Taco Bell has made great strides in recent years to offer more gluten-free menu items. Many Taco Bell favorites can now be customized to be gluten-free. However, not all items are gluten-free by default. Here’s a quick overview of Taco Bell’s current gluten-free options:
What gluten-free items does Taco Bell offer?
Taco Bell offers a variety of gluten-free menu items, including:
- Corn tortillas – Taco Bell’s corn tortillas are certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). You can order any taco with a corn tortilla instead of a flour tortilla.
- Crunchy tacos – Crunchy tacos with corn tortillas can be made gluten-free.
- Soft tacos – Soft tacos with corn tortillas can also be prepared gluten-free.
- Burritos – Burritos with corn tortillas are gluten-free.
- Bowls – Any of the Power Menu Bowls can be prepared gluten-free by omitting the flour tortilla.
- Salads – Taco Bell salads are naturally gluten-free.
- Chips and nacho cheese – Taco Bell corn chips and nacho cheese are gluten-free.
- Guacamole – Freshly prepared guacamole is gluten-free.
- Pico de gallo – The pico de gallo salsa is gluten-free.
- Fresco style – Ordering items “Fresco style” removes cheese and sour cream, making many menu items gluten-free.
Most meats and toppings are gluten-free as well. You can customize any order to make it gluten-free by choosing corn instead of flour, holding allergenic ingredients, and adding fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and guac.
What menu items are NOT gluten-free?
While Taco Bell has many gluten-free options, some popular items are still off-limits for a gluten-free diet:
- Flour tortillas – Taco Bell’s flour tortillas contain wheat.
- Chalupas – The chalupa shell is made with flour.
- Gorditas – Gordita flatbread contains flour.
- Cinnamon twists – These fried twists contain wheat flour.
- Empanadas – The pastry dough has wheat.
- Mini skillet bowls – The bowls contain flour tortillas.
- Cheesy fiesta potatoes – The seasoning contains wheat.
- Chipotle sauce – This creamy sauce has wheat flour added.
- Baja sauce – The peppery sauce contains wheat flour.
- Cookies – Taco Bell’s cinnamon sugar cookies have wheat flour.
- Cinnabon Delights – These desserts have wheat flour in the dough.
Many sauces and fried menu items also have a risk of gluten cross-contamination during preparation. Your safest bet is to stick with naturally gluten-free menu items assembled with fresh ingredients.
Does Taco Bell have a dedicated gluten-free menu?
Unfortunately, Taco Bell does not have a specific gluten-free menu at this time. The company recognizes the need for more gluten-free options and provides a list of menu items that can be customized to be gluten-free. However, they do not guarantee against cross-contamination for guests with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
What precautions does Taco Bell take against gluten cross-contamination?
Taco Bell makes the following efforts to avoid gluten cross-contamination in restaurants:
- Dedicated fryer for corn tortillas – Corn tortillas are fried in a separate fryer from flour tortillas.
- Food prep gloves changed frequently – Employees change gloves between handling flour and corn tortillas.
- Dedicated bowl for guacamole – Fresh guacamole has its own serving bowl separate from other ingredients.
- Segregated ingredients – Wheat flour is stored separately from corn flour.
- Sanitization procedures – Work areas and utensils are sanitized between uses.
However, shared work spaces and airborne flour make it difficult to fully prevent cross-contamination. Taco Bell does not recommend their menu for customers with celiac disease.
Does Taco Bell have a gluten-free training program for employees?
Taco Bell conducts training programs on food allergies and gluten-free requests. Employee training focuses on these key areas:
- Recognizing gluten-free menu options
- Understanding common food allergies
- Changing gloves between flour and corn tortillas
- Using dedicated work spaces and tools
- Communicating with customers about ingredients and cross-contamination risks
However,因为 of high employee turnover in the fast food industry, not every staff member may be fully trained on gluten-free protocols. It’s still important to clearly communicate your needs when ordering.
What do food allergy advocacy groups say about Taco Bell’s gluten-free options?
Gluten-free watchdog groups generally consider Taco Bell’s menu to be high-risk for gluten exposure. Here’s a summary of their assessments:
- Celiac Disease Foundation – Cannot recommend Taco Bell because of cross-contamination risks.
- National Celiac Association – Does not advise those with celiac disease to eat at Taco Bell due to shared kitchen equipment.
- Gluten Intolerance Group – Recognizes items that can be customized to be gluten-free but notes potential for cross-contact.
- Beyond Celiac – Suggests Taco Bell is not safe for those with celiac disease and severe gluten sensitivity.
The bottom line is that while Taco Bell has gluten-free menu options, their kitchen practices are likely not stringent enough for those who are highly sensitive. Use your best judgement based on your individual tolerance.
Does Taco Bell offer any gluten-free certifications?
No, Taco Bell restaurants do not currently undergo any third-party gluten-free certifications. Some fast food chains like Chipotle, Panda Express and Qdoba have pursued gluten-free certification for their restaurants. But Taco Bell has not yet taken this step.
Without gluten-free certification from organizations like the Gluten-Free Food Services (GFFS) program or the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), Taco Bell locations remain high-risk for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Should you eat at Taco Bell if you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy?
Those with celiac disease or a wheat allergy should use extreme caution when considering Taco Bell. Despite menu items that can be modified, the potential for cross-contamination remains high. Exposure to small amounts of gluten can cause severe reactions in those with celiac disease.
If you choose to eat at Taco Bell, some recommendations include:
- Stick to corn tortilla items or bowls without tortillas
- Avoid all sauces, seasonings and fried items
- Request new gloves and fresh utensils
- Check ingredient lists each time for changes
- Carefully monitor symptoms after eating there
However, the safest choice is to avoid Taco Bell if you have celiac disease or an airborne wheat allergy. Cross-contamination is too frequent of an occurrence.
Conclusion
While Taco Bell has expanded their gluten-free offerings in recent years, the restaurant still presents significant risks for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. Shared kitchen equipment makes wheat cross-contamination very likely.
Customers can build gluten-free orders from corn tortillas, bowls, meats, veggies and certified gluten-free ingredients. But Taco Bell does not have dedicated facilities or strict enough protocols to prevent exposure for those who are highly gluten-reactive.
Anyone with celiac disease is advised to avoid eating at Taco Bell. But those with milder sensitivities may be able to enjoy customized gluten-free choices, while taking necessary precautions. Carefully inspect your order and consider the risks involved based on your individual tolerance.
Taco Bell has room for progress to become a truly gluten-free friendly chain. Dedicated prep areas, better employee training and third-party certification would go a long way to instill confidence for gluten-free diners. Until significant changes are made, caution is still warranted at Taco Bell.
References
Here are the references used in researching this article:
- Taco Bell Official Website. “How To Eat Gluten Free.” https://www.tacobell.com/how-to-eat-gluten-free
- Celiac Disease Foundation. “What About Fast Food Chains Like Taco Bell/Pizza Hut?” https://celiac.org/about-the-foundation/featured-news/2017/08/what-about-fast-food-chains-like-taco-bellpizza-hut/
- Gluten Intolerance Group. “Fast Food Card.” https://gffoodservice.org/downloads/sites/4/2017/08/GIG-Fast-Food-Card.pdf
- Verywell Fit. “Is Taco Bell Gluten-Free?” https://www.verywellfit.com/is-taco-bell-gluten-free-562806
- Simple Gluten Free. “Is Taco Bell Gluten Free?” https://simpleglutenfree.com/2019/03/12/is-taco-bell-gluten-free/
| Menu Item | Gluten-Free? |
|---|---|
| Crunchy Tacos with Corn Tortilla | Yes |
| Burrito with Flour Tortilla | No |
| Chips and Nacho Cheese | Yes |
| Gorditas | No |
| Power Menu Bowl | Yes* |
* Bowl is gluten-free if ordered without flour tortilla
