Is McDonald's in Mallorca Gluten Free?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 1% of the world's population has Celiac disease, making safe gluten-free dining a priority for many travelers. When visiting the Spanish island of Mallorca, many people wonder, 'Is McDonald's in Mallorca gluten free?', and the answer is a reassuring yes, with specific safety protocols in place.

Quick Summary

McDonald's in Mallorca is highly aware of gluten sensitivities, offering a wide array of options including gluten-free burger buns and fries prepared to minimize cross-contamination. Strict procedures are followed to ensure safety for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Key Points

Gluten-Free Buns Available: McDonald's in Mallorca and across Spain offers gluten-free Schär buns for most burgers, including the Big Mac.
Dedicated Preparation: Strict protocols are in place, including dedicated preparation areas and glove changes, to minimize cross-contamination for celiac orders.
Fries are Safe: French fries and Deluxe potatoes are cooked in separate, dedicated fryers, making them a safe gluten-free side option.
Easy Ordering: Travelers can easily order gluten-free meals via self-service kiosks by selecting the 'sin gluten' customization or by telling the staff.
Other Safe Options: Beyond burgers, safe items include certain salads, McFlurries, and drinks, though specific McFlurry toppings should be confirmed.
Minimal Cross-Contamination Risk: While not 100% foolproof, McDonald's Spanish locations have excellent procedures that significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
FACE Accreditation: Spain's national celiac association, FACE, may accredit certain restaurants, which indicates a high standard of gluten-free safety.

Gluten-Free Assurance at McDonald's in Spain

Yes, McDonald's outlets throughout Spain, including the island of Mallorca, are well-equipped to serve gluten-free meals safely. This is a significant relief for travelers managing celiac disease or gluten intolerance, as finding reliable fast-food options can often be a challenge abroad. The commitment to providing safe meals is evident in the specific procedures and ingredient sourcing used throughout the Spanish franchise system. For example, the gluten-free buns are sourced from Schär, a well-known brand for gluten-free products, and are individually wrapped to prevent cross-contamination. Staff are also trained to handle these orders separately, changing gloves and using dedicated preparation areas.

How to Order Your Gluten-Free Meal

Ordering a safe, gluten-free meal at McDonald's in Mallorca is a straightforward process, thanks to the standardized procedures. Most locations have self-service kiosks with clear menus where you can customize your order by selecting the 'sin gluten' (without gluten) option. Alternatively, you can order at the counter and specify your dietary needs. The order will be distinctly marked and handled with care to avoid any mix-ups in the fast-paced kitchen environment.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Use the Kiosk: Navigate the self-service menu and choose your desired burger. A customization option will appear, allowing you to switch to a gluten-free bun (pan sin gluten).
Notify the Staff: Even when using the kiosk, it's a good practice to inform the counter staff that your order is for a gluten-free meal (mention 'celiaco' or 'sin gluten') to ensure extra caution is taken.
Look for Labels: Your completed order will be packed in a special, clearly labeled box to distinguish it from gluten-containing meals.
Verify the Contents: Before eating, double-check that your bun and other items are the correct, safe versions. The Schär bun is visually distinct and comes pre-packaged.

Comparison of McDonald's and Burger King in Mallorca

While McDonald's is a reliable choice, it's worth comparing it to another popular fast-food chain on the island, Burger King, which also offers gluten-free options. While both provide gluten-free buns, their preparation methods and availability may vary slightly. Based on traveler reports, both chains are generally considered safe, but McDonald's in Spain is often cited for its particularly stringent procedures.


Feature	McDonald's (Spain)	Burger King (Spain)
Gluten-Free Buns	Yes, Schär buns used.	Yes, GF buns available.
Cross-Contamination Protocol	Dedicated preparation area, glove changes.	Reported careful handling, often separate procedures.
Dedicated Fryer	Yes, French fries cooked in a dedicated fryer.	Reported dedicated fryer for fries, but always confirm.
Menu Variety	Wide range of beef burgers available with GF bun.	Often includes more burgers, but verify sauces.
Certification	Some chains receive certification from FACE (Spanish Federation of Celiac Associations).	May vary by location, check for local certification or trust traveler reviews.

Beyond the Burger: Other Gluten-Free Options

At McDonald's in Mallorca, the gluten-free experience isn't limited to just burgers. The following items are also considered safe for consumption:

Fries: The classic and deluxe French fries are cooked in separate, dedicated fryers with vegetable oil to prevent cross-contamination.
Salads: Side salads are typically safe, but always request dressing on the side and confirm its gluten-free status.
Desserts: Some McFlurry desserts and simple fruit bags or carrot sticks are naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check the specific McFlurry flavor, as toppings can contain gluten.
Drinks: All permanent menu drinks are generally gluten-free.

What About Cross-Contamination Concerns?

For those with celiac disease, cross-contamination is a serious concern. While McDonald's in Spain has a strong reputation for its safety protocols, no fast-food environment can guarantee zero risk. The risk is minimized by their use of dedicated areas, bun heaters, and utensils. Travelers who are extremely sensitive or have severe allergies might still proceed with caution. Always communicate your needs clearly with staff, especially if ordering at a busy location like the Palma de Mallorca airport.

Conclusion

Travelers with celiac disease can confidently enjoy a meal at McDonald's in Mallorca. As part of the broader Spanish franchise system, the locations adhere to strict protocols, offering individually packaged gluten-free Schär buns for most burgers and using dedicated fryers for fries. While no fast-food setting is entirely without risk, the clear labeling, trained staff, and specific preparation areas make it one of the most reliable and safest quick-service options on the island for gluten-free diners.

For those seeking alternatives, Mallorca also has numerous dedicated gluten-free bakeries and restaurants. For more information on gluten-free travel in Spain, consider visiting the official FACE website to see their list of accredited restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, McDonald's in Mallorca does not have a separate gluten-free menu. Instead, you customize your existing burger order to include a gluten-free bun, an option available on their self-service kiosks or at the counter.

When ordering at a self-service kiosk, select your desired burger and then look for the customization option. From there, you can choose 'pan sin gluten' (gluten-free bread).

Yes, the French fries and Deluxe potatoes are considered safe for celiacs as they are cooked in dedicated, separate fryers with vegetable oil to prevent cross-contamination.

McDonald's in Spain uses strict protocols, including a designated separate preparation area for gluten-free meals, clean utensils, and staff glove changes. Gluten-free buns are individually wrapped and toasted in dedicated toaster bags.

Yes, McDonald's in Spain offers a gluten-free version of the Happy Meal, which includes a choice of burger with a Schär gluten-free bun, gluten-free fries, and other safe accompaniments.

Yes, all McDonald's restaurants in Spain, including those in Mallorca, are standardized to offer gluten-free buns for most of their beef burgers.

Your gluten-free order will be clearly marked and packed in a special, labeled box. It is still recommended to briefly mention your dietary need to the staff at the counter for extra confirmation.