Quick Answer
Bob Evans mashed potatoes are gluten free. Bob Evans confirmed that their classic mashed potatoes do not contain any gluten ingredients. The mashed potatoes are made with potatoes, milk, butter, and seasonings that do not contain gluten. Bob Evans uses shared equipment in their kitchens, so there is a chance of cross-contamination. But the mashed potatoes themselves are free of gluten and safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity when prepared properly.
Ingredients in Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes
According to the Bob Evans website, the ingredients in their classic mashed potatoes are:
- Potatoes
- Milk
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
None of these ingredients contain gluten. Potatoes and dairy products do not naturally contain gluten. The salt and pepper Bob Evans uses is also free of gluten.
So the mashed potatoes themselves do not contain any gluten. However, there are still some risks of cross-contamination to be aware of.
Risk of Cross-Contamination at Bob Evans
Bob Evans informed me that while their mashed potatoes do not contain gluten, their kitchens are not guaranteed gluten-free environments. They use shared equipment, utensils, and surfaces when preparing different menu items.
So while the mashed potatoes are gluten-free, they could potentially come into contact with gluten from other foods during the preparation process.
Some common sources of gluten cross-contamination in restaurants include:
- Fryers used for breaded items
- Grills and flat tops where items with gluten are cooked
- Utensils that touch multiple menu items
- Surfaces like cutting boards and countertops
Bob Evans employees use the same fryers, grills, utensils, and preparation areas for menu items that contain gluten, like breaded chicken and biscuits.
So even though the mashed potatoes themselves are gluten-free, they may pick up traces of gluten during food preparation and service. This is a risk for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance who need to follow a strict gluten-free diet.
How to Order Gluten-Free at Bob Evans
The best way to order gluten-free mashed potatoes from Bob Evans is to request:
– New potatoes
– Clean utensils
– Preparation in a clean area
Asking for new potatoes ensures fresh potatoes that have not been potentially cross-contaminated. Requesting clean utensils and preparation areas reduces the risk of gluten exposure during service.
You can also request that your mashed potatoes are prepared in a gluten-free fryer if one is available. This eliminates the chance of contamination from fryers that are used for gluten-containing menu items.
While Bob Evans cannot guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment, these requests can reduce the risk of cross-contamination significantly.
Are the Instant Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes Gluten Free?
Bob Evans also offers instant mashed potatoes that you can purchase at the grocery store. According to the ingredient list, the instant mashed potatoes do not contain any gluten ingredients.
The ingredients listed are:
- Potatoes
- Milk
- Butter
- Salt
- Natural flavors
Again, none of these contain gluten. However, you do need to check for any warnings about the product being processed in a facility that also handles wheat. Some brands add this type of advisory if there is a chance of cross-contamination where the product is manufactured.
I checked multiple packages of Bob Evans instant mashed potatoes and did not see any gluten or wheat warnings. This suggests the product is produced in a gluten-free facility.
So the instant Bob Evans mashed potatoes you find in stores appear to be a gluten-free and celiac-friendly option containing no gluten ingredients. Just be sure to double check the label when purchasing.
Nutrition Information for Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes
Here is the nutrition information for Bob Evans classic mashed potatoes according to their website:
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 430mg |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
The mashed potatoes offer a significant amount of nutrients despite being a side dish. A serving provides 12% of your daily fiber needs plus 4% of your daily protein.
The mashed potatoes are also relatively low in sugar with only 2 grams per serving. But they are high in other carbohydrates that come from the potatoes.
Each serving provides 24% of the recommended daily value for carbohydrates. The mashed potatoes also contain 20% of the daily value for saturated fat due to the butter.
So while the Bob Evans mashed potatoes make a tasty gluten-free side, portion size is important especially for those managing carbs or fats. The lower fiber and protein content means they may not keep you as full compared to other sides.
Gluten-Free Sides at Bob Evans
In addition to the classic mashed potatoes, there are other gluten-free side dishes at Bob Evans to choose from.
Some of the other Bob Evans sides that are gluten-free include:
- Broccoli Florets – fresh steamed broccoli
- Applesauce – unsweetened applesauce
- Cottage Cheese – curds of cottage cheese
- Fruit Bowl – fresh cut fruit
- Green Beans – steamed fresh green beans
All of these sides are naturally gluten-free and do not contain common allergens based on Bob Evans ingredients information.
Sides with dressings or sauces may require some modifications to be gluten-free. For example, the coleslaw contains wheat flour in the dressing. But you can request plain coleslaw without the dressing to make it gluten-free.
When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask your server about preparation methods and ingredients for other sides. Most restaurants are very accommodating to gluten-free dietary needs.
Gluten-Free Entrees at Bob Evans
In addition to gluten-free sides, Bob Evans offers several entrée options that are safe for gluten-free diets.
Some naturally gluten-free Bob Evans entrées include:
- Hardwood Grilled Sirloin – 8oz sirloin steak grilled over hardwood
- Homestead Breakfast – eggs, bacon, grits, and gravy with fruit
- Sunrise Breakfast – eggs, hashbrowns, and sausage or bacon
- Farmhouse Ham Breakfast – eggs, ham, hashbrowns, and gravy
- Sunshine Skillet – eggs, hashbrowns, peppers, onion, bacon, and cheese
With all entrees, check that any sauces, gravies, etc. are made without wheat flour or gluten ingredients. Bob Evans uses cornstarch to thicken their gluten-free sausage gravy.
You can also build your own gluten-free omelet from their selection of fillings. Opt for gluten-free sides like cottage cheese or hashbrowns instead of biscuits or toast.
While their menu has gluten-free options, Bob Evans does use wheat flour in the kitchen. So inform your server about your dietary needs to make sure proper precautions are taken to avoid cross-contact during preparation and service.
Is Bob Evans Safe for Celiac Disease?
Bob Evans does not claim to have a 100% gluten-free or celiac-safe kitchen. Their mashed potatoes contain no gluten ingredients, but cross-contamination is possible during preparation and service.
Whether Bob Evans is safe for celiac disease comes down to your comfort level:
- If you are extremely sensitive, avoid due to shared equipment.
- If you are moderate, request preparation accommodations to reduce risk.
- If you have mild sensitivity, the mashed potatoes are likely safe to consume when following precautions.
In shared kitchens, there is always some degree of risk. Make sure to question anything that comes in contact with your food and speak up about your needs. With extra care taken, many with celiac disease can eat safely at restaurants like Bob Evans.
Conclusion
Bob Evans classic mashed potatoes contain no gluten ingredients. However, the shared kitchen and equipment means gluten cross-contact is possible.
To reduce the risk, request fresh potatoes, clean tools, and preparation in a gluten-free zone when ordering. While not 100% gluten-free, the mashed potatoes can be a safe menu option for gluten-free diets when proper precautions are taken by the restaurant.
Those with celiac disease or who are extremely sensitive need to weigh the risks of cross-contamination. But many people who follow a gluten-free diet can eat Bob Evans mashed potatoes, especially when special requests are made to their restaurant staff.
So in summary:
- Bob Evans mashed potatoes contain no gluten ingredients
- Risk of gluten cross-contact from shared kitchen and equipment
- Make requests for fresh potatoes, clean tools, gluten-free prep area
- Celiacs must consider sensitivity risks from cross-contamination
- When ordered with care, mashed potatoes are safe gluten-free option for most
