Many Popular Fast Food Fries Contain Gluten, New Report Finds

A recent analysis reveals that despite potatoes being naturally gluten-free, many french fry options at popular fast food chains contain gluten due to flavorings, coatings, or shared frying oil.

McDonald’s fries, for example, are not gluten-free because of a wheat-containing beef flavoring, while Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries utilize a flour coating. Arby’s, Popeyes, and Carl Jr.’s also offer french fry varieties with wheat ingredients. Even seemingly safe options like Burger King and Shake Shack fries are often fried in the same oil as breaded products, leading to cross-contamination. Chick-fil-A advises that it cannot guarantee any item is gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination in its kitchens.

However, some chains do offer gluten-free options: In-N-Out Burger’s regular and Cajun-style fries are safe, and Five Guys’ fries are also gluten-free as long as they are not seasoned with malt vinegar. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, avoiding cross-contamination is crucial, with some experiencing lengthy recovery periods – potentially up to two years – after gluten exposure, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. This finding underscores the importance of careful dining choices for the growing number of people following a gluten-free diet.

Experts recommend always informing restaurant staff of dietary needs and asking about preparation methods to minimize risk. For more information on navigating a gluten-free lifestyle, resources are available from the Celiac Disease Foundation. Restaurant management and corporate offices should be contacted if concerns persist regarding potential gluten exposure.

Officials urge diners to remain vigilant and proactive when ordering french fries, emphasizing that assumptions about gluten content can be misleading.