People who have celiac disease or gluten allergies often find it hard to eat at fast food restaurants. You already know that McDonald’s is one of the world’s most popular fast food options, best known for its classic items like french fries, hamburgers, and milkshakes.
So, does McDonald’s have gluten-free options? In this article, we’ll look at what McDonald’s has to offer gluten-free diners and give you a full list of all the gluten-free foods that you can get at this popular fast-food chain.
McDonald’s is one of the most well-known fast food chains in the world, and its signature foods include Big Macs, French fries, and chicken nuggets. Since a lot of people are now following gluten-free diets, this is a common question: Are McDonald’s chicken nuggets gluten-free?
The short answer is no McDonald’s chicken nuggets contain gluten.
Below I’ll explain in more detail why McDonald’s chicken nuggets are not gluten-free alternative gluten-free options at McDonald’s and tips for ordering gluten-free at McDonald’s.
Why McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Contain Gluten
McDonald’s chicken nuggets mostly have gluten because of the breading that is used to cover them.
The McDonald’s USA ingredients website lists the following gluten-containing ingredients in the chicken nugget breading:
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Wheat Flour: This is the main source of gluten in the breading. Wheat flour contains gluten proteins that helps bind the breading together.
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Yellow Corn Flour: While corn is naturally gluten-free, McDonald’s adds wheat to their yellow corn flour, making it not gluten-free.
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Spices: McDonald’s does not specify which spices they use in the breading, but many spice blends contain gluten from wheat or barley.
In addition to the breading, McDonald’s notes on their FAQ page that they do not certify any menu items as gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination in the kitchen. So even if you removed the breading from the chicken nuggets, there is still some risk of gluten exposure.
Gluten-Free Options at McDonald’s
While the chicken nuggets at McDonald’s contain gluten, there are some alternative gluten-free options to consider:
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Fruit & Maple Oatmeal – Make sure to avoid adding any toppings that may contain gluten.
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McDonald’s used to serve grilled chicken salads, but they stopped during the pandemic. Salads without croutons. Keep an eye out in case they return.
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Burgers without buns – You can order any burger or sandwich “without the bun” to make it gluten-free. Double check condiments for gluten.
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Apple Slices – A tasty gluten-free side.
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McCafe Drinks – Coffee drinks and sodas should be gluten-free, but confirm before ordering.
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Ice Cream Desserts – Sundaes, McFlurrys, and shakes are gluten-free options for dessert. Always good to double check for gluten-containing mix-ins.
So while the options are limited, there are still some ways to eat gluten-free at McDonald’s in a pinch. I recommend checking the ingredients and nutrition info online before ordering to double check for any changes.
Tips for Ordering Gluten-Free at McDonald’s
Here are some tips to follow when ordering gluten-free food at McDonald’s:
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Customize your order – Request no bun on sandwiches, no croutons on salads, and no gluten-containing toppings on desserts.
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Ask about prep procedures – Inquire if they use separate surfaces, utensils, and fryers for gluten-free orders. Cross-contamination is common.
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Confirm ingredients – Double check ingredients of menu items online or by asking employees before ordering. Ingredients can change.
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Explain food allergy/intolerance – Let the cashier know you need to avoid gluten due to an allergy or intolerance. They may be able to accommodate.
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Check labels – Carefully read ingredient labels on packaged foods like oatmeal before purchasing.
With some modifications and extra care, you can usually find something gluten-free to eat when dining at McDonald’s. However, the risk of cross-contamination is real, so caution is advised if you are highly sensitive. Overall it’s safest to call ahead and check if the location can accommodate gluten-free orders before visiting your local McDonald’s.
Are McDonald’s Chicken Sandwiches Gluten-Free?
Because the breading contains wheat, none of the chicken sandwiches can be considered gluten-free. This is also true for the Filet-o-Fish sandwich.
Is There Anything Gluten-Free at McDonald’s?
While some McDonald’s items might be comprised of gluten-free ingredients, all of the food is prepared in shared cooking areas (using the same equipment and utensils). This means truly gluten-free options at McDonald’s are non-existent.
For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten allergies, even the smallest amount of gluten can pose health risks. If you’re a person with these conditions, we advise against ordering food from McDonald’s.
McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets – (Healthy Version + Gluten Free)
FAQ
Are McDonald’s chicken nuggets gluten-free?
No, McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets are not gluten-free.
Is anything at McDonald’s gluten-free?
While McDonald’s US menu doesn’t have certified gluten-free items and advises customers of potential cross-contamination risks, some menu items can be made gluten-free or are naturally gluten-free. Examples include fruit and maple oatmeal, apple slices, some sauces (like ketchup and mustard), and certain McFlurry desserts. According to Cleveland. com,. Burgers can be ordered without the bun, and some locations may have gluten-free preparation for grilled chicken.
Can celiacs eat chicken nuggets?
ALL foods made from wheat, barley, rye and their flours must be avoided: Bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta. Breakfast cereals made from these grains. A lot of factory-made and processed foods, like fish fingers, chicken nuggets, and any breaded or fried meat or fish, as well as pastries, scotch eggs, and yogurt with muesli.
Are McDonald’s chicken nuggets made with flour?
Because they knew that no matter where they came from, chicken nuggets actually taste pretty good. McNuggets are made from real chicken. They may also contain a very small percentage of other ingredients, such as spices and flour, but they’re real chicken.