Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, following a strict gluten-free diet is essential to manage symptoms and prevent complications. But sticking to a gluten-free diet can be challenging, especially when dining out at fast food restaurants like Arby’s. So does Arby’s offer gluten-free bun options for their sandwiches and other menu items? Here is a comprehensive look at what gluten-free options are available at Arby’s for customers looking to avoid gluten.
What is Gluten and Why Do Some People Need to Avoid It?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that causes damage to the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, fatigue and more. Over time, eating gluten can also lead to malnutrition, anemia and other complications. The only treatment for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods and products containing wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oats (which may be cross-contaminated with gluten).
Celiac disease affects approximately 1% of the population, while non-celiac gluten sensitivity may affect up to 13% of the population. This means there are millions of people worldwide and many customers at chain restaurants like Arby’s who require gluten-free menu options. Thankfully, awareness and availability of gluten-free foods has improved dramatically in recent years. But navigating restaurant menus can still be difficult for gluten-free diners.
What Items at Arby’s Are Gluten-Free?
The good news is that Arby’s does offer some gluten-free options, allowing customers avoiding gluten to enjoy Arby’s signature roast beef sandwiches, curly fries and more. Here is an overview of the gluten-free menu items available at Arby’s:
Gluten-Free Buns
Arby’s currently offers gluten-free sesame seed buns in place of their regular buns. This allows customers to customize most sandwiches to be gluten-free. Arby’s roast beef sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, ham sandwiches and more can all be prepared on the gluten-free bun upon request. Be sure to specify that you need a gluten-free bun when ordering.
Gluten-Free Sandwiches
In addition to being able to swap regular buns for a gluten-free option, Arby’s also has dedicated gluten-free sandwiches. This includes the following options:
– Roast Beef Classic Sandwich on gluten-free bun
– Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon Sandwich on gluten-free bun
– Ham Classic Sandwich on gluten-free bun
– Angus Three Cheese & Bacon Sandwich on gluten-free bun
These sandwiches are prepared on the gluten-free buns and use gluten-free ingredients. Ordering them ensures you will receive a gluten-free sandwich without having to customize.
Sides
Many of Arby’s regular side dishes are also naturally gluten-free. Sides that are safe to eat on a gluten-free diet include:
– Curly Fries – Arby’s famous crinkle-cut fries are gluten-free and safe to eat.
– Potato Cakes – These crispy potato pancakes contain no gluten.
– Mozzarella Sticks – Arby’s cheese sticks are breaded with rice flour, making them gluten-free.
– Jalapeno Bites – The fried jalapenos with cheddar cheese also use gluten-free breading.
Salads
Arby’s large salad selection is also a good gluten-free option. Salad toppings and dressings should be reviewed for croutons, but otherwise salads contain gluten-free ingredients. Some good gluten-free Arby’s salads include:
– Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad
– Roast Chicken Salad
– Chicken BLT Salad
– Crispy Chicken Salad
Be sure to request no croutons on salads. Also check labels on salad dressings to confirm they are gluten-free.
Desserts
Finding gluten-free desserts at restaurants can be tricky. But Arby’s offers the following gluten-free desserts:
– Jamocha Shake – the chocolate shake is dairy-based without gluten ingredients.
– Vanilla Shake – Arby’s vanilla shake is also gluten-free.
– Apple Turnover – the flaky apple pastry contains no gluten.
So there are definitely some sweet treats you can enjoy.
Beverages
All of Arby’s fountain beverages are gluten-free. This includes soft drinks like Coke, Sprite and Dr. Pepper, as well as iced tea and other drink options.
What Arby’s Menu Items Contain Gluten?
While Arby’s does offer a decent amount of gluten-free menu options, there are also many items that contain gluten. It’s important to be aware of these to avoid exposure to gluten:
– Buns – Arby’s regular sesame seed buns and specialty buns like star cutout buns contain wheat and are not safe on a gluten-free diet.
– Breaded Chicken Sandwiches – Sandwiches with breaded chicken filets are not gluten-free, including the Crispy Chicken and Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwiches.
– Corned Beef and Reuben Sandwiches – The corned beef and sauerkraut contain gluten, as does the rye bread.
– Chicken, Bacon & Swiss Croissant – Croissants contain gluten, so this sandwich is not gluten-free.
– Bronco Berry Sauce – This sweet sauce served with items like chicken tenders contains wheat flour.
– Cookies – Arby’s classic chocolate chip cookies and specialty cookies contain gluten.
– Kid’s Meals – The bun, breaded chicken and cookies served in kids meals are not gluten-free.
– Soup – Some Arby’s soups like broccoli & cheese and baked potato contain wheat flour.
If in doubt, be sure to check labels and ingredients lists on Arby’s website. Cross-contamination from gluten-containing items prepared in shared fryers or equipment may also be a concern for more sensitive individuals.
Tips for Ordering Gluten-Free at Arby’s
Here are some tips for customers to safely order gluten-free menu items when dining at Arby’s:
– Request a gluten-free bun for all sandwiches and burgers. You typically have to customize and ask for this special bun.
– Double check ingredients if ordering chicken sandwiches or tenders. Avoid breaded items.
– Verify salad dressings and croutons/toppings are gluten-free.
– Stick to basic roast beef and turkey sandwiches prepared on gluten-free buns.
– Choose sides like curly fries, potato cakes, mozzarella sticks and jalapeno bites.
– Review allergen information online for the latest details on gluten-free menu options.
– Look for a gluten-free menu or allergy menu in-store for other safe options.
– Tell staff you have celiac disease or gluten allergy when ordering.
– Avoid breaded items, croissants, cookies and items with sauces.
– Check labels for shakes and desserts like apple turnovers.
Taking some precautions when ordering can help you safely navigate the menu. Overall Arby’s does offer decent gluten-free choices compared to many other fast food chains.
Does Arby’s Offer Any Other Allergy-Friendly or Dietary Options?
In addition to gluten-free choices, Arby’s also provides some menu options tailored to other food allergies and dietary needs:
– Dairy-free: Arby’s roast beef and turkey sandwiches can be prepared without cheese or creamy sauces. Salads and sides like fries can often be made dairy-free as well.
– Nut-free: None of Arby’s meat, fries or shakes contain nuts, so there are many nut-free options.
– Vegetarian: Veggie sandwiches, salads, and sides like mozzarella sticks provide vegetarian choices.
– Vegan: Options are more limited, but potato cakes, jamocha shake and fries can be prepared vegan.
– Low carb: Sandwiches can be ordered as lettuce wraps. Sides like jalapeno poppers are lower in carbs.
– Kid’s menu: Children 10 and under can choose milk or apple juice instead of soft drinks in kids meals.
Arby’s is reasonably accommodating for many dietary restrictions. As with any restaurant, modifications may be needed to avoid allergens and preferences. Discuss any food allergy or celiac disease with staff when ordering.
Should You Trust Arby’s to Provide Safe Gluten-Free Options if You Have Celiac Disease?
For those with celiac disease, eating gluten can cause serious consequences, so choosing gluten-free menu items at restaurants requires extra care and caution. Here are some factors to consider regarding the reliability of Arby’s gluten-free options for celiacs:
The Positives
– Arby’s has gluten-free buns and several dedicated gluten-free sandwiches, showing an effort to accommodate this diet.
– Ingredients lists and nutrition information are available online to identify gluten-free choices.
– Managers and staff seem reasonably aware of gluten-free needs based on online reviews.
– The chain has procedures in place for food prep and allergen control.
– Being a large national chain provides consistency in menu offerings.
Potential Issues
– Gluten-free buns are not kept separate from regular buns, so errors could occur.
– Risk of cross-contact from shared surfaces, fryers, equipment is a possibility.
– Staff training on celiac disease and gluten-free protocols may vary by location.
– Reviews suggest some inconsistencies with gluten-free accommodations between franchises.
– Menu offerings may vary regionally, as with any chain.
Key Considerations for Celiacs
– Increase communication with staff about severity of gluten allergy.
– Avoid busier times with quicker food prep if highly sensitive.
– Evaluate preparation process and attention to detail at location.
– Assess cross-contact risk based on your sensitivity level.
– Try a “test” order first if new to a particular franchise.
– Have backup snacks/food in case of uncertainty with a menu item.
Overall, Arby’s appears to be reasonably diligent in accommodating gluten-free diners, but there remains some degree of risk, as with most restaurants. Those with celiac disease need to weigh the factors above to determine comfort level. Being proactive when ordering and starting with simpler items like basic roast beef sandwiches can enhance safety. Many celiacs do report positive experiences dining at Arby’s. But as with any restaurant, caution is warranted.
Is Arby’s Doing Enough to Serve Gluten-Free Customers?
Arby’s has taken steps to provide gluten-free options and accommodate guests avoiding gluten. This includes:
– Offering gluten-free buns system-wide.
– Designating specific gluten-free sandwiches.
– Providing allergen guides and transparent ingredients information online.
– Training staff on food prep procedures for allergies and celiac disease.
– Adding more fresh salad choices that are gluten-free.
However, there is still room for improvement:
– Separate gluten-free buns during food prep to reduce cross-contact.
– Improve staff knowledge of menu options, severity of celiac disease.
– Increase awareness of cross-contact risks.
– Create more interesting gluten-free choices using bun substitute.
– Add symbols or labels indicating gluten-free items on menus.
– Consider having separate fryers or prep areas for gluten-free items.
Many gluten-free customers appreciate the steps Arby’s has taken so far. But enhancing training, increasing menu variety, and taking extra precautions around cross-contact would go a long way towards making gluten-free guests feel more comfortable choosing Arby’s. Consistency and being accommodating across all franchises is also important. Overall Arby’s is headed in the right direction, but has room to improve to truly lead fast food chains in gluten-free offerings.
Should You Eat at Arby’s If You’re Gluten-Free?
So taking all these factors into account, is Arby’s a good option for those adhering to a gluten-free diet?
Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to eat at Arby’s if you’re gluten-free:
Reasons to Dine at Arby’s
– They offer gluten-free buns for sandwiches upon request.
– Several dedicated gluten-free sandwiches are menu options.
– Plenty of gluten-free sides like fries and jalapeno bites.
– Salad selection provides lower risk gluten-free choices.
– Allergen and ingredients info available.
– Positive reviews from some gluten-free customers.
Reasons You May Want to Avoid Arby’s
– Potential for cross-contact with gluten is significant.
– Staff training and awareness varies by location.
– Menu inconsistencies between franchises possible.
– Those with celiac disease need to take extra precautions.
– More accommodating chains may be a safer bet.
The Verdict?
In general, Arby’s can be considered reasonably gluten-free friendly, but not necessarily 100% gluten-free safe for those with celiac disease. Using caution when ordering and being very aware of potential cross-contact risks is important. Sticking to simpler items like roast beef sandwiches with a gluten-free bun and fresh salad options may be best. Those with minor gluten sensitivity or who aren’t highly reactive may feel comfortable trying Arby’s. But for celiacs or others who are highly sensitive, chains with dedicated prep areas and better gluten-free protocols may be a safer option. Understanding your comfort level and severity of gluten reaction are key when deciding if Arby’s can work for your gluten-free diet or not. Being informed and thoughtful when ordering is critical to managing your health.
The Bottom Line
While not perfect, Arby’s does offer worthwhile gluten-free choices for many customers avoiding gluten. Their gluten-free bun, several dedicated sandwiches, and variety of gluten-free sides provide tasty options beyond boring salads. The awareness of gluten-free diets is improving at Arby’s, though more training and vigilance in avoiding cross-contact during prep would further improve safety. Celiacs and highly reactive individuals will need to take extra care. But overall, Arby’s is moving in the right direction. Being informed about menu options, asking questions, and clearly communicating gluten allergy severity when ordering allows most gluten-free diners to find something to safely enjoy at Arby’s. Careful consideration of the factors in this article can help each individual decide if Arby’s will work for their unique gluten needs or not.
| Gluten-Free Item | What to Look Out For |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Buns | Ensure proper bun is used, cross-contact |
| Curly Fries | Shared fryers, cross-contact |
| Sandwiches | Bun usage, sauces, cheese containing gluten |
| Salads | Croutons, salad dressing ingredients |
| Shakes | Added thickeners, malt powder |
Conclusion
Arby’s has taken positive steps to serve customers seeking gluten-free options by offering gluten-free buns, some dedicated sandwiches, and a selection of sides and salads that avoid gluten. However, the possibility of cross-contact from shared cooking surfaces and lack of strict protocols in some locations means those with celiac disease need to exercise caution when choosing menu items. Being informed, asking questions, and clearly communicating gluten allergy severity can allow most gluten-free diners to find safe options at Arby’s. But there is room for the chain to improve training and procedures to win over even the most sensitive gluten-free guests. Overall Arby’s provides worthwhile choices for gluten-free needs, though some precautions are necessary. Check ingredient lists, assess your own sensitivity, and enjoy Arby’s roast beef sandwiches on gluten-free buns along with curly fries for a classic fast food meal while avoiding gluten.
