Red Lobster is a popular seafood restaurant chain known for its Cheddar Bay Biscuits. However, for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause serious health issues. Many restaurants now offer gluten-free options to accommodate various dietary needs. But does Red Lobster serve gluten-free biscuits?
The quick answer is yes, Red Lobster does offer gluten-free Cheddar Bay Biscuits in its restaurants. Guests following a gluten-free diet can request gluten-free biscuits made with rice flour instead of wheat flour. The gluten-free biscuits are baked fresh and served warm just like the regular Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Below we will explore this topic in more detail:
- Background on celiac disease and gluten-free diets
- Red Lobster’s gluten-free menu options
- How to order gluten-free biscuits at Red Lobster
- Ingredients and preparation of gluten-free Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Reviews of Red Lobster’s gluten-free biscuits
- Tips for dining at Red Lobster with celiac disease or gluten intolerance
Background on Gluten-Free Diets
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For most people, consuming gluten is not an issue. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten causes damage to the small intestine and triggers an autoimmune response.
Celiac disease affects approximately 1% of the population. People with celiac disease must avoid gluten for life. Even small amounts of gluten can cause gastrointestinal distress, malnutrition, and other health complications if consumed over time.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a less severe condition that causes symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain and fatigue when gluten is ingested. It affects approximately 6-7% of the population.
The only treatment for celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods and products containing wheat, rye, barley and sometimes oats.
In recent years, the demand for gluten-free foods has dramatically increased as more people have adopted gluten-free diets, both by necessity and by choice. As a result, many restaurants now offer gluten-free menu options.
Common Foods Containing Gluten
Here are some common foods that contain gluten that people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must avoid:
- Breads, pastas and baked goods made with wheat flours
- Beer and malt products
- Cereals containing wheat, barley or rye
- Pasta, noodles and couscous
- Croutons, breadcrumbs
- Soups, sauces and gravies thickened with wheat flour
- Breaded or flour-coated fried foods
- Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce
- Salad dressings, seasonings and spices containing gluten
Even trace amounts of gluten from cross-contamination can be problematic, so awareness of ingredients and food prep practices is important when dining out with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Red Lobster’s Gluten-Free Menu Options
Red Lobster offers a separate gluten-free menu highlighting dishes that are gluten-free or can be modified to be gluten-free. Here are some of the gluten-free friendly options available:
Appetizers
- Lobster, Langostino and Seafood Buddha Bowl
- Seaside Shrimp Cocktail
- Buffalo Shrimp
- Clam Chowder Soup
Salads
- Caesar Salad without croutons
- Garden Salad without croutons
Main Dishes
- Wood-Grilled Seafood Skewers
- Grilled Salmon
- Grilled Shrimp
- Grilled Lobster, Shrimp and Salmon
- Baked or Broiled Seafood Combinations
Red Lobster notes that while they offer gluten-free menu options, their kitchen is not gluten-free, so there is a risk of cross-contamination. Guests with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should inform their server of the allergy.
Ordering Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits at Red Lobster
To order gluten-free Cheddar Bay Biscuits at Red Lobster, simply request them when ordering. Let your server know you need to avoid gluten due to an allergy.
The gluten-free biscuits are baked fresh without wheat flour, using rice flour instead. They come out warm and have the same garlic butter topping as the regular biscuits. However, they are made in the same kitchen and bakery as items containing gluten.
Be advised that the gluten-free biscuits are made fresh for each order, so they take a little extra time to prepare. Your server will let you know when they are ready.
The gluten-free Cheddar Bay Biscuits are not listed separately on the menu, so you have to specifically request them. Make sure to confirm with your server that your order was placed for gluten-free biscuits.
Ingredients in Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits
While the exact recipe is proprietary, according to Red Lobster the main ingredients in their gluten-free Cheddar Bay Biscuits include:
- Rice flour
- Butter
- Cheddar cheese
- Whole milk
- Baking powder
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Salt
The biscuits do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing ingredients. However, they are prepared in shared fryers and ovens where gluten is also used.
Preparation Process
While the exact preparation process is proprietary information, typically gluten-free baked goods follow a similar process with some modifications:
- Dry ingredients like rice flour, baking powder, salt are whisked together.
- Wet ingredients like milk, butter are then incorporated.
- Cheese and seasonings are added.
- The biscuit dough is portioned and shaped.
- The shaped biscuits are placed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and baked until golden brown.
- Once baked, they are brushed with melted garlic butter and parsley and served warm.
The biggest difference is using gluten-free rice flour instead of regular wheat flour. Portioning and shaping also tends to require more care compared to traditional biscuit dough.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Biscuit |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Reviews of Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Overall, reviews of Red Lobster’s gluten-free Cheddar Bay Biscuits are quite positive. Here are some first-hand experiences from people who have ordered them:
Positive Reviews
- “These biscuits are so amazing! I was thrilled when the server told me they had gluten-free biscuits now. They are warm, fluffy, and soft and have the same delicious garlic Parmesan flavor.”
- “I was so happy to learn they offer gluten-free biscuits now. They taste nearly identical to the regular ones, with the same aromatic garlic butter. Nice option for gluten-free diners.”
- “While they don’t rise as much as wheat flour biscuits, the gluten-free biscuits at Red Lobster are tasty with a nice texture. I appreciate having the option.”
Constructive Feedback
- “The gluten-free biscuits are decent but crumble easily. They have good flavor but could be a little more moist.”
- “Overall not bad, but the texture is quite dense and crumbly compared to a traditional biscuit. Still, great that they offer a gluten-free version.”
- “The biscuits are quite small compared to the regular ones. But good to have a gluten-free choice, even though the texture is a bit dry.”
While constructive feedback indicates there is room for improvement on texture and moistness, most reviews praise the biscuits for their great garlic Parmesan flavor and the ability to offer an option for gluten-free diners.
Tips for Dining at Red Lobster with Gluten Sensitivity
Here are some tips for safely dining at Red Lobster with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity:
- Review the gluten-free menu in advance and identify safe options
- Inform your server as soon as you are seated about your gluten allergy
- Request gluten-free biscuits in place of regular ones
- Ask about preparation practices and risk of cross-contact with kitchen tools
- Make sure side dishes like fries do not share fryers with breaded foods
- Ask for sauces and dressings to be served on the side
- Check labels for gluten-containing ingredients ifuncertainties arise
- If concerned, request manager to personally oversee your order
While Red Lobster makes an effort to accommodate gluten-free diets, it is important to use extra caution dining out with celiac disease or gluten intolerance anywhere cross-contact may occur.
Conclusion
In summary, Red Lobster does offer gluten-free Cheddar Bay Biscuits as an option for guests who need to follow a gluten-free diet. The gluten-free biscuits are baked fresh using rice flour and have the same delicious garlic Parmesan flavor.
Reviews suggest the texture and rise are not exactly the same as regular wheat flour biscuits. However, most praise Red Lobster for offering a gluten-free version so guests with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can also enjoy the famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
While precautions must be taken around potential cross-contact, having the gluten-free biscuit option makes it easier for gluten-free guests to dine at Red Lobster and take part in the full experience.