Quick Answer
On The Border does not make any gluten-free claims about their chips and tortilla chips are typically made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. However, On The Border states that guests should speak with a manager regarding gluten-free menu options, so some chips may be made without gluten. Ultimately, it’s best to check with the restaurant directly to ensure the chips are safe to consume for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
On The Border Chip Ingredients
On The Border offers several varieties of tortilla chips, including original tortilla chips, Southwest tortilla chips, and cantina chips. However, the restaurant does not provide full ingredient lists or allergen information for these menu items online. This makes it difficult for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to determine if the chips are safe to eat.
Many tortilla chips contain wheat flour as a main ingredient. Wheat flour contains gluten, a protein that those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate. However, some tortilla chips are made with corn flour or other gluten-free grains instead. Without an ingredient list, it’s impossible to know for sure if On The Border chips contain gluten.
Some key points about On The Border chips:
– No gluten-free claims are made about the chips on the menu or website
– Ingredient lists and allergen information is not provided online
– Tortilla chips often contain wheat flour, but can also be made with corn flour or other gluten-free grains
– Best to check with the restaurant directly to understand if the chips contain gluten
Cross-Contamination Risk
Even if On The Border chips are made without gluten-containing ingredients, there is still a risk of cross-contamination occurring in the kitchen. Cross-contamination happens when gluten-containing foods come into contact with gluten-free foods, transferring traces of gluten over to the gluten-free option.
Several factors can increase the risk of cross-contamination of chips at On The Border:
– Shared fryers – Tortilla chips may be fried in the same oil as other menu items containing gluten like burritos or chimichangas. Even if the tortilla chips themselves are gluten-free, residue from gluten-containing foods can get into the fryer oil.
– Shared cooking equipment – Things like fryer baskets, utensils, surfaces, etc may come into contact with both gluten and gluten-free items in the On The Border kitchen. If proper cleaning protocols are not in place, gluten can transfer between foods.
– Airborne flour particles – Gluten-containing flours are frequently used in restaurant kitchens and airborne particles can settle onto surfaces or food.
– Employee practices – If staff use the same gloves or utensils for gluten and gluten-free dishes, cross-contamination is more likely to occur. Proper training on gluten-free prep is essential.
Due to these risks, those with celiac disease or sensitivity should use caution when consuming tortilla chips from any restaurant, including On The Border. Checking with the restaurant about their specific protocols can provide more information.
On the Border’s Allergen and Gluten-Free Statements
On their website, On The Border provides this general statement about food allergies and sensitivities:
“On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina recognizes the severity of food allergies. While we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, we make every effort to minimize risk and safely handle any dietary request. Peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish are routinely present in our kitchens and cross contact with other foods may occur.
If you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, please advise your Server or Manager so we may best accommodate your needs. Tortillas and tortilla chips share common preparation and cooking equipment with wheat/gluten products. Thus, we cannot guarantee these menu items are 100% gluten-free.”
A few key points from their statement:
– They cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, but make efforts to minimize risks
– There is a likelihood of cross-contact with ingredients like nuts and shellfish
– Those with gluten issues should alert staff so they can accommodate needs
– Tortilla chips share equipment with gluten items, so gluten-free cannot be guaranteed
While this statement acknowledges the risks for those with allergies and sensitivities like gluten, it does not provide definitive information about the tortilla chips. The acknowledgement that they cannot guarantee gluten-free chips indicates there is gluten present or a very high risk of cross-contamination.
How to Order Gluten-Free at On The Border
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity do still have options for safely eating at On The Border. Here are some tips:
– Review the menu in advance and identify naturally gluten-free choices. Options like corn tortillas, black beans, chicken, and veggies are less likely to have cross-contact with gluten.
– Ask for chips made with corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free.
– Request a fresh batch of corn tortilla chips fried in clean oil separate from menu items containing gluten.
– Ask if gluten-free chips can be baked instead of fried to avoid cross-contamination.
– Verify ingredients and preparation protocols with a manager upon ordering. Inquire about dedicated gluten-free prep areas.
– Ensure utensils and service items like plates and bowls have not come into contact with gluten.
– Check that staff change gloves and wash hands/change aprons appropriately when prepping gluten-free orders.
– Avoid flour tortillas, sauces thickened with wheat flour, and fried foods cooked in shared fryer oil.
Being clear about gluten sensitivity when ordering, asking questions, and working with knowledgeable staff can help customize a gluten-free meal at On The Border. However, even with precautions, the risk of trace gluten exposure may still exist.
Gluten-Free Tortilla Chip Options
Those following a gluten-free diet have several options when it comes to finding safe restaurant tortilla chips:
Verified Gluten-Free Brands
Many brands of corn tortilla chips are certified gluten-free to under 10ppm. Look for brands that are certified gluten-free and produced in a dedicated facility. Some examples include:
– Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Tortilla Chips
– Garden of Eatin’ Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips
– Late July Snacks Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips
– Siete Family Foods Grain Free Tortilla Chips
– Que Pasa Organic Yellow Corn Chips
– Tostitos Organic Yellow Corn Chips
Fast Casual & Quick Service Chains
Certain chains may have dedicated fryers and protocols for gluten-free tortilla chips. Some options are:
– Chipotle Mexican Grill (corn chips fried separately, uses GMO-free oil)
– Qdoba Mexican Eats (chips fried separately in non-GMO oil)
– Moe’s Southwest Grill (chips fried separately)
– Taco Cabana (naturally gluten-free corn & quinoa tortilla chips)
Local Mexican Restaurants
Smaller, local Mexican restaurants may be willing to accommodate gluten-free requests. You can ask for corn tortilla chips to be made fresh and fried separately from other menu items. Just be sure to clearly communicate gluten needs.
The safest bet is to opt for a certified gluten-free brand you can bring with you. But with precautions, gluten-free chips may be available at select restaurants like On The Border. Reaching out directly provides more definitive answers about ingredients and process.
On the Border Gluten-Free Menu Options
In addition to potential gluten-free chips, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can enjoy several menu items at On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina:
Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free. On The Border offers both soft corn and crunchy fried corn tortillas. They can be used to make fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and more.
Starters
– Fresh Guacamole
– Queso Dip
– Border Sampler (with gluten-free dip selections)
Salads & Soup
– Taco Salad (without tortilla shell)
– Fiesta Salad
– Chicken Tortilla Soup (without tortilla strips)
Fajitas
Grilled steak, chicken or shrimp fajitas served with sauteed peppers and onions. Enjoy in corn tortillas or lettuce wraps.
Tacos & Enchiladas
Corn tortilla tacos and enchiladas with fillings like carnitas, chicken tinga or veggie mix are naturally gluten-free. Top with salsas, guacamole, beans, lettuce, cheese and more.
A La Carte Sides
– Cilantro Lime Rice
– Black Beans
– Charro Beans
– Grilled Vegetables
– House Salad
Kid’s Menu
The following kid’s meals can be modified to be gluten-free:
– Grilled chicken breast
– Cheese quesadilla with corn tortillas
– Corn dog (with gluten-free corn coating)
– Rice and beans
Dessert
– Sopapillas with honey (order corn-based, not flour)
– Mexican Brownie (ensure gluten-free)
– Churros (ensure gluten-free)
With some adjustments and precautions, those avoiding gluten have plenty of Mexican favorites to choose from at On The Border. Communicating needs clearly with staff is key to a safe dining experience.
Conclusion
On The Border does not make any gluten-free claims about their tortilla chips. The restaurant acknowledges the risk of cross-contamination for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Their chips are likely to contain gluten or be at high risk of exposure through sharing equipment with wheat-based foods.
Those following a gluten-free diet should exercise caution when eating tortilla chips from any restaurant, including On The Border. Requesting corn chips fried in a dedicated fryer is the safest option. Bringing your own certified gluten-free chips is another good choice.
While avoiding the chips, there are still many gluten-free menu items to enjoy at On The Border. Being proactive with staff about gluten needs allows you to customize a Mexican meal. With planning and precautions, gluten-free dining at the restaurant is certainly achievable.
