Are the gluten free red lobster biscuits good? A comprehensive review

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 Reddit post, one user was "shocked when I took the first taste" of the gluten-free Red Lobster biscuits, noting the taste, texture, and look were "all legit". But how do these at-home biscuits truly measure up against the original, and are the gluten free red lobster biscuits good?

Quick Summary

Many reviewers say the gluten-free Red Lobster mix produces delicious biscuits comparable to the restaurant's classic version, praising the fluffy texture and rich flavor. Preparation is straightforward, though some find the cheddar flavor mild and prices higher than the original mix.

Key Points

Not Served in Restaurants: The gluten-free biscuits are only available as an at-home mix, not served in Red Lobster restaurants.
Great Taste and Texture: Many reviewers find the at-home gluten-free biscuits taste remarkably similar to the restaurant's classic version, with a soft, fluffy texture.
Easy to Prepare: The mix is easy to prepare at home by simply adding shredded cheddar, water, and butter.
Minor Differences: Some reviewers note the at-home version can have a milder cheddar flavor or a slightly less uniform brown crust compared to the restaurant original.
Ingredient Control and Safety: Baking from a mix allows control over added ingredients and is safer for those with celiac disease, provided personal kitchen practices prevent cross-contamination.
Higher Price Point: The gluten-free mix is often more expensive per box than the regular version, and the yield may sometimes be slightly lower.

Red Lobster's Gluten-Free Offering: Mix Only

It is crucial to clarify from the start that Red Lobster does not serve gluten-free biscuits in its restaurants. The famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits are made with wheat flour. The gluten-free version is available exclusively as an at-home mix sold in grocery stores and online. This allows individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to enjoy a comparable treat, but it also places the responsibility of preventing cross-contamination on the home baker. Many online discussions, including forums like Reddit, are filled with positive anecdotes from people who were pleasantly surprised by how well the mix replicates the restaurant experience.

What's in the Box? Baking the Biscuits at Home

The Red Lobster Gluten-Free Biscuit Mix comes with two pouches: one for the dry biscuit mix and one for the garlic herb seasoning. The recipe on the box is simple, typically requiring just water and shredded cheddar cheese. You then bake the biscuits until golden brown, melt butter, and whisk in the included seasoning packet to brush over the hot biscuits.

Ingredients

Red Lobster Gluten-Free Biscuit Mix
Shredded cheddar cheese
Water
Butter
Garlic herb seasoning (included)

Taste and Texture: Comparing Expectations with Reality

For many, the resulting biscuits are a delightful success. The texture is often described as soft, fluffy, and tender, without the grittiness that can sometimes plague gluten-free baked goods. The buttery, savory flavor from the garlic herb topping is a key part of the experience and is well-replicated by the mix.

However, some reviewers note minor differences compared to the original. A few people have described the cheddar flavor as somewhat milder than the restaurant version, and the biscuit tops might not get as perfectly golden brown. There are also isolated reports of individuals having reactions, though it is often unclear if this is due to a specific sensitivity or external cross-contamination.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Gluten-Free Biscuit

To get the best results from the Red Lobster mix, consider these tips from experienced bakers:

Use high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor.
To improve the cheddar flavor throughout the biscuit, try mixing some of the garlic herb seasoning packet directly into the dry biscuit mix before baking.
Follow the instructions carefully and avoid overmixing the dough, which can lead to a tougher biscuit.
For a more uniform golden-brown finish, some users adjust oven settings or bake for a minute longer.
For extra safety: If you have celiac disease, ensure all added ingredients (especially the shredded cheese, which can sometimes contain gluten) are certified gluten-free, and use a dedicated baking sheet.

A Deeper Dive: Mix vs. Original vs. DIY

To provide a clearer picture, here's a comparison of the key characteristics of the different biscuit options available to gluten-sensitive diners.


Feature	Red Lobster GF Mix	Red Lobster Original (Restaurant)	DIY GF Copycat Recipe
Availability	Grocery stores & online	Red Lobster restaurants only	From scratch at home
Taste Profile	Very close to original; some find cheddar milder.	Cheesy, buttery, garlicky perfection.	Customizable, can match restaurant flavor with effort.
Texture	Soft, tender, not gritty; can be slightly less consistent.	Light, fluffy, pillowy interior with a crisp exterior.	Varies based on recipe and flour blend used.
Preparation	Easy; just add cheese, water, and butter.	Made by restaurant staff.	Time-consuming; requires multiple ingredients.
Safety	Requires care with added ingredients and cross-contamination.	High risk of cross-contamination due to shared kitchen.	Full control over all ingredients and environment.
Cost	More expensive per box than the regular mix.	Included with some meals; can be purchased separately.	Varies based on ingredient prices.

Final Verdict: Is the Mix Worth It?

For the majority of gluten-free consumers, the Red Lobster mix is a resounding success. It provides an easy, convenient way to enjoy the classic Cheddar Bay biscuit flavor and a satisfying texture that is hard to find in other gluten-free products. While it may have minor deviations from the restaurant's fresh-baked version in taste and appearance, the overall experience is excellent. The mix is especially valuable for those with celiac disease who cannot risk the cross-contamination inherent in restaurant settings. However, for those on a budget or seeking complete control over ingredients, a homemade copycat recipe remains a viable alternative. But if convenience and a taste of nostalgia are what you're after, the gluten-free Red Lobster mix is a great option. For a more intensive, from-scratch approach, numerous online resources offer copycat recipes for those who prefer to bake entirely from scratch, such as the one found here: Gluten-Free Cheddar Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat) by Everything Marina.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the biscuits served in Red Lobster restaurants are not gluten-free and contain wheat flour. The gluten-free version is only available as an at-home baking mix.

Yes, the gluten-free mix is widely available at major grocery chains like Walmart, Kroger, and others, as well as online retailers like Amazon.

Many people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity find them to be a very close match in taste and texture to the original Cheddar Bay biscuits. Some note minor differences, like a potentially milder cheese flavor.

The mix requires you to add your own shredded cheddar cheese, water, and butter. The garlic herb seasoning packet for the topping is included.

The mix itself is certified gluten-free. However, to ensure a truly gluten-free product, you must use certified gluten-free additions and prevent cross-contamination from other foods, utensils, or baking surfaces in your kitchen.

Yes, some users report successfully making a plain, un-cheddared version by simply omitting the cheese from the dough and either skipping the topping or making a plain butter topping.

Like many gluten-free products, the mix uses different, often more expensive, flour blends and ingredients to achieve a desired texture and flavor. This is a common industry practice.