Are Chick-fil-A fries gluten-free? A Celiac's Guide to Safe Dining

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating fast-food menus can be a challenge; however, Chick-fil-A's waffle fries are typically considered gluten-free due to their naturally gluten-free ingredients and the use of a dedicated fryer.

Quick Summary

Chick-fil-A's waffle fries are made from naturally gluten-free potatoes and cooked in a dedicated fryer at most locations, making them a safe option for many. However, due to potential cross-contact in shared kitchen spaces, individuals with celiac disease must still exercise caution and communicate with staff.

Key Points

Dedicated Fryer: At most Chick-fil-A locations, the waffle fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, which significantly reduces the risk of gluten cross-contamination.
Naturally Gluten-Free Ingredients: The fries are made from simple ingredients—potatoes, canola oil, and sea salt—that are naturally gluten-free.
Communicate Your Allergy: Always inform staff about your gluten allergy when ordering to ensure they take extra precautions like changing gloves.
Kitchen Cross-Contact Risk: Despite dedicated fryers, Chick-fil-A operates a shared kitchen, so some risk of cross-contact with gluten-containing foods always exists.
Location Variations: Practices can vary, especially at smaller locations in malls or airports; it's crucial to confirm the use of a dedicated fryer.
Pea Starch Update: A recent recipe change added pea starch to the fries, which is gluten-free but could affect individuals with pea allergies.

The Waffle Fries: Ingredients and Preparation

At their core, Chick-fil-A's waffle fries are made from simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients: potatoes, canola oil, and sea salt. For individuals with a gluten-free diet, this is an excellent start, as there is no wheat-based coating or flour in the basic recipe. However, in early 2025, Chick-fil-A confirmed a recipe change to add pea starch to the fry coating to help them stay crispier longer. This ingredient is also gluten-free but may be a concern for those with a specific pea allergy.

The Importance of a Dedicated Fryer

What makes Chick-fil-A's fries a potentially safe option for people with celiac disease is the widespread use of a dedicated fryer for their waffle fries. Unlike many other fast-food restaurants that use a shared fryer for both fries and breaded items like chicken nuggets or tenders, Chick-fil-A's practice of separating its fryers minimizes the risk of gluten cross-contamination.

The Risk of Cross-Contamination

While the use of a dedicated fryer is a significant step towards safety, it doesn't eliminate all risk. Chick-fil-A, like most restaurants, operates a shared kitchen environment. This means there is a potential for cross-contact with gluten-containing foods through airborne particles, shared utensils, or improper food handling. For this reason, individuals with a high sensitivity to gluten should always take precautions and inform staff about their allergy. Some locations, particularly smaller ones in food courts or airports, might not have space for dedicated fryers.

How to Order Safe Chick-fil-A Fries

To ensure the safest possible experience, follow these steps:

Communicate Clearly: Inform the staff that you have a gluten allergy and need to avoid cross-contamination. Use the word “allergy” to ensure the message is taken seriously.
Verify the Fryer: Ask the specific location if they use a dedicated fryer for their waffle fries. This is especially important for smaller or food court locations.
Request Precautions: Ask the staff to change gloves and use fresh utensils and bags for your order. Some locations will automatically 'tag' an allergy order in their system to prompt these extra steps.
Check the App/Website: Before you go, review the allergens guide on the official Chick-fil-A website for the latest information.

Comparison of Fast Food Fries and Gluten-Free Practices

To better understand how Chick-fil-A compares, here's a look at the gluten-free status of fries at other major fast-food chains.


Feature	Chick-fil-A	Five Guys	McDonald's	Burger King
Naturally GF Ingredients?	Yes, potatoes	Yes, potatoes	Yes, potatoes	Yes, potatoes
Dedicated Fryer for Fries?	Yes, at most locations	Yes, uses only peanut oil	No, cooked in shared fryers with wheat flavoring	No, cooked in shared fryers
Risk of Cross-Contamination?	Low in dedicated fryer, but possible in kitchen	Very low, highly regarded for celiacs	High, due to shared fryer and wheat additives	High, due to shared fryer
How to Order Safely?	Communicate allergy, ask about dedicated fryer	Just order fries, generally very safe	Not safe for celiacs; avoid fries	Not safe for celiacs; avoid fries

More Gluten-Free Options at Chick-fil-A

Beyond the fries, Chick-fil-A offers several other gluten-free menu items, which can make for a more complete and satisfying meal. These options include:

Grilled Nuggets: A popular choice, the grilled nuggets are marinated in gluten-free seasoning and cooked separately.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich on a Gluten-Free Bun: Chick-fil-A offers a certified gluten-free bun that is individually packaged to prevent cross-contamination. Customers can assemble their own sandwich to be extra cautious.
Market Salad and Kale Crunch Side: The market salad (with grilled chicken) and kale crunch side are both safe options, though you should remember to omit the crispy bell peppers from the market salad.
Fruit Cup and Applesauce: Naturally gluten-free and ready-to-eat, these are safe side options.
Sauces: Most of the sauces are gluten-free, but always check the allergen menu for specific details, as some, like the Sweet and Spicy Sriracha, are not.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Order

So, are Chick-fil-A fries gluten-free? For many, yes, they are a safe option when proper precautions are taken. The use of a dedicated fryer and the naturally gluten-free base ingredients are significant advantages for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, the risk of cross-contact in a shared kitchen remains a concern, and practices can vary by location. The best approach is to always communicate your dietary needs clearly with staff. While Chick-fil-A takes many measures to accommodate gluten-free diners, it is up to the individual to confirm their safety by asking questions. By taking these steps, you can confidently enjoy a delicious and worry-free meal.

Outbound Link

For the most up-to-date allergen and ingredient information, always consult the official Chick-fil-A Nutrition and Allergen Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chick-fil-A fries are often considered safe for those with celiac disease because they are typically cooked in a dedicated fryer. However, since they are prepared in a shared kitchen, a small risk of cross-contact remains, and it is vital to inform the staff of your allergy.

The primary risk for gluten contamination is cross-contact in the shared kitchen environment. Although the fries are cooked in their own fryer, particles from breaded chicken or other items could potentially contaminate the fries before they are bagged.

Yes, most Chick-fil-A locations use a dedicated fryer for their waffle potato fries. However, this may not be the case in all locations, particularly smaller ones, so it is best to ask to be certain.

Yes, Chick-fil-A's grilled nuggets are gluten-free, as they are not breaded like the regular chicken nuggets. They are cooked separately from breaded items.

Yes, Chick-fil-A offers a certified gluten-free bun for their sandwiches, which is individually packaged to prevent cross-contamination.

Yes, in early 2025, Chick-fil-A updated their recipe to include pea starch in the coating. While this ingredient is gluten-free, it was added to help the fries stay crispier for longer.

If you have a severe gluten allergy, it is crucial to state your allergy clearly when ordering. Ask to have your order bagged separately and confirm that they use a dedicated fryer. While Chick-fil-A takes precautions, no shared kitchen can guarantee a completely gluten-free environment.