Perkins is a popular family restaurant chain that serves a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, determining the gluten content of menu items can be challenging. One common breakfast food that raises questions is scrambled eggs. Are Perkins scrambled eggs prepared in a gluten-free manner? Let’s take a look at what we know.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. It helps foods maintain their shape and texture, but for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues, so these individuals must follow a strict gluten-free diet and avoid cross-contamination.
Some key facts about gluten:
- Gluten proteins are found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale.
- Many common food products contain gluten as an ingredient.
- The gluten-free diet completely excludes gluten-containing foods and ingredients.
- Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free foods come into contact with gluten.
- To be considered gluten-free, a food must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten.
Knowing what exactly gluten is and where it’s found is crucial for understanding gluten-related concerns around scrambled eggs and other menu items.
Are Eggs Naturally Gluten-Free?
Eggs on their own do not naturally contain gluten. Chicken eggs consist primarily of proteins and vitamins contained within the white and yolk, surrounded by the outer shell. Gluten grains like wheat, barley and rye are not present unless intentionally added by processing practices.
So whole eggs direct from the chicken are inherently gluten-free. Eggs sold in their shells, whether white or brown, organic or conventional, are all gluten-free in their natural state. The potential for gluten exposure arises when additional ingredients are incorporated into dishes containing eggs, like scrambled eggs.
It’s also important to note that some individuals follow more restrictive diets that eliminate eggs, like vegan or paleo diets. But in terms of gluten specifically, whole eggs are classified as gluten-free.
How Are Restaurant Eggs and Scrambled Eggs Typically Prepared?
In a restaurant setting like Perkins, there are a couple steps involved in taking eggs from their shell to scrambled eggs on a plate. Here is an overview:
Cracking and separating eggs
Eggs are cracked open and separated, retaining just the egg whites and yolks for cooking. The shells are discarded. This step in itself does not introduce any risks of gluten.
Beating eggs
The egg whites and yolks are usually beaten together in a large bowl to break down membranes and blend the components. Some restaurants may add milk, cream, and/or seasonings at this stage. Gluten-free status requires verified gluten-free additions.
Cooking eggs
The beaten eggs are then cooked on a hot cooking surface like a griddle or pan. Potential contamination can occur if the cooking utensils or surface are not properly cleaned between uses for gluten-containing foods.
Serving eggs
Once cooked, the scrambled eggs are transferred to a plate to be served. Cross-contamination is also possible at this point if gluten-containing foods are handled without proper sanitation practices.
So there are several points in the standard restaurant preparation process where vigilance is required to prevent gluten exposure. This applies not only to the eggs themselves, but also to any accompanying sides or toast that may be served alongside the eggs.
What Ingredients Are Added to Perkins Scrambled Eggs?
To get a definitive idea of whether Perkins scrambled eggs are gluten-free, we need to check what specific ingredients their kitchens use when making them.
According to Perkins, their classic scrambled eggs are made simply with eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pancake batter, wheat flour, thickeners, and other potentially glutenous ingredients are not used.
The main points of concern are:
Eggs – As discussed earlier, eggs on their own are naturally gluten-free.
Milk – Most brands of regular milk are gluten-free, but milk can be contaminated if shared equipment is used. Perkins uses individual quart containers of milk.
Salt – Plain table salt does not contain gluten. Kosher salt also does not contain gluten. Both are fine for gluten-free diets.
Pepper – Ground black pepper on its own is gluten-free. Again, potential issues arise if shared grinders are used. Perkins has designated pepper grinders for gluten-free meals.
Based on available ingredient information, it appears that gluten-containing substances are not directly added to Perkins scrambled eggs. But kitchen practices are also part of the equation.
What Precautions Does Perkins Take Against Cross-Contamination?
In addition to checking direct ingredients, proper handling and cooking procedures are crucial for keeping scrambled eggs and other menu items gluten-free. Here are some of the steps Perkins said they take:
- Use dedicated fryers for gluten-free frying.
- Follow time and temperature guidelines for safely preparing gluten-free dishes.
- Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and prep areas for gluten-free orders.
- Change gloves between preparing gluten and gluten-free items.
- Use dedicated toasters, tongs, and condiment dishes for gluten-free meals.
- Ensure separate storage of gluten-free and regular ingredients in the kitchen.
- Use separate fryer oil filters for standard and gluten-free fryers.
- Train kitchen staff on proper precautions for avoiding cross-contact.
Following these steps shows that Perkins kitchens take cross-contamination concerns seriously when handling gluten-free orders. However, human error is always a possibility in busy restaurant environments. Policies may not always be followed perfectly.
What Do Customers Report About Perkins and Gluten?
Looking at real-world customer experiences can provide further insight into how diligently Perkins locations adhere to their corporate gluten-free policies day-to-day. Here are some patterns from online customer reviews:
- Many positive reviews praising knowledgeable Perkins staff and carefully prepared gluten-free meals. Customers felt confident eating there with celiac disease.
- Some negative reviews from customers who experienced sick reactions and suspected cross-contamination. Errors seem more common at busier times.
- Customers recommend being very clear about the severity of your gluten intolerance when ordering. Also check if separate cookware is used.
- There appear to be variations between locations. Some are extremely vigilant, while a minority seem more prone to mistakes.
So experiences can differ, but many Perkins locations do succeed in accommodating gluten-free diets per corporate policy. As with any restaurant, patrons with celiac disease or extreme sensitivity need to use their best judgment.
Should You Consume Perkins Scrambled Eggs If Gluten-Free?
Based on all available information, here are some factors to keep in mind if you’re gluten-free and considering Perkins scrambled eggs:
- Ingredients used are gluten-free, according to Perkins statements.
- Listed prep procedures follow gluten-free best practices IF executed perfectly.
- Some variation exists between specific Perkins location and staff.
- Isolated instances of errors and cross-contamination may occur.
- Celiacs and those highly sensitive should use caution and check at their local Perkins.
- Consult your doctor if uncertain about consuming.
So while the menu items themselves should be gluten-free as prepared, human mistakes and cross-contamination may occasionally happen, as with any restaurant.
Those with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive need to weigh the risks of potential exposure versus strictly sticking to a home-cooked gluten-free diet. Consulting your doctor and judging your individual level of comfort are advised.
If you do choose to eat Perkins scrambled eggs while gluten-free, some recommended precautions include:
- Ask about the kitchen’s specific precautions when ordering.
- Request clean cookware and utensils.
- Confirm eggs are cooked on a cleaned surface apart from pancakes or other glutenous foods.
- Ask staff to change gloves and wash hands before handling your order.
- Avoid side choices like toast that may introduce cross-contamination.
- Carefully inspect your meal upon delivery.
Exercising caution helps minimize risks, but being gluten-free in any restaurant setting comes with some degree of uncertainty.
Other Perkins Menu Items to Double Check
If you decide Perkins can accommodate your gluten-free needs sufficiently, be sure to also inquire about the gluten-free status of additional menu items you may order, such as:
- Omelets and other egg dishes
- Pancakes and waffles
- Breakfast meats like bacon and sausage
- Baked goods including muffins and cinnamon rolls
- Sandwiches and burgers
- Salads and salad dressings
- Soups
- Side dishes
Do not assume items are gluten-free based on menu descriptions. Always ask to confirm the ingredients and preparation procedures, even for items you may have safely eaten previously. Ingredients and kitchen protocols can change over time.
Being Gluten-Free at Perkins: Bottom Line
So are Perkins scrambled eggs gluten-free? The verdict seems to be:
Most likely YES, but with some risk of cross-contamination.
Perkins states that classic scrambled eggs contain gluten-free ingredients and are prepared to gluten-free standards. But as with any restaurant kitchen, human error can enter the equation.
Those highly sensitive to gluten may want to exercise extreme caution or avoid Perkins scrambled eggs altogether after consulting with a doctor. Others on the gluten-free spectrum may feel comfortable eating the eggs based on Perkins’ stated procedures.
No restaurant can guarantee 100% certainty for those extremely gluten-sensitive. But many Perkins locations do work hard to accommodate gluten-free diners. As always, use your best judgment and ask plenty of questions to make an informed dining decision that protects your health and well-being.
