Eating out at restaurants can be a challenge for those following a gluten-free diet. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can be harmful for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Fortunately, many restaurants are now offering a range of options for those looking to avoid gluten in their diet. Wendy’s, one of the largest fast food chains in the world, is no exception. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the gluten-free options available at Wendy’s, as well as some tips for ordering safely.
Wendy’s menu includes a variety of items that are naturally gluten-free. These include:
Salads
- Apple Pecan Chicken Salad (without chicken)
- Asian Cashew Chicken Salad (without chicken)
- BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad (without chicken)
- Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad (without chicken, no croutons)
- Strawberry Fields Salad (without chicken)
- Taco Salad
Salad Dressings & Toppings
- BBQ Ranch Dressing
- Light Spicy Asian Chili Vinaigrette
- Pomegranate Vinaigrette
- Lemon Garlic Caesar Dressing
- Ranch Dressing
- Light Honey French Dressing
- Italian Vinaigrette Dressing
- Light Ranch Dressing
- Thousand Island Dressing
- Spicy Roasted Cashews
- Roasted Pecans
- Sunflower Seeds
Beverages
- All Carbonated Soft Drinks
- Teas
- Milk
- Lemonade
- Strawberry Lemonade
- All non-alcoholic beverages, including sodas, lemonade, iced tea, and coffee, are gluten-free at Wendy’s.
Desserts
- Chocolate Frosty
- Vanilla Frosty
Proteins
You can order a few sandwich items like the Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy® Cheeseburger without the bun and it would be considered gluten-free. The grilled chicken would be listed, but it is prepared in an environment which exposes it to cross-contamination so we aren’t considering it.
- Applewood Smoked Bacon
- Hamburger Patty
Sides
- Chili
- Apple Slices
- Baked Potato
- Sour Cream & Chives Potato
- Bacon & Cheese Baked Potato
- Broccoli & Cheese Baked Potato
- Cheese Baked Potato
- Chili & Cheese Baked Potato
- Garden Side Salad (no croutons)
- Caesar Side Salad (no croutons)
Condiments
- American Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- Asiago Cheese
- Light Sour Cream
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Lettuce
- Red Onion
- Crinkle-Cut Pickles
- Tomato
- Smoky Honey Mustard Sauce
- Hot Chili Seasoning
- Ranch Sauce
- Buttery Best Spread
In addition to these naturally gluten-free options, Wendy’s also offers gluten-free buns as a substitution for their burgers and sandwiches upon request. This means that many of Wendy’s classic menu items, such as the Baconator and Spicy Chicken Sandwich, can be made gluten-free with a simple bun substitution.
Of course, it’s important to be aware that Wendy’s kitchen is not a gluten-free environment, and there is a risk of cross-contamination. Wendy’s does have procedures in place to minimize this risk, such as using separate utensils and equipment for preparing gluten-free items. However, it’s always a good idea to communicate your dietary restrictions to the staff and ask about precautions when placing your order.
Here are some tips for ordering gluten-free at Wendy’s:
- Communicate your dietary restrictions: Let the staff know that you’re following a gluten-free diet and ask about options and precautions.
- Ask about ingredients and cross-contamination: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the ingredients in your food and how it’s prepared. This can help you make informed choices and ensure that your meal is truly gluten-free.
- Consider requesting separate utensils and equipment: If you’re particularly sensitive to gluten, you may want to ask the staff to use separate utensils and equipment to prepare your food. This can further minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
- Be aware of potential sources of gluten: Wendy’s uses shared cooking and preparation areas, which means that there is a risk of gluten cross-contamination from ingredients like sauces and seasonings. Keep this in mind when making your choices.
Are Wendy’s Fries Gluten Free?
Wendy’s fries are not gluten-free. They are made with a blend of potatoes, soybean oil, and natural beef flavor that contains wheat and milk derivatives. While the fries themselves do not contain gluten, they are cooked in the same fryers as gluten-containing items like breaded chicken and breaded fish, which means that there is a risk of cross-contamination. If you’re following a gluten-free diet and are concerned about this risk, it may be best to avoid Wendy’s fries. However, Wendy’s does offer a number of other gluten-free options, such as salads and fruit cups, that you can enjoy instead.
Read More >> Are Hardee’s Fries Gluten Free?
Is Wendy’s Chili Gluten Free?
Wendy’s chili is gluten-free, meaning that it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. This includes wheat, barley, and rye, which are common sources of gluten in many foods. Wendy’s chili is made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices, none of which contain gluten. However, it’s always a good idea to communicate any dietary restrictions to the staff when ordering, as Wendy’s kitchen is not a gluten-free environment and there is a risk of cross-contamination. This is especially important if you have celiac disease or are extremely sensitive to gluten.
What Are Some Wendy’s Gluten Free Breakfast Items?
Wendy’s does not offer many gluten-free options on their breakfast menu. The only item that is naturally gluten-free is the Fruit Cup. However, some menu items can be modified to be made gluten-free by requesting a substitution for the bun. For example, the Baconator and Sausage Egg & Cheese Sandwich can be made gluten-free by requesting a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.
It’s important to note that Wendy’s kitchen is not a gluten-free environment, and there is a risk of cross-contamination. If you have celiac disease or are extremely sensitive to gluten, it’s best to avoid Wendy’s breakfast items and choose a different restaurant that can offer a wider range of gluten-free options.
Read More >> Gluten-Free Breakfast Sandwich Options
Are Wendy’s Frosty Shakes Gluten Free?
Wendy’s Frostys are a popular frozen treat that is available in chocolate and vanilla flavors. Both flavors of Frostys are gluten-free, as they do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. This includes wheat, barley, and rye, which are common sources of gluten in many foods.
However, it’s important to be aware that Wendy’s kitchen is not a gluten-free environment, and there is a risk of cross-contamination. If you have celiac disease or are extremely sensitive to gluten, it’s best to communicate your dietary needs to the staff and ask about precautions when placing your order. It’s also a good idea to double check the ingredients list, as menu items and ingredients can sometimes change.
Overall, Wendy’s offers a wide range of options for those following a gluten-free diet. From salads and sides to burgers and sandwiches, there are plenty of choices available. Just be sure to communicate your dietary needs to the staff and ask about ingredients and preparation to ensure that your meal is truly gluten-free.