There’s been a lot of controversy and discussion regarding whether or not McDonald’s oh so famous french fries are gluten free or not.
Some discussion forums say they are.
Some say they aren’t.
It even seems like McDonald’s is unsure anymore.
The Great Fry Debate
My guess is that since the french fries are cooked in the same fryers as hash browns (which are not gluten free), McDonald’s fries aren’t gluten free primarily due to high cross contamination.
But I’ve also read that some McDonald’s use a dedicated fryer for their french fries in the U.S. in Canada.
However, these “dedicated fryers” also cook hash browns which aren’t gluten free either.
It’s so confusing.
So my guess is that McDonald’s fries are not gluten free.
You can correct me if I’m wrong by leaving a comment below.
I am totally open to hearing what you have to say about this pretty popular topic.
So just to be safe on my part, I am not going to include McDonald’s french fries in my unofficial McDonald’s gluten free menu listing.
(P.S. If fast food french fries is your thing, may I suggest try some of Burger Kings fries…they’re gluten free!)
[Insert change of topic here]
McDonald’s Fries: gluten-free or not? That is the question…
Anyways, let’s move on to the other gluten free items that you can find at McDonald’s.
This is the McDonalds gluten free menu items that they provided me.
Let me just warn you though, the selections are limited.
If there’s something incorrect on the menu, please don’t get mad at me, but just let me know so I can fix it asap.
Thanks!
McDonalds Gluten Free Menu
Meats
- Beef Patty with no bun
- Breakfast Beef Steak
- Canadian Bacon
- Sausage
- Scrambled Egg
Sides
- Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait with no granola
McDonald’s Salads
McDonalds Premium Bacon Ranch Salad with grilled Chicken (gluten-free)
- Caesar Salad w/o Chicken
- Premium Bacon Ranch Salad
- Premium Southwest Salad (without tortilla strips)
- Side Salad
McDonald’s Dressings
- Newman’s Own Creamy Caesar Dressing
- Newman’s Own Cobb Dressing
- Newman’s Own Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Newman’s Own Ranch Dressing
- Newman’s Own Salsa
Drinks and Beverages
- Apple Juice
- Coffee
- Ice Coffee
- Hot Chocolate
- 1% Low Fat Milk, White or Chocolate
- Orange Juice
- Soft Drinks
- Sweet Tea
- Frappe Caramel
- Frappe Mocha
- Frappe Chocolate Chip
- Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Mango Pineapple Smoothie
- Vanilla McCafe Shake
- Chocolate McCafe Shake
- Strawberry McCafe Shake
Desserts
- Ice Cream Sundaes including nuts
- McFlurry with M&M’S Candies
Sauces and Condiments
- Butter
- Chicken McNugget Honey
- Chicken McNugget Hot Mustard Sauce
- Hotcake Syrup
- Jam
- Ketchup
- Lettuce
- Margarine
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Onions
- Pickles
- Tartar Sauce
- Tomato
- Apple Dippers and Low Fat Caramel Dip
- McDonald’s Cheeses:
- American Cheese
Discover More Gluten Free Menus!
And for a listing of over 250+ gluten free restaurant menus, check out our brand new GF Restaurants + Dining Guide!
If you enjoyed this McDonalds gluten free menu post as well as the great fry debate, please share with anyone that you know who will find this to be very beneficial.
Thanks again!
…
Joyce says
What about the grilled chicken?
Adam Bryan says
Hey Joyce,
The grilled chicken is gluten free. I just forgot to add it to the menu. Thanks for letting me know though!
JoyceG says
I had the Caesar salad with grilled chicken and became very sick that evening. I saw that Jonnay had posted (on April 12th) that the grilled chicken is coated in flavoring that contains wheat. I know that I am done with McDonalds.
Cyndi says
I had the Ceasars salad with grilled chicken and ceasar dressing on Monday and had a migraine for 2 1/2 days. The McDonald’s allergen and nutrition PDF didn’t indicate any wheat in any of it (I checked) but it nailed me nonetheless. That’s the only thing it could have been. That migraine made my all time worst three list. Won’t be doing that again.
Yeslech says
I had the Ceasar’s salad with grilled chicken and ceasar dressing and realized there is bacon in it. Is the bacon real or fake?!?!? If fake it would likely contain gluten…
LuDena Radford says
In the USA Angus seasoning , mc fries , hashbrow s and grilled chicken all have wheat or a coating containing wheat to improve flavor and/or keep them from sticking together.
Mc fri sauce contains gluten
Chocolate dip sauce cross contaminated from dipped cones
There may be a few McDonalds trying out gluten free versions but most McDonolds in the USA do not use the gluten free versions
Cross contamination also happens even with dedicated .
When checking ingreedients using web sites make sure you are checking USA web site . Canada McDonalds do have gluten free french fries , hashbrowns and grilled chicken
Dalia says
I never reacted to the French fries. In Canada, they have their own fryer. The hash browns, however, might be fried in the same fryer as the nuggets. Also, I’m told they don’t serve hash browns past noon. I miss hash browns! And I also miss the bbq sauce!!!
Shirley says
I have never had gluten reaction to McDonald fries. Never experienced frying anything but fries in certain area. No hah browns!
Dalia says
There could have been cross-contamination.
Perhaps the cutting board for chopping the lettuce?
Maybe the surface that the chicken was grilled on could have also had gluten on it from another food item.
There are many sources of gluten cross-contamination.
Also, the food preparers might not have changed gloves between making one person’s hamburger and making your salad. Maybe the work surface. Maybe the knife used in cutting your chicken. Maybe the Caesar sauce?
lisa says
CHIC FIL A has the only gluten free fries cause they are cooked in peanut oil.Which,makes them totally gf
Ryan says
Peanut oil isn’t any more /less gluten free than veggie oil. And other places fry their fries separate from breaded items. Burger King does, but I stopped having those when I found d there isn’t a lot if separation in the bin under the heat lamp. Found pieces of onion rings twice. So long carb burgers only for me there.
Catherine says
Five Guys fries are gluten free because they only fry their fries in it.
Kelly says
Chic fil a also has gf rolls/buns for their sandwiches. it’s our “go to” fast food.
Denise says
Be sure to ask them to cut the grilled chicken on a clean cutting board. Otherwise it is cut on the same board as the breaded chicken. Also in regard to the fries, from what I have been able to find out, they come to the store partially cooked and to keep them from sticking together they are coated with flour.
Dalia says
McDonald’s fries are not coated in flour. But yes, many restaurants coat their fries with flour so it’s always good to ask.
Valerie says
The fries are not gluten free bc they use a wheat flour on them here in the US, not in all countries.
Olivia says
I think you may want to look at mcdonalds website where they specifically say their hash browns and fries have no gluten – just potatoes. I’m gluten free and my first job was at mcdonalds and I can attest that hasbrowns are just potatoes…
Natasha says
They’re definitely not just potatoes, sorry you’re wrong there. It’s stated on their ingredients list on the app.
Beccie A says
Even if they are only potatoes, they are fried in the same friers as the chicken nuggets, fish fillets which are breaded and other breaded items which causes HUGE cross contamination! And people with Celiac disease like myself or even an intolerance can/ will get very I’ll. Not cool!
Mari says
I went to “hamburger high” when I worked at McDonald’s. Fries & hash browns were cooked in two vats (usually close to the front cash registers. All meat products deep fried (Chicken nuggets, breaded chicken, fish) have a separate fryer in the grill section of the restaurant (the pies are also fried in the back grill fryer) The vats are fully drained and cleaned regularly and filled with new fats for frying.
***IN ANY RESTAURANT or HOSPITALS – We all need to be aware that many food service workers or nutritionists/physicians do not have food allergen training or do not take it seriously.
The lack of knowledge and understanding can cause a cross contamination from cooking in non designated area or following all procedures correctly and even packing the wrong food in the order. (I have had many of my favorite GF restaurants make mistakes that I have caught…some that I have not caught and suffered as a result.)
Most critical was having a physician make a serious error in my medical record about being a Celiac. Noted the following “Gluten in tolerant, controlled by diet, type II diabetic” Not only did this cause a significant problem with meals while hospitalized, it is now in the permanent record with 1 page noting the “oops”, with many pages noting the type II. Is another going to “look through 100’s of pages to find the one “oops”?” Probably not! I can tell you it is a long term issue continuing to correct this one time mistake from a physician who definitely should have known better. These type of errors can cause one to be rated for insurance over an issue/condition that they do not have.
We have equal responsibility to educate those in the community and to not “blacklist” a business without concrete documented, third party tested data.
Sarah Anderson says
You’re right. I have celiac and eat their fries all the time.
Katie says
After doing a little bit of research myself because their grilled chicken made me sick it turns out it’s a patty not a breast. It is not gluten-free.
MacKenzie says
The fries at McDonalds contain wheat!
Adam Bryan says
I’m going to have to agree with you MacKenzie!
Tina Kaye says
It actually lists that the beef flavoring in the fries comes from wheat, so it’s no longer just a cross-contamination issue.
bsavage7276 says
Yep. Since the vegetarians got upset over the beef tallow flavoring the fries, now they use wheat to flavor. I’m not a McDonald’s fan, anyway, especially not anymore.
Nick Archuleta says
If you check out myth busters one of them investigate the ingredients in the French fries , and they have proven that there is weat ingredients in them
jknobbe says
McDonald’s/glutenfreemenu says French fries are gluten free and the fryers are dedicated to ff only and the hash browns are gluten free also maybe you need to check into what your eating with the fries that is making you sick. I eat them often and had hash browns yesterday @McDonalds and did not get sick.
steph says
Fries are not gluten free
Desirae says
I agree with Steph. I have check the ingredient list on the back of frozen fries, and they do indeed have gluten. The only one I think may not are In and Out since they just cut the potatoes and fry them.
Adam Bryan says
I agree as well
Jonathan Yant says
Dude!! Look at the PDF for ingredients. The fries contain a beef flavoring that has wheat.
Jerry says
the McDonalds in Iowa that I go to have a dedicated fryer for french fries only. the manager brought me out a pkg of frozen fries and they are rolled in rice flour and are gluten free please don’t say they aren’t gf everywhere cause this is not true. I eat ff and hash browns and have no problems
Suzfla says
I am very sensitive to gluten…have eaten both hash browns and fries as well as grilled chicken and sausage patty and have never gotten sick from eating there!
Ella says
Yeah, I haven’t been able to eat gluten since I was three, and I’m super sensitive to it. Yet I go to McDonalds whenever I please and enjoy a very large (unhealthy, but gluten free) French Fry, as well as a hash brown every now and then
Debi Langston says
the cheese at McDonald’s is not gluten free the hash browns and french fries are always cook separate the ranch dressings in the package are not gluten-free I have read the directions on them the ranch they have on the table is gluten free and your bacon in your bacon ranch salad is not gluten free. need to pay attention better to the ingredients that you’re selling as gluten free I work there and I can have a salad with grilled chicken no cheese french fries and a frappe. All gluten free
Sian says
The fries at McDonald’s may be made gluten free. However, they cook them in cats that non gluten free stuff are cooked in so they are not gluten free. The grilled chicken in the salad might now be contaminated as they are now prepped in store. So they could now get contaminated during the prep process.
Haili Potter says
No, i’m a celiac since I was born, but didn’t know it until I got tested for it. I haven’t had a problem with their french fries or hash browns ever.
Trisha says
My daughter is the same way. This confuses me. She’s celiac and has been fine with their fries. I was told they are made in seperate fryers.
Krysten says
I work at McDonalds and I’ve checked the fries and hash browns multiple times and never found any wheat ingredients. I also eat both and I’ve NEVER been sick from them and I’m diagnosed celiac so I think they’re fine.
Ryan says
The issue here is hydrolyzed wheat protein. The question is how much gluten actually remains after the hydrolyzation process. People are so conditioned to see the word wheat and get all up in arms. The fact that so many with issues do eat their dries and hash browns without issue, lends itself to conclude that the levels of gluten are well below the acceptable standard to be considered gluten free, but until a testing process can give conclusive results, it’s just an educated guess.
I think it’s Greens that uses something similar in their base green bars and such, and the levels of gluten are well below the acceptable level to be considered gluten free.
All the preachy comments are just laughable. So many high horses in glass houses. It’s a bit pathetic actually.
Suzfla says
Agreed!
AngelEyes says
Here’s some more preachy glass housing for you. Maybe it will make you laugh the next time you swill down something that has wheat in it, no matter how much the amount. The issue here is actually the fact of why so many people are here needing to sound so preachy in the first place. And that reason is because of so many being diagnosed Celiac or gluten sensitive. And that diagnosis is happening because there is a big problem with health & immune systems. And a huge culprit in today’s society has to watch out for wheat being the main bad guy. It’s fake, genetically modified wheat that is being grown now. And that strain of wheat won’t even grow in nature by itself. It takes man to grow it and care for it to make sure it survives before it can get harvested. And it’s a slow build up in the system over years that creates “sensitivities” or full blown Celiac and that started it’s slow path of destruction in the mid 80s into today at 2021.If anybody eats at a fast food restaurant, then they might as well conclude & expect that the food is contaminated. There is no “for sure or special non-contaminated area” in a fast food joint. It is fast for a reason. The thing that’s pathetic and frankly disgusting is the wheat that people are eating, whether they have a sensitivity or allergy to it or not. When the gmo strain was developed in the mid 80s, it was handed out freely all over the world without even being tested first to see if it was safely fit for human consumption. People think it’s okay just because it doesn’t hurt some people instantly. And the people that it hurts instantly are those that doctors consider “diseased” with having Celiac. This gmo wheat crap is the very reason so many people are breaking out with odd skin sensitivities like rashes, etc. Yet does society take responsibility for the real reason this is occurring more & more? Nope, they blame dish detergent & laundry soap, and perfume, and if they could they’d probably blame a cat fart in the air as the reason. It’s anything that is GMO that is the problem. That and the fact that people are just so willing to shove gmo items into their mouths & expect nothing odd to happen as a result. I just don’t understand why people can’t see that anything processed and/or gmo is a bad & disgusting idea. That’s what is truly pathetic here. Not the fact that you have a hoard of misinformed, nervous/scared, and ill people trying to figure out a way to not feel sick.
Emma says
I’ve never asked at McDonald’s, but my doctor said that the strawberrys they put in their parfaits are coated in flour so the won’t stick together. So you should definitely ask before ordering one.
Adam Bryan says
Thanks for the tip Emma!
Trisha says
The McDonalds website says its coated in Konjac flour which appears to be gluten free.
Ginger says
The Mcdonalds here in Iowa uses eggs to make scrambled eggs that are NOT gluten free! The two I’ve asked told me they dont use fresh eggs and that they come pre-processed and do contain wheat flour! I would recommend asking each specific place!
Adam Bryan says
I agree Ginger. Even though a menu item may appear to be gluten free, it’s always important to double check.
Chely says
Me too. I understand that in 2006 McDoinalds changed their position on the fries, and declared that they were NOT gluten free.
Mikayla says
I eat the sausage egg burritos (obviously with out the burrito) and I have never had an issue except some bloating from the cheese. Eggs in Ohio seem to be Gluten Free.
Angie H says
Sausage is not GF. It has fillers in it which cause it to not be.
Jenni says
I have had reactions after eating McDonalds fries…. i Don’t trust them anymore
Terrie says
Lot of places may offer gluten free but they arent really .i went in to Apple Bees the other day they sau
I’d they can’t guarantee gluten free do to cross contamation. Lot of the cooks are not aware of the gluten free, Do they really worry about contamation?
Adam Bryan says
Hey Terrie,
I agree that the risk of cross contamination at some restaurants is sometimes taken lightly. My personal favorite is Chick Fil A because they really do whatever it takes to ensure that your meal is prepared safely.
Lynne says
What does Chick fil a offer that is gluten free?
Adam Bryan says
Here you go Lynne: Chick Fil A Gluten Free Menu
jomama says
I call this place McGlutens!
bsavage7276 says
Awesome! I will call it this now, too!
Jessica says
We call it the gluten factory!
Jamie says
I know I should back it up, but I’ve read so many blogs trying to establish a gf lifestyle that it’s blurred.
That being said, I read on a blog that McDonald’s cannot call their fries gf not because of cross contamination but because they ADD wheat to their oil for “flavoring.” Why, oh why does one need to add MORE?
Jimi says
In Finland you can order any meal without gluten. It’s really cool props to mcdonalds.. I was hoping that they do that in the U.S too because I will move there one day.. What a bummer!
Adam Bryan says
That would make life so much easier!
amy says
Beware of the balsamic vinaigrette. Balsamic vinegar usually contains gluten.
Samantha French says
Hi Amy,
I don’t want to contradict you, but I guess that’s what I’m doing. Balsamic vinegar is naturally gluten free. The only vinegar that is not naturally gluten free is malt vinegar.
shorst says
you also have to be careful of apple cider vinegar if it has caramel coloring listed
Lynne L says
I agree with Samantha. Balsamic Vinegar is gluten free unless it’s in a dressing that has other things added to it. This is for red and white balsamic. Malt vinegar, is of course, the one we can’t have.
steelmagnolia says
their pdf says the Rice Vinegar has gluten. I don’t see anything worth eating on this menu that I can safely eat. I ordered the grilled chicken salad and the chicken was coated in something crumbly brown and questionable. i didn’t eat it. 5 Guys for me!
Colin Marcho says
I work at McDonalds and this does raise some concerns. People don’t pay attention to which cooker they cook hashbrowns in during the morning then the same cooker is used on the fries giving them a aftertaste.. tomorrow I will raise this issue and make sure one cooker is designated for hashbrowns another for fries and see that the grease is changed immediately.
Adam Bryan says
Hey thanks Colin, that would be great and I’m sure you’ll be doing all of us a huge favor (well at least those around your area at least). Thanks for the input!
Heather says
I had read that the southwest style has gluten in the tortilla chips and the south west dressing has gluten as well.
lacy says
I did some checking and the southwest salad heres the site I found and my findings..
http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/getnutrition/ingredientslist.pdf
confused tho…the tortilla strips are made with corn so not sure if they are gluten free or not – can someone clarify according to the ingredients listed…also the southwest dressing according to the site doesn’t seem to have gluten in it either I believe- I am new at the gluten free thing as of recent so wondering if someone can clarify (is there a wheat term I am missing when reading this) for me if these options are in fact safe from gluten?
heres the ingredient list off their site…
Cilantro Lime Glaze:(on the chicken)
Water, corn syrup solids, high fructose corn syrup, sugar, distilled vinegar, olive oil, soybean oil, freeze-dried orange juice concentrate, cilantro, salt, freeze-dried lime
juice concentrate, xanthan gum, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate (preservatives), garlic powder, propylene glycol alginate, spice, onion powder, citric acid.
Chili Lime Tortilla Strips:
Corn, vegetable oil (corn oil, soybean oil and/or sunflower oil), salt, maltodextrin, sugar, dried tomato, dextrose, spices, onion powder, green bell pepper powder,
citric acid, autolyzed yeast extract, malic acid, paprika extract (color), disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, natural flavor (vegetable source), lemon extract, spice
extractive.
Newman’s Own® Creamy Southwest Dressing:
Water, corn syrup solids, soybean oil, distilled vinegar, egg yolks, corn vinegar, corn starch, whey, salt, cilantro, sugar, spices, onion powder, garlic powder, apple
cider vinegar, sour cream powder (cultured sour cream, skim milk solids, whey, sugar, citric acid, lactic acid), natural flavors (animal and vegetable source), xanthan
gum, lactic acid, paprika, parsley.
CONTAINS: EGG AND MILK.
Robin says
I eat a southwest salad at least once a week! The chips are safe! They are not fried there either! The dressing and glaze are safe also! This is my favorite ! I always check the ingredients myself before eating anywhere:)
amy says
I agree I eat the grilled chicken southwest salad often with no issues!
Ryan says
Not a gluten oriented reply, but I’ve found the salads at Wendy’s to be a ton better than McDonald’s. And if you do the survey on the receipt you can save $2 off a full size salad every once in a while.
Lea says
Distilled vinigar is made by distilling wheat germ so that is an unsafe item. Therefore the chicken is not safe. I will have to check but most hash browns and fries are only potatoes and maybe seasoning and are fried in a seperate vat. The concern would be the oil. I work at McDonalds and there is a way to add oil with a button. Not sure where the oil comes from.
Carol says
Wheat germ itself is apparently gf despite the name. However there could be cross contamination issues
lacy says
also to help with the great fries debate – I found this…also on the above nutrition website
.French Fries:
Potatoes, vegetable oil (canola oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, natural beef flavor [wheat and milk derivatives]*, citric acid [preservative]), dextrose, sodium acid
pyrophosphate (maintain color), salt. Prepared in vegetable oil (Canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil with TBHQ and citric acid added to
preserve freshness). Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent.
CONTAINS: WHEAT AND MILK.
*(Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients).
dawne says
thanks lacy! I always heard that the fries were not GF and also not vegetarian and now I know why!! Why add BEEF FLAVORING to potatoes???!!!
bsavage7276 says
Oh, they are vegetarian. The beef flavor is referring to what the flavor ends up being — there’s no real beef anymore since they stopped using beef tallow.
Lauren says
It also depends on where you’re located – in Canada, the fries (and oil) don’t contain gluten. Cross contamination may be another story, but I eat them pretty often without an issue.
Canadian PDF: http://www1.mcdonalds.ca/NutritionCalculator/IngredientFactsEN.pdf
Fries as listed in the above PDF: Potatoes, canola oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, safflower oil, natural flavour (vegetable source), dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate (maintain colour), citric acid (preservative), dimethylpolysiloxane (antifoaming agent), cooked in vegetable oil (canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil (TBHQ), citric acid, dimethylpolysiloxane).
Jonnay says
I recently ordered Grilled Chicken at McDonalds for my son and it appeared to have a thick coating of some sort on the outside. When I looked up the ingredients, I found that Wheat Flour was listed as an ingredient in the Grilled Chicken. RIDICULOUS!!!! I also think he has had a reaction to the french fries at McDonalds.
Michelle says
Jonnay, where did you find wheat flour as an ingredient in the grilled chicken??? McDonald’s website states: Grilled Chicken Fillet:
Chicken breast fillet with rib meat, water, seasoning (rice starch, salt, sugar, yeast extract, canola oil, onion powder, maltodextrin, chicken skin, paprika, flavor,
sunflower oil, chicken, garlic powder, chicken fat, spices), sodium phosphates.
Prepared with Liquid Margarine: Liquid soybean oil and hydrogenated cottonseed and soybean oils, water, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, salt, soy lecithin,
mono-and diglycerides, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate (preservatives), artificial flavor, citric acid, vitamin A palmitate, beta carotene (color).
CONTAINS: SOY LECITHIN.
Pam says
Maltodextrin, a common food additive, is a type of sugar that’s made by breaking down starch. (Despite its name, maltodextrin does not contain malt.) Whether maltodextrin is gluten-free depends on what kind of starch it came from. In the United States, maltodextrin is usually made from rice, corn, or potato. In Europe, maltodextrin is frequently made from wheat.
Andrea says
My 6 year old has celiac. Since his diagnosis, we have not eaten out. I heard McD’s fries are GF. So I took him for a (very unhealthy) treat–about 5-6 hours later he was balled up in pain crying. His reaction was enough evidence I need to NEVER give him McD’s fries again.
Alison says
Heard that wheat flour is now being added to bacon,
Adam Bryan says
It’s almost like McDonald’s doesn’t want us to eat there anymore Alison…
Cicely Lux says
I cant guarantee it but i think the Peanut Butter Cup McFlurry is also gluten free. I read it somewhere else it the past and the Hershey’s web site says ALL Peanut Butter Cups (except holiday shapes) are gluten free. My son has had the PBC McFlurry and suffered no side affects. But its a try at your own risk situation.(at 12 he’s willing to risk it the once or twice a year we get one. LOL)
Adam Bryan says
Your son is bold. That’s all I have to say lol. When I think about it too, Reese Cups are gluten free, so it’d only make sense if the McFlurry is too. But I’m with you on the whole eat at your own risk. Thanks for the tip Cicely!
daniel weir says
I have McDonalds french fries every day for lunch with a parfait and an orange juice. It never causes me any problem. My brother is a lot more fragile than I am. We both have a problem with artificial sweeteners. The problem that you are having may be with the drink and not the fries.
Kim says
Chick fil A’s milkshakes contain wheat. UGH!
Gary Bensen says
I used to work at Simplots who made McDonalds french fries and hash browns. In 1990 their hash-browns only have dextrose, vitamin C, and salt. However, the McNuggets are breaded and fried in the same oil, the fries and hash-browns are contaminated.
Caryn says
I eat the tortilla strips and don’t have a reaction! Also most use fresh eggs, I did’t know some did’t.
Julie says
I worked at McDonald’s for almost a year. Everything is processed mostly. The salads are made every morning and they add the chicken (and tortilla chips) when you order it. The French fries and hash browns are fried together and no one cares much about allergies. I ALWAYS told people it’s better to be safe than sorry (I’m allergic to tree nuts) and to look up the ingredients online. I’m gluten AND dairy free (by diet, not celiacs or lactose intolerant) but reading the beef/milk/wheat crud that’s in the fries makes me feel sick. I think the only thing I can eat at this place is the side salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Also all the meat comes as is and sits in a warmer. The eggs aren’t cooked on the spot either.. Just like dunkin donuts. It’s all frozen. I’ll stick to Chipotle after reading this haha, thanks guys!
Joan V says
I have not actually been tested for celiacs or gluten sensitivity but I can tell you even things with traces give me diarrhea and stomach cramps. I stopped having gluten in Dec. Today I decided to try some McDonalds fries and a frappe for a treat and now … you guessed it… diarrhea and stomach cramps! I won’t be doing that again! On a side note, I have lost 30 lbs since giving up gluten and feel sooo much better.
Randi says
I just had McDonald’s Egg White Delight without the english muffin – McDonald’s served it in a plastic container (nice job). But, then had a signifiant gluten reaction. I have had this reaction at times when i have eaten scrambled eggs and fried eggs in restaurants. I have since learned that some restaurants add wheat based products to eggs to make fluffy, and I also have read that cross contamination on the same grill that cooks pancakes could be an issue. I noticed that McDonald’s fried eggs are not on the gluten free list. Does anyone have information on whether McDonald’s Egg White Delight (without the bread) is gluten free?
kimberley says
They came out with the egg white delight right before I went gluten free. That stuff is delicious. I’ve always been a fan of egg whites. I don’t know about the cheese, but according to mcdonalds 30 something page ingredient pdf, eggs as well as egg whites do not contain wheat at all. The eggs are just eggs, but the egg whites are prepared with liquid margerine. I’m not sure about cross contamination, but when I have just those, I have no reaction. The site says both contain soy lecithin, whatever that is. Is that actually soy? I’m not supposed to really be having soy… or caffeine or sugar or dairy. Hence why I’m having a mocha frappe :rolls eyes:
btw, this site is a lifesaver! !!!
Cory says
Just so no one gets confused when they go to McDonalds to order a drink, McDonalds sweet tea DOES contain gluten. My wife isn’t sensitive enough that cross contamination bothers her but has a bad reaction if she has something with gluten in it and she had a reaction almost immediately after taking a drink of McDonalds sweet tea.
april says
I just got sick from drinking a Mcdonalds iced tea. i thought i was crazy but I only had corn chex and rice milk that morning so it must have been the iced tea. I cannot imagine why iced tea would have gluten!
bsavage7276 says
Hi, April. I can’t imagine why the iced tea would have gluten, but it does have a lot of caffeine. Caffeine can affect your system badly in a similar way to a glutening, especially if you haven’t had a lot in a long time or are greatly affected (caffeine has always caused digestive distress for me, even before becoming gluten free and even moreso now that I am). Just to be safe, though, I would suggest avoiding the iced tea. I go to Burger King myself and order the boundless burger and fries and sometimes have Sprite. I had the peach iced tea there once and got a caffeine reaction and had Dr. Pepper there as well with another caffeine reaction. Just be careful!
bsavage7276 says
*bunless burger
My Kindle likes to try to “help” me type…
bsavage7276 says
Also, I’ve heard that rice milk is sometimes processed with gluten. Why? I don’t know! A better choice would be almond milk or flax milk. I can’t have nuts, so the flax milk has been awesome for me. Silk has also come out with a new cashew milk that I have yet to try. I can have cashews for some reason. Good luck, and pay attention!
Devon says
Are you absolutely sure the fries contain gluten? I’ve eaten them before with no side effect. Have any of you guys ever had a doggy brain after eating gluten for an extended period of time? And how long do your pains go away after staying on a gluten free diet?
Devon says
Foggy brain*
April says
F.y.i. As far as the French fries go… They definitely have wheat in them. When you look at the official McDonald’s allergen and nutrition PDF it shows you all the ingredients used in each item they sell. Wheat is listed as an ingredient in the French fry recipe. I have a whey and casein sensitivity so their French fries are out 🙁
gail says
I have celiac. And when I went into MacDonald’s. And asked them if any thing is gluten free on the menu they looked at me like I came from another planet. I like the french fries and if they had gluten I would had gotten a migraine the next day that would had lasted at least 4 days. So no gluten in the fries. But would hesitate to try anything else I gained a lot of weight with celiac.
Megan says
I have Celiac’s also. I ate the fries and didn’t have my usuall horrible headache, diarrhea or nausea. So I figure they have to be GF!
DeeDee says
Many commercial french fries have gluten in them. My husband and daughter toured a local potato plant in 2004 or 2005 and, at that time, most of the commercial french fries they produced were made by mashing the potatoes, adding gluten, and extruding the mixture through a die. The gluten is used to stick the mashed potato together. All the fries for each chain/brand must be made to the same standard to maintain consistency of the product nationwide. McD’s was one of many chains/brands this plant produced fries for. Rule of thumb: if the fries are reconstituted they likely contain gluten, if the fries are cut they likely do not contain gluten… but you still have the issue of adding wheat to the oil and cross contamination.
Adam Bryan says
Thanks for the insider’s information DeeDee. It’s very helpful
barb says
fries not gluten free. spent all day in the bathroom. ick. never again, learn the hard way. was I stupid.
Jennifer says
There are way too many food ingredients out there that contain wheat protein to trust any place to eat rather than your own kitchen. This is no easy task!! Trying to prepare a meal at home has become complicated as well. However, once you come up with a meal plan (try to use non GMO products as much as possible) life is good once again;). I don’t eat out much unless it’s at a diner for an omelette. Or Japanese for sushi, in which, I bring my own gluten free soy sauce from Bragg. I know the discussion here is about McD’s gluten free menu but just look at the other ingredients in the stuff as well. If I cannot pronounce the ingredients, I’m not consuming them. I’m so amazed that so many people still eat at these places. The chemicals in the foods are the issue. People are becoming sick from the high intake of these processed ingredients that the body is not designed to break down. I’m not an expert in the field but just something as simple as knowing the difference between high fructose corn syrup and sugar is enough to raise a red flag for me. I have UC & Celiacs & ADHD. These intestinal issues are also related to ADHD and who knows what else!! Eat at home. Prepare your own lunch for work. I will go hungry before I eat on the go… The body can handle it so as long as you have water; if you think about it, it’s only a few hours… You can always grab fruit as a snack. Doesn’t sound fulfilling but you get over it rather quickly.
Jessica says
my son is very sensitive to cross contamination and he has had no issues eating McDonald’s french fries. we do however only eat at the one in coal city il. due to the fact all of the others around us admit to using the fryers wrong.
Samantha French says
The hashbrowns contain the same ingredients as the fries and are gluten free. However, they also both contain the natural beef flavor which utilizes wheat as a starting ingredient. The controvery comes from the natural beef flavor which, although does contain wheat, leaves no wheat residue after the processing of the protein. Independent research groups have assessed whether or not the hydrolyzed wheat used in the fries results in gluten in the final product and they found that there was no gluten in the final product. However, McDonald’s still has to list wheat in the ingredients because it is the law. It’s similar to grain alcohol in that the distillation process removes the gluten. Yet, it’s still made from grain. Everyone has to make the decision that’s right for them, however. Yet, the outside testing agencies have declared that the finished fry and hashbrown products do not contain measurable levels of gluten.
Samantha French says
I should also add that the fryers are not always dedicated. Additionally, some McDonald’s recycle their oil, mixing the oil from the dedicated fries fryer and the Chicken McNugget friers together at night and reusing the next day. I always ask about the aforementioned cross contamination risks.
Ian says
I have a letter from McDonald’s that states they do not refer to the products as
Gluten Free, rather “Items” that have no gluten source in the ingredients.
French Fries and Hash Browns lead the list.
So the hash browns do not contain Gluten ingredients unless contaminated from
other sources.
I can fax you a copy on this letter if you wish. (it’s dated Nov 2009)
Things might have changed since then. If you find out lets know.
Thanks
walkerjazzman says
so then what u are saying mc donalds fench fries are not gluten free is what u are sayin
NatDawg83 says
Don’t eat them, they’re bad for you anyway, celiac or not!
Atle Haugen says
My experience regarding Mc Donalds and gluten free food is really great. I have to mention that this is in scandinavia (Norway, sweden and Finland). Gluten free bread and fries). I am diagnosed with the “worst” level og celiak sickness ( in Norway you get 300 USD each month if you are at that level to cover the extra expenses). I eat burgere and fries often, and have never got an reaction. I work alot in USA, and have never tryied any mc donalds food, because i do not trust other countries and their gluten free knowlegde. In Norway, you can not find a restaurant which do not serve a full meal gluten free ( with sauce and sides). It should be possible to adapt this knowlege to other countries, because its really a basic thing ( eg. Use maizena flouer instead of wheat).
Adam Bryan says
If the U.S. adopted the Scandinavian method of gluten free dining and education, life would be a whole lot easier. Thanks for the great input Atle!
Kristen says
Went to McDonalds tonight for the first time after a year of being celiac. After doing my research the only mcflurry I was able to get was m&m, not liking m&m’s I went prepared in hope McDonald’s would be understanding. I tooka ziplock bag with crushed up peanutbutter covered pretzels and chocolate covered pretzels. They were kind enough to make me a mcflurry with my toppings and I think I invented the next best Mcflurry!
Adam Bryan says
Smart thinking Kristen! That’s actually pretty awesome that they did that for you too
JB says
McDonald’s french fries and hashbrowns not only have gluten but beef flavoring in them. After much research and a trip to the ER from anaphylactic shock I know this is fact.
Julie Lutz says
Adam you are a dream come true. Thank you for all youve done.
Adam Bryan says
Aw thanks Julie! The truth is that you actually are. It’s a pleasure having you as one of my readers 🙂
Betz says
I don’t get why one would struggle with md’s…..it’s just unhealthy overall and not worth the risk of trusting a jelly brain teen to prepare my greased food….
Trish says
I don’t care much for it myself but my daughter has celiac and for some reason kids love it. Of all the fast food restaurants mcdonalds is probably the best at making her food seperate and keeping her from getting sick. Sure it’s not healthy but for someone who is so restricted on what you can eat all the time it’s nice to be able to go out to eat with everyone and get something you can have too.
busdriver37 says
My young daughter has celiac, and she has quickly adjusted to Wendys for her fast-food fix. (The kid is a huge, huge, huge fan of baked potatoes now!)
Lynne L says
In most places in Canada, McD’s uses Renees Southwest dressing for the Southwest salad…it’s GF. I had the salad for lunch today (minus the tortilla strips, because I had a reaction last time…they have yeast extract in them & since most things that say yeast extract can be suspect, didn’t eat them). I had the grilled chicken in it…no reaction whatsoever. Hope this is helpful.
Lynne L says
Sorry, I should have said Ontario…not all of Canada, as I have no idea what they use elsewhere. I have had this salad quite a few places in Ontario & every time it has been Renees dressing.
Adam Bryan says
This has been super helpful Lynne! Thanks!
Irma says
I never had problems with the fries or the grilled chicken
Allie says
What about frappe’s?
dbpaddlern says
Here is the pdf of their nutrion menu. It lists all the ingredients and anything with wheat has it in capital bold letters. http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/getnutrition/ingredientslist.pdf. Frappes are fine, but the health nuts here will yell at you. Smoothies are fine. Shakes are fine as are the general syrup toppings.
Be wary of the dressings. Buttermilk Ranch has wheat. Creamy Ranch Sauce does not. Big Mac sauce is the same victim of the hydrolyzed wheat. Really? beef flavor in thousand island dressing? Some secret. Chipotle BBQ sauce doesn’t have wheat, but the Tangy Barbecue Sauce does. Sweet ‘N Sour sauce has wheat.
Regardless of how the hydrolyzed wheat protein is utilized and distilled off or what not in the final product, there are alternatives, like hydrolyzed soy protein. In a perfect world they would all use fresh cut like Burger King and Chik-Fil-A, but at the least, with more people being diagnosed with allergies and intolerances, you’d think a company of this scale could influence some changes and actually market to the crowd. And regardless of what labs say, some are just more sensitive than others. Just like those that have a hard time with some liquors that are distilled from wheat and other gluten grains.
You general health nuts can keep your unhealthy comments to yourself. Not everyone who enjoys some fast food has weight issues or trouble eating healthy. We like to treat ourselves from time to time and can even enjoy fairly healthy eating at McDonalds and other fast food places. Grilled chicken with lettuce tomato and onion in a lettuce wrap is fairly healthy and half the price of getting something similar at a sit down place, and same with a burger. Picking up a salad with grilled chicken. Just getting a smoothie, and yes we know there is sugar in it. Take responsibility for what you eat instead of trying to group fast food into being the problem and preaching to us about how bad it is. Educate your kids when and if you go. Much easier to educate from within than to place blame elsewhere. If everyone started ordering healthier food at these places, they just might change their menus accordingly. Instead, the masses speak and now McDonald’s comes out with breaded wings when they could ditch the hydrolyzed wheat in the fries and browns and use that same oil for naked wings, fries and browns. Naked wings with some creamy ranch? Yum.
They have a comment section you can send them an email. The more people with allergies and sensitivities that speak up, the better the chance they might listen. With the shift to healthier eating and allergies and sensitivities becoming more common, they could easily make some minor changes and even market them. Lettuce wrapped sandwiches would be a big plus. Add a side salad to make a meal and you’re eating fairly healthy for what it is.
Lisa says
I have had french fries large and hash browns and never get sick and I instantly get a reaction to gluten so they are both safe.
Chris says
Seriously if u r celiac or gluten free, fast food is pretty much out. Too many uneducated people out there that think they understand gluten free but don’t.
dbpaddler says
It’s really not too hard to eat fast food. The couple places I go, their people are pretty consistent, and I get grilled chicken or burgers sans bun quite a bit. They put them in dishes. The meat is picked up with tongs. Extras are put on by hand(lettuce, tomato, onions). If you ask, they’ll change gloves. Picking up the bun and laying it out is the worst thing they pretty much do on a normal basis. There’s really not a lot of opportunity for contamination at many places now that they handle less with their hands. And my McD’s throws in extra lettuce so I can make it more of a lettuce wrap like Ruby’s and Elevation.
Kathy says
As a newbie I’m quite confused. My BFF who is a GF veteran has told me I have to give up my love for Ranch dressing on everything. Well unless I can find a GF substitute that tastes the same. Yet, on every menu it lists ranch dressing as GF! So what’s the verdict? Can I start coating my bun free burgers in ranch?
dbpaddler says
Two different Ranches. One’s the dressing and one’s the dipping sauce. Check out the menu and see. One is GF and one isn’t.
Adam Bryan says
Hi Kathy, everything restaurants ranch dressing is different. It honestly just depends on whatever restaurant you’re eating at
MemoryFell says
I LOVE ranch! I recently started eating Gluten free and was so happy to discover my favourite brand of Ranch is Gluten Free. Noname FYI
Kristin says
I eat the french fries and hashbrowns all the time and have absolutely no reaction. I usually order the big breakfast minus the biscuit with a caramel frappe and feel fine. So I think the eggs are fine too. I have Celiac and get violently ill within 2 hours if I consume gluten, but none of these bother me at all.
Briannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnna says
I hate being gluten intolerant but thanks for the helpful information
Brent says
Looking at the McDonald’s Canada ingredient list, it looks like they use vegetable oil in their fryers. Their grilled chicken doesn’t list wheat either, including the seasoning and cooking spray. http://www1.mcdonalds.ca/NutritionCalculator/IngredientFactsEN.pdf
Victoria says
Just because it doesn’t list wheat does not make restaurant foods safe. Cross contamination can occur by the surface it is prepared on. Many restaurants do not have dedicated surfaces that are protected from gluten contamination.
Sarah says
Mcd’s is saying their fries and hashbrown are both gluten free. My daughter has never had a reaction to the fries, we’ve always stayed away from the hashbrowns but I think we will have to give them a try now and see hat happens.
http://yourquestions.mcdonalds.ca/questions/7876
jane says
ketchup contains vinegar, which is NOT gluten free. for those who have sever allergies even trace amounts can be harmful.
crogs says
Your keyword is severe. It’s such a small population that is effected by products distilled from grains. And only vinegars that are malted present more of a universal problem. Those not made from grains are perfectly fine, the only kicker bring wine vinegar that come from barrels. lined with with a flour paste, and even then the gluten content present even before starting distillation is at or almost at the level to be gluten free by most standards, and that’s before distillation.
And for the record, Heinz ketchup is gluten free which is what McDonald’s carries.
Echoey says
Jane – Heinz makes a vinegar from corn if you need some. Also their ketchups are made using corn vinegar
charity says
Not all of them there is a heinz that has no corn syrup
Tracey says
Even the most gluten-free conscious restaurants have wayward employees that can screw up and cross-contaminate (“please change your gloves”, “did you change the water?”). I’m not leaving my gastro tract in the hands of some teenie bopper working at McDs!
Cheyenne says
I have a gluten intolerance and the fries haven’t hurt me 🙂
Tania L. Moore says
Then you’ve gotten lucky. They contain hydrolyzed wheat:
http://www.ijreview.com/2015/01/237153-19-ingredients-mcdonalds-uses-make-iconic-french-fry-revealed/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=conservativedaily&utm_campaign=Food
busdriver37 says
You’re probably not very gluten-intolerant, considering McDonalds french fries definitely have wheat in (or on) them.
Ryan says
You probably aren’t very educated on the process for hydrolyzed wheat protein and how much gluten actually remains after. Just saying.
sudsn says
wondering why the southwest salad says to skip the tortilla strips. I buy them all the time at the grocery store and every brand I’ve checked is gluten free!
rcro says
Possibilities:
1. Some tortilla chips add wheat flour. Usually have some whole or multi grain designation, but when you’re buying something bagged, it’s an easy thing to recognize. Don’t think they mention what these are made of.
2. I have restaurants that make tortilla chips and they fry them in the same oil as all the breaded foods. So “cross contact” as someone pointed out. Maybe the company that makes them makes all sorts of fried chips and some contain wheat.
That’s all I can think of off the top of my head.
Karen Lane says
I too have a gluten intolerance. I have found McDonalds fries differ by restaurant. I could eat them a one with no problem. We recently moved, and I got sick eating fries at the McDonalds in our new town. So….you take a chance, is it worth it??
Mike Robins says
Cant believe people still eat this garbage regularly
Aaron Archual says
I heard from a lady I know (who is very strict on her gluten free diet) that McDonalds has a filler in their meat that gives them gluten.
Southernsweetie says
This is cut and pasted directly from Mcdonald’s ingredient list:
FRENCH FRIES:
Ingredients: Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Natural Beef Flavor [Wheat and Milk Derivatives]*, Citric Acid
[Preservative]), Dextrose, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (Maintain Color), Salt. Prepared in Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean
Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid added to preserve freshness), Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent.
*
CONTAINS: WHEAT AND MILK.
*Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients.
Same for the hash browns.
Dawn says
Is the soft serve gluten free?
Bren says
The Fries have gluten via the beef flavoring. If you have celiac disease, then you shouldn’t eat at McDonalds. Cross contamination is going to happen when you have workers handling do many burgers and using the same surfaces for all the good. This is a place that uses lots of buns, breaking and other sources of gluten. It I only takes particles of the stuff to wreck you for two weeks if you have celiac. Seriously you sre dreaming if you think you are not getting any gluten when you eat at this place.
Margie says
I cannot believe that a company as big as McDonalds cannot be 100 percent sure that their gluten free foods are gluten free. The health of many people, mostly children are at risk A loving Grandma
busdriver37 says
It’s standard CYA language. My daughter has celiac; even the best restaurants we go to still contain the same disclaimer on their menus.
Jessica says
I work at a McDonalds in Canada. The fries do not have a coating (or the beef flavour mentioned above) but the hashbrowns do (which contains rice flour to help crisp them up) and are 100% gluten free. The oil used in Canada was changed years ago to remove the gluten that used to be hidden in the oils flavouring, so as long as you are in Canada you can enjoy the fries. Also their gravy for the poutine is gluten free! Unfortunately, last I heard, the oil and fries have not been changed to accommodate us and continue to contain gluten in the States. As mentioned above, even once surfaces have been wiped and hands have been washed, cross contamination is still very possible and if you are a severely sensitive celiac you should avoid ordering food from the kitchen. I have never been sick ordering any small burger with no bun due to celiac, just the excessive grease lol!
Allergy Guide For McDonalds Canada
http://www1.mcdonalds.ca/NutritionCalculator/IngredientFactsEN.pdf
rob says
gluten free poutine !!!!!!!!!!!! lol!
Mena says
The fries are not Gluten free!
Lynn Hill says
I am at a McDonalds right now who tells me NOTHING at Mc Donalds is gluten free. I say be smart and stay away from fast food joints.
Walter Lees says
Regarding McDonald’s French Fries. After asking the supervisor there and getting the “I don’t know but here’s our nutrition menu”. I looked it up on the McDonald’s site and finally found the following link which required me to enter a zip code to pin down the ingredients.
http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/food/product_nutrition.snackssides.6050.small-french-fries.html
The information it related is copied here verbatim:
FRENCH FRIES
Allergens: WHEAT AND MILK
Ingredients: Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Natural Beef Flavor [Wheat and Milk Derivatives]*, Citric Acid [Preservative]), Dextrose, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (Maintain Color), Salt.
Prepared in Vegetable Oil: Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid added to preserve freshness. Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent.
CONTAINS: WHEAT AND MILK
*Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients.
Keep in mind that it asked for a zip code so your locations may have different ingredients.
Now I have no reason to ever go back to McDonald’s.
In-and-Out here I come!
Ms. Fee says
McDonald’s and several hundred other fast food restaurants are not ‘gluten free’. These restaurants offer gluten free items. The problem is CROSS_CONTAMINATION! If you are o a random gluten free diet, no problem. But if you are diagnosed with celiac and/or gluten sensitivity, then you should NEVER eat at McDonald’s or any other fast food restaurant. You should eat at certified 100% gluten free fast food and regular restaurants. Because the USA only recognizes gluten free at 100miliparts per million – that simply meas there is gluten in 99% of all gluten free foods. BEWARE….
Kara Balcarras says
If you go to the McDonald’s website for Canada it says both their fries and hashbrowns are gluten free and are cooked in a seperate frier. Their beef patties are 100% beef and only have salt and pepper added. But because they prepare food that has gluten in the same kitchen they cannot guarantee anything to be gluten free.
Crystal says
True. Canada site does say hash browns and frys gluten free and in there own fryer together. USA site frys have cross contamination in the fryer. U can tell a canadian mcdonalds because it has a red leaf in the middle of the mcdonalds M. It helps when ur a the boarder.
Hyacinth Glover says
I don’t eat at mcdonalds due to how rudely I have been treated because of me having celiac disease. I explain that I have to make a special order and that I might have some questions. I still get whined at, or told I am making it too complicated for the server to handle. I ordered a burger without bun or sauce and the server asked me if it was for a dog to eat (apparently people order meat patties for their dogs I learned, but still.) Also I seriously doubt they change their gloves, just sayin.
RCombs says
I think another question to ask in the great fry debate is…”Is there a common filter used between fryers” Just cause an eatery has a dedicated fryer for their fries – does not mean they are always GF. I have been told at some high end restaurants that they have separate fryers, but they share the same oil filter system – thereby contaminating the oil…
busdriver37 says
As one of the steps in manufacturing their proprietary french fries, McDonalds dips them in a vegetable oil + wheat mixture. (It helps their outside crisp up.) They also regularly use an oil with a wheat-based flour mixed in, for texture purposes. McDonalds french fries are most definitely NOT gluten-free, even if they were fried in a dedicated fryer. (But you can still have Ore Ida fries at home; those are definitely GF.)
Steve says
My word, whatever is the matter with people. I’m not sure what it said in 2013 (when this thread started), but the McDonalds UK website is quite clear in answering any questions and ending this debate.
Unless there is a suggestion they are lying (even they couldn’t get away with that), it is quite clear from the multiple pages that the fries are gluten free.
Thank you for Ryan in providing some evidence (which will no doubt be ignored)
firefly says
I do not eat gluten and so far I have not had a problem with McDonald’s french fries. In fact, it is one of very few places that I can eat the french fries. I would be leery of ketchup. There is hidden gluten in many brands of ketchup as well as salad dressings. I would have to see the ingredient list before I would eat any ketchup or salad dressing. Also, any processed chicken (like the grilled chicken on the salads) have some sort of seasoning on them. I have been very careful about not eating foods like that because you just never can be 100% sure of the ingredients used for seasoning & coating. I usually just order a side salad with a side order of bacon (to put on my salad).
Karen says
McD’s fries may be gluten free but they are not wheat free which can be a big issue if you have allergies.
Ryan A-C says
I tested McDonalds fries for gluten to 20 ppm using a Glutentox test kit. The results came back negative meaning that there was less than 20 ppm of gluten present. Although there may be trace ingredients of wheat, it is possible that the concentration is so minute that, most often, they do not at effect people with celiac.
Check out the test I did here at http://www.foodtestnetwork.com/gluten_mcdonalds_entries
Stanford H says
Ryan A-C, interesting website. I especially liked your Best Bunless Burger article: http://www.foodtestnetwork.com/best_bunless_burger
Renee Wade says
Until recently, the grilled chicken was not gluten free. They now offer a new form that is gluten free. The French fries have gluten, beef, and milk in them. They now have a full listing of ingredients available on their website.
Nunya says
As the old add age goes… location, location, location.
Products are not universally sourced for any food retailer. That is specifically noted when you are asked to enter a zip code to discern your market’s specific ingredient list. However, that is not the only factor – training and actually taking steps to secure the food a restaurant is offering guest vs profit and time charts is another. Franchised locations be corporate locations have variants as much as the region to region markets.
Recent food advisories by McDonald’s Corporation have alerted to food allergen impacts to specific regions only — due to new products being introduced. I.e. Idaho region is getting new Buttermilk Battered Chicken which will introduce new milk contamination to the kitchen. New McFlurry ingredients in the Indiana region market will increase the likelihood of wheat and gluten into other customers orders due to common mixer. Sweet tea in some Southern markets use a sucrose sourced from wheat.
Until there is a more stringent standard for food safety and ingredients in the US – dining out is gambling with your life, health and welfare. Take a stand with the restaurant when they say you are “complicated” – ask for a manager, the owners contact information, corporate numbers including legal department and start the foundation of awareness and the pressure game and be willing to walk out but not end there. Take them or send them information – be part of the voice that shouting for simple changes that could be very cost effective changes to them and even a niche market – good terms to use since money drives them more than public safety.
There is no reason anyone should have to gamble their lives and health for a meal and someone’s bottom line. If corporations neglect you – neglect to patronize them and spread the word why.
Rose says
I was wondering about this myself before making a recent trip to McDonald’s. I looked on their website, and according to that, the fries are not gluten free. The key info is that the oil that they cook it in is seasoned, and that seasoning contains wheat. So, it doesn’t really matter if they use a separate fryer or not, apparently it’s the oil that’s the issue. I have celiac, and personally I have eaten a couple of fries here and there and I’ve been OK afterward. It seems that it only contains trace amounts, which would make sense. If I were to eat a whole box of them, I’d probably get sick.
Jesse says
I get very very sick from gluten…I can tell if I have ingested just a small amount. Their fries do not make me sick at all, but I made the mistake of thinking the hash browns were also gluten free and it was a disaster. But the fries… I can eat those for days!
Elaine Vanderground says
same fryer, same oil, cross contamination!!!
Ken says
I have eaten Mc Donald’s fries & hash browns in Australia, the UK & Europe every year & have never been sick from them, in Australia they have dedicated vats for there Fries & Hash browns & in Europe & the UK they have lists of there Gluten free products on the back of there menu which state that the fries & hash browns are gluten free.
I have been gluten free for 14 years & travel every year but have not been to Canada or the USA so will try them there this year .
Megan says
Burger King fries are NOT gluten free, even though they classify them as such. I have ordered them on a few separate occasions and found pieces of onion ring breading in my fry container. Upon asking I was told that they make onion rings and fries in the same fryer, sometimes the even the same basket.
Ryan says
I think with many of these places, it’s dependent upon the people that work there and how diligent they are. The one bk near me, they use a separate fryer. You can see it. But the separation of the onion rings and fries where they dump them is not very good. So great and wonderful you fry them separately. Your sorting after sucks, and you still get bits of onion rings in your fries. At least McD’s does all their breaded stuff in a separate area. If you find a place hat is diligent in their separation, great. I gave them their fries back and got my money back when I saw the onion ring bits in my fries. They do well with their burgers, most places. Will change their gloves and everything as they prep it in a bowl or plate. Fries, you have to find a place that understands why things are separated and actually keep things separate.
Wendy’s could be great if they separated their breaded stuff out. Shame they don’t, and most of their deals are for meals instead of bogo on the burgers.
Jessie says
As of 8/10/16 there are now lots of gluten free! Fries, hash brows, chicken …. http://www1.mcdonalds.ca/NutritionCalculator/IngredientFactsEN.pdf
Elaine Vanderground says
After a very poignant, letter-stretched ‘whaaaat’ and a very audible, six-minute gasp, I’ve come to realize that those crispy bits of heaven served at McDonanld’s contain not three, not four but 19 ingredients! Cue grumble. So what on earth are we eating? These are the ingredients used to make French fries in McDonalds’s, United States – Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Natural Beef Flavor [Wheat and Milk Derivatives]*, Citric Acid [Preservative], Dextrose, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (Maintain Color), Salt. Prepared in Vegetable Oil: Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid added to preserve freshness. Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent. Contains: Wheat and Milk. *Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients.
http://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/there-are-19-ingredients-in-your-mcdonalds-french-fries-736343
Kaliegh B says
THANK YOU!
Jenn says
FRom my understanding hash browns are gluten free. I have celiac disease and have no problem with hash browns. Fries are however flash frozen in some wheat product so I have not eaten them but I know a lot of ppl do safely
Kaliegh B says
Since being diagnosed with Celiac’s disease, i have cut out ALL fast food to be safe. Mostly due to cross contamination
Alysha M. says
the fries are NOT gluten free… I know because multiple other people have said that they contain wheat, McDonald’s uses the same fryer for all of their fried foods (i.e. mostly breaded), and also because my body told me so
Kelly says
I`m quite surprised of McDonalds having gluten free menu, but that is a step forward to a much healthier life!
DiamondgirlM says
Most of the stuff on your list is NOT gluten free from McDonalds!
Linda says
No French fries and HB and NOT GF because they cook them in the same oil that they cook the donuts in. Got this information from head/ district management in Florida. This also is put on their new signs on their counters.
Monica says
If you want a bun on your burger you can always ask if they have gluten free buns, I know in Denmark they have them you just have to ask the cashier.
BT Yahoo says
nice post….BT Yahoo
AngelEyes says
The best thing Celiacs or those that are gluten sensitive can do is to STAY AWAY FROM ANY FAST FOOD PLACES! IT’S FAST FOR A REASON PEOPLE! Granted it’s the corporate world of money & power that is to blame for the tainted GMO wheat strains in the first place that don’t even grow in nature anymore without the help of man for it to survive; but until any of that ever gets figured out starting from the mid 80s to a slow rise of currently today at 2021, it’s individual people that need to be responsible for their own selves. Don’t any of you think the responsible thing to do would be to stay away from GMO or processed foods?? Which would mean to stay away from fast food joints. If you just stop being lazy and make your own meals so you know exactly what’s in it, there would be a lot less problems with people being “glutened”. If you stay away from fast food joints, then you don’t need to worry about what food got possibly contaminated in what vat of grease or fryer. If you would make your own meals then you would worry less about what fake crap is in McDonald’s food products & also stay healthier, and you would also have more good energy to focus on things that would benefit not destroy your body. Facing the facts that most all processed foods have gluten in them and training yourself to live accordingly to avoid those processed foods, would save you tons of headaches/worries instead of searching for little “crumbs” in a fast food joint menu that may or may not possibly contain but are highly likely to contain gluten & make you ill. COME ON, WAKE UP PEOPLE!! It really isn’t that hard. It’s people’s ideas that it “sounds” like a lot more work to make the meal yourself that makes it hard, not the actual action of doing it.