What fast food french fries are gluten-free?

With the rise in gluten sensitivities and celiac disease diagnoses, many people are looking for gluten-free options when eating out at fast food restaurants. For those avoiding gluten, french fries would seem like an obvious choice, since potatoes are naturally gluten-free. However, because many fast food fries are coated or cooked in shared fryers with breaded items, they can become contaminated with gluten. The good news is that some fast food chains do offer truly gluten-free french fries.

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Why Do Fast Food Fries Contain Gluten?

There are a few common reasons why many fast food fries are not gluten-free:

Coating: Many fries are coated in a layer of wheat flour or batter prior to frying, to help achieve a crispy exterior.

Fryer: Even uncoated fries are often fried in oil shared with breaded, gluten-containing menu items like chicken nuggets or fried fish. Trace amounts of gluten can contaminate the fryer oil and get transferred to the fries.
Ingredients: Less common, but some fries contain wheat-based ingredients added directly to the potato mixture before frying, like wheat flour or malt vinegar.

For these reasons, the standard french fry offerings from most major fast food restaurants are not considered gluten-free. But some chains have developed specialty fries cooked in dedicated fryers and without gluten-based coatings or ingredients. Keep reading to find out which fast food fries you can enjoy on a gluten-free diet.

McDonald’s

Most McDonald’s fries are fried in vegetable oil that contains wheat and milk derivatives, meaning they are not gluten-free. However, McDonald’s offers gluten-free fries that are cooked in a separate fryer in many of its locations.

To order gluten-free fries at McDonald’s:

Request fries from a “gluten-free fryer” – these are dedicated fryers that only cook plain potatoes.

Avoid Seasoned Fries and Loaded Fries – they contain wheat-based seasonings.
Check for a gluten-free allergen menu – some locations have menus detailing their gluten-free options.
Notify staff of gluten allergy – make sure they know it’s an allergy so proper precautions are taken.

McDonald’s gluten-free fries need to be requested specifically from a dedicated fryer. Let the staff know of your gluten allergy so they can take extra care in the preparation. With proper protocols, McDonald’s fries can be a gluten-free fast food option.

Wendy’s

Most standard Wendy’s fries are not gluten-free. They are coated in a dusting of wheat flour or batter prior to frying. However, Wendy’s does offer plain potato fries that are fried in a separate fryer.

To get gluten-free fries at Wendy’s:

Ask for fries from the “allergen friendly” fryer – this is a dedicated fryer for plain fries.
Specify no salt – their salt contains wheat.
Avoid seasoned fries – all contain wheat ingredients.

Check for allergen menus – some locations have menus detailing gluten-free options.
Inform staff of your allergy – make sure they know it’s an allergy and not a preference.

With these steps, you can enjoy gluten-free french fries from Wendy’s. As always with food allergies, communicate your needs clearly to staff.

Burger King

Most Burger King fries contain wheat or wheat flour, making them not gluten-free. However, some locations do offer plain fries cooked in an uncontaminated, dedicated fryer.

To get gluten-free fries at Burger King:

Ask if they have fries prepared in a gluten-free fryer – availability varies by location.

Specify no salt – their standard salt has wheat.
Avoid coated fries – these contain wheat.
Notify staff of your gluten allergy.

Check online prior to visiting – some locations list gluten-free options online.

Burger King’s ability to accommodate gluten-free fries depends on the restaurant’s procedures and equipment. Call ahead to confirm availability if possible when visiting a new location.

Arby’s

Most Arby’s fries are coated with wheat flour prior to frying, making them not gluten-free. However, Arby’s recently introduced new gluten-free fries for customers avoiding gluten:

Arby’s gluten-free fries are coated in a gluten-free batter and fried in dedicated fryers.
They have a crinkle-cut shape instead of straight-cut fries.
Availability may vary depending on franchise protocols.

Clearly communicate your need for gluten-free fries when ordering.

Arby’s new gluten-free fries are a promising option, but be sure to reiterate your gluten allergy to staff to prevent cross-contamination with other menu items.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A has made significant progress on its gluten-free offerings in recent years. Their standard waffle fries are fried in a shared fryer and contain wheat, meaning they are not gluten-free. However, Chick-fil-A locations now offer dedicated gluten-free fries upon request:

Chick-fil-A gluten-free fries are plain potatoes fried in canola oil in separate, gluten-free fryers.
They have a crinkle-cut shape rather than the classic waffle shape.
Availability varies by location based on equipment and protocols.

Be sure to specify the need for gluten-free fries when ordering.

Chick-fil-A’s gluten-free fries need to be ordered specifically to avoid cross-contamination. Check with your local restaurant in advance to confirm availability.

Jack in the Box

Most Jack in the Box fries contain wheat flour and are fried in shared oil, making them not gluten-free. However, some locations may be able to accommodate gluten-free fries:

Availability of dedicated fryers varies by location.
You need to request plain fries prepared in an uncontaminated fryer.
Communicate your gluten allergy clearly to staff.

Without special protocols, fries are likely cross-contaminated.

The ability to get gluten-free fries at Jack in the Box comes down to the equipment and procedures of the specific restaurant. Contact your local store in advance to inquire about options.

Carl’s Jr.

Most Carl’s Jr. fries contain wheat ingredients and are cooked in shared fryers, meaning they are not gluten-free by default. However, some locations may be able to accommodate gluten-free fries:

Availability of dedicated fryers varies by franchise location.
Make sure to request plain fries from a gluten-free fryer.
Clearly communicate your gluten allergy to staff.

Without special accommodations, fries are cross-contaminated.

Your ability to get gluten-free fries at Carl’s Jr. depends on the equipment and procedures of that restaurant. Call ahead to check availability and policies at your desired location.

Dairy Queen

Most Dairy Queen fries contain wheat flour and are cooked in shared oil with breaded foods. However, some locations now offer fries cooked in dedicated fryers:

Gluten-free fries need to be requested specifically.
Availability of gluten-free fryers varies by location.
Notify staff of your gluten allergy when ordering.

Breaded items and regular fries are contaminated.

The ability to get gluten-free fries at Dairy Queen depends on the equipment and protocols of the specific restaurant. Call ahead to check on accommodations for allergies before visiting.

SONIC Drive-In

Most SONIC fries are dusted with wheat flour prior to frying, making them not gluten-free. However, some locations may be able to prepare plain, gluten-free fries:

Request fries prepared in a dedicated gluten-free fryer.
Availability of separate fryers varies by location.
Communicate your gluten allergy clearly to staff.

Standard procedures result in cross-contamination.

The ability to get gluten-free fries at SONIC comes down to the equipment and protocols of the specific restaurant. Contact your local SONIC in advance to ask about accommodation options.

Other Fast Food Chains

Some other fast food chains may offer gluten-free fries at select locations, but availability is limited:

In-N-Out – some restaurants have dedicated fryers, but most fries contain wheat.
Five Guys – fries contain wheat; gluten-free buns available.
Steak ‘n Shake – fries contain wheat; gluten-free bun option.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard – most fries contain wheat.

Your safest bet is to contact any fast food location directly before visiting to check on their gluten-free accommodations and options.

Best Practices for Ordering Gluten-Free Fast Food Fries

When seeking out gluten-free fries at a fast food chain, keep these tips in mind for a safe meal:

Research options online first and call the restaurant to confirm availability.
Ask specifically for fries fried in a dedicated, gluten-free fryer.
Make sure staff knows it is for an allergy, not a preference.

Avoid seasoned and coated fries.
Check restaurant allergen info online if available.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or double-check with staff.

Thank staff for accommodating your gluten-free needs.

With proper protocols and clearly communicated requests, many fast food establishments can prepare gluten-free fries safely. Be cautious, do your homework, and enjoy the convenience of french fries even with celiac disease or sensitivities.

Making Gluten-Free Fries at Home

For maximum control over your meal, making gluten-free fries at home is a great option. Here is a simple recipe and instructions for baked gluten-free fries:

Ingredients

3 medium russet potatoes, washed and cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch strips
2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut potatoes into fry strips and dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Toss potatoes with oil in a bowl until fully coated.
Spread fries on prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Sprinkle with desired amount of garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping fries halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Baked potato wedges also make a great gluten-free fry alternative. For crispier results, fry the potatoes in gluten-free corn starch instead of baking. Preparing homemade fries ensures no gluten cross-contamination.

Chicken Fries

Many fast food chains also offer chicken fries, featuring fried chicken in the shape of fries. However, these almost universally contain glutenous breading and are fried in shared oil, making them unsafe for celiacs or gluten sensitivities. Opt for grilled chicken pieces from gluten-free restaurants instead for a safer poultry option.

Gluten-Free Fast Food French Fry Options

When craving french fries, the following fast food options can safely accommodate gluten-free fries when following proper protocols:

Restaurant	Gluten-Free Protocol
McDonald’s	Request fries from dedicated gluten-free fryer
Wendy’s	Ask for allergy-friendly fryer, no salt
Burger King	Inquire about dedicated fryer availability
Arby’s	Order Arby’s brand gluten-free fries
Chick-fil-A	Ask for gluten-free fries cooked in canola oil
Dairy Queen	Ask if they have a gluten-free fryer option

Some locations of Jack in The Box, Carl’s Jr., Sonic, and other chains may also have gluten-free fry options if proper protocols are followed. When in doubt, call ahead to ensure your gluten-free meal.

Being Gluten-Free and Eating Fast Food

It is possible to safely eat fast food while avoiding gluten, with some diligence and planning. Many major chains now recognize the demand for gluten-free options and have implemented procedures to reduce cross-contamination risks. Sticking to basic whole foods like grilled meats, salads, and fresh produce when possible is also a smart strategy when gluten-free.

At the end of the day, your health and well-being should take priority over convenience when managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. But with care and communication, enjoying french fries and other fast food favorites in a gluten-free way can still be possible.