Quick Answer
Most Moe’s Southwest Grill chips are gluten-free, with the exception of the regular tortilla chips, which contain trace amounts of gluten. Moe’s Southwest Grill has gluten-free menu options and ingredients listed on their website.
About Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill is a fast casual Tex-Mex restaurant chain that was founded in 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia. They are known for their burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and other Tex-Mex fare. As of 2022, Moe’s has over 700 locations across the United States.
Gluten Information on Moe’s Website
On the Moe’s Southwest Grill website, they have a page dedicated to their gluten-friendly menu options. They state:
“Moe’s® is happy to offer a variety of gluten-friendly menu options. We have gluten-free tortillas available upon request for burritos, tacos, quesadillas and salad bowls. Other naturally gluten-free items include chicken, steak, ground beef, carnitas, chorizo, rice, black beans, pinto beans, lettuce, cheese, sour cream and guacamole.”
They go on to list their specific gluten-free menu items, chips, salsas and sauces.
Are Moe’s Chips Gluten-Free?
According to the Moe’s website, most of their chips are gluten-free, with one exception:
“Chips – Made with gluten-free corn masa flour. *Except for Tortilla Chips, which contain trace amounts of gluten.”
So their corn tortilla chips, multigrain tortilla chips, and blue corn tortilla chips are gluten-free. Only their regular tortilla chips contain gluten.
Other Gluten-Free Items at Moe’s
In addition to their assortment of gluten-free chips, Moe’s also offers the following naturally gluten-free menu items:
- Chicken, steak, ground beef or carnitas
- Beans – black or pinto
- Rice
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Lettuce
- Pico de gallo
- Corn salsa
Their gluten-free salsas and sauces include:
- Moe’s Famous Queso
- Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa
- Mango Salsa
- Pineapple Salsa
- Roasted Chili Corn Salsa
- Habenero Salsa
So there are many gluten-free options available for those avoiding gluten. You can build a gluten-free meal at Moe’s with protein, lettuce, rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, cheese and sour cream wrapped in a gluten-free tortilla. Their chips are also mostly gluten-free, except for the regular tortilla chips.
Cross-Contamination Precautions
While Moe’s offers gluten-free menu options and ingredients, they do warn about potential cross-contamination with gluten:
“Please be aware that during normal kitchen operations, individual foods may come into contact with one another due to shared cooking and preparation areas. Thus we cannot guarantee that cross-contact with foods containing gluten will not occur. We encourage our guests to consider this information in light of their individual dietary needs and requirements.”
So those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerances may want to exercise caution when eating at Moe’s. There is a risk of cross-contamination from shared surfaces, utensils and cooking areas.
Gluten-Free Tortillas
For burritos, tacos, quesadillas and salad bowls, Moe’s has gluten-free tortillas available upon request. These are used instead of their regular flour tortillas that contain gluten.
You’ll want to make sure to specify that you need a gluten-free tortilla when ordering any menu items prepared with tortillas. The cashiers and staff are usually knowledgeable about gluten-free needs if you inform them.
Allergens and Ingredients List
Moe’s Southwest Grill provides a detailed list of allergens and ingredients used in their menu items on their website. This includes calling out wheat/gluten, soy, dairy and other allergens.
You can use this to double check the gluten-free status of any menu item you are interested in ordering. Look for items that do not contain wheat or wheat flour.
The ingredients list provides transparency into what is used in their food so those with allergies can make informed decisions.
Dining Out Gluten-Free
Dining out while avoiding gluten can seem challenging at first. Here are some tips for eating gluten-free at restaurants like Moe’s:
- Research the menu online ahead of time and identify naturally gluten-free options as well as any items that can be modified to be gluten-free.
- Tell your server you need to eat gluten-free due to an allergy – stress that it is medically necessary.
- Request food prep surfaces, pots, pans and utensils that have not come into contact with gluten.
- Ask about how foods are prepared and sauces thickened.
- Check that corn tortillas do not have wheat flour added.
- Substitute dressings, sauces or condiments if unsure about gluten-free status.
- For deep fried menu items, check that there is a dedicated fryer.
With planning and clear communication, you can feel confident in ordering gluten-free meals out. Always check directly with the restaurant if you have any questions about their gluten-free offerings.
Gluten-Related Disorders
There are a few common medical conditions related to gluten that require a strict gluten-free diet:
- Celiac Disease – An autoimmune disorder triggered by eating gluten. Damage to the small intestine occurs.
- Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity – Gluten causes symptoms like pain, bloating, diarrhea without the intestinal damage seen in celiac disease.
- Wheat Allergy – An allergic response to wheat proteins, one of which is gluten.
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis – Severe itchy rash caused by gluten exposure.
For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, avoiding even small traces of gluten is important. Sticking to a gluten-free diet is the only current treatment, as there are no pills to prevent or cure gluten intolerance.
Gluten-Free Diet Benefits
In addition to managing gluten-related disorders, some people go gluten-free for other potential benefits:
- May ease digestive distress like gas, bloating or diarrhea
- Can help resolve chronic headache or fatigue
- Associated with decreased inflammation
- May support healthy weight loss
- Linked to improved cholesterol levels
- May reduce autoimmune disease activity
More research is still needed on the benefits of gluten-free eating for those without celiac disease or wheat allergy. Many report feeling better on a gluten-free diet.
Going Gluten-Free at Moe’s
Moe’s Southwest Grill provides many healthy and convenient gluten-free options for those looking to avoid gluten.
You can build a tasty gluten-free meal with:
- Protein – Chicken, steak, carnitas
- Beans – Pinto, black
- Rice
- Fajita veggies
- Corn salsa, guacamole, pico
- Cheese, sour cream
- On a gluten-free tortilla
Pair your entree with gluten-free chips and salsa for a satisfying gluten-free Tex-Mex meal.
Just be sure to confirm your order is prepared without any gluten-containing ingredients and request gluten-free tortillas.
Gluten-Free Kids Meals
For kids with celiac disease or gluten intolerances, eating out can also be tricky. Luckily, Moe’s Southwest Grill has some good gluten-free options for kids:
- Kid’s burrito with rice, beans, cheese in a gluten-free tortilla
- Quesadilla with cheese on gluten-free tortilla
- Tacos with rice and beans in corn tortillas
- Chicken strips with gluten-free chips
- Side of rice and beans
Their kids meals allow you to swap in gluten-free tortillas and chips. Always communicate any food allergies or restrictions when ordering for your child.
Vegetarian & Vegan Gluten-Free
Those following a vegetarian or vegan diet can also eat gluten-free at Moe’s. Simply hold the meat and cheese. Build your meal with:
- Pinto or black beans
- Brown or cilantro-lime rice
- Fajita veggies
- On a gluten-free tortilla
- Topped with pico, guac and salsa
You can make any vegetarian menu item gluten-free by swapping the tortilla.
Gluten-Free Sides
In addition to entree options, Moe’s has several gluten-free side dishes:
- Chips – Corn chips, blue corn chips, multigrain chips
- Salsa flight – Tomatillo green, corn, mango pineapple salsas
- Queso dip
- Guacamole
- Rice
- Beans – Pinto, black
- Lettuce side salad
These all make for gluten-free additions to complement your main meal.
Is Queso Gluten-Free?
Yes, the Moe’s Southwest Grill queso dip is gluten-free. It contains pasteurized milk, cheese, chilies and seasoning. No wheat-based thickeners.
So you can safely pair gluten-free chips with queso for dipping. Queso is made fresh in store.
Gluten-Free Dessert
Unfortunately, Moe’s does not offer any gluten-free dessert options at this time. Items like sopapillas and churros are fried in shared oil and contain wheat-based ingredients.
Those wanting a gluten-free sweet treat will need to pick it up elsewhere. Some options include grabbing an ice cream, popsicles, chocolate or other naturally gluten-free portable desserts.
Hopefully in the future, Moe’s will expand their menu to include gluten-free dessert choices. Even a small rotation of options would be appreciated by gluten-free diners.
Drinks & Beverages
Moe’s has a variety of gluten-free drink options:
- Fountain soft drinks – Coke, Sprite, etc.
- Iced tea
- Flavored lemonades
- Aguas frescas – hibiscus, jalapeno limeade
- Bottled water
- Beer – gluten-removed and gluten-free styles available. Check current offerings.
Just stick with the gluten-free beers and ciders if going for an alcoholic beverage. Other bottled beer likely contains gluten.
Allergy Information
For those with celiac disease and severe gluten intolerances, it’s always smart to review the allergen and nutrition information for any restaurant.
The Moe’s website provides thorough allergen and nutrition details for all of their menu offerings.
This information outlines common allergens including:
- Wheat (Gluten)
- Soy
- Dairy
- Shellfish
- Fish
They also provide total carbohydrates, fiber, sugar and protein amounts.
Having this transparency on ingredients and nutrition information enables gluten-free guests to make informed menu choices. You’ll know exactly what is in each menu item in regards to allergens and macronutrients.
Preparing Food Safely
According to their website, Moe’s Southwest Grill takes steps to safely prepare allergen-free foods:
“When team members prepare foods, they:
- Use sanitized surfaces, utensils and equipment
- Wash hands before preparing each item
- Change gloves before preparing items for guests with allergens
- Prevent cross-contact between foods and allergens during storage, preparation and service
However, despite these precautions, normal kitchen operations may involve shared cooking and preparation areas. We cannot guarantee that an allergen was not introduced during another point in the food chain process or, inadvertently, during preparation.”
So they do have training and practices in place to minimize cross-contamination for allergen-free orders. But there is still a risk of gluten exposure from shared kitchen space. Use your own judgement on whether you feel comfortable consuming menu items labeled gluten-free from Moe’s Southwest Grill.
Gluten-Free Certification
Moe’s restaurants do not claim to be gluten-free certified facilities. They serve both gluten-containing and gluten-free menu options using shared areas and equipment.
Those with celiac disease are recommended to verify the certification status of any restaurant claiming to be 100% gluten-free. Look for certification from organizations like the Gluten Intolerance Group’s Gluten-Free Food Services (GFFS) program or the Celiac Support Association’s Recognition of Quality Gluten-Free Food Service (RQGF).
While not certified, Moe’s makes an effort to accommodate gluten-free requests through menu offerings and process precautions. No gluten-containing ingredients are purposely added to menu items prepared gluten-free.
Conclusion
Moe’s Southwest Grill provides a variety of flavorful and convenient gluten-free menu options. Most menu items can be customized to be gluten-free upon request by swapping tortillas, chips and holding any unsafe sauces or ingredients.
They are upfront about the risk of cross-contamination from shared kitchen space and do not claim to be a gluten-free certified facility. But they do take some precautions to reduce gluten exposure during preparation.
Overall, Moe’s Southwest Grill is an accommodating option for those on a gluten-free diet. Just be sure to carefully order and customize menu items to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients. Then you can feel good enjoying Tex-Mex favorites gluten-free from Moe’s.
