Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause serious health issues. Many people on a gluten-free diet want to know if popular foods like Steak ‘n Shake milkshakes contain gluten or not.
Do Steak ‘n Shake milkshake mixes contain gluten?
After thorough research, it appears that Steak ‘n Shake’s classic milkshake mix does not contain gluten. According to Steak ‘n Shake’s website, their milkshake mix contains the following ingredients:
- Milk
- Sugar
- Cream
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Mono and diglycerides
- Guar gum
- Cellulose gum
None of these ingredients are directly derived from gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley or rye. The milkshake mix appears to be gluten-free.
What about cross-contamination risks?
While the milkshake mix itself does not contain gluten, there is still a possibility of cross-contamination occurring during processing and preparation. Here are some potential sources of cross-contamination:
- The equipment used to make the milkshake mix could be shared with other products containing gluten.
- The milkshake mix is blended with ice cream in the same machines used for milkshakes with gluten ingredients like cake or cookies.
- Employees may use the same scoops, blenders, or containers for multiple milkshake flavors including ones with gluten.
Cross-contamination can transfer small amounts of gluten to otherwise gluten-free foods and drinks. For those extremely sensitive, even tiny amounts can cause issues.
How Steak ‘n Shake handles cross-contamination
On their website’s allergen information page, Steak ‘n Shake states:
“We do not have separate equipment or kitchen areas for prep of items with different allergens. Guests with food allergies need to be aware cross contamination may occur.”
So while they take food allergies seriously, they do acknowledge cross-contamination is a possibility in their kitchens. They encourage guests with food allergies to consider this risk before ordering.
Advice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
For those with celiac disease or who are extremely gluten sensitive, it may be safest to avoid Steak ‘n Shake milkshakes altogether due to the cross-contamination risk. Even small amounts of cross-contamination can trigger reactions for those who are highly sensitive.
For others who have milder gluten sensitivity or intolerance, Steak ‘n Shake milkshakes may be ok in moderation. It’s a good idea to pay close attention to how your body reacts when consuming them. Some options to reduce risk include:
- Asking for milkshakes early in the day before much other gluten cooking has occurred
- Customizing milkshakes with gluten-free mix-in options only
- Opting for basic chocolate or vanilla shakes to minimize cross-contamination
- Informing staff of your gluten sensitivity and requesting clean blenders/equipment
At the end of the day, individuals with gluten issues have to weigh their own sensitivity levels against the deliciousness of a Steak ‘n Shake milkshake!
Bottom Line
Here is a quick summary:
- Steak ‘n Shake’s classic milkshake mix does not contain any gluten ingredients
- However, cross-contamination with gluten is possible during processing and in restaurant kitchens
- Steak ‘n Shake states that separate equipment is not used to prevent cross-contamination
- Those with celiac disease or high sensitivity should use caution and may want to avoid
- Others with gluten intolerance may be able to consume in moderation and with precautions
While the basic milkshake mix may be gluten-free, each individual must determine their own tolerance levels for potential cross-contamination. Being aware of the risks can help guide choices and customize orders to minimize issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Steak ‘n Shake milkshake mixes certified gluten-free?
No, Steak ‘n Shake milkshake mixes are not certified gluten-free. The company acknowledges the risk of cross-contamination with wheat/gluten-containing ingredients. They do not claim their milkshakes are 100% gluten-free.
What milkshake flavors are safest for gluten-free diets?
The simplest chocolate and vanilla milkshake flavors likely have the lowest risk of cross-contamination with gluten. More complex flavors like cookies & cream, mint chip, or ones with mix-ins may have higher chances of cross-contact.
Are Oreo milkshakes from Steak ‘n Shake gluten-free?
No, Oreo milkshakes from Steak ‘n Shake contain gluten due to the Oreo cookies mixed in. While the base milkshake mix may not contain gluten, Oreos contain wheat-based ingredients.
Does Steak ‘n Shake have any certified gluten-free menu options?
No, as of this writing Steak ‘n Shake does not have any certified gluten-free menu options. They acknowledge the risk of cross-contamination for all menu items. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should exercise caution when choosing menu items.
Should those with wheat allergies consume Steak ‘n Shake milkshakes?
It is not recommended that those with a wheat or gluten allergy consume Steak ‘n Shake milkshakes. Despite the mix being gluten-free, the high risk of cross-contamination makes it unsafe for those with a true wheat allergy as opposed to just gluten intolerance.
The Bottom Line on Milkshakes and Gluten at Steak ‘n Shake
While the basic milkshake mix at Steak ‘n Shake appears to be gluten-free based on ingredients, cross-contamination is possible during processing and preparation. Individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity should use extreme caution or avoid. Those with gluten intolerance may be able to consume in moderation if they are comfortable with the risks. Adhering to a strict gluten-free diet requires diligence when dining out, including understanding risks of cross-contact at various restaurants. At chains like Steak ‘n Shake where gluten is prevalent on the menu, patrons need to weigh the risks versus rewards when ordering.
Table Summary of Key Points
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does the base milkshake mix have gluten? | No |
| Is cross-contamination possible? | Yes |
| Are the milkshakes certified gluten-free? | No |
| Should those with celiac disease consume them? | No |
| Can those with gluten intolerance have them in moderation? | Sometimes |
This summarizes the key questions and answers about Steak ‘n Shake milkshakes and their gluten content. While the base milkshake mix appears gluten-free, cross-contamination is a real risk and should be considered by those adhering to a gluten-free diet, especially those with celiac disease.
The Takeaway on Steak ‘n Shake Milkshakes Without Gluten
When living a gluten-free lifestyle, investigating menu items at restaurants requires sleuthing beyond just reading ingredients lists. For chains like Steak ‘n Shake that have shared equipment and high risk of cross-contact with gluten, extra precautions need to be taken. The ultimate decision depends on each person’s sensitivities and risk comfort level. While their classic milkshakes may technically be gluten-free, for those who absolutely cannot consume any gluten, it may be wisest to simply admire the milkshakes from afar and opt for a different treat instead.
