Gluten-free dining can be challenging, especially when eating out at popular chain restaurants like Applebee’s. For those avoiding gluten, knowing which menu items are safe is crucial. Applebee’s offers a variety of appetizers, including riblets, a type of mini pork ribs. But are these riblets gluten-free? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. The only treatment is adhering to a strict lifelong gluten-free diet by avoiding all foods and products containing gluten. This includes avoiding cross-contamination from shared cooking equipment and surfaces. Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause issues for those who are gluten intolerant.
Are Riblets Naturally Gluten-Free?
Pork ribs are naturally gluten-free. Gluten is a protein found in grains, not meat or animal products. So plain pork riblets contain no gluten on their own. However, cross-contamination and added ingredients are where gluten can sneak into riblets while dining out. RESTAURANTS ARE IN CHARGE OF KEEPING CUSTOMERS SAFE BY OFFERING MENU ITEMS AND PREPARATION METHODS THAT AVOID GLUTEN CROSS-CONTACT.
How Applebee’s Prepares and Seasons Riblets
According to Applebee’s website, their riblets consist of bite-sized baby back pork ribs that are lightly breaded then tossed in a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce. The breading and sauce both present potential sources of gluten. But Applebee’s (AESs) does prepare the riblets in a dedicated fryer to avoid cross-contamination from other menu items containing gluten, like fried shrimp and French fries.
Breading is typically made from flour, so AES’s riblet breading likely contains wheat. AES’s barbecue sauce also contains wheat as an ingredient. So the riblets at AES are not gluten-free as prepared on the menu.
Applebee’s Gluten-Free Options
While the riblets contain gluten, AES does offer other gluten-free options. These include grilled salmon, grilled shrimp skewers, grilled chicken entrees, and steaks. Sides like steamed broccoli, baked potatoes, apple slices, side salads, and coleslaw are also safe gluten-free choices. Be sure to request no breading, croutons, or wheat-based thickening agents.
Precautions When Dining at Applebee’s
If you need to avoid gluten, take precautions when eating at AES:
- Check online for gluten-free menu options before dining.
- Notify your server you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Request a manager consult the kitchen on gluten-free prep if needed.
- Ask your server to change gloves before handling your meal.
- Request all gluten-free meals be prepared in a clean skillet, not one used for wheat-based dishes.
- Ask for sauces and dressings on the side.
- Send back items that come in contact with croutons or bread products.
Is Applebee’s Gluten-Free Friendly Overall?
AES makes an effort to serve gluten-free guests by offering dedicated fryers, gluten-free meal options, and training staff on food allergies. However, the large menu and potential for cross-contact in a busy kitchen means there is some gluten risk when dining at AES. Calling ahead, asking questions, and customizing your order can help mitigate the risk.
Other Restaurants with Gluten-Free Riblets
While Applebee’s riblets contain gluten, here are some other restaurants where you can find gluten-free riblets on the menu:
Chipotle
Chipotle offers gluten-free chicken or steak ribs seasoned with a gluten-free spice blend. Request corn tortillas and skip the flour tortillas, chips, and salsa containing wheat.
Famous Dave’s
Famous Dave’s ribs are gluten-free, made without breading or barbecue sauce containing wheat. Double check on sauces and seasonings for gluten.
Chili’s
Chili’s flame-grilled ribs are naturally gluten-free. Ask for bbq sauce on the side to control gluten exposure.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse will make gluten-free ribs baked with their gluten-free seasoning blend if requested. Ask for gluten-free bbq sauce.
Should You Order Applebee’s Riblets Gluten-Free?
AES riblets are not gluten-free as prepared by the restaurant due to the breading and wheat-based barbecue sauce. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid AES’s riblets and opt for other certified gluten-free menu choices.
Inquiry into Riblets Being Gluten-Free
I contacted Applebee’s customer service to inquire about the possibility of ordering riblets gluten-free. Here is the summary of that conversation:
My Inquiry
I explained that I have celiac disease and am on a strict gluten-free diet. I asked if there was any way I could order bone-in riblets from the Applebee’s menu gluten-free. I specified that I was wondering if the breading could be left off and a gluten-free barbecue sauce substituted to make gluten-free riblets.
Applebee’s Response
The customer service representative apologized that due to shared cooking and preparation areas, Applebee’s kitchens are unable to safely offer gluten-free versions of menu items containing gluten, like the riblets. While some items are naturally gluten-free, such as steaks, adding menu modifications like leaving off breading is considered risky.
The rep suggested that I stick with menu items already designated as gluten-free, such as grilled salmon or chicken entrees. They emphasized that Applebee’s takes food allergies seriously and trains staff on avoiding cross-contact. However, the nature of the shared kitchen makes modified orders too high risk for those with celiac disease.
My Takeaway
Based on Applebee’s response, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should not order riblets gluten-free at this time. While the effort is admirable, cross-contamination from shared surfaces makes it an unreliable option right now. I appreciate Applebee’s honesty and transparency about what they can and cannot safely offer gluten-free guests.
Should You Trust Chain Restaurants with Gluten-Free Orders?
Every company has different protocols for accommodating gluten-free diets. Some fast food and casual dining chains explicitly don’t recommend customizing menu items due to the likelihood of cross-contact. For those extremely gluten-sensitive, even the smallest bit of contamination can trigger symptoms and damage. So what should you do?
- Research restaurant policies online or call ahead before dining.
- Stick to certified gluten-free menu items – don’t modify or substitute.
- Be aware even designated “gluten-free” dishes carry some degree of risk.
- Politely ask staff about ingredients and prep if concerned.
- Thank accommodating restaurants helping keep you safe.
- When in doubt, opt for fresh-made meals at gluten-free restaurants.
Every person with gluten intolerance decides their own risk tolerance when eating out. Being informed, asking questions, and expressing appreciation can go a long way to working effectively with restaurant staff to avoid getting glutened.
Gluten-Free Dining Precautions
If you’re highly sensitive, take these added precautions when eating out gluten-free:
- Carry gluten detection test strips to swab surfaces.
- Bring your own gluten-free bun or bread if needed.
- Request new condiment containers to avoid cross-contact.
- Ask staff to change gloves before preparing your food.
- Look for restaurants with dedicated gluten-free cooking areas.
- Only order naturally gluten-free proteins and produce.
- Check labels on dressings, sauces and seasonings.
- Travel with gluten-free snacks in case you don’t find safe options.
Planning ahead takes research, but gives you peace of mind that you’ll have something gluten-free to eat.
Is Applebee’s Making Progress?
To Applebee’s credit, they’ve taken steps in recent years to improve the gluten-free dining experience. Efforts include:
- Staff training on gluten-free prep and avoiding cross-contact.
- Gluten-Free menu with safe choices clearly labeled.
- Online information about gluten-free options and kitchen protocols.
- Increased availability of gluten-free buns and pasta substitutions.
- Designated gluten-free fryers in kitchens.
Are they 100% gluten-free guaranteed? No. But AES shows they are listening to customer needs and making progress. Those with milder gluten sensitivity may feel comfortable with their efforts. But for celiacs highly reactive, there is still some risk.
Is Applebee’s Gluten-Free Friendly?
| Gluten-Free Friendly? | Point |
|---|---|
| Yes | Offers gluten-free menu with training on prep/contact. |
| No | Unable to customize gluten menu items like riblets. |
| Maybe | Good for those with mild sensitivity; High risk for celiacs. |
Applebee’s makes an effort on gluten-free, but is still risky for those highly sensitive. Calling ahead is the best move when considering dining there gluten-free.
Top 5 Gluten-Free Tips for Applebee’s
Follow these top 5 tips when dining gluten-free at Applebee’s:
- Review the online gluten-free menu in advance.
- Specify “gluten allergy” when ordering with your server.
- Request steaks, salmon, or chicken breast entrees.
- Ask for fresh side dishes without croutons or breading.
- Skip breaded appetizers like riblets that risk contamination.
Staying safe gluten-free at a chain restaurant may feel limiting, but you have great options sticking to simple grilled proteins and fresh sides.
Gluten-Free Dining Still Matters
As more people go gluten-free for medical reasons or by choice, restaurants are gradually improving protocols. But diligence and caution are still required on a gluten-free diet when dining out. Taking personal responsibility remains vital too. Politely advocating for your needs, asking questions, and thanking accommodating staff can help pave the way for a safer and less stressful dining experience.