Moe’s Southwest Grill is a popular Tex-Mex restaurant chain with locations across the United States. While Moe’s has several gluten-free menu options, not everything on the menu is gluten-free. For customers avoiding gluten due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it’s important to know what to avoid at Moe’s.
Breads and Tortillas Containing Gluten
Most of the breads and tortillas at Moe’s contain gluten:
- Flour tortillas
- Wheat tortillas
- Sandwich rolls
- Bread for sandwiches
The flour and wheat tortillas that Moe’s uses to make their burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and other menu items contain gluten. Sandwich rolls and bread for sandwiches are also made with gluten-containing grains. Those avoiding gluten should avoid menu items made with these tortillas and breads.
Corn Tortillas Are Gluten-Free
While flour and wheat tortillas have gluten, the corn tortillas at Moe’s are gluten-free. Any menu items made with corn tortillas are safe for a gluten-free diet. Customers can request corn tortillas instead of flour or wheat tortillas for burritos, bowls, tacos, and other dishes made with tortillas.
Rice, Beans, Salsas, and Proteins Are Gluten-Free
Many ingredients and toppings at Moe’s are naturally gluten-free, including:
- Rice
- Beans
- Salsas
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Grilled chicken, steak, fish, and other protein options
As long as these ingredients are not combined with tortillas or bread that contain gluten, dishes made with rice, beans, salsas, cheese, proteins, and other gluten-free toppings are safe for a gluten-free diet.
Some Sauces and Marinades May Contain Gluten
While many sauces and salsas at Moe’s are gluten-free, some marinades and sauce ingredients may contain gluten, such as soy sauce. Customers should check with the restaurant about sauces and marinades used for proteins like steak and chicken to ensure they do not contain gluten.
Most Side Dishes Are Gluten-Free
Many of Moe’s Southwest Grill’s side dish options are naturally gluten-free, including:
- Rice
- Black beans
- Pinto beans
- Corn
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Chips and salsa
- Guacamole
Sides like seasoned rice, black beans, pinto beans, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, chips and salsa are reliably gluten-free at Moe’s. The only sides that may contain gluten are tortilla chips that are fried in oil shared with wheat-flour tortillas.
Some Dressings and Dips May Contain Gluten
While most sides are gluten-free, some dressings and dips for sides may contain gluten, like salsa ranch or vinaigrettes. Customers should check with the restaurant to ensure dressings and dips do not contain gluten-based ingredients.
Flour-Based Desserts Contain Gluten
Moe’s offers several desserts, including churros, sopapillas, and cookies. Unfortunately, the majority of Moe’s dessert selection is made with wheat flour and therefore not gluten-free:
- Churros
- Sopapillas
- Sugar cookies
- Oatmeal raisin cookies
- Chocolate chip cookies
The churro dough, sopapilla dough, and cookie batters are made with wheat flour, which contains the gluten protein. Those avoiding gluten should avoid these flour-based dessert items.
Some Sorbets May Be Gluten-Free
Moe’s offers a few sorbet options that may be gluten-free, depending on the particular ingredients. Customers should check with the restaurant to determine if the sorbet flavors contain gluten.
Most Beverages Are Gluten-Free
The majority of beverage options at Moe’s Southwest Grill are gluten-free:
- Soft drinks
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Aguas frescas
- Bottled water
- Coffee
Drinks like soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, aguas frescas, coffee, and bottled water do not naturally contain gluten. However, those avoiding gluten should check that aguas frescas and coffee drinks are not made with malt syrup or wheat-based flavorings.
Beer Contains Gluten
Beers at Moe’s are made from gluten-containing grains and should be avoided on a gluten-free diet. Distilled alcoholic beverages like some tequilas and rums are generally gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Is Possible
At a restaurant like Moe’s that serves both gluten-containing and gluten-free menu items, cross-contamination is possible. Gluten could be transferred from one dish to another through:
- Shared cooking equipment
- Shared preparation surfaces
- Shared frying oil
- Shared utensils
Those highly sensitive should notify the restaurant of their allergy and request steps to prevent cross-contamination, like changing gloves, using separate surfaces, and cleaning equipment between uses.
Tips for Ordering Gluten-Free at Moe’s
Here are some tips for gluten-free dining at Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurants:
- Request corn tortillas instead of flour or wheat tortillas
- Order tacos, burritos, bowls, and salads with only gluten-free ingredients
- Choose rice, beans, salsas, cheese, guacamole, and protein fillings
- Avoid tortilla chips, which may be fried in shared oil
- Check on sauces and marinades used for proteins
- Choose gluten-free side dishes like rice, beans, lettuce, salsa, and guacamole
- Verify dressings and dips are gluten-free
- Stick to gluten-free beverage options
- Notify staff of gluten allergy and request prevention of cross-contamination
With some modifications, those avoiding gluten can enjoy delicious Tex-Mex cuisine from Moe’s. Focusing on naturally gluten-free menu items helps ensure a safe and satisfying gluten-free meal.
Gluten-Free Menu Items at Moe’s
Here is a summary of gluten-free menu items available at Moe’s Southwest Grill:
Tacos, Burritos, Bowls
- Tacos on corn tortillas
- Burrito bowls
- Burritos on corn tortillas
- Salads
Fillings
- Chicken
- Steak
- Carnitas
- Chorizo
- Tofu
- Rice
- Beans
- Cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Corn
Sides
- Chips
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Rice
- Beans
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Corn
Beverages
- Soft drinks
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Fruit aguas frescas
- Bottled water
- Coffee
With corn tortillas, gluten-free fillings, and naturally gluten-free sides and drinks, those avoiding gluten can create varied and appetizing meals at Moe’s Southwest Grill.
What Should You Avoid at Moe’s?
Those following a gluten-free diet should avoid these items at Moe’s Southwest Grill:
Breads and Tortillas
- Flour tortillas
- Wheat tortillas
- Sandwich bread
- Sandwich rolls
Sides
- Tortilla chips fried in shared oil
Sauces and Condiments
- Sauces made with soy sauce or other gluten-containing ingredients
- Certain salad dressings and dips
Desserts
- Churros
- Sopapillas
- Cookies
Beverages
- Beer
- Malted aguas frescas
- Coffee drinks with wheat-based flavors
Being aware of foods containing gluten allows customers to make informed choices when ordering at Moe’s. Focusing on naturally gluten-free options can help ensure a safe gluten-free meal.
Conclusion
Dining gluten-free at Moe’s Southwest Grill is definitely possible by customizing orders. With corn tortillas, lettuce wraps, burrito bowls, and filling ingredients like grilled chicken, steak, veggies, beans, rice, salsa, and guacamole, you can enjoy flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine. Just stay clear of flour tortillas, malt beverages, shared oil, and desserts. With a few modifications, Moe’s can be a tasty option for gluten-free eaters.
