Understanding the Cross-Contamination Risk at BWW
Before exploring specific menu items, it is crucial to understand Buffalo Wild Wings' official stance on allergens. The restaurant chain explicitly states that due to shared cooking and preparation areas, they cannot guarantee any item is free of any allergen and do not offer certified gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options. For individuals with celiac disease, this means that even items made with ingredients that do not contain gluten are still at risk due to potential cross-contact with other gluten-containing items, such as breaded wings or mozzarella sticks. This policy is especially pertinent for all fried items, which are typically cooked in shared fryers.
Navigating the Menu: What to Order (With Caution)
Despite the significant risks, some patrons with gluten sensitivities report successful dining experiences by taking extra precautions. Your best strategy involves speaking directly with a manager before ordering to discuss your allergy needs and confirm specific preparation methods.
Here are some of the items often identified as potential gluten-free choices, provided you communicate with the staff:
- Traditional Wings: The traditional, bone-in wings themselves are unbreaded. The primary concern is the cooking method. In some locations, managers may have access to dedicated fryers or may be willing to cook them in a fresh, clean fryer if requested, but this varies widely by location. You must request a separate, clean bowl for saucing to avoid cross-contact with breaded boneless wings.
- Naked Tenders: These unbreaded chicken tenders are often a safer bet, as they are grilled rather than fried. Again, confirm cooking methods with a manager and ask for them to be prepared on a clean, dedicated surface if possible.
- Side Items:
- French Fries and Tots: Historically, these have been cooked in shared fryers, posing a high risk. However, some customer reports indicate specific locations may accommodate requests to cook them in a dedicated fryer, such as the one used for traditional wings. Always confirm with your specific location.
- Chips and Salsa/Queso: The tortilla chips at BWW are often fried in-house. While the chips themselves are corn-based, they are fried in shared oil, making them unsafe for celiacs. A manager may be able to prepare fresh chips in a separate fryer, but this must be requested.
- Garden Side Salad: A simple garden salad without croutons is a reliable option. Ensure that the dressing, such as ranch or blue cheese, is also gluten-free.
- Carrots and Celery Sticks: Served with a gluten-free dressing like ranch or blue cheese, these are a safe and simple option.
Sauces and Seasonings: A Safe Flavor Experience
Most of Buffalo Wild Wings' sauces and all dry seasonings are labeled as gluten-free on their allergen guide, with notable exceptions. The key is ensuring they are not applied using shared bowls, a common source of cross-contamination. Always request the sauce on the side or ask for it to be tossed in a clean container or to-go box.
Gluten-Free Sauces include:
- Wild®
- Blazin'® Knockout
- Mango Habanero™
- Spicy Garlic
- Hot
- Medium
- Mild
- Original Buffalo
- Jammin' Jalapeño
- Honey BBQ
- Sweet BBQ
- Caribbean Jerk
- Lemon Pepper
- Parmesan Garlic
- Teriyaki (Note: Some older reports suggested this contained gluten due to soy sauce, but current guides indicate it is gluten-free). Always verify current ingredients with your server.
Dry Rubs:
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Salt and Vinegar Seasoning
- Buffalo Seasoning
- Chipotle BBQ Seasoning
- Desert Heat® Seasoning
Gluten-Free Ordering Comparison: Safe vs. Risky
| Item | Safe Ordering Method | High-Risk Factor(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Wings | Order unbreaded, confirm local dedicated fryer availability with manager, and request sauce on the side or in a clean container. | Shared fryers, shared sauce tossing bowls. |
| Naked Tenders | Request grilled tenders and confirm cooking surface cleanliness with manager. | Potential for shared grill surfaces if not requested separately. |
| French Fries/Tots | Inquire about dedicated fryers for traditional wings/fries; some locations may accommodate. | Fried in shared fryers with breaded products. |
| Chips & Dip (Salsa/Queso) | Ask for chips to be fried separately in a clean fryer, especially if available for wings. | Fried in shared fryers. |
| Salads | Order without croutons and with a certified gluten-free dressing. | Hidden gluten in croutons or cross-contamination during preparation. |
| Burgers | Order with a lettuce wrap or the Udi's gluten-free bun offered at some locations, confirming dedicated cooking surface. | Standard burger buns contain gluten. Potential for shared grill surfaces. |
Conclusion: Can You Eat Gluten-Free at BWW?
While Buffalo Wild Wings does not offer certified gluten-free menu items and has a high potential for cross-contamination, it is possible for some individuals to find suitable options with diligent communication and proactive ordering. For those with celiac disease, the risk is substantial and requires a personalized assessment of comfort with shared kitchen environments. Always speak with a manager to confirm ingredient sourcing and preparation methods for your specific location. For the safest bet, stick to simple items like the Naked Tenders (grilled), a salad without croutons, and carrots with celery. Requesting sauces on the side and confirming all steps with the staff are the most critical actions you can take to manage your dietary needs.
Final Reminder for Celiacs
For those with celiac disease, the risk of consuming traces of gluten is high due to shared kitchen spaces and cooking equipment. While some locations might offer accommodations, these are not guaranteed across all franchises. Your best course of action is to approach dining here with extreme caution or explore other dining options better suited for strict gluten-free needs.
