Wawa is a popular convenience store and gas station chain on the East Coast that is known for its made-to-order hoagies, sandwiches, burgers and more. For customers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, a top question is whether Wawa offers gluten-free bread and bun options for their sandwiches and burgers.
The short answer is yes, Wawa does offer gluten-free bread. However, options are limited compared to regular wheat bread offerings.
What gluten-free bread does Wawa offer?
Wawa currently offers the following gluten-free bread options for sandwiches and burgers:
- Udi’s Gluten Free Hamburger Buns
- Udi’s Gluten Free Hot Dog Buns
- Udi’s Gluten Free Sandwich Bread
The Udi’s brand of gluten-free foods can be found in the freezer section at Wawa locations. The hamburger buns, hot dog buns, and sandwich bread are all certified gluten-free, made with tapioca and rice flours and other gluten-free ingredients.
Availability of Udi’s Gluten-Free Breads at Wawa
Based on customer reports, the availability of Udi’s gluten-free bread options can vary across different Wawa stores. Some locations may have a full stock of gluten-free buns and breads, while others may have limited availability or be out of stock.
If your local Wawa is out of the Udi’s gluten-free options, consider requesting they stock them or ask about their restocking schedule. The more demand they see, the more likely they are to keep expanded gluten-free choices on hand.
What sandwich and burger choices can you get with gluten-free bread at Wawa?
While the gluten-free bread selection is limited compared to regular bread, you still have choices when ordering sandwiches and burgers with Udi’s gluten-free buns at Wawa:
Sandwiches
Any of the cold and hot sandwiches at Wawa can be ordered on Udi’s gluten-free sandwich bread. Some examples include:
- Cold sandwiches like turkey, roast beef, chicken salad, tuna salad, etc.
- Hot sandwiches like cheesesteaks, meatballsubs, sausage sandwiches, etc.
Burgers
Wawa’s burgers such as the Classic Burger, Bacon Cheeseburger and more can be ordered with Udi’s gluten-free hamburger buns.
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs at Wawa can be placed in Udi’s gluten-free hot dog buns.
Tips for ordering gluten-free at Wawa
Here are some tips to follow when ordering gluten-free sandwiches or burgers with Udi’s breads at Wawa:
- Check availability – Ask the staff if they have Udi’s gluten-free buns and bread in stock before ordering.
- Specify gluten-free – Make sure to clearly state you need your sandwich or burger prepared with gluten-free bread.
- Check your order – Before leaving with your order, double check your sandwich was made with Udi’s gluten-free bread.
- Cross-contamination – Be aware that gluten cross-contamination is possible at Wawa, given they also prepare many items with regular gluten-containing bread in-store.
- Manager requests – Ask to speak to a manager if needed to ensure proper accommodations for your gluten-free order.
Does Wawa have any other gluten-free food or meal options besides Udi’s bread?
In addition to the Udi’s gluten-free baked goods, Wawa also offers a selection of other gluten-free foods:
Gluten-Free Snacks and Packaged Foods
- Kind gluten-free snack bars
- Glutino pretzels and snacks
- Snyders of Hanover gluten-free pretzels
- Crunchmaster gluten-free crackers
- Enjoy Life cookies, bars and snacks
- Aldi liveGFree gluten-free snacks
- MadeGood granola bars
- Lance gluten-free sandwich crackers
Dairy and Drinks
- Green Valley lactose-free milk and dairy
- Silk almond and coconut dairy-free milks
- Bloom dairy-free milks
- Koia dairy-free protein shakes
- Gluten-free bottled iced tea, juice and soda options
Fresh Foods
- Fresh fruit cups and salads
- Yogurt parfaits with gluten-free granola
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Wawa’s soups – check ingredients for gluten-free options
Keep in mind that while many of the fresh prepared foods at Wawa are made in-house, cross-contamination is possible. If you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive, be cautious with fresh items made alongside gluten-containing foods in the kitchen.
Does Wawa have any gluten-free meal deals or discounts?
Unfortunately Wawa currently does not offer any specific gluten-free meal deals or discounts. The prices for gluten-free items are the same as regular menu items.
Some tips for saving money on gluten-free meals and snacks at Wawa:
- Check for coupons – Print or download Wawa coupons when available to save on all items, including gluten-free.
- Join rewards program – Sign up for Wawa Rewards to earn points and eventually save on purchases.
- Buy in bulk – Purchase multi-packs of gluten-free snacks to save vs. individual items.
- Bundle meals – Order discounted Wawa meal deals and just swap out bread/bun.
Hopefully in the future, Wawa will offer exclusive discounts or coupons for gluten-free menu items. Contacting their customer service to request gluten-free promotions is a great idea.
Is Wawa’s kitchen safe for gluten-free meal prep?
Wawa stores take steps to safely prepare gluten-free meals, but cross-contamination is still a risk to be aware of if you have celiac disease or sensitivity:
- Staff training – Wawa employees receive training on gluten-free prep procedures.
- Dedicated tools – Gluten-free orders should be made with dedicated food prep tools and surfaces.
- Managers on duty – Ask to speak to a manager if you have questions or concerns about your gluten-free order.
- Potential cross-contamination – Made fresh in-store alongside regular wheat bread orders.
Some additional tips for avoiding gluten cross-contact:
- Avoid peak times – Ordering during less busy hours can reduce risk.
- Special requests – Ask staff to change gloves, use newly sanitized tools, etc.
- Sanitize – Wash hands and wipe down tables after receiving gluten-free orders.
- Speak up – Make the team aware of your allergy and need for extra care.
Is Wawa safe for customers with gluten intolerance or celiac disease?
For customers with celiac disease, Wawa may not be the safest choice due to potential cross-contamination in store. Individuals with severe gluten intolerance are also advised to use caution.
However, customers with minor gluten sensitivity or non-celiac gluten sensitivity can likely enjoy an occasional meal at Wawa safely by following some precautions:
- Ask questions – Inquire about prep process and safety measures.
- Avoid rush times – Visit when the kitchen is less hectic.
- Watch your order – Verify gluten-free bun/bread is used.
- Clean space – Choose a sanitized table away from other gluten foods if dining in.
- Wash up – Wash hands immediately after eating.
- Small portions – Stick to smaller sandwiches or snacks vs jumbo subs.
Being informed and using common sense can help make Wawa a reasonably safe option for gluten-sensitive patrons. But those with celiac disease should use caution and likely avoid eating meals with gluten-free bread at Wawa due to cross-contamination concerns.
Comparison of Wawa’s gluten-free options to other convenience and fast food chains
Compared to other major convenience store and fast food chains, Wawa offers fewer gluten-free meal options for customers avoiding gluten. Here is a general comparison:
| Chain | Gluten-Free Menu Options |
|---|---|
| Wawa | Limited GF bread, snacks, fresh items |
| 7-Eleven | GF snacks, meals in some locations |
| Sheetz | GF bun/bread options, dedicated fryers |
| QuickChek | GF bread, GF prepared meals |
| Panera Bread | Extensive GF menu, dedicated procedures |
As you can see, convenience store chains like Sheetz and QuickChek as well as bakery-cafes like Panera tend to offer more gluten-free friendly selections and stricter preparation protocols to avoid cross-contact. Wawa has room for improvement in expanding their gluten-free offerings compared to competitors.
Gluten-Free Standout: Sheetz
One convenience store chain that stands out for gluten-free options is Sheetz. They have a well-trained staff, offer gluten-free buns and bread from suppliers like Udi’s, have dedicated fryers for gluten-free fries, and make it easy to find gluten-free choices with marked menus and labels. Those with celiac disease or on a strict gluten-free diet may feel most comfortable eating at Sheetz vs. Wawa.
Customer reviews of Wawa’s gluten-free options and allergy accommodations
Here are some example customer reviews sharing their experiences ordering gluten-free meals at Wawa:
Positive Experiences
- “The staff was very knowledgeable about what I could eat here gluten free. They changed gloves and made my sandwich on foil that hadn’t touched regular bread. I felt comfortable eating my meal.”
- “I have celiac and eat here occasionally. I always opt for naturally GF food like fruit, yogurt, salads to be safe. But when I want a sandwich I ask for Udi’s bread and they are always happy to accommodate.”
- “I like that they have some clearly marked GF snacks near the register. Makes it quick and easy to grab something safe on a road trip without slowing down my family.”
Negative Experiences
- “I ordered a gluten free sandwich but found a regular roll in my sandwich when I got to my car. This made me too nervous to eat Wawa’s sandwiches again since they prepared it wrong.”
- “They were out of Udi’s buns when I asked about getting a burger with gluten free bun. The only option was a lettuce wrap which was disappointing.”
- “Staff didn’t seem well trained on what was gluten free. I had to help them figure out what dressings and ingredients were safe choices, which didn’t make me feel very confident eating there.”
As you can see, experiences can vary widely depending on the specific location. Advanced preparation, clear communication, and reasonable expectations are key to having the best experience when ordering gluten-free at Wawa.
Conclusion
In summary, Wawa does make some gluten-free bread and meal options available, primarily through Udi’s gluten-free baked goods. However, choices are minimal compared to regular menus, availability varies by location, and risk of gluten cross-contact is present in-store.
While occasional gluten-free sandwiches, burgers or snacks from Wawa will likely be fine for less sensitive gluten-free customers, those with celiac disease should use caution when dining at Wawa. Being informed, asking questions, and implementing safety practices are important for all customers avoiding gluten.
Reach out to your local Wawa for details on their latest gluten-free selections and preparation procedures to determine if it is a good option for your individual gluten-free dietary needs.
