-Free Option: The 'Naked' Tender

Raising Cane's offers a "naked" chicken tender. This is unbreaded chicken without the buttermilk marinade. It is suitable for those with dairy allergies or intolerances. Specify this when ordering. Even with this option, consider potential cooking cross-contamination.

Risks of Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is a concern for those with dairy allergies. Raising Cane's uses a shared fryer for all fried items, including the breaded tenders and fries. Confirm with staff if you have severe allergies. Cross-contamination can be a health risk. Always speak with a manager about preparation methods.

Other Menu Items and Dairy

Assess all components for dairy. Consider these items:

• Texas Toast: The Texas Toast has butter, making it unsuitable for a dairy-free diet.
• Cane's Sauce: The sauce is made with mayonnaise, which is dairy-free. However, it can include allergens, such as fish and soy. The sauce itself does not have dairy, but other ingredients might affect some people.
• Fries: Fries are made from potatoes and are dairy-free, but cross-contamination is a risk.
• Coleslaw: Coleslaw usually does not contain dairy, but confirm ingredients.

Knowing the dairy content of each meal component helps customers make informed decisions.

Menu Item Comparison: Dairy-Free vs. Standard

Menu Item	Standard (Contains Dairy)	Dairy-Free Option/Alternative
Chicken Tenders	Yes, due to buttermilk marinade.	Yes, order "naked" or unbreaded tenders.
Texas Toast	Yes, contains butter.	No, avoid completely.
Crinkle-Cut Fries	No, but high risk of cross-contamination from shared fryer.	Order, but confirm with staff about fryer safety for severe allergies.
Cane's Sauce	No, made with mayonnaise (dairy-free).	Yes, but check for other allergens like egg, fish, and soy.
Coleslaw	Typically no, check ingredients.	Yes, but confirm with staff about preparation.

Strategies for Dairy-Free Dining at Raising Cane's

For a dairy-free diet, communicate your needs when ordering. The "naked" tenders are key. The fries are an option with caution. Skip the Texas Toast and have Cane's sauce (if no other allergies). Check the official Raising Cane's allergens website for more information.

Conclusion: Dairy-Free at Canes

The standard breaded tenders are not dairy-free. The buttermilk marinade is not suitable for those with dairy allergies or intolerances. Raising Cane's offers unbreaded "naked" tenders. By combining this with awareness of cross-contamination and avoiding items like Texas Toast, diners can enjoy a safe meal. Always tell staff about your dietary needs to protect your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the regular chicken tenders at Raising Cane's contain dairy?

Yes, the regular chicken tenders at Raising Cane's have dairy because of the buttermilk marinade.

What is the dairy-free chicken option at Raising Cane's?

The dairy-free option is the 'naked' chicken tender, which is unbreaded and made without the buttermilk marinade. You must specifically ask for this.

Is Cane's Sauce dairy-free?

Yes, Cane's Sauce is dairy-free because it is primarily mayonnaise-based, which does not contain milk. However, it does contain egg, fish, and soy.

Are the fries at Raising Cane's dairy-free?

Fries are dairy-free, but they are cooked in the same fryer as the breaded tenders, posing a cross-contamination risk.

Does the Texas Toast at Raising Cane's have dairy?

Yes, Texas Toast is not dairy-free because it is prepared with butter, which contains milk.

How can I order a safe, dairy-free meal at Raising Cane's?

Order 'naked' tenders, ask for a manager to inquire about a dedicated fryer if you have a severe allergy, and avoid the Texas Toast. You can have the fries with caution or opt for the coleslaw, confirming ingredients.

Is there a cross-contamination risk for dairy at Raising Cane's?

Yes, there is a risk of cross-contamination due to the shared fryer for both breaded and 'naked' tenders, as well as the fries.