What is Gluten Free at Tortilla Restaurants?

According to the restaurant's official FAQ, flour tortilla wraps and flour tacos are not gluten-free, but diners can safely opt for a 'naked burrito' or corn tacos. This guide explains what is gluten free at Tortilla restaurants, highlighting suitable choices and the risks of cross-contamination.

Quick Summary

A guide to gluten-free dining at the restaurant chain Tortilla, covering menu options like burrito bowls and corn tacos. It also addresses the critical issue of cross-contamination and provides essential safety tips for sensitive individuals.

Key Points

• Naked Burrito (Bowl) is the safest option: Opt for the burrito bowl served in a container instead of a flour tortilla wrap to avoid the main source of gluten.

• Corn Tacos require extra caution: While the corn shells are gluten-free, you must request that staff use a clean surface, like fresh foil on the heating press, to prevent cross-contamination from flour tortillas.

• Inform staff about your allergy: Always tell the crew at the start of your order that you have a gluten intolerance to ensure they take extra care and change gloves.

• Most fillings are safe: Proteins like chicken, beef, pork, and vegetarian fillings, along with rice, beans, and salsas, are generally gluten-free, but always confirm.

• Avoid flour-based items and certain sauces: Steer clear of flour wraps, flour tacos, and the chipotle cheese sauce, as these contain gluten.

• Be aware of cross-contamination: Tortilla is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, and there is a risk of cross-contamination from shared utensils and preparation areas.

• Double-check about chips: Confirm with staff whether tortilla chips are fried in a dedicated gluten-free fryer, as shared fryers pose a significant risk.

Gluten-Free Options at Tortilla

For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, understanding a restaurant's policies and offerings is crucial. Tortilla provides several choices for a gluten-free diet, but a key distinction must be made between naturally gluten-free ingredients and the risk of cross-contamination in their shared kitchen environment. The most reliable gluten-free options are the 'Naked Burrito' (a bowl), corn tacos, and tortilla chips, but it is always vital to communicate your needs clearly to the staff.

The 'Naked Burrito': Your Safest Bet

This option, served in a bowl instead of a flour tortilla wrap, is the simplest and often safest gluten-free meal at Tortilla. It is essentially a build-your-own meal composed of layers of gluten-free ingredients. Your base is either Mexican rice or lettuce, and from there you can add your choice of beans, proteins, and a wide array of toppings. The beauty of the naked burrito is that it bypasses the most significant gluten-containing item on the menu—the flour tortilla wrap—without compromising flavor.

Corn Tacos: A Tasty Alternative

Tortilla offers soft corn tacos as a gluten-free base for your fillings. Since traditional corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, this provides a great alternative for those who prefer the handheld experience of a taco. However, the process for heating these corn tacos can pose a risk. As noted by some diners, the corn tortillas may be warmed on the same hot press used for flour tortillas. To mitigate this risk, you must explicitly ask the staff to use fresh foil on the press or use a microwave to heat your corn tacos.

Which Tortilla Ingredients are Gluten-Free?

Most of the ingredients you'll find at Tortilla are naturally gluten-free, with the exception of the flour wraps, flour tacos, and the chipotle cheese sauce.

• Proteins: Marinated chicken asado, barbacoa beef, carnitas pork, and seasonal grilled vegetables are all suitable options.
• Bases: The Mexican rice, black beans, and pinto beans are safe choices.
• Salsas & Toppings: Fresh pico de gallo, salsa verde, salsa roja, guacamole, jalapeños, and pickled red onions are all typically gluten-free.
• Chips: The crunchy corn chips served at Tortilla are also considered a gluten-free option, but cross-contamination in the fryer is a potential concern, so confirmation is advisable.

The Critical Risk of Cross-Contamination

Despite having many naturally gluten-free ingredients, Tortilla's kitchens are not designated gluten-free facilities. All food is prepared on a single assembly line, which means there is a significant risk of cross-contamination. For individuals with a high sensitivity to gluten, such as those with celiac disease, this is a serious concern that requires active communication with the staff. The following comparison table illustrates the difference between options and the associated risks.

Item	Gluten-Free Status	Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes
Naked Burrito (Bowl)	Yes (excluding cheese sauce)	Low (if prepared carefully)	Simplest and safest option, ask staff to change gloves.
Corn Tacos	Yes	High (unless handled separately)	Must request staff to use fresh foil or a clean heating method.
Flour Tortilla Wrap	No	N/A	Contains gluten.
Flour Tacos	No	N/A	Contains gluten.
Chips & Salsa	Yes	High (due to shared fryer/area)	Check with staff about dedicated fryer status and handling.
Toppings & Salsas	Yes	Low to moderate	Be aware of shared utensils.
Chipotle Cheese Sauce	No	N/A	Contains gluten.

How to Order Safely at Tortilla

When ordering at Tortilla, it is essential to be your own advocate. Follow these steps to maximize your safety:

1. Inform the crew immediately: As soon as you begin your order, inform the staff member that you have a gluten intolerance or allergy and ask them to change their gloves.
2. Choose the right base: Opt for the 'Naked Burrito' bowl with rice or salad. If you choose corn tacos, specifically request that they use fresh foil on the press to avoid contact with wheat flour.
3. Specify dedicated tools: If you are highly sensitive, ask if they can use fresh or dedicated utensils for scooping your ingredients. Some diners recommend requesting a manager to oversee the process for extra assurance.
4. Avoid high-risk items: For maximum safety, avoid any item that explicitly contains gluten, like the flour wraps and the chipotle cheese sauce. Be wary of the tortilla chips unless you have confirmed a dedicated fryer. Some reviews indicate that even gluten-free labeled chips may be processed in facilities with gluten.

Conclusion

Eating gluten-free at Tortilla is entirely possible, offering delicious options like the naked burrito and corn tacos. The key to a successful experience lies in clear communication with the staff and an awareness of the cross-contamination risks inherent in an open-kitchen environment. By following the tips outlined and confirming your needs upfront, you can enjoy a flavorful meal safely while navigating your dietary restrictions.

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Tortilla FAQs: https://www.tortilla.co.uk/faqs

Tortilla Menu: https://www.tortilla.co.uk/menu

FindMeGlutenFree review: https://www.findmeglutenfree.com/chains/6443562146201600/tortilla-uk

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are the flour tortillas at Tortilla gluten-free?

No, the standard flour tortilla wraps and flour tacos at Tortilla contain gluten and should be avoided by anyone with a gluten intolerance.

Is the 'naked burrito' a safe gluten-free option?

Yes, the naked burrito (burrito bowl) is the safest gluten-free choice at Tortilla because it is not served in a flour wrap. You can choose from a range of naturally gluten-free ingredients for your filling.

Are corn tacos always gluten-free at Tortilla?

The corn shells are naturally gluten-free, but there is a risk of cross-contamination during preparation. You must ask the staff to use fresh foil on the heating press to prevent contact with gluten.

How can I avoid cross-contamination at Tortilla?

To avoid cross-contamination, inform the staff at the start of your order that you have a gluten allergy. Request that they change their gloves and use a clean surface or separate utensils for your meal.

Are Tortilla's chips gluten-free?

Tortilla's corn chips are typically gluten-free, but they may be prepared in a shared fryer or area, posing a risk of cross-contamination for highly sensitive individuals. Always ask staff to confirm handling procedures.

Which ingredients should I avoid if I have a gluten sensitivity?

In addition to the flour wraps and tacos, you should avoid the chipotle cheese sauce, which is not gluten-free. Also, be cautious with shared ingredients like cheese and toppings handled with the same gloves.

Is it safe for a person with celiac disease to eat at Tortilla?

Due to the high risk of cross-contamination in their shared kitchen, Tortilla is not considered a completely safe option for those with celiac disease. However, by taking extreme caution and clearly communicating your needs, some individuals may feel comfortable eating a naked burrito or carefully prepared corn tacos.