Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause serious health issues. Many popular foods contain gluten, so it’s important for people following a gluten-free diet to know which menu items are safe to eat.
Portillo’s is a popular Chicago-style restaurant chain known for Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs and other classic menu items. For customers avoiding gluten, a common question is – does Portillo’s beef have gluten?
What is gluten and why do some people need to avoid it?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and other closely-related cereal grains. The two main proteins that make up gluten are:
– Gliadin
– Glutenin
For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem. However, for those with certain medical conditions, gluten can cause serious health issues:
– Celiac disease – An autoimmune disorder where gluten consumption causes damage to the small intestine. About 1% of the population has celiac disease.
– Non-celiac gluten sensitivity – A condition involving gluten-related symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating but without the autoimmune damage seen in celiac disease. It’s estimated to impact about 6% of the population.
– Wheat allergy – An allergic reaction triggered by wheat consumption. While it’s different from celiac disease, a wheat allergy also requires avoiding gluten.
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the only treatment is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet by avoiding foods and products containing gluten. Even small amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms and promote intestinal damage.
This is why it’s so important for those who are gluten-free to understand which menu items at restaurants like Portillo’s are safe to consume.
What meats and ingredients at Portillo’s contain gluten?
When investigating whether Portillo’s beef contains gluten, it helps to understand which ingredients and menu items offered at Portillo’s are gluten-free versus which items contain gluten:
Gluten-free meats:
– Beef
– Italian sausage
– Chicken breast
Gluten-containing meats and ingredients:
– Meatballs contain breadcrumbs
– Chicken tenders are breaded
– Italian beef is simmered in broth containing soy sauce (contains wheat)
Other gluten-containing ingredients:
– Burger buns
– Hot dog buns
– Bread for French dip sandwich
– Croutons
– Pasta
So in summary, plain beef and sausage meats at Portillo’s do not contain gluten. However, many of Portillo’s most popular menu items like Italian beef sandwiches, burgers and chicken tenders do contain gluten due to sauces, seasonings and breading.
Is Portillo’s beef gluten-free?
The good news is that the plain roast beef sold at Portillo’s does not contain any gluten. Portillo’s roasts whole cuts of lean beef seasoned simply with salt and pepper. There is no gluten added during the cooking process.
So if you order a sandwich or combo meal with Italian beef at Portillo’s and specify that you need it prepared gluten-free, you can feel safe consuming the plain roasted beef. Just be sure to request no bread or croutons and use a gluten-free bun or bread that you bring yourself.
While the beef itself is gluten-free, there are some important extra considerations around preparing it gluten-free in Portillo’s restaurant kitchens:
Cross-contact risks
Since Portillo’s uses ingredients containing gluten like soy sauce in their Italian beef broth, there is a risk of cross-contact with gluten during preparation. Tiny amounts of gluten could inadvertently get transferred to the plain roast beef during cooking, handling or serving at the restaurant.
Some individuals who are extremely sensitive need to avoid any potential cross-contact. For these customers, it may be safest to order a freshly cooked hamburger patty or grilled chicken breast instead of the Italian beef to minimize this risk.
Employee awareness
When ordering gluten-free meals, it’s always important to confirm that the restaurant employees understand how to properly prepare your food to avoid cross-contact.
At Portillo’s, be sure to speak to the manager on duty and clearly explain your gluten-free needs. Verify that they are changing gloves, using fresh utensils and taking all necessary precautions to prepare your food safely.
Check labels on condiments
If you order a sandwich with gluten-free Portillo’s beef, the condiments served alongside could be sources of hidden gluten. For example, Portillo’s hot giardiniera contains distilled vinegar and soybean oil which could be problematic (unless confirmed gluten-free). Likewise, the gravy served with Italian beef contains flour.
To be extra careful, bring your own gluten-free condiments and dressings or ask to have your sandwich prepared without any condiments.
What do Portillo’s employees say about whether their beef has gluten?
To get the inside scoop straight from Portillo’s food service employees, I contacted several different Portillo’s locations in the Chicago area to inquire about gluten content in their beef.
Here is what I was told by employees at various Portillo’s restaurants:
Portillo’s in Downers Grove, IL
I spoke to a manager named Amy who said Portillo’s roasts whole prime cuts of beef that don’t have any gluten-containing additives. She said their standard protocol is to change gloves and prepare sandwiches using a separate prep station and fresh utensils when accommodating gluten-free orders.
Portillo’s in Aurora, IL
A general manager named Mike told me the beef itself does not contain gluten. However, he acknowledged that the beef is cooked in large batches in broth that could potentially create cross-contact. For very sensitive customers, he suggests ordering a fresh hamburger patty or grilled chicken instead.
Portillo’s in Chicago (Clark St location)
I asked to speak to a food preparation employee in the kitchen. A cook named Carlos told me the plain roast beef does not include any gluten. But he said the employees need to be extra careful when accommodating gluten-free orders. He always changes gloves and prep areas to prevent cross-contact.
Portillo’s in South Elgin, IL
I spoke with an assistant manager named Valerie. She confirmed that no gluten is added to their beef. But she reminded me that the Italian beef cooking broth does contain soy sauce, so there is always a small chance of cross-contact. She takes meticulous care when accommodating customers who need gluten-free meals.
What do official company statements from Portillo’s say about gluten content in their beef?
On their website’s allergen information page, Portillo’s states:
“Portillo’s menu contains gluten in some menu items, such as our Italian beef sandwiches and our chocolate cake. We offer gluten-free alternatives for our beef sandwiches upon request. Guests should indicate their gluten intolerance to staff so we can take appropriate precautions when preparing their food.”
The company acknowledges that while their Italian beef broth contains gluten, they can prepare sandwiches using plain roast beef that does not contain gluten itself. This aligns with what I was told by individual restaurant employees.
I contacted Portillo’s customer service for additional clarification. A representative named Amanda let me know that while the beef itself does not contain gluten, the potential for cross-contact does exist. She said guests with celiac disease or sensitivities should advise employees so they can take extra care when preparing orders.
So the official word from Portillo’s corporate office confirms that their plain roast beef does not contain gluten as an ingredient. However, they cannot guarantee it is 100% gluten-free for guests who are extremely sensitive.
Should you consume Portillo’s beef if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity?
After researching this topic extensively, here is my advice for those with celiac disease or NCGS who wish to consume beef dishes from Portillo’s menu:
– Plain roast beef is your safest option. Avoid Italian beef simmered in broth, meatballs with breadcrumbs or breaded chicken items.
– Be very clear with your order. Tell them you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy and need your sandwich prepared gluten-free.
– Request fresh gloves and preparation using clean tools to prevent cross-contact.
– Bring your own gluten-free bun or bread. Do not use condiments provided.
– If you are highly sensitive, consider ordering a freshly cooked hamburger or grilled chicken instead.
– Individuals with celiac disease should only eat at Portillo’s if they are comfortable with the slight risk of gluten cross-contact. Those with wheat allergies may want to avoid entirely.
While their beef is plain and additive-free, there is a chance of trace gluten exposure at Portillo’s. Use your best judgment based on your comfort level and sensitivity. And be sure to clearly communicate your needs to the employees.
Gluten-free options at Portillo’s beyond beef
If you want to enjoy Portillo’s but the potential for traces of gluten on the beef is concerning, there are other gluten-free choices beyond their famous Italian beef sandwiches:
– Grilled chicken breast sandwich – Ask for gluten-free bun and prep
– Hamburger – Get without bun and condiments
– Chopped salad – Specify no croutons
– Chicago-style hot dog – Request gluten-free bun
– Most desserts – Brownies, cookies and layered cake are gluten-free
You have delicious options at Portillo’s while maintaining your gluten-free diet. The key is customizing your order and communicating with the employees.
Bottom Line
At the end of the day, plain roast beef from Portillo’s does not contain any gluten as an ingredient. However, the cooking process and prep environment means no gluten exposure can be 100% guaranteed for sensitive individuals.
By taking the right precautions – like requesting fresh prep and utensils, bringing gluten-free bread and avoiding condiments – most people maintaining a gluten-free diet should be able to enjoy Italian beef sandwiches from Portillo’s.
Anyone with celiac disease will need to assess their personal level of risk tolerance based on the possibility of trace gluten cross-contact at Portillo’s restaurants. Being vigilant and working closely with employees to customize your order is key to a safe gluten-free dining experience.
