Quick Answer
The standard bun served on most Chick-fil-A sandwiches does contain gluten. Chick-fil-A uses a regular white enriched bread bun that is made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. However, Chick-fil-A does offer a gluten-free bun option for customers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Ingredients in Chick-fil-A’s Regular Bun
The ingredients listed for Chick-fil-A’s standard bun are:
- Enriched bleached wheat flour (bleached flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
- Water
- Yeast
- High fructose corn syrup
- Contains 2% or less of each of the following: salt, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, wheat gluten, sodium stearoyl lactylate, mono- and diglycerides, datem, calcium peroxide, soy lecithin, cialis to preserve freshness (potassium iodate)
As you can see, the main ingredient is enriched bleached wheat flour, which contains gluten. Therefore, Chick-fil-A’s standard bun is not gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Bun Option
While their traditional bun contains gluten, Chick-fil-A does offer a gluten-free bun option for guests who need to avoid gluten. The gluten-free bun contains the following ingredients:
- Filtered Water
- Brown Rice Flour
- Sweet White Rice Flour
- Potato Starch
- Sugar
- Tapioca Starch
- Rice Bran
- Eggs
- Canola Oil
- Sweet Whey
- Cellulose Gum
- Yeast
- Salt
- Xanthan Gum
- Cultured Dextrose
- Citric Acid
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
As you can see, the gluten-free bun does not contain any wheat or other gluten-containing grains. It is made with a combination of rice flours, starches, and other gluten-free ingredients. So guests who need to avoid gluten can request this bun to enjoy Chick-fil-A sandwiches safely.
Cross-Contamination Risk
While the gluten-free bun itself is gluten-free, there can be a risk of cross-contamination with gluten in the restaurant kitchen. Chick-fil-A restaurants prepare and handle many gluten-containing ingredients throughout the day, like breaded chicken items and regular buns. Even with precautions, trace amounts of gluten could come into contact with the gluten-free buns during preparation and serving.
Customers with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should be aware of this potential risk. Those with less sensitivity may be fine with the gluten-free bun prepared in the restaurant kitchen. But anyone with concerns about cross-contamination may want to avoid the gluten-free bun and choose a salad or gluten-free side instead when dining at Chick-fil-A.
Other Gluten-Free Menu Options
In addition to the gluten-free bun, Chick-fil-A offers some other gluten-free menu options:
- Grilled chicken nuggets
- Grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps (with gluten-free bun)
- Salads with grilled chicken
- Fruit cups
- Kale crunch side salad
- Superfood side salad
- Chicken soup broth
Most of their dipping sauces and dressings are also gluten-free, like Barbeque sauce, Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette, Creamy Salsa dressing, and more. Check their gluten-free menu page for the most up-to-date information.
Cross-Contamination Policies
Chick-fil-A details their kitchen protocols regarding cross-contamination of allergens like gluten on their website:
All Chick-fil-A restaurants follow strict food safety and preparation procedures. However, we do not have dedicated equipment for separately preparing allergen-free items. Guests should be aware that there may be a chance that an allergen could inadvertently come in contact with another food item during preparation.
They state that guests must decide whether they can safely consume products that may come into contact with allergens during preparation.
Measures to Prevent Cross-Contamination
While they cannot guarantee no cross-contamination, Chick-fil-A does take some steps to try to minimize the risk:
- Staff are trained on food allergies and preparation procedures.
- Staff change gloves and wash hands/utensils when switching between items with different allergens.
- Gluten-free buns are stored separately.
- Gluten-free menu items are prepared on surfaces thoroughly cleaned before use.
However, as mentioned, they use shared fryers, prep areas, and equipment for gluten-free and gluten-containing foods. Keep this in mind when deciding whether to order an item prepared gluten-free.
Ordering Gluten-Free at Chick-fil-A
To order a gluten-free meal at Chick-fil-A, follow these steps:
- Request the gluten-free bun when ordering your sandwich or wrap. For example, “I’d like a grilled chicken sandwich on a gluten-free bun, please.”
- Verify the order taker repeats back that it’s on a gluten-free bun.
- Check your meal when served to ensure the gluten-free bun was used.
- Ask about ingredients if ordering any sides like soup or salad.
Some additional tips:
- Go during non-busy times if concerned about cross-contamination.
- Stick to basic grilled chicken sandwiches and salads for more safety.
- Know that fried chicken and breaded items share fryers with gluteny foods.
Should You Trust Gluten-Free at Chick-fil-A?
In the end, it comes down to your comfort level with the risk of cross-contamination at Chick-fil-A if you need to strictly avoid gluten. Here are some things to consider when deciding:
Level of Sensitivity
People with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity likely would choose to avoid Chick-fil-A gluten-free options given the cross-contamination risks. Those with milder sensitivities may be comfortable trying the gluten-free bun.
Type of Food Ordered
Sticking to basic grilled chicken sandwiches and salads may pose less cross-contamination risk than items like breaded chicken strips and waffle fries from shared fryers.
Restaurant Precautions
While they don’t have dedicated prep areas, Chick-fil-A does take some precautions around changing gloves, washing, and separation that lower risks.
Your Past Experiences
Those who have eaten gluten-free food from Chick-fil-A with no reactions may feel more comfortable than someone trying it for the first time.
| Factor | Favors Eating Gluten-Free | Favors Avoiding Gluten-Free |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level | Mild | Severe |
| Food Ordered | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Breaded Nuggets and Fries |
| Restaurant Precautions | Some Taken | None Taken |
| Past Experience | No Reactions Before | First Time Trying |
This table summarizes factors for deciding whether to eat gluten-free food from Chick-fil-A.
Being Your Own Advocate
Those who need to avoid gluten for medical reasons have to be their own advocates when dining out. Do your own research, ask questions, and use your best personal judgment when deciding whether a restaurant’s gluten-free options are safe for your individual needs.
Conclusion
In summary:
- Chick-fil-A’s standard buns contain gluten from wheat flour.
- They offer a gluten-free bun made with safe ingredients for sandwiches.
- Risk of gluten cross-contamination exists from shared kitchen equipment.
- Those highly sensitive should avoid gluten-free items due to risk.
- Salads and grilled nuggets may be safer choices.
- Inspect your order and know your own comfort level with the risks.
While not 100% guaranteed gluten-free, Chick-fil-A does make efforts to provide options for gluten-free diners. Each individual must weigh the factors and decide whether Chick-fil-A’s gluten-free menu can work for their dietary needs and sensitivities.
