Nutrition Diet: Are Chick-fil-A soups gluten-free?

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Chick-fil-A's official allergen information, neither the Chicken Noodle Soup nor the seasonal Chicken Tortilla Soup is considered a gluten-free option. For individuals managing a gluten-free nutrition diet, understanding why these items contain gluten is critical to making safe dining decisions. This guide explores the details behind Are Chick-fil-A soups gluten-free? and what other menu items are safer alternatives.

Quick Summary

Chick-fil-A's soups are not gluten-free due to their ingredients. Careful ordering is necessary for gluten-sensitive individuals, but several other menu items can be made or are naturally free of gluten with precautions against cross-contamination.

Key Points

Chick-fil-A soups are not gluten-free: The Chicken Noodle Soup and Chicken Tortilla Soup both contain gluten and are not safe for those on a gluten-free diet.
Grilled chicken is a safer protein choice: Grilled nuggets and the grilled chicken fillet (on a gluten-free bun) are viable options, unlike the breaded chicken.
Waffle fries are cooked separately: Chick-fil-A fries its Waffle Potato Fries in a dedicated fryer, making them a safe side for many with gluten sensitivities.
Salads require careful customization: Toppings like granola on the Market Salad and crispy bell peppers on the Cobb Salad must be omitted to ensure the dish is gluten-free.
Cross-contamination is a significant risk: Due to shared kitchen spaces and handling areas, Chick-fil-A cannot guarantee any item is completely free of allergens, posing a risk for individuals with severe celiac disease.
Always inform the staff of a gluten allergy: Clear communication with employees is crucial to trigger appropriate precautions like glove changes and separate preparation for safer dining.
Most sauces and dressings are safe: The majority of Chick-fil-A's sauces and all of its salad dressings are listed as gluten-free.

The Definitive Verdict on Chick-fil-A Soups

For those on a gluten-free diet, the convenience of a quick, warm meal can be appealing. However, it is crucial to recognize that not all menu items are created equal when it comes to dietary restrictions. When asking, 'Are Chick-fil-A soups gluten-free?', the answer is a clear no. According to the company's own allergen information, both the Chicken Noodle Soup and the Chicken Tortilla Soup contain gluten.

The Chicken Noodle Soup contains wheat-based noodles, a primary source of gluten. The Chicken Tortilla Soup, while sounding potentially safe, also contains gluten-based ingredients, such as certain seasonings or thickeners, making it unsafe for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. The company is transparent about this, with previous public statements confirming the soup's gluten content. This information is a non-negotiable point for anyone with a severe gluten intolerance, as even trace amounts can cause a reaction.

The Broader Gluten-Free Landscape at Chick-fil-A

Beyond the soups, Chick-fil-A offers a range of options that can be safely enjoyed on a gluten-free diet, provided precautions are taken. The key is to understand the menu and communicate effectively with the staff. For example, the grilled items are often safe, but cross-contamination risks exist, as the company uses shared kitchen and cooking areas.

Safer Gluten-Friendly Menu Options

Grilled Nuggets: Unlike their breaded counterparts, the grilled nuggets are a popular and reliable gluten-free protein option.
Waffle Potato Fries: Chick-fil-A's famous fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, which minimizes the risk of cross-contamination from breaded products. This makes them a naturally gluten-free and safer side dish.
Entrée Salads: The Market Salad, Cobb Salad, and Spicy Southwest Salad can be modified to be gluten-free. For the Market Salad, omit the granola. For the Cobb Salad, leave off the crispy bell peppers. The Spicy Southwest Salad's tortilla strips and pepitas are generally gluten-free, but always confirm. A grilled chicken fillet or nuggets can be added for protein.
Dressings: All Chick-fil-A's salad dressings are listed as gluten-free, including Avocado Lime Ranch, Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette, and Garden Herb Ranch.
Desserts: The Icedream cup and various milkshakes (excluding cookies and cream) are considered gluten-free.
Drinks: Most beverages, including coffee and lemonade, are gluten-free.

The Importance of Communication and Awareness

To ensure a safe dining experience, several steps are necessary beyond simply choosing the right menu item. Informing staff of a gluten allergy rather than just a preference is critical, as it signals the need for increased caution. Requests for fresh gloves and a sanitized prep area are reasonable and necessary for celiac patients. While Chick-fil-A takes some steps to mitigate cross-contamination, such as individually packaging the gluten-free bun, their shared kitchen environment means that complete elimination of risk is impossible.

Gluten-Containing vs. Gluten-Friendly at Chick-fil-A


Item Category	Commonly Contains Gluten	Safer, Gluten-Friendly Alternatives
Soups	Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Tortilla Soup	(No soup alternatives)
Chicken	Original Chicken Sandwich, Nuggets, Strips, Chick-n-Minis	Grilled Chicken Sandwich (on GF bun), Grilled Nuggets
Sides	Mac & Cheese	Waffle Potato Fries, Kale Crunch Side, Fruit Cup, Waffle Potato Chips
Salads	Toppings like Crispy Bell Peppers (Cobb) and Granola (Market)	All salads with grilled chicken and specific toppings removed
Desserts	Cookies, Cookies & Cream Milkshake	Icedream Cup, Frosted Lemonade, Vanilla Milkshake

Conclusion

In summary, for those on a gluten-free nutrition diet, the answer to are Chick-fil-A soups gluten-free? is definitively no. Both the Chicken Noodle Soup and Chicken Tortilla Soup are made with gluten-containing ingredients. However, this does not mean a visit to Chick-fil-A is off-limits. By being a knowledgeable and proactive consumer, you can safely navigate the menu by opting for designated gluten-friendly items like grilled nuggets and waffle fries, and by ensuring any salads are modified correctly. Always inform the restaurant staff about your allergy to help minimize the risk of cross-contamination, especially for those with celiac disease, and consider checking the latest allergen information on the official Chick-fil-A website before dining.

For additional resources on safely dining out with celiac disease, see Beyond Celiac's information on cross-contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Chick-fil-A does not offer any gluten-free soup. Both the Chicken Noodle Soup and the Chicken Tortilla Soup contain gluten and are not suitable for a gluten-free diet.

No, Chick-fil-A's Chicken Tortilla Soup is not gluten-free, despite the name. The ingredients include gluten-containing components that make it unsafe for a gluten-free diet.

For individuals with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can lead to a range of symptoms, from digestive issues to fatigue. Immediate cessation of gluten consumption is recommended, and monitoring symptoms is advised. For severe reactions, medical attention may be necessary.

Yes, Chick-fil-A's Waffle Potato Fries are generally considered safe for a gluten-free diet. They are made from naturally gluten-free potatoes and are fried in a dedicated fryer, which minimizes cross-contamination with breaded items.

Order any of the entrée salads (Market, Cobb, or Spicy Southwest) with grilled chicken instead of breaded chicken. Ensure you request that any potentially gluten-containing toppings, like granola or crispy bell peppers, are left off, as these are individually packaged.

The biggest risk is cross-contamination. Since all food is prepared in shared kitchen and prep areas, there's a possibility of gluten transferring from other menu items, even if the item is inherently gluten-free.

Yes, Chick-fil-A offers a certified gluten-free bun that is served in its own sealed packaging to prevent cross-contamination. It is recommended to assemble the sandwich yourself to maintain its gluten-free status.