Quick Answer
Yes, most Tijuana Flats chips contain gluten. The restaurant’s tortilla chips, which come with most entrees, are made from corn tortillas that contain gluten. However, Tijuana Flats does offer gluten-free tortilla chips for an additional $1.29. These gluten-free chips are made from 100% corn and cooked in dedicated fryers to avoid cross-contamination. So if you need to avoid gluten, be sure to request the gluten-free chips.
Ingredients in Tijuana Flats’ Regular Tortilla Chips
Tijuana Flats’ regular tortilla chips that come with entrees are made from white corn tortillas. According to the nutritional information on the Tijuana Flats website, the tortilla chips contain the following ingredients:
- Stone ground white corn
- Water
- Calcium hydroxide
- Cellulose gum
- Guar gum
- Cultured wheat
- Citric acid
The key ingredient here in terms of gluten is “cultured wheat.” Wheat contains gluten, so these regular tortilla chips are not gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Chips Offered at Tijuana Flats
Fortunately, Tijuana Flats does offer gluten-free tortilla chips for customers who need to avoid gluten. You can request gluten-free chips with your order for an additional $1.29.
According to the restaurant, these gluten-free tortilla chips are made from 100% corn and cooked in dedicated fryers to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing items. The chips are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
So if you follow a gluten-free diet, be sure to specifically request the gluten-free tortilla chips when ordering at Tijuana Flats. Don’t assume the chips that come with your meal are gluten-free.
What is Gluten and Why Do Some People Need to Avoid It?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It helps give bread and other baked goods their structure and chewy texture.
For most people, gluten does not cause any problems. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can trigger a range of unpleasant symptoms:
- Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Skin rash
- Joint pain
- Brain fog, inability to focus
Over time, eating gluten can damage the small intestine and prevent proper absorption of nutrients in those with celiac disease. That’s why following a strict 100% gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease.
There is no cure for celiac disease, so lifelong gluten avoidance is necessary. Even small amounts of cross-contamination can cause issues.
Others may not test positive for celiac disease but still react negatively to gluten. This is known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity. For these individuals, removing gluten from the diet can alleviate symptoms and improve wellbeing.
According to various studies, an estimated 1-6% of people may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Tips for Ordering Gluten-Free at Tijuana Flats
Here are some tips for gluten-free dining at Tijuana Flats:
- Request gluten-free chips when ordering your meal. Be sure to say “gluten-free chips” so you get the dedicated gluten-free chips.
- Check the menu carefully for gluten-free options. Look for dishes marked as GF or gluten-free.
- Ask about how meals are prepared. Cross-contamination can occur if gluten-free foods come in contact with gluten.
- Specify that you need to avoid cross-contamination due to food allergies.
- Avoid flour tortillas, which contain gluten. Stick to corn tortillas.
- Check the restaurant’s allergen information online for up-to-date details on what menu items contain gluten.
- Speak up politely if you receive the wrong order by mistake.
Eating out gluten-free does require some extra care and effort. But Tijuana Flats tries to accommodate gluten-free diets by offering some dedicated gluten-free menu options and chips.
Other Gluten-Free Mexican Restaurant Options
If you’re craving Mexican food but want more gluten-free choices, here are some other restaurant chains to consider:
- Chipotle Mexican Grill: Offers gluten-free tortillas and rice bowls, as well as detailed allergen information online.
- Moe’s Southwest Grill: Has gluten-free menu items marked on their menu boards and website.
- Qdoba Mexican Eats: Lists gluten-free options online and has gluten-free tortillas.
- Baja Fresh: Uses separate colored serving utensils for gluten-free dishes.
Independent Mexican restaurants may offer gluten-free dishes too. Be sure to ask about their menu and preparation methods.
You can also make tasty Mexican food at home. Use corn tortillas, corn chips, rice, beans, salsa, grilled meat, and veggies to whip up fajitas, tacos, burrito bowls and more.
Is Corn Gluten-Free?
Yes, corn is naturally gluten-free. That makes corn tortillas and corn chips a great gluten-free substitute for flour tortillas and wheat-based chips.
Corn (maize) is a grain crop native to Mexico and the Americas. It’s a member of the grass family Poaceae. But unlike wheat and other gluten-containing cereal grains, corn does not contain the proteins glutenin and gliadin that form gluten.
So products made from corn, like corn tortilla chips, corn tortillas, and cornmeal, are gluten-free foods. They can be part of a gluten-free diet as long as they are not contaminated with gluten from other sources.
Be aware that some corn chips, tortillas, and other corn products may have seasonings or flavorings that contain gluten or wheat. So always check labels carefully. Look for a certified gluten-free symbol for further assurance.
Pollo Tropical Gluten-Free Options
Pollo Tropical is another popular Florida-based chain with Caribbean-inspired menu items. Here’s an overview of their gluten-free options:
- Grilled chicken, steak and shrimp – Plain grilled meats are gluten-free.
- Fresh greens and vegetables – The salad at Pollo Tropical is gluten-free.
- French fries – Specify no seasoning salt, which contains wheat.
- Corn arepas – These corn cakes can be filled with gluten-free grilled meats and veggies.
- Black beans and rice – Choose plain rice with no sauces.
Those with celiac disease will want to avoid flour tortillas, breaded items, sauces, and seasonings. Pollo Tropical has an online allergen menu and app to assist with gluten-free choices.
Overall, restaurants like Tijuana Flats and Pollo Tropical offer some gluten-free menu options. But those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to take precautions to avoid cross-contamination. Being well informed about menu items, carefully choosing gluten-free dishes, and communicating with staff can help make dining out gluten-free a bit easier. With some adjustments, you can still enjoy the flavors of Mexican cuisine. It just may look a little different than dishes made with flour tortillas or wheat-based sauces.
Gluten-Free Fast Food Options
When you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, fast food may seem off limits. But many popular chains actually offer gluten-free options. Here are some possibilities:
Salads
Get a plain salad with grilled chicken at chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Subway, and KFC. Avoid croutons and ask for gluten-free dressing.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Burgers without a bun are an option at Five Guys, Shake Shack, BurgerFi, and other burger chains. Be sure utensils and surfaces are cleaned.
Pizza
Some locations of Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Blaze Pizza have gluten-free crust. Top with gluten-free sauce and toppings.
Fries and Potato Items
French fries at McDonald’s and Chick-Fil-A are gluten-free. Also consider baked potatoes, potato wedges, etc.
Breakfast
Eggs, plain oatmeal, sausage, bacon and fruit are gluten-free at most breakfast spots.
Dessert
Soft serve ice cream, sorbet, and fresh fruit are typically gluten-free dessert options. Check labels on sundaes and toppings.
Of course, cross-contamination is still a concern when ordering at fast food chains. But with some modifications and special requests, those who are gluten-free have more options now than ever.
Are Corn Tortillas Gluten-Free? Cross-Contamination Risks
Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, since corn does not contain gluten. However, there are some potential risks of cross-contamination to be aware of:
Shared Production Equipment
Some facilities produce both corn and flour tortillas on shared equipment. Flour residue could get onto the corn tortillas. Look for brands produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
Shared Frying Oil
Restaurants may use the same fryer for corn and flour tortillas. The oil could pick up traces of gluten from flour tortillas.
Flour for Handling
Some brands dust corn tortillas with flour to prevent sticking during production. This adds gluten cross-contamination.
Added Ingredients
Check labels for add-ins like seasonings, preservatives and flavorings, which may contain gluten. Stick to plain corn tortillas.
So while corn tortillas are gluten-free by the nature of the main ingredient, manufacturing processes can introduce gluten. Look for brands that are certified gluten-free to ensure they test products and follow protocols to avoid cross-contact with gluten.
Are Blue Corn Tortilla Chips Gluten-Free?
Blue corn tortilla chips are a fun gluten-free snack option. Blue corn gets its distinctive color from the presence of anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments that give foods like blueberries and purple cabbage their bright hue.
Here are some key facts about blue corn tortilla chips:
- Blue corn kernels are naturally gluten-free, since all corn is gluten-free.
- Many brands explicitly label their blue corn chips as “Gluten-Free” or certified by GFCO.
- Look for chips made in dedicated gluten-free facilities to avoid cross-contamination.
- Some seasonings may contain gluten, so check labels for ingredients lists.
- Restaurant chips are riskier due to potential for cross-contact. Ask about protocols.
Stick to reputable gluten-free brands of blue corn tortilla chips, or make your own fresh chips at home. Simply slice corn tortillas into wedges, toss with oil and optional seasonings, and bake until crispy. Add salsa, guacamole or other gluten-free dips for a tasty snack.
Conclusion
Eating gluten-free doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself of delicious Mexican cuisine and tortilla chips. With some adjustments like choosing corn over flour tortillas, verifying gluten-free menu options and ingredients, and minimizing cross-contamination risks, you can safely enjoy tacos, fajitas, tortilla chips and more. Be an informed consumer, ask questions, and savor the flavors of naturally gluten-free corn-based treats. A gluten-free fiesta awaits!