Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects around 1% of the population worldwide. It causes damage to the small intestine when a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine, damaging the villi which are tiny finger-like projections that line the small intestine and absorb nutrients from food. This damage leads to an inability to absorb nutrients properly, resulting in symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, nutritional deficiencies and more.
The only treatment for celiac disease is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, avoiding any foods or products that contain gluten. This includes many baked goods, pastas, cereals, beers and more. With gluten lurking in so many products, eating out and finding safe gluten-free options can be extremely challenging for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Baskin-Robbins is one of the most popular ice cream chains, known for its 31 original flavors and variety of ice cream cakes and treats. For those with celiac disease, enjoying Baskin-Robbins products likely seems off-limits. But can celiacs actually indulge in Baskin-Robbins safely? Here is an in-depth look at what options are gluten-free at Baskin-Robbins and precautions those with celiac disease should take when visiting.
Are Baskin-Robbins Ice Creams Gluten-Free?
The good news is that almost all of the Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors are gluten-free, with a few exceptions. Baskin-Robbins states that their ice creams are produced in a facility that also processes wheat and soy. The equipment and utensils used in the manufacturing process are also shared with products containing gluten. However, the ice cream base itself does not contain any gluten ingredients.
Most flavors of Baskin-Robbins ice cream, frozen yogurt and sherbet are safe for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. The only exceptions are flavors that have cookie or cake pieces mixed in, such as Cookie Dough or Black Walnut. Any flavor with added chunks of cookies, brownies or cake would not be gluten-free.
Plain ice cream flavors though like Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry and even more unique ones like Jamoca Almond Fudge and Pralines ‘n Cream are all free of gluten and fine for celiacs to consume. Baskin-Robbins states that all of their fruit sherbets and non-dairy frozen yogurt are also gluten-free.
So when ordering a cone or cup at Baskin-Robbins, most of their classic flavors are safe as long as no gluten-containing mix-ins are added. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should stick to the plain ice cream, sherbet or frozen yogurt flavors without any add-ins that could contaminate the product.
Are Sundaes, Shakes and Other Treats at Baskin-Robbins Gluten-Free?
While Baskin-Robbins’ ice cream is largely safe, many of their other treats and menu items do contain gluten or risk of cross-contamination.
Items like ice cream cakes, sundaes, milkshakes, floats and ice cream sandwiches typically contain glutenous ingredients or toppings that make them unsafe for celiacs. For example, ice cream sandwiches are served on cookies that contain gluten. Milkshakes and ice cream floats may be topped with whipped cream containing gluten or served with a glutenous wafer.
Sundays pose a high risk as well since they often include toppings like sprinkles, cookies, brownies and other mix-ins that contain gluten. Even sundae syrups and some varieties of nuts at Baskin-Robbins may be processed on equipment shared with wheat-based products.
Real fruit smoothies are gluten-free at Baskin-Robbins, but other smoothie flavors may contain ingredients like cookie pieces or wheat germ that are not safe for those with celiac disease.
When it comes to shakes, floats, sundaes and other treats beside plain ice cream, those with celiac disease unfortunately have to avoid most menu items due to the likelihood of gluten exposure. Sticking to basic cups and cones of gluten-free ice cream flavors is the safest bet.
Cross-Contact Risks
Even when ordering “gluten-free” ice cream at Baskin Robbins, there is still some risk of cross-contamination occurring. Since many flavors containing gluten like cookie dough are scooped and served using the same equipment, traces of gluten could potentially get into the gluten-free ice cream.
Those with celiac disease highly sensitive to even small amounts of cross-contact gluten should be aware of the potential risk when ordering. Some ways to further limit exposure are:
- Asking staff to use a clean, sanitized scoop when preparing your order
- Ordering flavors that contain no mix-ins like chocolate or vanilla
- Going at off-peak times when gluten-containing flavors are less likely to have just been scooped
- Sticking to cup orders instead of cones, as cones may have more direct contact with shared equipment
Staff at Baskin-Robbins locations are equipped to change gloves, sanitize equipment and take other precautions for those with celiac disease and food allergies. Do not hesitate to clearly explain your needs to help minimize any risk of cross-contact.
Precautions for Celiacs
When visiting Baskin-Robbins, those with celiac disease should take the following precautions:
- Check online menus ahead of time and scout out gluten-free options
- Ask plenty of questions about ingredients and preparation when ordering
- Request scoops, containers and utensils that have not come into contact with gluten
- Ask staff to wear fresh gloves
- Avoid flavors with gluten-containing mix-ins
- Don’t add any toppings that may be cross-contaminated like sprinkles, cookies or brownies
The biggest risk of gluten exposure comes from cross-contact with equipment and shared serving utensils. Celiacs need to pay close attention in ordering plain ice cream from tubs that likely have not been used to scoop gluten-containing flavors.
Dairy-Free Options
Along with gluten-free, Baskin-Robbins also offers some dairy-free options for those with other allergies and sensitivities. Their lineup of non-dairy frozen yogurt flavors are all made without milk and safe for those with dairy allergies.
Certain vegan ice cream flavors may also be available at some locations, like non-dairy chocolate and vanilla made from coconut milk instead of dairy. Those with both celiac disease and dairy issues should look out for these dairy-free options that can often still be enjoyed on a gluten-free diet.
Kids Menu
For parents of kids with celiac disease, the Baskin-Robbins kids menu also poses some challenges. Kid-favorite treats like ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cakes and sundaes are typically off-limits due to glutenous ingredients.
Your safest option is to order a simple kids size cup or cone in a gluten-free ice cream flavor, without any toppings or mix-ins. An ice cream cone or small cup of vanilla or chocolate can still make for a fun gluten-free treat for kids with celiac disease. Going during off-peak hours can help minimize cross-contact from equipment as well.
Allergy Information
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should also know that Baskin-Robbins provides an Ingredient & Allergy Information guide on their website. This guide gives detailed information on major allergens across their entire menu, including which items are gluten-free.
You can access this information at www.baskinrobbins.com/en/menu/nutrition under the Allergy Information tab. The guide is thorough in listing ingredients for every ice cream flavor,frozen yogurt, sherbet, topping and treat.
Checking this allergen menu is the best way to get accurate, up-to-date information directly from Baskin-Robbins on what menu options are gluten free and safe for those with celiac disease. Ingredients and offerings do change periodically, so always reference this online resource for the newest facts.
Dining Tips
If you want to enjoy Baskin-Robbins while following a strict gluten-free diet, keep these safe dining tips in mind:
- Check out the Allergy Information guide online before visiting
- Stick to plain ice cream in cups or cones, or real fruit sherbet
- Always customize orders and ask lots of questions about ingredients and kitchen protocols
- Request clean, unused scoops and utensils
- Ask staff to change gloves and sanitize equipment
- Go during off-peak times when gluten-free options are less likely to be cross-contaminated
- Avoid sundaes, shakes, ice cream cakes and other treats with glutenous toppings
With some modifications and care, those with celiac disease can often enjoy many flavors of ice cream at Baskin-Robbins safely. But it’s crucial to be very selective in ordering only products confirmed as gluten-free.
Being Your Own Advocate
Those with celiac disease know that dining out requires being very proactive in asking questions and customizing orders. Don’t be afraid to speak up clearly about your needs at Baskin-Robbins.
Explain that you have celiac disease and cannot have any gluten exposure at all, including cross-contact. Ask the staff detailed questions about ingredients, preparation methods and kitchen protocols to feel fully assured your order will be safe.
If you do not feel confident that proper precautions are being taken to avoid cross-contamination, don’t hesitate to order something else or dine elsewhere. Your health should always come first.
Kids with Celiac Disease
For parents dining out with kids who have celiac disease, extra care and communication is required. Thoroughly question staff on preparation and ingredients of any menu items you plan to order. Look for visible gluten-free options, like plain ice cream cups, and ask that unused, sanitized scoops and bowls be used.
Help kids with celiac feel included by letting them choose their favorite gluten-free ice cream flavor. For very young children, ordering a simple cup instead of an ice cream cone may be safest to reduce chances of any cross-contact from hands touching the cone.
Set a good example by being vigilant about your child’s dietary needs, and teach kids to always speak up and ask questions themselves at restaurants. Establishing safe dining-out habits from a young age will help kids feel empowered in managing their celiac disease for a lifetime.
Traveling
For those with celiac disease, traveling can make sticking to a gluten-free diet more challenging. The good news is that Baskin-Robbins shops can be found across the country and often in travel centers like airports and motorways.
When traveling, call ahead to local shops to ask questions about their kitchen protocols. Once there, explain your celiac needs clearly. If you do not feel fully safe with their practices, it’s okay to opt for something else.
Packing safe snacks like fruit, nuts or gluten-free bars is wise when traveling in case you cannot access a gluten-free meal. Kids with celiac disease may especially find travel upsetting if they cannot eat treats like ice cream with friends. Having favorite gluten-free snacks on hand helps ensure they don’t feel deprived.
Support Groups
Local celiac disease support groups are also invaluable resources when dining out. Members often share “safe” restaurants and insider tips on the best ways to customize orders at different establishments. Support groups can provide lists of celiac-friendly eateries, recommend vigilant servers at certain restaurants and give you the confidence and game plan to safely order gluten-free meals anywhere.
Conclusion
In summary, those with celiac disease can often enjoy gluten-free options at Baskin-Robbins, but need to be cautious and selective when ordering. Basic ice cream flavors are largely safe, but shakes, sundaes and other treats pose a higher risk due to ingredients and cross-contamination.
Celiacs should always thoroughly question staff, bring up any cross-contact concerns and customize orders to their comfort level. Dining out with celiac requires being proactive, asking the right questions and putting health first when unsure. By being vigilant and seeking details on preparation, most with celiac disease can enjoy delicious ice cream at Baskin-Robbins without the worry.
