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Many Carvel ice cream flavors are gluten-free, along with toppings like fruits, nuts, and hot fudge. However, items with cookies, cake, brownies, and gluten-containing ingredients are not gluten-free. Carvel does offer some gluten-free cakes and cookies. When ordering, check with the staff about gluten-free options and preparation to avoid cross-contamination. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should exercise caution when ordering.
For those avoiding gluten, visiting an ice cream shop like Carvel can be tricky. While many ice cream flavors are naturally gluten-free, other menu items like cookie crumbles, cakes, and brownies may contain gluten. For someone with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, consuming even small amounts of gluten can cause gastrointestinal distress and other negative health effects.
Fortunately, Carvel does offer some gluten-free options, from ice cream flavors to certain cakes and cookies. Being informed about their offerings and menu procedures can help those avoiding gluten make the right choices. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at what’s gluten-free at Carvel and how to safely order when you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy.
Ice Cream Flavors
The good news is that many of Carvel’s ice cream options are gluten-free right off the scoop. Here are some of the gluten-free ice cream flavors offered at Carvel:
Classic Flavors
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Mint Chocolate Chip
- Chocolate Chip
- Cookies ‘n Cream
- Coffee
- Pralines ‘n Cream
- Fudge Ripple
Seasonal Flavors
- Eggnog (Winter)
- Pumpkin Pie (Fall)
- Key Lime Pie (Spring/Summer)
- S’mores (Summer)
- Peppermint Stick (Winter)
Carvel rotates their seasonal flavor offerings. Around holidays like Valentine’s Day, they may offer specialty flavors like Sweetheart Sorbet for a limited time. Other examples of past gluten-free seasonal flavors include Cotton Candy, Butter Pecan, and Sea Salt Caramel Truffle.
When ordering seasonally, ask your Carvel server to confirm that the advertised flavors are gluten-free. Limited edition flavors usually stick to traditional ice cream ingredients like milk, cream, sugar, and natural flavorings – but it’s always smart to check when ordering.
No-Sugar-Added and Fat-Free Options
Carvel also offers no-sugar added and fat-free ice cream options. Flavors like Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Cookies and Cream are gluten-free in these low-sugar and low-fat varieties. Stick to the classic flavors and ask your server to confirm no gluten-containing ingredients are used in these ice creams.
Soft Serve
Carvel’s classic soft serve options – vanilla and chocolate – are gluten-free. The vanilla soft serve is also egg-free, making it safe for those with multiple food allergies or sensitivities.
Be aware that specialty soft serve flavors like Cookies ‘n Cream are not gluten-free due to the cookie pieces mixed in. Your best bet is to stick with the traditional chocolate and vanilla soft serve to ensure you receive a gluten-free option.
Frozen Yogurt
Carvel also serves frozen yogurt. Flavors like original tart, chocolate, vanilla, and pumpkin pie are gluten-free options. Be wary of mix-in toppings that may contain cookies, brownies, or other gluten sources when ordering froyo. Your safest bet is getting your frozen yogurt in a cup so you can control the toppings.
Ice Cream Cakes
In addition to cones and cups, Carvel is famous for its ice cream cakes. Luckily, they offer some gluten-free options to choose from.
Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cake Options
- Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
- Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
- Vanilla Fudge Ice Cream Cake
- Chocolate Crunch Ice Cream Cake
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake
- Carvel Disney Princess Cake (with gluten-free brownie crunch)
These cake flavors are gluten-free as long as they do not contain any cookie or brownie pieces mixed into the ice cream. Be sure to request no crumbles or crunchies on top or in between the layers of cake. Also, verify with your Carvel location that the ice cream cakes are made without shared equipment. Some bakeries use the same scoops, spatulas, and other tools for gluten-containing cakes, which risks cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Celebration Cakes
Carvel’s celebration cakes like cookie puss and fudgie the whale are more risky with a gluten allergy. These iconic Carvel cakes typically contain cookie crumbles in the ice cream and as decoration. However, Carvel notes that some locations can make gluten-free cookie puss and fudgie cakes by request.
If you want one of these special occasion cakes, call your local Carvel ahead of time. Ask if they can make it without gluten-containing ingredients and avoid cross-contamination during preparation and decoration. Having a gluten-free Carvel character cake requires planning and coordination, but may be possible at select locations.
Toppings
Beyond the ice cream itself, toppings can make or break whether your Carvel treat is gluten-free. Some toppings like fruits and nuts are naturally gluten-free, while other mix-ins contain sources of gluten.
Gluten-Free Toppings
- Hot fudge
- Caramel
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Pineapple
- Blueberries
- Sprinkles (ask about gluten-free options)
- Whipped cream
- Cherries
- Chocolate chips
As long as these toppings do not come into contact with gluten-containing ingredients in the ice cream case, they should be safe for those avoiding gluten. Again, verify preparation procedures with your Carvel location. For example, asking if the hot fudge and caramel sauce are made with gluten-free ingredients and stored in separate containers away from cookie crumbles can help prevent cross-contamination.
Unsafe Gluten-Containing Toppings
- Oreo Cookies
- Brownie pieces
- Cookie dough
- Cookie crumbles or crunch
- Cake pieces
- Some sprinkles (with gluten-containing flour)
- Certain sauces made with flour as thickener
It’s best to avoid these gluten-containing toppings when ordering at Carvel. Even if they do not touch your gluten-free ice cream, cross-contamination can occur via hands, utensils, and shared containers. Your safest choice is to stick with fruits, nuts, and other naturally gluten-free add-ons for your order.
Gluten-Free Waffle Products
Beyond ice cream, Carvel offers specialty gluten-free waffle products at many locations.
Gluten-Free Waffle Cones and Bowls
Carvel has individually wrapped gluten-free waffle cones and bowls available upon request. These provide a crunchy gluten-free vessel for your favorite Carvel ice cream. Ask for your cone or bowl to come straight from the gluten-free packaging to prevent cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Choco Tacos
Carvel Choco Tacos contain vanilla ice cream inside a crunchy waffle cone taco shell coated in chocolate and peanuts. By swapping regular waffle cones for gluten-free cones, you can enjoy this ice cream novelty treat even with celiac disease or food intolerances.
Again, request that your Choco Taco come directly in the wrapper and is not placed on a shared ice cream tray in the case. This minimizes any potential for cross-contact with gluten.
Cookies, Brownies, and Custom Cakes
Many Carvel bakery items like cookies and brownies traditionally contain gluten. However, some locations offer gluten-free alternatives you can special order for occasions like birthdays or holidays.
Gluten-Free Cookies
Some Carvel shops carry gluten-free chocolate chip, sugar, and other cookie varieties. Be sure to ask ahead to see if gluten-free cookies can be made for your visit. Also verify the steps the bakery takes to avoid cross-contamination when preparing and storing these cookies away from gluten sources.
Gluten-Free Brownies
Like cookies, Carvel’s standard brownies are not gluten-free. But certain locations can make gluten-free brownies with advance notice. These can be ordered for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. Always confirm they will keep the brownies separated from glutinous items during baking and storage for safety.
Custom Gluten-Free Cakes
For birthday parties, graduations, and other celebrations, some Carvel shops make entirely gluten-free custom cakes. For example, they may be able to bake a gluten-free chocolate or vanilla cake as the base, while decorating it with your choice of gluten-free cookie crumbles, chocolate shavings, candies, and more.
Ordering a made-from-scratch gluten-free cake requires planning ahead with your local Carvel bakery to ensure proper protocols. But for a memorable special occasion, a customized gluten-free Carvel cake can be the perfect centerpiece that all guests can enjoy.
How to Order Safely with Gluten Allergies
When ordering at Carvel, using these tips can help those with celiac disease or gluten intolerances avoid exposure:
- Ask about dedicated scoops – Some Carvel locations keep gluten-free ice creams in separate freezers and use dedicated scoops to avoid cross-contact. This is the safest option.
- Avoid topping crossovers – Request toppings come from newly opened containers to prevent gluten-containing foods from contaminating your order.
- Waffle precautions – Verify waffle bowls, cones, and Choco Tacos are the gluten-free individually wrapped options.
- Watch the toppings – Only opt for fruits, nuts, and other toppings that are naturally gluten-free.
- Check labels – Review ingredient labels for sauces, cones, cakes, etc. to ensure no wheat/gluten sources.
- Ask about preparation – Inquire about separated equipment and preparation areas to reduce cross-contamination risks.
Being informed and asking questions is key to safely enjoying Carvel treats with a gluten allergy. Celiacs and those avoiding gluten can work with staff to make sure proper protocols are followed in the kitchen and ice cream case.
Dining Tips for Other Ice Cream Chains
Other popular ice cream chains have similar approaches to offering gluten-free options. Policies may vary by location, so asking questions is always advised. Here are some other tips for enjoying ice cream safely with celiac disease or gluten intolerance:
Baskin-Robbins
- Many classic flavors are gluten-free, including vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
- Avoid flavor mixes with cookies, brownies, cake, and other gluten sources.
- Ask for scoops from containers marked “gluten-free” if available.
- Inquire about waffle cone procedures.
- Review ingredients for sauces, toppings, and mix-ins.
Dairy Queen
- Soft serve options like vanilla and chocolate are gluten-free.
- Be wary of flavors mixed with cookie pieces like Cookie Dough Blizzard.
- DQ has gluten-free waffle bowls and cones available.
- Ask about dedicated scoops and topping procedures.
- Verify cakes/blizzard ingredients for gluten sources.
Ben and Jerry’s
- Many classic, fruit-based, chocolate, and other flavors are gluten-free.
- Avoid chunky mixes with cookies and brownies.
- Toppings like hot fudge, caramel, and nuts are gluten-free.
- Be cautious of waffle cones based on supplier.
- Review ingredients for sauces and baked goods.
Cold Stone Creamery
- Classic ice cream and sorbet flavors are gluten-free.
- Avoid flavors and mixes with cookies, cakes, and brownies.
- Ask about protocols for waffle bowls and cones.
- Many fruits, nuts, and candies to customize orders are gluten-free.
- Review ingredients for sauces, especially cookie dough.
Following similar precautions for cross-contamination and hidden glutinous ingredients lets you construct a gluten-free ice cream order at many shops. Check with your location for their specific offerings and preparation procedures.
Enjoying Carvel Safely with Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity
When you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, the pleasure of eating ice cream from places like Carvel may seem off limits. However, with some awareness and planning, you can safely enjoy many items at Carvel without gluten exposure.
From fruit-filled waffle cones to custom-ordered cakes, the options are far greater than you may assume for indulging that sweet tooth despite dietary restrictions. By asking questions, requesting dedicated equipment, and selecting toppings carefully, a Carvel treat can be a delicious gluten-free delight any time of year.
