Gluten-Friendly Dining Inside Hersheypark
Hersheypark has significantly expanded its gluten-friendly menu in recent years, making it easier for guests with dietary restrictions to enjoy their day. While cross-contact is always a consideration in a non-dedicated facility, the park and its staff work to provide safe options. The official Hersheypark app and website feature allergen filters to help you find suitable meals.
Dedicated and Special-Order Locations
For the highest confidence in a gluten-friendly meal, certain locations are highlighted by the park for their allergy-friendly focus.
- Flying Fare (Pioneer Frontier): This stand is explicitly noted as a nut-friendly and gluten-friendly stand, with made-to-order menu items such as wraps and salads. It's a key spot for those with multiple allergies. Note that availability can be seasonal.
- Overlook Food Court (Kissing Tower Hill): The food court features a dedicated allergen-friendly area offering gluten-friendly burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and cauliflower-crust pizza. This is one of the most reliable spots for a variety of options. Ingredients are often available upon request.
- The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio (Hershey's Chocolatetown): This sit-down restaurant marks gluten-friendly items on its menu, such as certain entrees and desserts. Always inform your server of your dietary needs to ensure proper preparation. You can also review the full menu online before your visit.
Quick Bites and Snacks with Gluten-Friendly Options
Beyond the dedicated stands, many other quick-service locations offer gluten-friendly menu items.
- Spring Creek Smokehouse (Pioneer Frontier): Enjoy slow-cooked BBQ options like half-chicken, ribs, and pulled pork without the bun. Sides like baked beans and coleslaw are typically gluten-friendly.
- East Coast Burger Works (The Boardwalk): This is a great spot for a classic meal, offering gluten-free buns for their burgers upon request.
- Tower Fries (Kissing Tower Hill): Their hand-cut fries are a fan-favorite gluten-free snack, though it's always wise to confirm preparation methods with the staff.
- Oola Bowls (multiple locations): These popular açaí bowl stands offer a variety of gluten-friendly açaí bowls and bites.
Sweet Treats and Drinks
Don't forget dessert! Hersheypark has plenty of sweet, gluten-friendly treats.
- Milton's Ice Cream Parlor: Look for their rotating selection of gluten-friendly ice cream and sorbets.
- The Nut Hut: This is where you'll find sweet and salty options like cinnamon frosted nuts and salted almonds.
- Rita's Italian Ice: Many of their Italian ice flavors are naturally gluten-free; just double-check with the staff.
Important Considerations for Celiac Disease
Guests with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease should always take extra precautions. While Hersheypark has made great strides, the possibility of cross-contact exists in shared kitchen environments. For this reason, venues like Flying Fare or the allergen-friendly section of Overlook Food Court may be the safest choices.
Hersheypark Gluten-Free Comparison Table
| Location | Dedicated GF Prep Area? | Gluten-Friendly Main Dishes | Gluten-Friendly Sides/Snacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Fare | Yes, fully GF stand | Wraps, salads | Chips, carrot sticks |
| Overlook Food Court | Yes, separate area | Burgers, tenders, pizza, wraps | Fries, salads, cookies |
| The Chocolatier | Requires communication with chef | Specific marked entrees | Marked desserts |
| Spring Creek Smokehouse | No, but options available | Chicken, ribs, pulled pork (bunless) | Baked beans, coleslaw |
| East Coast Burger Works | No, but GF buns available | Burgers (with GF bun) | N/A |
Planning Your Visit for Best Results
To have the best experience, plan ahead. Download the Hersheypark mobile app before your trip and use its filters to identify dining locations that offer gluten-free options. You can also review the menu on the Hersheypark website prior to your visit. If you have severe allergies or celiac disease, consider bringing your own sealed food in a small cooler. While the park generally prohibits outside food, they make exceptions for guests with medically necessary dietary restrictions. Explain your needs to a team member at guest services upon arrival.
What About Outside the Park?
If you want more reliable or varied dining experiences, consider eating outside the park. Several nearby restaurants are known for their ability to accommodate gluten-free diets, often with dedicated menus and protocols to avoid cross-contact. Examples include Piazza Sorrento, which reportedly has a separate preparation area for its gluten-free Italian dishes, and national chains like Red Robin, which are often well-versed in allergen protocols. Always call ahead to confirm their current procedures.
Conclusion
Yes, Hersheypark offers a range of gluten-free options for visitors, with some locations providing more dedicated and safer preparation methods than others. By leveraging the Hersheypark app, communicating clearly with staff, and considering the specific needs of your sensitivity level, you can successfully navigate the park's dining landscape. For the most stringent needs, focusing on dedicated stands and bringing your own sealed food are your safest bets, while a variety of options exist for those with less severe sensitivities. Taking a few proactive steps can help ensure a delicious and worry-free day at The Sweetest Place On Earth.
