Navigating the Buffalo Wild Wings Menu for Gluten-Free Options
For those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, dining at a restaurant famous for its fried and sauced items can be a significant challenge. While Buffalo Wild Wings does not have a certified gluten-free menu, it provides an allergen and preparation guide that can help identify menu items made without gluten ingredients. The key to a safe dining experience lies in understanding the inherent risks and communicating directly with the restaurant staff.
Potential Gluten-Free Items and Cross-Contamination Risks
Several menu items at Buffalo Wild Wings are made without gluten ingredients, but their preparation methods introduce a high risk of cross-contamination. The most important fact to remember is that Buffalo Wild Wings uses shared fryers for many of its fried foods, including traditional wings, boneless wings, and other breaded items. This makes any fried item a potential risk for those with celiac disease.
Traditional Wings with Safe Sauces
Traditional (bone-in) wings are naturally gluten-free in their un-breaded state. However, they are cooked in the same fryers as the breaded boneless wings. Many people with high gluten sensitivity or celiac disease avoid any food from a shared fryer. If you decide to order traditional wings, ask for them with a gluten-free sauce on the side or tossed in a clean container, as the shaking bowls are also shared.
Here is a list of many of the sauces that do not contain gluten ingredients, but always verify with the restaurant's latest allergen guide:
- Blazin' Knockout Sauce
- Caribbean Jerk Sauce
- Honey BBQ Sauce
- Hot Sauce
- Lemon Pepper Sauce
- Mango Habanero Sauce
- Medium Sauce
- Mild Sauce
- Original Buffalo Sauce
- Spicy Garlic Sauce
- Sweet BBQ Sauce
Off-the-Menu Options: Naked Tenders
For a safer protein option, inquire about the Naked Chicken Tenders. These are grilled, not fried, which significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Be sure to specify your allergy and request that they be prepared on a clean surface with clean utensils. Pair these with one of the gluten-free sauces on the side.
Sides and Appetizers
While some sides are made without gluten ingredients, cross-contamination is a major concern. Chips for nachos or queso are often fried in shared fryers. The French fries and tater tots also typically come from a shared fryer. A safer bet for sides includes fresh vegetables with a gluten-free dipping sauce.
- Safe side: Carrots and celery with ranch or bleu cheese dressing.
- Highest risk sides: French fries, tater tots, and tortilla chips.
The Importance of Communication
Regardless of your choice, speaking to a manager is the most effective way to protect yourself. Explain your dietary restriction and inquire about their specific kitchen protocols. Some locations might have dedicated fryers for traditional wings or use fresh containers for tossing sauces, but this is not a guaranteed company-wide policy.
Comparison Table: Gluten-Free Options at B-Dubs
| Item Category | Made Without Gluten Ingredients | Cross-Contamination Risk | Recommended Action for Celiac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Wings | Yes | High (Shared Fryer & Tossing Bowl) | Order sauce on the side; confirm local fryer practices; speak to manager. |
| Boneless Wings | No | N/A (Breaded) | Avoid completely. |
| Naked Tenders | Yes | Low (Grilled) | Specify allergy; ask for clean grill space and utensils. |
| French Fries / Tots | Yes, often | High (Shared Fryer) | Avoid or inquire about dedicated fryer use, which is rare. |
| Chips & Dips | Yes, for ingredients | High (Shared Fryer for chips) | Avoid the chips; eat dip with safe, non-fried items if possible. |
| Sauces (most) | Yes | Low | Get sauce on the side in a clean cup. |
| Dressings | Yes | Low | Get dressing on the side. |
| Salads | Yes (without croutons) | Low | Request no croutons and a clean prep surface. |
Making a Safe and Informed Choice
For those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, ordering anything fried at Buffalo Wild Wings, even traditional wings, carries a significant risk. The shared equipment, especially the fryers and tossing bowls, means that microscopic particles of gluten are almost certainly present. For this reason, many in the gluten-free community choose to avoid the fried wings and opt for safer alternatives, like grilled chicken or salads with confirmed gluten-free toppings and dressing. You can access the most current official allergen information directly on the Buffalo Wild Wings website, though it emphasizes that no item is certified gluten-free.
Conclusion: Caution is Key
While Buffalo Wild Wings offers menu items that are prepared without gluten-containing ingredients, the risk of cross-contamination is high and cannot be ignored by those with celiac disease. For diners with mild sensitivities, traditional wings with a gluten-free sauce on the side might be an acceptable risk, but always with a thorough conversation with the manager. For the strictest gluten-free diet, the safest options are the grilled Naked Chicken Tenders, a salad with approved toppings, or simply choosing a different restaurant with dedicated gluten-free preparation areas. The most prudent approach is always to assume a risk and weigh it against your personal dietary needs and health.
What are some safe gluten-free sauce options at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Many Buffalo Wild Wings sauces are made without gluten ingredients, including Honey BBQ, Medium, Hot, Wild, and Lemon Pepper sauce, among others. It is always best to double-check with the restaurant's latest allergen guide and request that your sauce be served on the side in a clean cup to minimize cross-contamination risk.
Are the traditional wings at Buffalo Wild Wings gluten-free?
The traditional wings themselves are made without gluten ingredients, but they are fried in shared fryers with breaded items, and sauced in shared bowls. This makes them unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity due to cross-contamination.
Is there a dedicated fryer for gluten-free items at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Generally, no. Most Buffalo Wild Wings locations use shared fryers for all fried menu items, including traditional wings, fries, and breaded items like boneless wings. Some past reports mentioned dedicated fryers, but this is not a consistent company policy and should not be relied upon.
Can I get a salad that is safe for celiac disease at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Yes, but with precautions. You must order a salad without croutons or other gluten-containing toppings and ensure that grilled chicken is cooked on a clean surface. Always communicate your allergy clearly to the staff and manager.
How can I minimize the risk of cross-contamination?
Your best bet is to speak to a manager during a non-peak hour. Order grilled, non-fried items, request clean surfaces and utensils, and always ask for sauces and dressings on the side.
What menu items should I avoid completely?
Absolutely avoid any breaded items, such as boneless wings, cauliflower wings, sandwiches with buns, and wraps. All fried items pose a high cross-contamination risk, so it's safest to avoid fries, tots, and fried chips as well.
Does Buffalo Wild Wings have an allergen menu online?
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings provides an allergen guide on its website. This guide lists items that contain or may contain specific allergens, but it does not guarantee a complete absence of allergens due to shared kitchen environments.
