What fast food can celiacs eat? Navigating gluten-free options

October 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Celiac Association, around 1% of the population has celiac disease. For those with celiac, finding safe fast food options can be challenging. However, with careful choices, it's possible to dine out safely.

Quick Summary

This guide highlights which fast-food restaurants offer menu items suitable for celiacs. The guide also details specific strategies for ordering, helping to reduce the possibility of gluten exposure when eating out.

Key Points

Dedicated fryers for fries: Look for dedicated fryers like the ones used at Five Guys to ensure your fries are safe.
Choose burrito bowls and salads: Chipotle bowls are typically gluten-free, but always communicate your needs to avoid cross-contamination.
Be cautious with fried items: Avoid items from shared fryers, such as Wendy's fries or Shake Shack fried items, to reduce the chance of gluten intake.
Utilize allergen menus: Many chains, including Chick-fil-A, publish allergen menus online for easy reference and meal planning.
Communicate with staff: Always state that you have celiac disease as an allergy and request clean preparation areas.
Opt for packaged items: Sealed items like fruit cups or juice boxes from chains like Chick-fil-A can be a safe and easy choice.

Challenges of Fast Food for Celiacs

Fast food environments present challenges for those with celiac disease because of the high risk of cross-contamination. Shared fryers and preparation surfaces are common, increasing the risk. Even trace amounts of gluten can trigger an autoimmune response. The fast-paced nature of these restaurants can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in following strict procedures. A proactive and informed approach is essential for safe dining.

Celiac-Friendly Fast Food Chains and Menu Items

While no fast-food restaurant can guarantee a completely gluten-free setting, several chains have adapted to provide options that reduce risk. Always confirm procedures with staff, as they might vary by location.

Five Guys

Five Guys is often recommended as a safer choice because of its dedicated equipment. Their burgers can be ordered in a lettuce wrap or a bowl, and their fries are cooked in dedicated fryers.

Safe Ordering Strategy:
- Burgers/Hot Dogs: Order without the bun or ask for a lettuce wrap.
- Fries: Both plain and Cajun fries are cooked in dedicated fryers. Verify they use peanut oil.
- Toppings: Most are gluten-free, but confirm with the staff.
- Preparation: Inform the staff about the allergy; ask for clean surfaces and glove changes.

Chipotle

Chipotle offers a customizable menu with many naturally gluten-free choices. The assembly-line format makes communication easier.

Safe Ordering Strategy:
- Burrito Bowl/Salad: Opt for bowls with rice, beans, meats, and veggies. Avoid tortillas and tortilla strips.
- Chips & Salsa/Guacamole: Generally safe, but confirm if cross-contamination is a concern.
- Communication: Clearly mention celiac disease. Ask staff to change gloves and use clean utensils.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A offers various celiac-friendly items, and some locations take extra care to prevent cross-contamination. Their grilled chicken and waffle fries are key options.

Safe Ordering Strategy:
- Sandwiches: Grilled chicken sandwiches or nuggets on a gluten-free bun.
- Waffle Fries: Confirm dedicated fryers at the specific location.
- Breakfast: The hash brown scramble bowl with grilled chicken is a good choice if available.
- Packaged Options: The fruit cup and Honest Kids juice are safe.

Wendy's

While Wendy's fries are not recommended, they offer other safe options, including chili and baked potatoes.

Safe Ordering Strategy:
- Baked Potatoes: Plain baked potatoes are safe; chili and cheese toppings are gluten-free.
- Salads: Order salads without the chicken or croutons. Check dressings.
- Burgers: Order in a lettuce wrap. Shared surfaces increase risk.
- Frosty: The classic Frosty is gluten-free.

Fast Food Gluten-Free Options Comparison Table


Chain	Safe Items	Cross-Contamination Risk	Additional Considerations
Five Guys	Lettuce-wrapped burgers, fries, most toppings.	Lower (dedicated fryers).	Confirm peanut oil for fries. Verify milkshake ingredients.
Chipotle	Bowls, salads, chips & salsa/guacamole.	Moderate (shared prep lines).	Always request fresh gloves. Avoid tortillas.
Chick-fil-A	Grilled chicken (GF bun), waffle fries (verify dedicated fryer), fruit cup.	Moderate (location-dependent).	Explicit ordering is important. Sealed items are safest.
Wendy's	Baked potatoes, chili, salads, Frosty.	High (shared fryers/grills).	Avoid fries. Burgers have grill risk.

Tips for Safe Fast Food Ordering with Celiac Disease

Review Allergen Menus: Check restaurant allergen menus online before visiting. They are often the most current source for allergen information.
Order Simple: The more complex an order, the higher the chance of error. Keep orders straightforward and avoid modifications that increase risk.
Avoid Shared Fryers: Steer clear of fried items unless dedicated, gluten-free fryers are confirmed. This is a common source of cross-contamination.
Communicate Clearly: Inform staff about your celiac disease. Be polite and patient. Phrase requests like, "I have celiac disease; can you please change gloves and use a clean surface?" can be effective.
Trust Your Instincts: If a restaurant appears disorganized or staff seem unaware of cross-contamination, choose a different restaurant. Your health is more important.
Consider Local Options: Smaller restaurants may have better control over ingredients and preparation and might be more willing to accommodate specific needs.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Fast food can be part of a gluten-free diet for celiacs with informed choices. By knowing which chains offer safer options and following safe ordering strategies, you can enjoy an occasional quick meal. Always confirm procedures and communicate with the staff. The rise of fast-casual options and awareness of celiac disease means more choices are available, making informed decisions critical. For more detailed information on celiac disease, consult resources like the National Celiac Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but it depends on the restaurant. Some chains, such as Five Guys, have dedicated fryers that only cook fries, making them a safe option. However, many restaurants use shared fryers, where cross-contamination is likely, and these should be avoided.

While the meat patty is often gluten-free, there's a risk of cross-contamination from the preparation surface. Ordering from a restaurant like Five Guys, which has distinct protocols for handling allergies, is safer.

Chipotle can be a safe option if you order a burrito bowl or salad and avoid the flour tortillas. Inform the staff about your allergy, request glove changes and fresh ingredients to ensure safety.

Milkshake safety can vary. Cross-contamination can happen with mix-ins and shared blenders. Ask staff about cleaning procedures, or stick to simpler flavors and make sure no gluten-containing mix-ins are added.

Clearly inform the server of your celiac disease, request fresh gloves, and ask for your food to be prepared on a clean surface. It's also best to avoid fried foods from shared fryers.

Labels can be unreliable due to the risk of cross-contamination. Even if ingredients are gluten-free, preparation is a potential risk. Verify with staff, and remember that 'gluten-friendly' does not mean it is celiac-safe.

For celiacs, safe options at Wendy's include plain baked potatoes, salads without croutons or fried chicken, and the Frosty. Avoid their fries and order burgers without the bun, being mindful of the shared grill.