Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause issues like abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Because of this, around 1% of Americans need to follow a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods containing gluten, like bread, pasta, baked goods, and even breaded or fried items that may have come into contact with gluten.
For those who love hash browns and need to avoid gluten, the question arises: are Dunkin’ Donuts hash browns gluten free? Below, we’ll take a detailed look at the ingredients and preparation process for Dunkin’ Donuts hash browns to help determine if they are a safe menu option for gluten-free diets.
Are Dunkin’ Donuts Hash Browns Gluten Free?
The short answer is: no, standard Dunkin’ Donuts hash browns are not gluten free. They contain wheat flour, which contains gluten.
However, in recent years, Dunkin’ has introduced gluten-free hash browns to some locations. So there is now a gluten-free version available, but it is not the standard offering. You need to specifically order the gluten-free hash browns if you require a gluten-free option.
Ingredients in Standard Dunkin’ Hash Browns
On the Dunkin’ website, the listed ingredients for their standard pan-fried hash browns are:
- Potatoes
- Vegetable Oil (canola, soybean, and/or sunflower oil)
- Corn Starch
- Wheat Flour
- Rice Flour
- Dextrose
- Salt
The wheat flour here clearly contains gluten. That means Dunkin’s classic hash browns are not safe for those avoiding gluten.
What About Possible Cross-Contamination?
Besides the wheat flour in the ingredients, there is also a risk of cross-contamination with gluten in the Dunkin’ Donuts kitchen during preparation.
The hash browns are fried in shared fryers along with breaded menu items that do contain gluten, like donuts and crispy chicken sandwiches. While Dunkin states they filter and replace the frying oil regularly, there is still a chance of gluten cross-contact.
So even if they left out the wheat flour, the hash browns still couldn’t be considered gluten-free because of the high possibility of trace amounts of gluten from frying.
New Gluten-Free Hash Browns
The good news is that in recent years, Dunkin’ has introduced dedicated gluten-free hash browns at some locations. These are specially prepared to avoid cross-contamination.
The gluten-free hash browns are made without wheat flour. Instead, their ingredients contain potato starch, rice flour, and cornstarch to bind them together instead of gluten-containing binders.
They also use dedicated fryers separate from the regular hash browns to eliminate contamination from gluten-containing items like donuts.
However, the gluten-free hash browns are only available at certain participating locations currently. You need to specifically request the “gluten-free hash browns” to get this alternative option if you need to avoid gluten. They are not yet available chain-wide.
How to Order Gluten-Free Hash Browns at Dunkin’
If you need a gluten-free option, here are some tips for ordering hash browns from Dunkin’ Donuts:
- Check online or call ahead to see if your local Dunkin’ offers the gluten-free hash browns. Let them know you need a gluten-free order.
- When ordering at the store, make sure to specifically ask for the “gluten-free hash browns” to get the alternative preparation. Do not just order “hash browns” which will be the regular ones containing wheat.
- Verify with staff that they have prepared your order using the gluten-free fryer and hash brown recipe. Ask them to change gloves or utensils if needed.
- Ask to see ingredient lists and allergen information for the gluten-free hash browns served at that location to double check.
- If you have severe celiac disease or allergy, inform staff so they can take extra precautions for cross-contact.
- Know that some variance can exist across Dunkin’ locations and preparation could be inconsistent. Your safest option is choosing stores known to be well-trained in gluten-free policies.
Being clear and direct with your order is key. Don’t rely on generic “hash browns” being gluten-free. The staff needs to know to make your hash browns in the separate fryer and use the gluten-free recipe.
Nutrition Info for Gluten-Free Hash Browns
So what can you expect nutrition-wise if you do get the gluten-free Dunkin’ hash browns?
Here are the basic nutrition facts for a small order of Dunkin’ gluten-free hash browns (around 147g):
| Calories | 270 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Sodium | 270mg |
| Total Carbs | 28g |
| Protein | 3g |
As you can see, the gluten-free hash browns are still relatively high in fat at 18g due to being fried in oil. The carb content is also higher at 28g for the small order.
However, this is likely similar nutrition to the regular hash browns, since the main difference is the lack of wheat flour versus gluten-free starches used to crisp them up.
Those needing to avoid gluten will find the gluten-free Dunkin’ hash browns an option to enjoy without issue. But anyone watching fat, carbs, and sodium will still want to consume them in moderation.
Dunkin’ Gluten-Free Menu Items
Beyond the dedicated gluten-free hash browns, there are a few other items on the Dunkin’ Donuts menu that are naturally gluten-free. However, cross-contamination is still a hazard with any Dunkin’ order.
Here are some other items that can potentially be gluten-free:
- Dunkin’ coffee (without flavor swirls that contain gluten)
- Fountain beverages
- Plain teas and iced teas
- Bottled water
- Yogurt parfaits
- Bacon, egg, and cheese on a gluten-free bagel or bread
The key is checking that preparation procedures and ingredients are gluten-free. Be extra cautious of cross-contact with bakery items like muffins and donuts at Dunkin’.
Is Dunkin’ Donuts Gluten-Free?
No, the majority of donuts, muffins, and baked goods from Dunkin’ Donuts are not gluten-free. They contain wheat flour and other gluten ingredients. Only the specialty gluten-free hash browns and potential menu items noted can fit a gluten-free diet.
The Bottom Line
While standard Dunkin’ Donuts hash browns do contain gluten from wheat flour, Dunkin’ has recently introduced a gluten-free hash brown version without wheat. However, you need to specifically order “gluten-free hash browns” to get this alternative preparation.
If you avoid gluten, be very cautious when ordering at Dunkin’. Let staff know you need gluten-free items prepared separately to avoid cross-contact. Limit orders to coffee, tea, and the gluten-free hash browns for optimal safety.
Overall, proceeding with caution means those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can occasionally enjoy hash browns from Dunkin’ Donuts. But it requires effort to find locations offering the gluten-free ones and vigilance ordering to get the right preparation.
