Quick Answer
Plain Mcflurrys from McDonald’s contain no gluten ingredients and are considered gluten-free by the company. The vanilla soft serve and toppings used in a plain Mcflurry contain no wheat, barley, rye or other gluten sources. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, a plain Mcflurry without added toppings should be safe to consume.
Ingredients in a Plain McFlurry
A plain McFlurry contains just two main ingredients:
- Vanilla soft serve
- Spoon
The vanilla soft serve used at McDonald’s contains milk, sugar, cream and natural vanilla flavor. It does not contain any wheat, barley or rye ingredients that contain gluten.
The spoon used to eat the McFlurry is inedible and not a source of gluten.
Therefore, the two ingredients in a plain McFlurry are gluten-free.
No Gluten Ingredients at McDonald’s
According to McDonald’s allergen information, their vanilla soft serve contains:
- Milk
- Sugar
- Cream
- Natural vanilla flavor
It does not contain any wheat, barley, rye, malt or other gluten-containing ingredients.
Other McDonald’s products like their french fries are cooked in dedicated fryers and do not come into contact with gluten either.
This shows that a plain McFlurry made with vanilla soft serve contains no gluten ingredients.
McDonald’s States McFlurrys Are Gluten-Free
On McDonald’s allergen information page, they list their vanilla soft serve as “Gluten-Free” and confirm it does not contain wheat, barley, rye or gluten sources.
McDonald’s also states that their plain McFlurrys are considered gluten-free menu items:
“Plain McFlurrys (without mix-ins) are gluten-free.”
Since the company confirms that plain McFlurrys prepared only with the vanilla soft serve are gluten-free, those with celiac disease or a gluten allergy can feel reassured about consuming them.
No Cross-Contact from Gluten Ingredients
In addition to not containing gluten ingredients, plain McDonald’s McFlurrys have minimal risk of cross-contact with gluten.
The vanilla soft serve is dispensed from a dedicated machine that only handles the vanilla soft serve base. It does not come into contact with any ingredients containing gluten.
The McFlurry is also made fresh in store when ordered, in a cup that hasn’t contacted any gluten ingredients.
The blenders used to mix the McFlurry are thoroughly cleaned between uses, according to McDonald’s standard procedures.
So plain McFlurrys without mix-ins have very minimal cross-contact risks for those sensitive to gluten.
Melting and Separation Doesn’t Add Gluten
Some people wonder if the melting and separation that can occur in McFlurrys could introduce any gluten.
However, the ingredients remain the same. The vanilla soft serve contains no gluten before or after blending.
Melting and separation doesn’t change the ingredients themselves or suddenly add any gluten to a plain McFlurry. It’s still just milk, cream, sugar and vanilla flavoring.
No Gluten from Added Toppings
While the plain McFlurry is gluten-free, take note of any toppings added from the menu.
Ingredients like Oreo cookie pieces, M&Ms, hot fudge, strawberry topping or other mix-ins may contain gluten or risk cross-contact.
Always customize your McFlurry to be plain if you need it gluten-free. Avoid chocolate chunks, candy pieces or other toppings that could add gluten.
Stick with just the vanilla soft serve to keep your McFlurry gluten-free. Check with staff about ingredients if uncertain.
Are All McFlurry Flavors Gluten Free?
While the plain McFlurry is gluten-free, McDonalds does offer McFlurry’s in other flavors that may contain gluten.
For example, the M&M McFlurry contains gluten from the candy pieces. The Oreo McFlurry contains gluten from the cookie crumbles. And flavors like Snickers and Nestle Crunch also contain gluten sources.
Stick with the plain vanilla soft serve McFlurry to ensure it is gluten-free. Other flavors with mix-ins likely contain gluten.
What About Cross-Contact with Gluten?
There is the possibility of trace amounts of gluten in the plain McFlurry due to cross-contact at the production facility where the vanilla soft serve is made.
However, the risk is very low since the vanilla base does not contain gluten ingredients. Any cross-contact would likely be at less than 5-10ppm.
For most with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, trace cross-contact under 20ppm is considered safe.
Those with more severe gluten allergies may wish to avoid entirely or check with their doctor. But for many, the low risk is acceptable.
Other Tips for a Gluten-Free McFlurry
Here are some other tips for enjoying a gluten-free McFlurry from McDonald’s:
- Request no topping on your plain McFlurry to avoid cross-contact.
- Check that they use a clean blender that hasn’t mixed in cookie or candy pieces.
- Ask for a new cup, fresh gloves, and newly sanitized blender at the start of the order if highly sensitive.
- Avoid McFlurry cakes and pies which likely contain gluten.
- Only customized plain McFlurrys are recommended for gluten-free diets.
Following these steps helps minimize any risk of gluten cross-contact when ordering.
Are McDonalds Soft Serve Cones Gluten-Free?
Like the soft serve used in McFlurrys, the vanilla soft serve cones at McDonald’s are also gluten-free.
The cone itself contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. But those who are gluten-free can order a cup or bowl instead of a cone.
The vanilla soft serve on its own is gluten-free. Ordering it in a cup provides a gluten-free portable option similar to a cone.
Gluten-Free Dessert Options at McDonald’s
In addition to a plain McFlurry or vanilla soft serve, here are some other gluten-free desserts at McDonald’s:
- Freshly-made strawberry lemonade (gluten-free)
- Iced coffee (order without syrup for gluten-free)
- Bottled water
- Sundaes customized with only soft serve
- Chocolate milkshake made with soft serve
- Strawberry milkshake made with soft serve
- Vanilla milkshake made with soft serve
Focus on custom orders with just the gluten-free vanilla soft serve and avoid pre-packaged ice cream bars, cookies, pies and cakes that likely contain gluten.
Are McFlurrys Dairy Free or Vegan?
No, McDonalds McFlurrys are not dairy-free or vegan. The main ingredient is vanilla soft serve, which contains milk and cream.
The soft serve base contains:
- Milk
- Cream
- Sugar
- Natural flavors
There are no dairy-free or vegan varieties of McFlurry currently offered. Those with milk allergies or following a vegan diet should avoid McFlurrys.
Are McFlurrys Nut Free?
Plain McFlurrys without mix-ins are nut-free. The vanilla soft serve contains no tree nuts or peanuts.
However, flavors like Reese’s and Butterfinger McFlurry contain peanut butter and are not safe for those with peanut allergies. Other flavors may contain almonds, pecans or other nuts as mix-ins.
Stick with customized plain McFlurrys to ensure a nut-free treat. But those with severe allergies should be cautious of cross-contact risks.
Ingredients to Avoid in McFlurrys
If you need to avoid gluten, dairy, nuts or other allergens, here are the McFlurry toppings and mix-ins to steer clear of:
| Topping | Allergen Concerns |
|---|---|
| Oreo Cookies | Contains gluten, milk |
| M&Ms | Contains gluten, milk, nuts |
| Chocolate Chips | Contains gluten, milk |
| Butterfinger | Contains gluten, milk, peanuts |
| Snickers | Contains gluten, milk, peanuts |
| Almonds | Tree nuts |
| Hot fudge | Contains gluten, milk |
Customizing your McFlurry to be plain with just vanilla soft serve is the best way to avoid potential allergens.
Conclusion
Plain McFlurrys without mix-ins from McDonald’s are gluten-free based on the vanilla soft serve ingredients. The soft serve contains no wheat, barley, rye or gluten sources according to McDonald’s allergen information.
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can feel comfortable enjoying a customized plain McFlurry. Avoid the pre-made flavors with candy, cookie or chocolate mix-ins as those likely contain gluten. Stick to just the vanilla soft serve to keep your McFlurry gluten-free.
