Breaking News: Discover if Buffalo Wild Wings Offers Gluten-Free Options!

“Are you tired of missing out on delicious wing nights because of a gluten intolerance? Look no further, as we delve into the world of Buffalo Wild Wings and their gluten free options. Whether you’re a fan of traditional or boneless wings, we’ll explore how this popular sports bar and restaurant caters to those with dietary restrictions. So grab a seat, and get ready to discover if Buffalo Wild Wings truly has something for everyone.”

Buffalo Wild Wings is a popular restaurant chain known for its delicious wings, extensive beer selection, and lively atmosphere. As more and more people are being diagnosed with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, there has been an increasing demand for gluten-free options at restaurants. This has led many people to wonder if Buffalo Wild Wings offers any gluten-free food options. In this article, we will delve into the details and answer the question once and for all – does Buffalo Wild Wings have gluten-free food?

What is Gluten-Free Diet?

Before we dive into whether or not Buffalo Wild Wings has gluten-free food, let’s first understand what a gluten-free diet means. A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes foods containing gluten from the diet. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, consuming any amount of gluten can trigger symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and even damage to the small intestine.

The FDA Definition of Gluten-Free

In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set a standard for what can be labeled as “gluten-free.” According to the FDA, foods labeled “gluten-free” must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This means that even trace amounts of gluten in a food can cause harm for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Gluten-Free Options at Buffalo Wild Wings

Now that we know what a gluten-free diet means let’s discuss the available options at Buffalo Wild Wings for those who need to avoid gluten.

1. Traditional Wings
Buffalo Wild Wing’s traditional wings are not coated in breading, making them naturally free of gluten. However, it’s essential to note that their other wing options, such as boneless wings, are breaded and not gluten-free.

2. Sauces and Seasonings
Many of Buffalo Wild Wing’s sauces and seasonings are gluten-free. The restaurant has a detailed allergen guide on their website that lists the ingredients for each sauce and seasoning. Some gluten-free options include Medium Buffalo Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Lemon Pepper Dry Seasoning, and many more. It’s always best to double-check the allergen guide before ordering to ensure you are avoiding anything with gluten.

3. Salads
Buffalo Wild Wings offers several different salad options that can be ordered without croutons to make them gluten-free. Some options include the Garden Salad, Honey BBQ Chicken Salad, or Black Bean Burger Salad (with no bun).

4. Sides
Many of Buffalo Wild Wing’s sides are also naturally free of gluten, such as coleslaw, carrots and celery sticks, or potato wedges.

What About Cross-Contamination?

While Buffalo Wild Wings offers some gluten-free options on their menu, it’s essential to note that they do not have a dedicated kitchen for preparing these items. This means that there is a risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing food items during preparation. Cross-contamination can occur when a shared surface or cooking equipment is used for both gluten-free and non-gluten-free items.

To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, the restaurant has specific procedures in place for handling special dietary requests. They have separate buckets for frying traditional wings and boneless wings to avoid mixing any breading or flour particles from the boneless wings into the oil used for traditional wings.

Is There Any Risk in Consuming Gluten-Free Food at Buffalo Wild Wings?

While the restaurant takes precautions to prevent cross-contamination, there is still a risk that trace amounts of gluten may end up in your food due to shared preparation areas. For this reason, those with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease may want to exercise caution when dining at Buffalo Wild Wings.

In 2019, a study by the Canadian Celiac Association tested several restaurant chains for gluten contamination in their “gluten-free” menu items. Unfortunately, Buffalo Wild Wings was one of the restaurants found to have gluten in their supposedly gluten-free food items.

It’s important to note that this study does not represent every instance at every Buffalo Wild Wings location. The restaurant has since updated their allergy and nutritional info on their website to reflect the findings of this study and provide more detailed information for those with dietary restrictions.

So, does Buffalo Wild Wings have gluten-free food? The answer is yes; they offer some options that are free of gluten. However, those with severe allergies or celiac disease should be cautious when dining at the restaurant due to the risk of cross-contamination. It’s always best to consult with your server and carefully review the allergen guide before placing your order to ensure you are consuming food that meets your dietary needs. Overall, while there are some limitations, Buffalo Wild Wings does offer options for those following a gluten-free diet who still want to enjoy their signature wings and sauces.

Why Gluten-Free Food is Important for People with Celiac Disease

Gluten-free food has become a necessity for people with celiac disease. This autoimmune disorder affects approximately 1% of the population and is caused by an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, it damages their small intestine and prevents the absorption of important nutrients.

For those with celiac disease, consuming gluten-free food is not just a dietary preference, it is critical for their health. If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious complications such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, and even an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Therefore, it is essential for people with celiac disease to strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet.

The Challenges of Finding Gluten-Free Options at Restaurants

Eating out can be a daunting task for those with celiac disease as many restaurants do not offer enough options for people on a strict gluten-free diet. Every ingredient in a meal must be carefully considered to ensure that it does not contain any trace of gluten. Cross-contamination is also a major concern as even the slightest amount of gluten can trigger an immune response in those with celiac disease.

Buffalo Wild Wings understands these challenges and has taken steps to provide safe dining options for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Buffalo Wild Wings’ Commitment to Providing Gluten-Free Options

Buffalo Wild Wings has always been known for its mouth-watering wings and signature sauces. However, they also understand the importance of catering to the dietary needs of their customers. In recent years, they have expanded their menu to offer several options that are suitable for people on a gluten-free diet.

Firstly, all traditional wings at Buffalo Wild Wings are cooked in dedicated fryers that are not used for anything containing gluten. This means that those with celiac disease can enjoy their famous wings without worrying about cross-contamination.

Furthermore, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a gluten-free sauce and seasonings on their menu, making it possible to customize your wings to your liking. They also have a handy allergen menu available for customers, which clearly lists the ingredients and potential allergens in each dish. This makes it easier for people with celiac disease to make informed decisions about their meals.

Gluten-Free Options on Buffalo Wild Wings’ Menu

Apart from their traditional wings, Buffalo Wild Wings also offers other gluten-free options such as salads, burgers (sans bun), and a variety of sides including French fries, coleslaw, and carrots. They also offer a wide selection of beverages including soft drinks, tea, coffee, and even some alcoholic beverages that are safe for those on a gluten-free diet.

While there may be limitations on the menu for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, Buffalo Wild Wings does its best to accommodate the needs of their customers by providing healthier and safer options.

Keeping Up with Changing Dietary Needs

Buffalo Wild Wings has always been committed to constantly improving its menu offerings to cater to the changing dietary needs of its customers. In addition to offering gluten-free options, they also have vegetarian and vegan options available upon request.

If you have any other dietary restrictions or allergies, it is always best to inform your server so they can assist you in finding suitable options from the menu.

When it comes to dining out at restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings, individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance often face challenges in finding safe food options. However, Buffalo Wild Wings has shown its commitment to providing suitable options for their customers by expanding their menu offerings and taking necessary precautions to avoid cross-contamination.

So next time you’re craving some delicious wings and a cold beer, remember that Buffalo Wild Wings has a variety of gluten-free options to choose from. Just make sure to inform your server about your dietary needs and enjoy a worry-free dining experience.

1. Does Buffalo Wild Wings offer any gluten-free options on their menu?
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings does have a gluten-free menu that includes a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and main dishes.

2. Are the gluten-free options at Buffalo Wild Wings safe for people with Celiac disease?
While Buffalo Wild Wings takes precautions to prepare gluten-free dishes separately and avoid cross-contamination, they cannot guarantee that there won’t be trace amounts of gluten present.

3. Is there a specific gluten-free menu available at Buffalo Wild Wings locations?
Yes, you can request a copy of their gluten-free menu at any Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant or view it online.

4. Can I customize my order to fit my specific dietary needs?
Yes, you can modify your order to meet your dietary requirements by requesting no bun or substitution of ingredients where possible. However, keep in mind that not all menu items can be made gluten-free.

5. Does Buffalo Wild Wings use a separate fryer for their gluten-free dishes?
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings has designated fryers for their gluten-free items and takes steps to avoid cross-contamination.

6. Are there any sides or sauces that are gluten-free at Buffalo Wild Wings?
The majority of sides and sauces at Buffalo Wild Wings contain some form of wheat or gluten. However, you can request to substitute for freshly cut veggies instead of traditional fries. The honey BBQ sauce is also considered to be free from common allergens like wheat and soy.

In conclusion, Buffalo Wild Wings does indeed offer gluten-free food options for those with dietary restrictions. While their menu may not be entirely gluten-free, they do have a variety of dishes that can cater to individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Customers can easily identify these options on the menu through the designated “gluten-sensitive” label.

Moreover, Buffalo Wild Wings takes precautions to avoid cross-contamination by using dedicated fryers and following strict protocols in the kitchen. This provides a safe and comfortable dining experience for those with gluten intolerance.

Furthermore, the availability of gluten-free options at a popular chain restaurant like Buffalo Wild Wings is a positive step towards inclusivity and catering to individual dietary needs. It also serves as a reminder that there are now more choices and accommodations for those with dietary restrictions in the food industry.

However, it is always important for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to communicate their needs clearly to the staff and double-check ingredients before ordering. It is also crucial for restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings to continue expanding their gluten-free options and provide accurate information about their ingredients to maintain trust among customers.

In conclusion, while Buffalo Wild Wings may not be entirely gluten-free, it does offer safe and satisfying options for those with dietary restrictions. With proper communication and careful consideration

Author Profile

Erick Benitez

In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.