What is the new Chick-fil-A gluten-free bun?

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Since its nationwide rollout in 2017, the Chick-fil-A gluten-free bun has become a consistent and reliable option for many with dietary restrictions. The individually packaged alternative allows guests to enjoy a sandwich experience while minimizing gluten intake.

Quick Summary

Chick-fil-A offers a certified gluten-free bun made with ancient grains like quinoa and amaranth. It is served individually wrapped to minimize cross-contact, and customers must assemble their own sandwich to ensure maximum safety.

Key Points

Introduction: The Chick-fil-A gluten-free bun was introduced nationally in 2017, featuring a blend of ancient grains.
Key Ingredients: It contains sorghum, amaranth, quinoa, millet, and is lightly sweetened with molasses and raisins.
Cross-Contact Protocol: The bun is served individually wrapped and customers must assemble their own sandwich to prevent cross-contact in the shared kitchen.
Safety for Celiacs: While the bun is safe, individuals with celiac disease should be aware that the kitchen environment is not dedicated gluten-free and communication with staff is essential.
Best Pairing: The gluten-free bun is best paired with a grilled chicken filet or grilled nuggets, as all breaded items contain gluten.
Mixed Reviews: Customer feedback on the bun's taste and texture is mixed, with some finding it a bit dry while others appreciate it as a valuable option.
Safe Sides: Waffle fries and other sides like fruit cups are typically gluten-free, but always verify fryer status with staff.

What is the Chick-fil-A Gluten-Free Bun?

Contrary to popular belief that the bun is 'new', Chick-fil-A first introduced its certified gluten-free bun nationally in June 2017. It was added to the menu after successful test markets and in response to increasing customer demand for more gluten-sensitive options. The bun's recipe was developed to provide a safe and tasty alternative, allowing individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease to enjoy a sandwich experience at the fast-food chain.

The Bun's Ingredients and Composition

The Chick-fil-A gluten-free bun features a blend of ancient grains and other starches for its distinctive flavor and texture. Key ingredients include sorghum, amaranth, quinoa, millet, corn starch, and potato starch. It is lightly sweetened with molasses and raisins, giving it a slightly different flavor profile than traditional buns. The bun is also enriched with vitamins and minerals.

How is it Prepared to Prevent Cross-Contamination?

Chick-fil-A has a very specific protocol for serving its gluten-free bun to minimize the risk of cross-contact, which is crucial for individuals with celiac disease. The buns are received individually packaged, delivered in their sealed wrapping, and the customer must assemble their own sandwich because the restaurant's kitchens are not gluten-free environments.

Is the Chick-fil-A Gluten-Free Bun Safe for Celiacs?

For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, safety is a major concern. The bun itself is certified gluten-free and remains sealed until opened. However, the restaurant environment is not gluten-free. Grilled chicken is cooked on a shared surface, although often prepared separately. Waffle fries are typically cooked in dedicated fryers, making them a generally safe side. Confirm local procedures if you have extreme sensitivity.

How to Order and Pair the Gluten-Free Bun

Ordering is straightforward, especially via the mobile app. Choose a grilled chicken filet or grilled nuggets, as breaded items contain gluten. Select a sandwich and substitute the gluten-free bun. Pair with naturally gluten-free sides like waffle fries (confirm dedicated fryer), a fruit cup, or the Kale Crunch Side.

Customer Reviews of the Bun

Reviews are mixed. Some customers praise the taste and texture compared to other options, while others find it dry, dense, or crumbly. Some note a slightly sweet taste. Warming the bun before assembly may improve texture.

Comparison: Chick-fil-A vs. Other Fast-Food Gluten-Free Options


Feature	Chick-fil-A GF Bun	Shake Shack GF Bun	Culver's GF Bun
Availability	Nationwide, since 2017.	Widely available.	Available at many locations.
Serving Method	Individually sealed, customer assembles.	Individually packaged, customer assembles.	Individually packaged, customer assembles.
Main Ingredient	Ancient grains (quinoa, amaranth, sorghum).	Rice flour based.	N/A, but typically rice/tapioca based.
Cross-Contact	Risk exists due to shared kitchen, mitigates with sealed package.	Risk exists due to shared kitchen.	Risk exists due to shared kitchen.
Best Paired With	Grilled Chicken Sandwiches.	Burgers, other sandwiches.	Burgers, other sandwiches.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Gluten-Free Meal

To ensure a safe experience, inform staff of your dietary needs or gluten allergy, ask about local preparation procedures (especially for grilled chicken and waffle fries), always assemble your own sandwich from the sealed bun, and consider a lettuce wrap for maximum safety if you have high sensitivity.

Conclusion: The Chick-fil-A Gluten-Free Bun

The Chick-fil-A gluten-free bun, available nationally since 2017, offers a certified gluten-free option. Despite mixed reviews on texture, its availability and safety protocols for serving (individually wrapped for customer assembly) are significant benefits. Understanding the ingredients, preparation, and necessary precautions allows customers to enjoy a grilled chicken sandwich confidently. For severe celiac disease, communication with staff and self-assembly are crucial. For more information on celiac-safe dining, consider resources like Beyond Celiac.

Source for more information on celiac disease: Beyond Celiac

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the bun is not new. Chick-fil-A first launched its certified gluten-free bun nationwide in June 2017 in response to customer requests for more gluten-sensitive options.

The bun is made from a blend of ancient grains, including sorghum, amaranth, quinoa, and millet, and is lightly sweetened with molasses and raisins.

You can request the gluten-free bun as a substitution for the regular bun on any sandwich. It is most commonly paired with the grilled chicken sandwich, since breaded items are not gluten-free.

To prevent cross-contact, the bun arrives at the restaurant pre-packaged and remains sealed until the customer assembles their own sandwich. This is because Chick-fil-A's kitchens are not gluten-free environments.

The bun is certified gluten-free and served in a sealed package. However, due to the risk of cross-contact from the shared kitchen environment, especially with items like grilled chicken cooked on a shared surface, those with celiac disease should use caution and communicate their needs to staff.

Yes, Chick-fil-A's waffle fries are naturally gluten-free and are typically cooked in a dedicated fryer to prevent cross-contact with other allergens. It is always a good idea to confirm with staff at your local restaurant.

Yes, you can request the gluten-free bun for certain breakfast sandwiches, such as the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich or the sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich.

Reviews on the bun's texture are mixed. Some customers find it soft and springy, while others have described it as dry and crumbly. Warming it up can sometimes improve the texture.