Gluten-Free Fast Food at McDonald's, Wendy's, and Taco Bell

Just a few days ago, I was hanging out with my new friend Joni, who I soon learned was gluten-intolerant. We were on the move around the city, and I suggested grabbing some cheap fast food for dinner – maybe McDonald’s - when I realized that idea might pose some problems for her. After all, how many hamburger buns are gluten-free? What can people who avoid gluten even eat at places like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, or Taco Bell.

As I learned, people with celiac disease (for whom gluten is a definite no-no) and people with autism or MS (for whom gluten is often not recommended) can still eat at the popular fast food chains. They just need to know the menus well so they can avoid foods that contain gluten and foods that may have come into contact with gluten.

Here are some of the gluten-free fast food items at several of the popular chains.

Gluten-free fast food at McDonald’s(breakfast)

The good news about McDonald’s breakfast items is that the scrambled eggs, Canadian bacon, sausage, cheese, and hashbrowns are all gluten-free. The bad news is that most of the above come as part of a McGriddle sandwich, bagel, or biscuit - none of which are gluten-free. So, those with gluten intolerance need to order breakfast sandwiches without the bun-like item. Another good option, according to Joni, is the regular “big breakfast” without the side biscuit: it’s a plate of scrambled eggs, sausage, and a hashbrown.

Gluten-free fast food at McDonald’s(lunch and dinner)

Lunch and dinner under the Golden Arches are harder to manage because all of the buns and all of the chicken products either contain, or could have come into contact with, the forbidden gluten. French fries with ketchup and side salads with dressing thus become the focus on a meal – not very substantial. While it’s possible to order a hamburger without the bun, it proves to be a little trickier and messier than the breakfast sandwiches because of all the condiments. For a semi-filling meal, Joni suggested a side salad with dressing, a heaping order of fries, and a fruit and yogurt parfait (without granola).