International House of Pancakes, more commonly known as IHOP, is one of the most popular family restaurant chains in the United States. IHOP is famous for its wide variety of pancakes, omelets, breakfast foods, sandwiches, and dinner items. With gluten intolerance and celiac disease becoming more prevalent, many people wonder if IHOP offers gluten-free pancake options.
The Short Answer
Yes, IHOP does offer gluten-free pancakes. IHOP has a specific gluten-free menu that includes gluten-free pancakes made with a gluten-free pancake mix. The gluten-free pancakes come in flavors like original buttermilk, blueberry, cinnamon swirl, and harvest grain ‘n nut.
IHOP’s Gluten-Free Menu
In addition to gluten-free pancakes, IHOP’s gluten-free menu includes other breakfast items like eggs, potatoes, meats, omelets, and fried potatoes. There are also sandwiches, salads, and lunch/dinner entrees marked as gluten-free. IHOP notes that while they take steps to avoid cross-contamination, the restaurant cannot guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment.
Gluten-Free Pancakes
The main gluten-free offering at IHOP is their gluten-free pancakes. The gluten-free pancake batter is made with a propriety gluten-free flour blend including rice flour and potato starch. Customers can order gluten-free pancakes in the same flavors available for regular pancakes like original buttermilk, harvest grain ‘n nut, blueberry, and cinnamon swirl. Gluten-free pancakes are cooked on dedicated grills separate from regular pancakes.
Other Gluten-Free Breakfast Items
In addition to pancakes, IHOP offers various gluten-free sides and add-ons for breakfast:
- Eggs – cooked any style
- Omelets – made with gluten-free cooking spray
- Breakfast meats – bacon, ham, sausage, corned beef hash
- Breakfast potatoes
- Fruit – fresh fruit, canned fruit
Gluten-Free Lunch & Dinner
For lunch and dinner, IHOP’s gluten-free menu includes items like:
- Sandwiches – burgers, melts served on gluten-free bread
- Salads – garden salad, cobb salad, grilled chicken Caesar salad
- Entrees – grilled chicken, tilapia, steak, pork chops
- Sides – broccoli, green beans, fries, mashed potatoes
Burgers can be served “protein style” wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. Entrees are grilled without butter or gravy to avoid gluten. IHOP notes gluten-free sides may be in contact with gluten-containing foods during preparation and cooking.
Ordering Gluten-Free at IHOP
When dining at IHOP, there are a few tips to follow to safely order gluten-free:
- Request gluten-free when ordering – say you need to order from the gluten-free menu.
- Double check your order and substitutions – confirm your plate/pancakes are gluten free.
- Ask about prep if uncertain – inquire about butter, thickening agents, marinades.
- Specify cooking method if dining out – request grilled protein instead of fried.
- Check for mistakes – nicely ask staff to double check if you suspect an issue.
- Tip for extra care – show your appreciation for steps taken for your special order.
IHOP staff are trained on gluten-free procedures and take steps to avoid cross-contamination. However, kitchen mistakes can happen. Being proactive helps get the gluten-free meal you need.
Nutrition Information
IHOP provides nutrition information for their gluten-free menu items on their website. Here are some details on popular gluten-free selections:
| Menu Item | Calories | Fat | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Buttermilk Pancakes (2) | 260 | 3g | 5g | 50g |
| Garden Omelet | 350 | 24g | 20g | 15g |
| Simple & Fit Bowl | 270 | 6g | 29g | 25g |
As shown, gluten-free options at IHOP can range from higher carb pancake meals to lower carb entrees. Those with celiac have many choices to create a satisfying gluten-free meal.
Kid’s Menu
IHOP offers select gluten-free items for kids:
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Hamburger or Cheeseburger “Protein Style”
- Corn Dog – request gluten-free preparation
- Broiled Tilapia
- Kid’s Fruit Cup
Kids can enjoy pancakes, proteins, and fruits to create a fun gluten-free meal. Parents should still advise staff of any gluten allergy when ordering off the kid’s menu.
Prices
Gluten-free pancakes cost the same as regular pancakes at IHOP. The chain typically runs frequent promotional deals like:
- Free Short Stack of Pancakes – for joining MyHOP loyalty program
- $1 Pancake Promotion – occasional dollar pancake days
- Kid’s Eat Free – 1 free kid’s meal per adult meal purchased
These offers can help offset the cost of more expensive gluten-free flours used in pancakes. Gluten-free entrees are comparably priced to non-gluten-free dishes.
Gluten-Free Pancake Mix
For enjoying IHOP gluten-free pancakes at home, the chain sells bottles of its gluten-free pancake mix online and in stores. The mix contains IHOP’s signature blend of rice flour and potato starch replicated from the restaurants. Add-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips can be stirred into the batter for different flavors.
IHOP Gluten-Free Pancake Mix is available in 28oz bottles. The mix makes about twelve 4-inch pancakes. Pancakes prepared at home won’t be exactly the same as the restaurant version but provide a close approximation. The mix allows those sensitive to gluten to enjoy familiar IHOP flavors at home.
Availability & Locations
Gluten-free menu items are available year-round during normal business hours at IHOP locations. IHOP has over 1,750 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Guatemala. Popular spots like malls, travel plazas, city centers, and suburbs commonly have an IHOP restaurant. Celiac diners can usually find a participating IHOP along their travels.
Customers can access the chain’s online location finder to search IHOPs in their area. The store locator provides addresses, contact information, and business hours for each restaurant. This allows those adhering to a gluten-free diet to confirm their local IHOP offers gluten-free pancakes and meals.
IHOP vs Other Chains
Here is how IHOP’s gluten-free menu compares to other popular breakfast chains:
- Denny’s – offers gluten-free pancakes, French toast, waffles, burgers, sandwiches, entrees.
- Cracker Barrel – offers gluten-free pancakes, biscuits, muffins, cornbread, grilled meats and seafood.
- Waffle House – limited gluten-free options beyond hash browns, eggs, and meats.
- Bob Evans – offers gluten-free pancakes, biscuits, muffins, and side substitutions.
Most national family chains now accommodate gluten-free diets with dedicated menus. However, IHOP remains a top choice for gluten-free pancakes with flavors not widely replicated elsewhere.
Reviews
IHOP’s gluten-free pancakes get mixed reviews online and on review sites:
- Positive – “Tasted like real fluffy pancakes!”
- Positive – “My son loves the chocolate chip ones, no complaints.”
- Negative – “Too dense and rubbery compared to regular pancakes.”
- Negative – “They seem too thick and dry without real butter.”
Results seem to depend on personal preference and expectations when ordering gluten-free. Many appreciate having a gluten-free pancake option at a classic family chain. But some feel the texture and taste differ from conventional wheat-based pancakes. Trying them yourself seems the best gauge of whether you enjoy IHOP’s gluten-free offering.
Gluten-Free Pancake Recipes
Those wanting homemade gluten-free pancakes similar to IHOP can search recipes online using gluten-free flours and starches. Here are some top recipes to consider trying:
Fluffy Gluten-Free Pancakes
- Ingredients: Brown rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, baking powder, salt, egg, milk, butter
- Fluffy texture from beating egg whites
- Uses dairy and eggs for richness
- Brown rice flour for nutty flavor
Ultimate Gluten-Free Pancakes
- Ingredients: Gluten-free flour, corn starch, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sour cream, egg, butter, vanilla
- Uses sour cream for tangy flavor
- Corn starch helps bind and thicken
- Well-rated easy recipe
Protein-Packed Gluten-Free Pancakes
- Ingredients: Oat flour, collagen peptides, flaxseed, baking powder, egg whites, almond milk, vanilla
- Collagen protein boosts nutrition
- Flaxseed adds fiber
- Low in sugar and carbs
Following creative recipes can result in gluten-free pancakes with light texture and delicious flavor. The options are endless when making pancakes tailored to your own dietary needs.
Are Pancakes Gluten-Free?
Traditional pancakes made with wheat flour contain gluten. However, pancakes can be gluten-free if made with alternative flours like:
- Rice flour
- Oat flour
- Cornmeal
- Buckwheat flour
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
These gluten-free flours allow pancakes to hold together and get that familiar fluffy texture. Binders like xanthan gum or eggs can further add structure in the absence of gluten. With the right ingredients, gluten-free pancakes can taste just as delicious!
Conclusion
IHOP offers tasty gluten-free pancakes that allow those sensitive to gluten to still enjoy a favorite breakfast food. The restaurant chain accommodates various diets and allergies with a dedicated gluten-free menu of pancakes, sandwiches, entrees, and sides. While gluten-free offerings may differ slightly in taste and texture from conventional options, IHOP provides a safe meal you can feel good about enjoying with family and friends.
Adhering to a gluten-free diet for medical reasons does not have to limit enjoyment of dining out. With proactive ordering, flexible substitutes, and customized preparation, those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance can eat happily at restaurants like IHOP. Chains that cater to special diets help customers stick to their healthy lifestyles while still joining in the fun.
