Is anything at CFA gluten-free? A guide to the menu

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Chick-fil-A, while their kitchens are not gluten-free environments, they offer several pre-packaged and naturally gluten-free items that minimize the risk of cross-contact. So, is anything at CFA gluten-free? Yes, but success depends heavily on proper ordering and an understanding of the risks associated with shared kitchen spaces.

Quick Summary

Chick-fil-A provides multiple gluten-friendly options like packaged buns, salads, fries, and grilled chicken. Cross-contamination is a risk in shared kitchens. Awareness of preparation is key. Most sauces and several milkshakes are also gluten-free.

Key Points

Pre-Packaged Items: Individually sealed items like the gluten-free bun and Waffle Potato Chips offer the safest, cross-contamination-free options for sensitive diners.
Grilled is the Way to Go: Grilled nuggets and grilled chicken filets are safe protein choices, but always request fresh prep to minimize cross-contamination risk.
Dedicated Fryer for Fries: The Waffle Potato Fries are generally cooked in a dedicated fryer at most locations, making them safe for many gluten-free diets, but always confirm with staff.
Customize Your Salad: All salad dressings are gluten-free, and salads can be made safe by substituting grilled chicken and omitting crispy toppings like croutons.
Watch Out for Sauces and Shakes: Most sauces are gluten-free except for the Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Sauce. The Cookies & Cream Milkshake is not safe.
Cross-Contamination Risk is Real: Chick-fil-A's kitchens handle gluten-containing products, so those with celiac disease or severe allergies should be aware of the cross-contamination risk and take precautions.
Assemble Your Own Sandwich: To avoid any kitchen cross-contact with the gluten-free bun, it is recommended to receive the bun sealed and assemble your sandwich yourself.

Navigating the Chick-fil-A Menu for a Gluten-Free Diet

Dining at a fast-food restaurant with dietary restrictions like a gluten-free diet can be challenging. While Chick-fil-A's famous fried chicken is not an option due to its breading, many other menu items are either naturally free of gluten or can be modified. Chick-fil-A acknowledges they cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free environment due to shared cooking spaces. However, by knowing which items to choose and how to communicate your needs, you can minimize gluten intake.

Options with Reduced Cross-Contamination Risk

Individually packaged items offer the lowest risk of cross-contamination. These include the Gluten-Free Bun, Waffle Potato Chips, Buddy Fruits® Cinnamon Applesauce, and Honest Kids® Appley Ever After Organic Juice Drink.

Gluten-Friendly Entrées and Proteins

Items like Grilled Nuggets and the Grilled Chicken Filet contain no gluten ingredients but may have cross-contact risk. Salads can be made gluten-friendly with grilled chicken and by omitting toppings like croutons. Bacon and Sausage are also gluten-free breakfast choices. Always inform staff about allergies.

Sides and Treats Without Gluten Ingredients

Sides like Waffle Potato Fries are often cooked in a dedicated canola oil fryer, reducing risk, but confirming this is advised. Other naturally gluten-free options include the Fruit Cup, Kale Crunch Side, and Icedream® Cup. Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry Milkshakes, as well as Frosted Coffee and Frosted Lemonade, are also made without gluten. The Cookies & Cream milkshake is not gluten-free.

Comparison of Gluten-Free and Gluten-Contained Items

This table helps differentiate safe items from those to avoid.


Menu Item	Gluten Status	Notes for Ordering	What to Avoid
Chicken Sandwiches	Gluten-Friendly (Modified)	Order with grilled filet on a sealed gluten-free bun; assemble yourself.	Standard bun, breaded chicken filet.
Chicken Nuggets	Gluten-Friendly (Modified)	Order grilled nuggets only; request fresh prep and glove change.	Breaded nuggets.
Waffle Fries	Gluten-Friendly	Ask to confirm they are cooked in a dedicated fryer.	Other fried items like breaded chicken.
Salads	Gluten-Friendly (Modified)	Order with grilled chicken and omit crispy toppings or croutons.	Breaded chicken, flour-based croutons.
Milkshakes	Gluten-Friendly	Stick to vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry flavors.	Cookies & Cream Milkshake, cones.
Desserts	Sealed/Gluten-Friendly	Choose Icedream Cup, Frosted Coffee, or Frosted Lemonade.	Chocolate Chunk Cookie, Chocolate Fudge Brownie.

Condiments and Dressings

Most sauces and dressings are naturally gluten-free. The Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Sauce contains wheat and should be avoided.

Gluten-free sauces include:

Chick-fil-A Sauce®
Polynesian Sauce
Barbeque Sauce
Honey Mustard Sauce
Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce
Zesty Buffalo Sauce

Gluten-free salad dressings include:

Avocado Lime Ranch
Creamy Salsa
Fat-Free Honey Mustard
Garden Herb Ranch
Light Balsamic Vinaigrette
Light Italian
Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette

The Importance of Communication and Caution

Given the risk of cross-contamination in shared kitchens, those with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease should be extra careful. Always inform staff of your allergy, request glove changes and fresh utensils. For the most accurate, location-specific information, consult the official Chick-fil-A website or app.

Conclusion

Navigating Chick-fil-A's menu on a gluten-free diet is possible with careful ordering and clear communication. While not a certified gluten-free facility, many items like grilled chicken, fries (confirming dedicated fryer use), and salads can be enjoyed safely. Individually packaged options like the gluten-free bun and Waffle Potato Chips provide the highest level of safety. By staying informed and cautious, you can confidently choose suitable options.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Always consult the official Chick-fil-A allergen guide and speak with restaurant staff about your specific dietary needs. Detailed information is available on the {Link: official Chick-fil-A website https://www.chick-fil-a.com/customer-support/our-food/our-menu/does-chick-fil-a-have-any-menu-items-that-are-gluten-free}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chick-fil-A does not have a separate menu but provides an allergen guide and lists specific items that are gluten-friendly. They also offer a sealed gluten-free bun for custom orders.

Chick-fil-A's waffle fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer at most locations, separating them from breaded chicken. However, guests with Celiac should confirm this with staff, as cross-contamination risk still exists.

Yes, the grilled chicken filet and grilled nuggets are gluten-free by ingredients. To minimize cross-contamination risk, politely ask the staff to change gloves and use fresh utensils.

The vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry milkshakes are gluten-free. The Cookies & Cream milkshake contains gluten and should be avoided.

Order a grilled chicken sandwich and specify that you want the individually packaged, gluten-free bun. For the safest option, request to assemble the sandwich yourself to avoid cross-contact in the kitchen.

No, while most sauces are, the Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Sauce is not gluten-free and contains wheat. All other main sauces and salad dressings are generally safe.

Chick-fil-A acknowledges the risk of cross-contamination because their kitchens are not gluten-free. Shared surfaces, grills, and utensils pose a risk. Sealed items offer the most protection.