Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those adhering to a strict gluten-free diet, dining out can present challenges, as many menu items at most restaurants contain gluten. Red Robin, a popular casual dining chain with locations across the United States, does offer some gluten-free options. But are their french fries, an American favorite, safe for gluten-free diners?
What is gluten and why do some people need to avoid it?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem. But for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten can cause serious health issues and must be strictly avoided.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue and more. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes similar gastrointestinal symptoms when gluten is consumed.
The only treatment for celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet by avoiding all foods and products that contain gluten. Even small traces of gluten can trigger symptoms and promote intestinal damage. That’s why those who must eat gluten-free need to be very careful when dining out to ensure menu items are completely gluten-free.
What ingredients make food not gluten-free?
There are many ingredients that contain gluten and must be avoided on a gluten-free diet. These include:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Triticale
- Malt
- Brewer’s yeast
Any foods or products containing these ingredients are not gluten-free. This includes many breads, pastas, baked goods, soups, sauces, seasonings and more. Oats are inherently gluten-free but are often contaminated with gluten during growing and processing, so purity protocols must be followed to ensure gluten-free oats.
What steps do restaurants like Red Robin take to offer gluten-free menu options?
To provide gluten-free dishes to customers, restaurants like Red Robin must follow procedures to avoid cross-contamination with gluten. This can include:
- Using dedicated prep areas, cookware and utensils for gluten-free dishes
- Washing hands thoroughly before preparing gluten-free orders
- Cleaning all prep surfaces thoroughly before gluten-free preparation
- Using separate oils and condiments to avoid contamination
- Having dedicated gluten-free fryers or thoroughly cleaning fryers between uses
- Ensuring gluten-free replacement foods like buns, pizza crusts, etc. are truly gluten-free
- Following strict labeling and storage procedures to avoid mix-ups
Many restaurants train their staff on safe gluten-free practices and take steps to avoid cross-contamination. But errors can still occasionally happen, so customers must always confirm that proper precautions were followed when ordering.
Can Red Robin french fries be safely eaten on a gluten-free diet?
According to Red Robin’s website and allergen information, their regular french fries that are simply fried in oil are gluten-free.
However, Red Robin does warn that other menu items containing wheat/gluten are fried in the same fryers. So while the fries themselves do not contain any gluten ingredients, there is a risk of cross-contamination occurring.
Those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity may want to avoid the fries to prevent any possible exposure to gluten. More mildly gluten-sensitive individuals may be able to tolerate the small amounts possibly introduced through cross-contamination. Each diner must make their own judgment based on their individual sensitivity.
Steps Red Robin takes to minimize contamination
While Red Robin cannot guarantee 100% gluten-free fries due to the cross-contamination risk, they do take some steps to try to minimize it. These include:
- Using dedicated fryers for gluten-free fries rather than combined fryers
- Changing and filtering oil daily to prevent buildup of gluten-containing food debris
- Thoroughly cleaning fryers between uses to remove all food particles
- Using separate fryer tools like skimmers, baskets, etc. for gluten-free fries
However, because the same fryer is used for multiple menu items that contain gluten, cross-contamination may still occur.
Safest options for gluten-free diners
To be 100% safe from any gluten exposure at Red Robin, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity have a few options:
- Avoid the fries and opt for a different certified gluten-free side dish
- Request a fresh batch of fries to be made in clean oil using dedicated tools
- Opt for a salad or gluten-free burger without the bun
While inconvenient, these options reduce the risk of consuming any traces of gluten through cross-contact with fries. Diners should explain their dietary needs to staff to take extra care.
Are other fried foods at Red Robin safe to eat gluten-free?
In addition to french fries, Red Robin also offers various fried appetizers and sides like fried pickles, fried zucchini, fried mac & cheese bites, and onion rings.
These items present the same cross-contamination issues in the fryers as the fries. Even though the foods themselves do not contain gluten, they are cooked in shared fryers that also fry wheat-based foods.
So just like with the fries, these fried foods may not be completely safe for those strictly gluten-free. The safest option is likely avoiding fried items altogether when dining at Red Robin.
What other menu items at Red Robin are gluten-free?
While the fries require caution, Red Robin does offer various menu items that are advertised as gluten-free:
Gluten-free burger options
- Hamburger/cheeseburger without the bun
- Lettuce wraps
- Gluten-free bun
Burgers are seasoned with gluten-free spices and cooked on a separate grill from gluten-containing items. Lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns are used instead of regular buns.
Other gluten-free entrees
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled salmon
- Grilled shrimp
- Steamed broccoli
- Fruit and yogurt plate
These items avoid gluten-containing ingredients and offer gluten-free alternatives like seasoning mixes without wheat.
Gluten-free sides
- Fresh fruit
- Steamed vegetables
- Garden salad with gluten-free dressing
- Caesar salad without croutons
- Kettle chips
- Gluten-free pasta salad
Sides are prepared and cooked separately from gluten-containing dishes. Croutons must be omitted from salads.
Gluten-free desserts
- Brownie sundae with vanilla ice cream
- Gluten-free fudge sauce
- Sorbet
Desserts are produced from certified gluten-free ingredients in facilities following protocols to avoid cross-contamination.
Overall Red Robin does provide various tasty gluten-free options for meals. But caution must be used with fried items like french fries due to potential gluten exposure from fryers. Those strictly gluten-free will need to weigh the risks and benefits of these menu items.
Tips for eating gluten-free at Red Robin
Here are some tips for safely navigating gluten-free dining at Red Robin:
- Review the menu and allergen information online first to have a meal plan
- Mention gluten-free needs to the server when ordering to take extra care
- Request fried foods be prepared fresh in clean oil with dedicated tools
- Ask about ingredients and preparation if not sure an item is safe
- Check labels of packaged foods like dressings and dipping sauces
- Make substitutions like removing croutons, buns, etc.
- Ask about the risk of cross-contact with kitchen tools
- Thank the staff for accommodating dietary needs
With proper precautions, Red Robin can be a good option for gluten-free diners. Understanding the menu and working with staff helps ensure a safe and tasty meal.
The bottom line on Red Robin fries
Can those avoiding gluten indulge in Red Robin’s hot, crispy french fries? The answer is… it’s complicated.
While the fries themselves do not contain any gluten ingredients, the risk of cross-contamination from fryers that also cook wheat-containing foods makes them questionable for strict gluten-free diets. Red Robin does take some steps to minimize contamination, but it likely cannot be fully prevented.
Celiacs and others highly sensitive should play it safe and avoid the fries. Those less sensitive may be able to enjoy them without issue. In the end, each individual must weigh their personal level of risk tolerance.
By working with restaurant staff on preparation and being fully aware of potential gluten issues, gluten-free diners can still enjoy Red Robin. But caution is needed with menu items like fries cooked in shared oil. Careful choices, preparation and communication allow those avoiding gluten to eat to their comfort level at this popular chain.
Conclusion
Gluten-free diners need to be cautious with french fries and other fried foods at Red Robin due to the risk of cross-contamination from shared fryers. While the restaurant takes some steps to minimize exposure, it likely cannot be fully prevented. Those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should avoid fried menu items to be safe. People with less sensitivity can likely consume fries in small amounts without issue. Overall, each diner with gluten restrictions must evaluate their own level of risk tolerance. By understanding Red Robin’s preparation procedures and ingredients, communicating with staff and making informed menu choices, those avoiding gluten can safely enjoy a meal. With proper precautions, french fry lovers on a gluten-free diet can satisfy their craving at Red Robin, as long as they are comfortable with the small chance of gluten exposure.
