Eating at fast food restaurants can be challenging when you need to eat gluten free. That is why I was so excited that Chik-fil-a not only offers gluten-free sandwich buns, they also have gluten-free waffle fries! Combined with the grilled chicken patty, it’s a normal fast food meal.
Like other fast food restaurants, the grilled chicken is the only gluten-free meat option. The chicken, lettuce, and tomato are served in one container and the gluten-free bun is individually wrapped, preventing all chance of cross contamination. Sauce is also separate.
If you want waffle fries, be sure to specify that they need to be gluten free also. Though every restaurant has at least one dedicated fryer, I encountered one restaurant that cooked fries in a regular fryer, too.
They might ask if you have an allergy. I always say yes because it is easier for them to understand than explaining Celiac disease. And if you say it is an allergy, those preparing your food will change gloves! (It said “change gloves” on my receipt!)
The waffle fries are great! I love fries — it is one of the foods I miss the most. It is so nice to go to a fast food restaurant and not be forced to order a salad.
Though assembling the sandwich is not difficult, eating it can be. The first couple of times I ordered the sandwich, the bread was dry and crumbly.
That said, over the past several months the buns are much better. I don’t know if there is a higher turnover in product or if they changed the recipe. Regardless, I have not had an issue recently.
It is great that Chik-fil-a is providing a normal fast food experience for those of us with Celiac disease. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if other restaurants could do the same thing?
