Bruegger’s Bagels is a popular bagel chain that offers a variety of bagel options, including flavored bagels, sandwiches, spreads, coffee and more. Among their offerings are Bruegger’s Twice-Baked Hash Browns, crunchy cubed potatoes that have become a customer favorite. With the rising popularity of gluten-free diets in recent years, many customers wonder whether these twice-baked hash browns from Bruegger’s are gluten-free.
What are twice-baked hash browns?
Twice-baked hash browns are potatoes that have been cubed, partially cooked, allowed to cool, then fried again until crispy on the outside. This extra cooking helps create a crunchy texture on the exterior while keeping the interior fluffy. Bruegger’s takes this process one step further by tossing the par-fried potatoes in a blend of spices before the final fry.
Some key attributes of Bruegger’s twice-baked hash browns include:
– Cubed potato pieces, around 1/2-inch cubes
– Crunchy, crispy exterior after frying twice
– Tossed in signature spice blend for flavor
– Golden brown color
– Fluffy interior potato texture
– Served as a side at Bruegger’s Bagels
The twice-baking technique was created to deliver extra crunch and a more roasted, deeper potato flavor. The proprietary spice blend gives Bruegger’s version its signature taste.
Are hash browns naturally gluten free?
Plain potatoes are inherently gluten-free. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye, while potatoes do not contain gluten naturally. Simply cooking potatoes does not introduce any gluten, so basic hash browns made from just potatoes, oil and seasonings are gluten-free.
Potatoes are considered a nutritious gluten-free food option for anyone following a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or other reasons. Hash browns made solely from potatoes can generally be part of a gluten-free diet.
However, some additional ingredients or preparation methods could potentially add gluten to hash browns:
– Flour coating on the exterior to make them crispy
– Use of wheat-based seasonings
– Cross-contamination from cooking in shared fryer oil with breaded products
– Dredging in breadcrumbs before frying
– Addition of soy sauce or other gluten-containing ingredients
So while potatoes are naturally gluten-free, hash browns could pick up traces of gluten during processing depending on factors like ingredients and manufacturing procedures. This makes it important to verify if a product has been certified gluten-free or not.
Are Bruegger’s twice-baked hash browns certified gluten-free?
According to Bruegger’s Bagels, their twice-baked hash browns are certified gluten-free. On their website’s allergen information page, Bruegger’s states that the hash browns served at their bagel shops are “Certified Gluten-Free.”
This means Bruegger’s twice-baked hash browns have been:
– Tested for the absence of gluten
– Confirmed not to exceed the FDA limit of less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten
– Produced in a facility following procedures to avoid cross-contamination with gluten
– Approved by a third-party certifying organization
Being certified gluten-free provides assurance to customers trying to avoid gluten due to medical reasons that these hash browns from Bruegger’s can be safely consumed as part of a gluten-free diet.
Ingredients in Bruegger’s twice-baked hash browns
According to the product details shared by Bruegger’s, the ingredients contained in their Certified Gluten-Free Twice-Baked Hash Browns include:
– Potatoes
– Canola oil
– Cane sugar
– Sea salt
– Yellow corn flour
– Paprika
– Spices
The corn flour acts as a light dusting to help create the signature crunch exterior. The canola oil is used for frying the potatoes while they are cooking. Otherwise, the hash browns contain potato cubes and seasonings like paprika, sea salt, cane sugar and natural spices.
Bruegger’s states that their hash browns may be cooked in shared fryer oil. However, the certification verifies that protocols are in place to avoid cross-contamination for gluten-free items.
Verifying gluten-free status with certifying organizations
For customers seeking gluten-free foods, checking certification by reputable third-party organizations can provide added assurance beyond just reviewing ingredient lists. There are a few respected celiac/gluten-free associations to know:
The Celiac Support Association (CSA)
The CSA offers a “Certified Gluten-Free” designation for products tested to contain less than 5 ppm of gluten. Foods bearing the CSA gluten-free label have been evaluated for compliance with their certification policies.
Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
This group’s “Certified Gluten-Free” logo means products must test at 10 ppm of gluten or less. Facilities must follow GMPs and be audited annually.
National Celiac Association
The recognizable “Certified Gluten-Free” stamp from NCA means less than 10 ppm of gluten. Companies’ manufacturing processes are validated to prevent cross-contamination.
GFCO – Gluten-Free Certification Organization
This program under the ASF International Certification body verifies less than 10ppm of gluten. Facilities are audited annually for proper gluten-free controls.
Relying on certification by reputable programs provides an added layer of assurance when selecting gluten-free menu items like Bruegger’s hash browns.
Risk of cross-contamination at Bruegger’s Bagels
For those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or wheat allergies, eating away from home poses risks even when certified gluten-free items are ordered. There is still a possibility of cross-contamination with gluten in restaurant settings like Bruegger’s Bagels.
Some potential sources of cross-contamination include:
– Shared fryer oil – Hash browns may be cooked in same oil as breaded foods
– Toasters – Bagels containing gluten are toasted on same racks
– Shared prep areas and utensils
– Multi-use countertops
– Airborne flour or crumbs
– Employee handling errors
While Bruegger’s states they follow procedures to avoid cross-contamination for certified gluten-free products, there is no dedicated fryer or prep area confirmed to be 100% gluten-free. So guests wanting extra precaution should advise staff about their needs to avoid cross-contact.
What to ask at Bruegger’s about gluten-free hash browns
Those following a medically necessary gluten-free diet may want to inquire further before enjoying Bruegger’s twice-baked hash browns. Some suggested questions for employees include:
– Are the hash browns cooked in dedicated gluten-free fryer oil?
– What steps does this location follow to avoid cross-contamination?
– Can you change gloves and use freshly cleaned tools to prepare my order?
– Does this location have an allergen/gluten-free menu or protocols?
– Are staff trained on gluten-free handling procedures?
While not guaranteed to be 100% gluten-free, asking questions shows employees you are serious about avoiding gluten cross-contact and may prompt more careful handling of your order.
Ordering tips for gluten sensitivity at Bruegger’s
For those managing gluten-related disorders, here are some best practices when purchasing twice-baked hash browns from Bruegger’s:
– Review ingredients and certification to feel comfortable items are gluten-free
– Ask about dedicated fryers and allergen policies at that specific shop
– Request new gloves, tools and prep area for your order
– Opt for early morning visits before extensive cross-contamination is likely
– Check bagels and other sides for gluten-free labels before ordering
– Consider letting the employee know you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
– Feel empowered to make special requests to accommodate your dietary needs
Being an informed customer and clearly communicating your requirements helps ensure the optimal experience when purchasing gluten-free menu items away from home.
Should you consume Bruegger’s hash browns with celiac disease?
For those diagnosed with celiac disease, consuming Bruegger’s twice-baked hash browns comes with some risks to weigh. On one hand, the hash browns are advertised as certified gluten-free, suggesting they should be safe in terms of actual gluten content if proper protocols are followed. However, there is still a possibility of cross-contamination with other menu items containing gluten in this non-dedicated environment.
It is challenging for restaurants like Bruegger’s to guarantee an absolutely gluten-free experience. Even certified items could pick up traces of gluten during preparation and service in a shared space. Those with celiac should use judgment to decide if the certification and their questions provide enough reassurance to eat these hash browns without illness. Being vigilant about cross-contamination remains important.
Is Bruegger’s appropriate for a gluten-free diet?
Bruegger’s Bagels provides some certified gluten-free options that can work for gluten-free diets, but it is likely not an ideal choice for those with celiac disease or wheat allergies. The special handling and extra precautions required to safely eat here makes other restaurants better suited for those strictly avoiding gluten.
Thetwice-baked hash browns are the one menu item labeled certified gluten-free. Bruegger’s notes other items like salads, apple slices, and mac & cheese may be able to be prepared gluten-free upon request. But most offerings contain gluten, so choices are fairly limited.
While suitable for occasional visits with an understanding of the risks, those adhering to a gluten-free diet will likely find dining regularly at Bruegger’s to be frustrating and potentially unsafe due to the likelihood of cross-contamination.
Gluten-free dining options similar to Bruegger’s Bagels
For a gluten-free experience with menu options comparable to Bruegger’s, consider these safer alternatives:
Dedicated gluten-free bakeries – Gluten-free bagels, breads, sweets
Fast casual salad chains – Build your own gluten-free salads and bowls
Sandwich shops with gluten-free menu – Custom subs and deli sandwiches on gluten-free rolls
Naturally gluten-free restaurants – Cuisines like Mexican, Thai, Ethiopian, etc.
Burger and fry establishments with gluten-free buns – Burgers, fries, milkshakes
Pizza chains with gluten-free crusts – Pizza, wings, apps
Finding eateries that offer more gluten-free options helps those adhering to a gluten-free diet enjoy dining out with greater peace of mind regarding their safety.
Is it safe to eat Bruegger’s hash browns with non-celiac gluten sensitivity?
For those avoiding gluten due to sensitivities or intolerances, Bruegger’s twice-baked hash browns may be reasonably safe to consume based on their certified gluten-free status. However, it depends on each individual’s sensitivities and comfort level with the risk of cross-contamination at Bruegger’s.
Some deciding factors:
– How reactive are you to small amounts of gluten?
– Do you experience primarily digestive or other symptoms when glutened?
– How sick were you the last time you encountered cross-contact?
– How strict are you when dining out gluten-free?
While the risk for traces of gluten exists, the hash browns may be a viable occasional option depending on your history and sensitivity. Being more reactive to cross-contact means exercising greater caution. Purchasing them early in the morning or during off-peak times can further minimize contamination risk if you decide to indulge.
Enjoying Bruegger’s hash browns on a gluten-free diet
By understanding the factors around gluten content and potential for cross-contamination, Bruegger’s twice-baked hash browns can be enjoyed with proper precautions by some following a gluten-free diet. However, those with celiac disease and high sensitivity need to carefully consider if the risks are acceptable for their needs. Being an informed customer, asking questions, and clearly communicating your dietary needs helps ensure the best experience when choosing menu items labeled gluten-free at restaurants like Bruegger’s Bagels. With proper handling, their certified gluten-free hash browns can be a tasty side option for your gluten-free meal.
