Do doughnuts have gluten?

Table of Contents

Quick Answers

Doughnuts can contain gluten depending on the ingredients used to make them. Traditional doughnuts contain wheat flour which has gluten. However, there are gluten-free doughnut options made with ingredients like rice flour, tapioca flour, or almond flour instead of wheat. Most filling and icing ingredients are gluten-free, but some may contain gluten from sources like malt or wheat starch. To be sure a doughnut is gluten-free, it’s best to check the ingredients or ask the baker or restaurant directly. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to avoid gluten to prevent adverse health effects.

What is Gluten and Why Does it Matter?

Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten does not cause any problems. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and nutrient malabsorption. The only treatment for celiac disease is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may also need to avoid gluten to prevent gastrointestinal and other symptoms.

For those who cannot tolerate gluten, checking ingredients and asking questions is important to avoid inadvertent gluten exposure. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues for those who are sensitive. This makes checking whether doughnuts contain gluten especially important.

Do Traditional Doughnuts Contain Gluten?

Yes, traditional doughnuts made with wheat flour contain gluten. Specifically, doughnuts contain gluten from wheat flour, which gives the dough structure and texture.

Doughnuts start with a flour-based dough that is deep fried. Traditional doughnut dough contains wheat flour, which gives the doughnuts their characteristic texture and structure. Wheat flour contains gluten proteins, so traditional doughnuts are not safe for those avoiding gluten.

Some other common doughnut ingredients like sugar, oil, eggs, milk, and leavening agents do not contain gluten. However, any blended add-ins to doughnuts like cookie crumbles may add gluten if the cookies or other mix-ins contain wheat. Glazes and fills may also contain gluten depending on the ingredients.

So in summary, the main source of gluten in traditional doughnuts is the wheat flour. Gluten-free flours must be used to make gluten-free doughnuts.

What Gluten-Free Flours Can Be Used to Make Doughnuts?

There are several gluten-free flour options that can be used to make gluten-free doughnuts:

Rice flour – Made from finely milled rice. Provides structure.

Tapioca flour – From the cassava root. Helps achieve chewiness.
Potato starch – Adds moisture and texture.
Arrowroot starch – Helps doughnuts brown and gives a crisp texture.

Almond flour – Provides nutty flavor and texture.
Coconut flour – Absorbs moisture and adds texture.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour – Commercial blends using ingredients like rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch.

Gluten-free doughnuts will usually use a blend of a few different gluten-free flours to achieve the best texture and taste. Each flour adds different properties. Starting with a gluten-free flour blend formulated for baking can provide a simpler option when making doughnuts from scratch.

Are Doughnut Fillings and Icings Gluten-Free?

Most doughnut fillings and icings are gluten-free, but some varieties may contain gluten.

Common gluten-free doughnut fillings include:

Fruit preserves like raspberry, lemon, or apple
Sweetened cream cheese
Vanilla or chocolate custard

Coconut

Watch for fillings with cookie crumbles or crème fillings that could contain wheat starch. Refrigerated cookie dough used in filling can also be a source of gluten.

Similarly, basic glazes and icings made with ingredients like powdered sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder are gluten-free. However, some commercial icings and glazes contain wheat starch or malt syrup made from barley which contains gluten. Doughnuts topped with cereal contain gluten if the cereal includes wheat.

So while most fillings and icings are gluten-free, it’s best to check when uncertain since some varieties can be sources of hidden gluten.

Which National Doughnut Chains Offer Gluten-Free Options?

Several popular doughnut chains now provide gluten-free options at some or all locations:

Krispy Kreme – Offers individually wrapped gluten-free original glazed doughnuts. These are made offsite in a dedicated facility and shipped to stores daily.

Dunkin’ – Has gluten-free fudge brownie and cinnamon sugar doughnuts. Stores take precautions like changing gloves and using dedicated fryers. Check store availability.
Tim Hortons – Launched gluten-free chocolate dip and old-fashioned glazed doughnuts. They are pre-dipped and sealed to avoid cross-contamination.
Duck Donuts – Customizable doughnuts can be made gluten-free. They use separate fryers and tools. Changeover procedures help avoid cross-contamination.

It’s still important to confirm your local store carries the gluten-free options and takes steps to avoid cross-contact. Policies may vary by franchise location. But overall, popular chains are increasingly offering gluten-free doughnuts to accommodate more customers.

What About Grocery Store Doughnuts?

Gluten-free packaged doughnuts can sometimes be found in the freezer or bakery sections of grocery stores. Brands to look for include Katz Gluten Free and Kinnikinnick Foods which make gluten-free doughnuts with ingredients like rice flour and tapioca starch.

Some in-store bakeries also prepare fresh gluten-free doughnuts. For packaged brands or bakery items, always check the ingredients and ask questions about preparation to ensure they are gluten-free. Cross-contamination is a concern if they are made alongside wheat-based doughnuts.

How to Order Gluten-Free Doughnuts at Local Bakeries

Ordering gluten-free doughnuts at small local bakeries takes extra care. Some tips include:

Check if they advertise gluten-free options online or on menus.
Ask which gluten-free ingredients they use if they don’t have a prepared recipe.

Inquire about preparations to prevent cross-contamination.
Ask what days/times gluten-free doughnuts are made.
Consider ordering ahead to give time to prepare safely.

Make sure they understand the severity of gluten allergy.

Not all bakeries are equipped to safely make gluten-free items. Calling ahead provides time to assess if proper precautions are in place to prevent gluten exposure. Sticking to dedicated gluten-free bakeries is the safest option.

Can You Make Gluten-Free Doughnuts at Home?

Yes, you can definitely make gluten-free doughnuts at home! This gives you control over all the ingredients to ensure it is 100% gluten-free.

Start with a gluten-free flour blend from the brands mentioned earlier in this article. Look for a mix formulated for baking that contains xanthan gum to help mimic the properties of gluten. Or make your own blend using rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum.

Follow a gluten-free doughnut recipe and proof the yeast-based dough sufficiently for the texture you desire. Then fry the doughnuts in oil around 365-375°F until deeply golden. Make sure to use a designated gluten-free deep fryer or thoroughly clean a shared fryer to avoid contamination. Top with desired glazes and fillings taking care to use gluten-free ingredients.

Making gluten-free doughnuts at home takes more effort but gives you total control over ingredients and prevents cross-contact issues. The finished homemade gluten-free doughnuts will be incredibly fresh and tasty!

Are There Healthier Gluten-Free Doughnut Options?

Those avoiding gluten for health reasons may also want to consider options that are lower in sugar and fat:

Baked doughnuts – Rather than frying, these are baked for a lighter treat.
Vegan doughnuts – Made with plant-based milks and free of cholesterol and animal products.

Protein doughnuts – Packed with protein powder for an energy boost.
Clean label doughnuts – Made with just recognizable whole food ingredients.

Gluten-free bake shops are increasingly offering these options. You can also modify homemade doughnut recipes to create healthier versions. For example, experiment with alternative flours like almond or coconut flour, add nuts or seeds for nutrition, reduce the sugar, and bake instead of frying.

While traditional fried gluten-free doughnuts are certainly a tasty indulgence, there are now more options to better align with health goals while still avoiding gluten.

The Bottom Line on Gluten and Doughnuts

Key takeaways on whether doughnuts contain gluten include:

Traditional doughnuts contain gluten due to wheat flour.
Specialty gluten-free doughnuts are made with alternate flours and take steps to avoid cross-contamination.

Most fillings and icings are gluten-free, but some may have hidden sources.
Major chains are expanding gluten-free doughnut offerings.
Homemade and bakery gluten-free doughnuts are possible with care and designated ingredients.

Healthier baked and clean label gluten-free doughnuts are also now available.

Checking ingredients, asking questions, and seeking out reputable gluten-free brands are important when sourcing gluten-free doughnuts. With extra care, people avoiding gluten can still enjoy the delightful indulgence of doughnuts.