No, French fries do not typically have a lot of gluten. While the potatoes themselves do not contain gluten, the common batter used to coat commercial French fries might, depending on the ingredients.
Batter usually contains wheat or barley flour, which are common wheat-based flours that contain gluten. Therefore, if French fries were battered with wheat or barley, then they would contain a moderate amount of gluten.
However, other flours can be used to create the batter, such as rice flour or corn starch, neither of which contain gluten and would make the French fries gluten-free. Since the batter may vary from place to place and homemade fries may or may not be battered, it is important to enquire about the ingredients used before consuming French fries.
How much gluten is in McDonald’s fries?
McDonald’s french fries do not contain any gluten as they are made from potatoes, vegetable oil, and a light seasoning of salt. However, McDonald’s cautions that there may be cross-contact with gluten-containing products in the restaurant due to shared cooking and preparation areas.
As an extra precaution, McDonald’s offers a list of items on its allergen chart that do contain gluten, which customers should be mindful of when ordering. The chart includes items that could contain gluten, such as McNuggets and some specialty drinks.
This is because it’s impossible to guarantee that these items are 100 percent gluten-free. For customers who are avoiding gluten, McDonald’s suggests they speak to a restaurant manager to learn more about gluten exposure in their meals.
The chain also suggests customers check and recheck the ingredients list for each item before ordering.
What fries are not gluten-free?
Many types of fries are not gluten-free due to the fact that they contain wheat flour or breading, which is a common source of gluten. French fries that are made in a traditional batter-dipped style are usually made with wheat flour and therefore contain gluten.
Other fried foods, such as onion rings and chicken fingers, are usually breaded with wheat flour, making them not suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
Some restaurants also add seasonings to their fries which contain gluten, so it’s important to ask if fries have been prepared in a gluten-free manner when ordering. Even if you’re eating out, many establishments offer an alternative to traditional fries such as potato wedges or sweet potato fries that are typically gluten-free.
If you’re in doubt, the safest option would be to ask if the fries are completely gluten-free or not.
Can celiacs eat McDonald’s fries?
Unfortunately, McDonald’s fries are not suitable for anyone with celiac disease. While McDonald’s states that their fries are gluten-free and cites that no wheat, rye or barley are present in their fries, their fries are produced in the same fry oil as other items that could contain gluten.
This means that the chance of cross-contamination with gluten containing ingredients is high. McDonald’s does not guarantee its fries are 100% gluten-free, so as a result, someone with celiac disease should not consume any of McDonald’s fries, including plain fries and any flavored fries.
Are Chick-Fil-A fries gluten-free?
No, Chick-Fil-A fries are not gluten-free. While they are cooked in canola oil, they are cooked in the same fryer which also prepares chicken which is not gluten-free. Additionally, their curly fries contain maltodextrin, which is another ingredient derived from wheat, making them not safe to eat for those with a gluten intolerance or gluten allergy.
While the waffle fries are made with potatoes and are gluten-free, they still may be cross-contaminated. If you have a gluten intolerance or gluten allergy, it is best to avoid all fries from Chick-Fil-A as a precaution.
What junk food is gluten-free?
Many junk foods are considered to be gluten-free, including potato chips, popcorn, sunflower seeds, tortilla chips, plain corn chips, plain chocolate, plain licorice, gum, hard candies, fruit roll-ups and gummi bears.
Some brands of cheese puffs, popcorn cakes and some candy bars may also be gluten-free, so it’s always best to read labels to be sure.
When it comes to potato chips and tortilla chips, most brands are safe for those who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity because they are made from naturally gluten-free ingredients, such as potatoes, corn, canola and coconut oil.
However, some flavored chips may contain gluten ingredients, so always be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing.
Popcorn is another snack that is usually gluten-free because it is made from corn kernels and is naturally gluten-free. However, keep in mind that many brands of popcorn often contain butter or other ingredients that may contain gluten, so always be sure to read the label carefully to determine if it is gluten-free.
Sunflower seeds are another type of gluten-free snack, but again, always read the label to determine if it is safe. Plain licorice can usually be consumed safely if it’s labeled gluten-free. Gum, hard candies and fruit roll-ups are typically safe as well.
However, be sure to read the label to check for any wheat-derived ingredients or other forms of gluten that may be present.
Finally, check labels for gummi bears and other candy bars to also be sure that they are gluten-free. Some brands are made with wheat-based ingredients, so it is always best to be sure that a product is truly gluten-free before consuming it.
When did mcdonalds fries become gluten-free?
McDonald’s began offering gluten-free fries in October of 2020. The new fries, made with a blend of potatoes, rice flour and sunflower oil, replaced their signature french fries that contained wheat and milk ingredients.
The launch of their new fries marks the beginning of their partnership with Top 8 Allergen-Free. The company has worked to create a variety of menu offerings that meet or exceed the needs of those with food allergies.
The move towards gluten-free fries follows a growing global trend of food businesses seeking to make their menus more allergy-friendly. McDonald’s recently announced they also plan to expand their menu to include vegan options in 2021, continuing to make strides in their commitment to meet the needs of their customers.
Can you eat fries with a gluten allergy?
It is not recommended that people with a gluten allergy eat fries due to the potential for cross contamination from other ingredients in the fryer that may contain gluten. Many popular brands of frozen french fries are pre-seasoned with ingredients that contain gluten, such as wheat flour.
Additionally, the fryer oil may be shared with other ingredients, such as breaded items, which may also contain gluten. It is also possible for allergens, such as gluten, to transfer from one product to another during the frying process.
Therefore, it is best to exercise caution and to avoid eating fries if you have a gluten allergy.
If you are dining out, be sure to inquire with the restaurant staff on the ingredients they use and their food preparation practices to make sure that fries are safe to eat. If you’d like to have fries, some restaurants may be able to offer a gluten-free version by using fryers dedicated to fries that are gluten-free and not shared with other fried items.
If you’re eating at home, it is possible to buy gluten-free frozen fries that are pre-seasoned and individual bags that are labelled as gluten-free.
Does frying remove gluten?
No, frying does not remove gluten. In fact, it does not affect gluten in any way. Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley, and is not impacted by temperature. When these grains are fried, the gluten protein remains intact.
Therefore, fried foods do not have a lower gluten content than their non-fried counterparts. For individuals on a gluten-free diet, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients used in the frying process.
Often, wheat flour is used to give a coating or added flavor to fried foods. This means such food items are not considered suitable for a gluten-free diet.
What fried foods contain gluten?
Many popular fried foods typically contain gluten and should be avoided if you’re on a gluten-free diet. Common fried food items that contain gluten include traditional and seasoned French fries, onion rings, battered or breaded fish, fried chicken, and fried dough such as donuts and funnel cakes.
Additionally, corn dogs, tempura, and certain types of meatballs and meatloaf can also contain gluten. Be sure to check labels and ingredient lists for common gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, and rye—if any of these is present, the food item contains gluten.
If a fried food is prepared in a dedicated gluten-free facility and/or labeled gluten-free, it is safe for those on a gluten-free diet to eat. It’s also possible to fry foods without using gluten, if desired.
In this case, a safe oil should be used (avoiding vegetable-based oils, as these can be cross-contaminated through wheat flour) with a solid or liquid gluten-free batter mix, such as those made with rice or almond flour, or a gluten-free egg wash.
Does Taco Bell have gluten-free fries?
No, Taco Bell does not have gluten-free fries. Taco Bell does offer some items that are free of gluten and labeled on their website. These include the Power Menu Bowl – Veggie, the 7-Layer burrito with beans, the Bean Burrito, and the Fiesta Taco Salad.
However, since all of Taco Bell’s fried components are cooked in the same oil, the company does not offer any fries that are labeled as gluten-free.
