What items at Buffalo Wild Wings are gluten free?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Buffalo Wild Wings' official allergen statement, no items are certified gluten-free due to shared cooking areas, but many ingredients are made without gluten. With the right knowledge and precautions, it is possible to enjoy certain items on the menu.

Quick Summary

This guide details menu items at Buffalo Wild Wings made without gluten-containing ingredients, including traditional wings, sauces, and sides. It also highlights the critical risk of cross-contamination in shared kitchens and fryers, offering tips for managing food allergies and navigating the menu with caution.

Key Points

Traditional Wings Are Not Breaded: Bone-in traditional wings are made with gluten-free ingredients, unlike the breaded boneless wings.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Traditional wings are often fried in shared fryers with breaded items, posing a high risk of cross-contamination.
Ask for Sauces on the Side: To avoid cross-contact from shared tossing bowls, request that your gluten-free sauce be served on the side.
Most Sauces Are Gluten-Free: The majority of sauces and dry rubs, including classics like Honey BBQ and Lemon Pepper, are made without gluten.
Grilled Options Exist: Naked Chicken Tenders and grilled chicken breasts are safe alternatives to fried options, as they are cooked on a separate grill.
Fries and Tots are High-Risk: While potatoes themselves are gluten-free, fries and tots are cooked in shared fryers, making them unsafe for celiacs unless a dedicated fryer is confirmed.
Always Confirm with a Manager: Given varying local procedures, speaking with a manager about your gluten allergy is the best way to ensure safety.

Navigating the Buffalo Wild Wings Menu for Gluten-Free Options

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, dining at a restaurant famous for its fried and breaded items like Buffalo Wild Wings can be a challenge. While the restaurant does not certify any items as gluten-free due to the risk of cross-contamination in its shared kitchen and fryers, many items are prepared without gluten-containing ingredients. It is crucial to understand the menu, speak with staff, and be aware of potential risks to make an informed dining choice.

Traditional Wings and Sauces

Traditional bone-in wings at Buffalo Wild Wings are not breaded and are made with gluten-free ingredients. However, the frying process is a major consideration. Depending on the specific location, traditional wings may be cooked in dedicated fryers or a shared fryer used for breaded items like boneless wings and fries. Always confirm with a manager whether your local restaurant uses a dedicated fryer for traditional wings to minimize cross-contamination risk.

Once the wings are cooked, the method of saucing is another crucial point. The same bowls are often used to toss both breaded and non-breaded wings, creating a high risk of cross-contact. To avoid this, you should ask for your wings to be tossed in a fresh, clean container or have the sauce served on the side.

Many of Buffalo Wild Wings' sauces and dry rubs are made without gluten. Notable gluten-free options include:

Blazin'® Carolina Reaper
Caribbean Jerk
Honey BBQ
Hot
Jammin' Jalapeño
Lemon Pepper (sauce and dry seasoning)
Mango Habanero™
Medium
Mild
Original Buffalo
Parmesan Garlic
Smoky Adobo (dry seasoning)
Spicy Garlic
Sweet BBQ
Teriyaki
Wild™

Sauces to avoid due to gluten content typically include Teriyaki and Asian Zing®. Always double-check the latest allergen guide to be sure.

Salads, Sides, and Other Entrees

Beyond the wings, some menu items offer potential gluten-free choices, but attention to preparation is key.

Naked Chicken Tenders: These are grilled chicken strips and are a safer, un-breaded protein choice.
Grilled Chicken Breast: This can be ordered as a main protein on a salad.
Hamburger Patty: A hamburger patty can be ordered without the bun.
Ultimate Nachos: The tortilla chips and toppings are made without gluten, but they are fried and assembled in a shared kitchen. Ask for them to be prepared with care to minimize cross-contact. The same goes for the chips & salsa.
Garden Side Salad: Order this without croutons and use a gluten-free dressing like Ranch, Bleu Cheese, or White Wine Vinaigrette.
Fries and Tots: These are made with gluten-free ingredients, but are generally cooked in shared fryers, a major risk for anyone with celiac disease. Some locations may be willing to cook them in a dedicated fryer if requested, but this is not guaranteed.

Comparison Table: Gluten-Friendly Options at Buffalo Wild Wings


Menu Item	Gluten-Free Ingredients?	Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes
Traditional Wings	Yes	High (shared fryers/tossing bowls)	Ask for dedicated fryer and sauce on the side.
Naked Chicken Tenders	Yes	Low (grilled)	Cooked on a separate surface.
Ultimate Nachos	Yes	Medium (shared assembly)	Request careful preparation.
Fries/Tots	Yes	High (shared fryers)	Ask about dedicated fryers; not guaranteed.
Side Salad	Yes (no croutons)	Low	Request no croutons and a gluten-free dressing.
Gluten-Free Sauces	Yes	Varies	Order on the side to prevent cross-contact.

Making a Safe Request

When ordering at Buffalo Wild Wings, especially with a strict gluten allergy, it is best to take the following steps:

Call ahead: Contact the restaurant during a non-peak time and speak with a manager about your needs.
State your allergy clearly: Inform your server and manager that you have a gluten allergy and must avoid cross-contamination. Use the word 'allergy' to emphasize seriousness.
Order carefully: Specify traditional wings with sauce on the side and inquire about dedicated fryers for any fried items.
Request a clean prep area: For salads or nachos, ask that the item be prepared in a clean area with fresh gloves and utensils. This might not always be possible but is worth asking.

Conclusion: Caution is Key

Eating gluten-free at Buffalo Wild Wings requires diligence and clear communication due to the shared cooking environment. While many options, including traditional wings and most sauces, are made with gluten-free ingredients, the risk of cross-contamination is significant. Individuals with celiac disease should exercise extreme caution or consider other dining options. For those with less severe sensitivities, communicating with the restaurant staff is the best way to manage risk and enjoy a meal. Always consult the official allergen guide on the Buffalo Wild Wings website for the most current information.

Official Buffalo Wild Wings Allergen & Preparation Guide: https://assets.ctfassets.net/l5fkpck1mwg3/2aDReR3TMEUJbvqmOPfKep/719e8d0d63e6b9839d8e845aeaa71ba8/24_BWW_1464398_IS_25_AW1_Allergen___Preparation_Guide_-_FINAL.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

The traditional wings are made with gluten-free ingredients, but they are often cooked in shared fryers and tossed in the same bowls as breaded items. Always inform staff of your allergy and ask about preparation to minimize risk.

Most of Buffalo Wild Wings' sauces and dry rubs are gluten-free, including Honey BBQ, Mango Habanero™, and Lemon Pepper. However, you should avoid Teriyaki and Asian Zing® and always double-check the allergen guide.

Fries and tots are made with gluten-free ingredients but are cooked in shared fryers with breaded products, making them unsafe for celiacs due to cross-contamination. Some locations might use a dedicated fryer, so always ask a manager.

The Naked Chicken Tenders or a grilled chicken breast on a salad are considered the safest options. They are cooked on a grill, reducing the risk of cross-contamination from fryers.

Buffalo Wild Wings officially states they cannot guarantee any item is gluten-free due to shared cooking areas and preparation. While some people with less severe sensitivities may manage, the high risk of cross-contamination makes it a risky choice for individuals with celiac disease.

To reduce risk, call ahead to speak with a manager, state your allergy clearly when ordering, ask for a dedicated fryer for fried items, and have sauces served on the side.

No, Buffalo Wild Wings does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu. They provide an Allergen and Preparation Guide that outlines ingredients and potential risks.