Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for health, dietary, or lifestyle reasons. For ice cream lovers who follow a gluten free diet, figuring out which cones are safe to eat can require some research. Salt & Straw, a popular artisanal ice cream shop with locations across the west coast, offers waffle cones alongside their uniquely flavored ice cream scoops. But are Salt & Straw’s waffle cones gluten free?
The Short Answer
Yes, Salt & Straw waffle cones are certified gluten free. According to the allergen information on the Salt & Straw website, their waffle cones do not contain any gluten or wheat. The cones are made with a gluten free waffle batter recipe to allow those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease to enjoy their ice cream in a cone.
Ingredients in Salt & Straw Waffle Cones
According to the Salt & Straw website, the ingredients list for their gluten free waffle cones is as follows:
- Non-GMO Expeller Pressed Canola Oil
- Cane Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Baking Powder
- Rice Flour
- Tapioca Flour
- Xanthan Gum
- Salt
As you can see, the cones contain no wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. The batter uses a blend of rice flour and tapioca flour rather than traditional wheat flour. Rice flour and tapioca flour are naturally gluten free. The xanthan gum acts as a binding agent to give the batter the right texture for making crispy waffle cones.
How Salt & Straw Ensures Gluten Free Waffle Cones
According to Salt & Straw’s website, they take several steps to keep their waffle cones gluten free and safe from cross-contamination:
- The gluten free waffle cone batter is made in a separate facility from their regular waffle cones to prevent cross-contamination.
- All equipment and surfaces used for gluten free waffle cone production are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before use.
- Employees change gloves before handling gluten free batters.
- Gluten free cones are baked in designated gluten free cone irons.
- Gluten free cones are stored and served separately from regular cones.
Following these strict procedures allows Salt & Straw to offer gluten free waffle cones that customers can trust will not be contaminated with gluten from other sources during manufacturing and handling.
Availability of Gluten Free Cones at Salt & Straw
The gluten free waffle cones are available at all Salt & Straw scoop shop locations. When ordering at the counter, simply request a gluten free waffle cone with your ice cream order. Salt & Straw staff are trained to accommodate requests for gluten free cones and will prepare your order safely.
Gluten free waffle bowls are also available upon request for creating ice cream sundaes. Salt & Straw indicates that their gluten free batter recipe makes excellent cones and bowls with a crispy baked texture.
Allergen Info on Packaged Pints
For Salt & Straw’s packaged pints sold at grocery stores, the allergen info varies depending on the specific flavor. Some flavors are labeled as containing wheat/gluten while others are labeled as gluten free. If you need to avoid gluten, be sure to read the allergen information on each packaged pint carefully before purchasing.
The waffle cones available at the scoop shops, however, are certified gluten free across all flavors. So you can feel confident ordering any ice cream flavor in a gluten free waffle cone at the shop.
Dairy Free Waffle Cones
In addition to gluten free cones, Salt & Straw also offers dairy free waffle cones at their locations. These are vegan cones made without milk or butter. The dairy free cones are cooked in designated cone irons to prevent any dairy cross-contact.
To get a dairy free cone, simply request it when ordering at the shop. Then you can enjoy your favorite dairy free ice cream flavor in a cone made without milk.
Other Dietary Restrictions
No waffle cone options are provided for other diets such as nut free or egg free. The cones contain tree nuts (coconut) and egg, so they are not suitable for nut or egg allergies.
Salt & Straw does indicate that the gluten free waffle cones are made in a facility that also processes wheat, eggs, dairy, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and fish. So there is a risk of traces of these allergens due to manufacturing line proximity. Customers with severe allergies should consider this information when deciding whether to consume the cones.
Waffle Cone Flavors
Salt & Straw’s waffle cone batter has a vanilla flavor. So the cones pair well with any ice cream flavor and don’t overpower or compete with the taste of the ice cream. Some customers even enjoy eating the gluten free cones on their own like a crispy vanilla waffle!
Price
The gluten free waffle cones are the same price as regular waffle cones – typically around $1.50 each depending on location. So there is no extra charge for requesting the gluten free version.
Why Salt & Straw Offers Gluten Free Cones
In a statement on their website’s FAQ page, Salt & Straw says:
“We want to make sure we can serve as many people as possible, regardless of dietary restrictions. Gluten allergies and celiac disease are very common, so we worked hard to develop a gluten free waffle cone recipe that meets our high standards of taste and texture. We’re proud to offer gluten free cones to accompany our uniquely flavored ice creams for customers who need to avoid gluten. It’s just one more way we can spread joy, one scoop at a time!”
It’s clear that inclusivity for customers with different dietary needs is a priority for the Salt & Straw brand. They take food allergies and restrictions seriously to provide safe treats that everyone can enjoy.
Reviews of Gluten Free Cones
Most online reviews of the gluten free waffle cones are very positive. Here are some examples:
“I was so happy to learn Salt & Straw offers gluten free cones. Their cones are just as delicious, crispy, and flavorful as the regular ones. I never feel left out at their shops as someone who has to be gluten free.” – Amanda S.
“The gluten free waffle cones are a game changer for me as someone with celiac. No one could even tell it wasn’t a regular cone. Love that Salt & Straw makes the effort to accommodate gluten free customers.” – Jacob T.
“I’m always nervous about cross contamination when ordering gluten free baked goods, but Salt & Straw seems to really know what they’re doing. I’ve had their gluten free cones several times with no issues. Highly recommended for gluten free seekers.” – Jessica P.
A few reviewers with celiac disease did report getting sick after eating the cones. However, the majority of reviews praise Salt & Straw’s gluten free cones as being tasty, crunchy, and safe for those avoiding gluten.
How to Order Gluten Free Cones
Ordering gluten free waffle cones at Salt & Straw shops is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Choose your ice cream flavor(s) and let the server know you need a gluten free cone.
- The server will communicate the gluten free cone request to the staff preparing the cones.
- The cone will be prepared using separate equipment and materials to avoid cross-contamination.
- Your ice cream will be scooped into the gluten free cone and topped/garnished as desired.
- Enjoy your delicious gluten free treat! Be sure to let staff know if you have any other food allergy concerns.
Salt & Straw also allows you to pre-order ice cream online for in-store pickup. When placing your order online, there’s a spot to leave special instructions where you can request gluten free cones.
Gluten Free Cones Make Ice Cream More Accessible
For people who follow a gluten free diet by choice or medical necessity, finding tasty treats that align with their dietary needs can often feel limiting. By taking the effort to create gluten free waffle cones with the same taste and texture as their original cones, Salt & Straw makes it possible for more people to enjoy their whimsical ice cream flavors. The gluten free cones allow customers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to partake in the full ice cream parlor experience – with a crunchy cone and all the scoop shop fun and flavors.
Other Gluten Free Dessert Options
In addition to their cones, Salt & Straw also offers other gluten free-friendly desserts and treats:
- Ice cream sandwiches made with gluten free cookies
- Sundaes served with gluten free toppings
- Gluten free baked goods like brownies (varies by location)
- Dairy free & gluten free coconut ice cream base
- Many gluten free packaged pints
Check out the menus at your local Salt & Straw or on their website to see all the gluten free dessert choices available.
Is Salt & Straw Celiac Friendly?
While Salt & Straw makes an effort to offer gluten free menu items and prevent cross-contamination, it’s unclear whether the environment would be considered 100% celiac safe according to the most stringent standards. The brand indicates that wheat flour is used in the facility, so there is some risk of trace gluten exposure.
Those with celiac disease or highly sensitive gluten allergies may still wish to exercise some caution when consuming food prepared at Salt & Straw shops. Individual sensitivity levels vary quite a bit. Some celiacs report eating the gluten free offerings without issue, while others do seem to react and get sick.
In summary, while not fully celiac-safe, Salt & Straw does go farther than many food establishments to accommodate gluten free guests. But those with celiac disease should consider their own risk factors and sensitivity levels before consuming.
Gluten Free Dining Options at Salt & Straw
For those with celiac disease or wheat allergies, cross-contamination from preparation surfaces, fryers, etc. is a concern at most restaurants. That’s why entirely gluten free establishments are the safest options for gluten free dining.
While not 100% gluten free, Salt & Straw does make an effort to offer gluten free menu items and minimize cross-contact through the steps outlined earlier. Some locations also have designated gluten free preparation areas. You can call your local shop to ask about their protocols before visiting.
In the end, comfort levels vary quite a bit when it comes to gluten exposure. Some celiacs only feel safe at completely gluten free restaurants, while others are okay with establishments taking reasonable precautions around gluten free offerings. Consider your own sensitivities and where Salt & Straw falls on that spectrum.
Conclusion
Salt & Straw’s waffle cones provide a tasty gluten free option for enjoying the shop’s unique ice cream flavors in classic crispy cone form. The brand makes an effort to produce the cones safely for those avoiding gluten, using dedicated equipment and following careful protocols. While they cannot guarantee a 100% gluten free environment, Salt & Straw still offers far more accommodation for gluten free guests than most ice cream parlors.
Online reviews indicate most customers with gluten issues are thrilled to be able to enjoy the signature waffle cones without gluten reaction. However, those with celiac disease or high sensitivity should still exercise some caution and consider their own risk factors before consuming.
By producing gluten free cones alongside their regular cones, Salt & Straw makes their whimsical ice cream experience more accessible to people with food restrictions. Offering inclusivity and accommodation goes a long way towards delighting all customers, no matter their dietary needs. It’s an effort that earns applause from both gluten free and mainstream ice cream lovers alike.
