Are Buffalo Wild Wings Gluten-Free?
If you are following a gluten-free diet, then you know how challenging it can be to find restaurants that offer gluten-free options. Unfortunately, many chain restaurants don’t provide adequate gluten-free menus, or worse, they have limited options that may not be safe for those with gluten intolerance.
Thankfully, Buffalo Wild Wings is a restaurant that has recognized the importance of catering to gluten-free customers, offering a broad range of gluten-free options that are both delicious and safe to eat.
An exhaustive guide to all the gluten-free items on Buffalo Wild Wings’ menu
Buffalo Wild Wings has an extensive menu with a lot of gluten-free choices, so you don’t have to settle for plain vegetables or a salad. You can enjoy gluten-free appetizers like chips and salsa or the southwestern black bean soup. Buffalo Wild Wings’ menu also offers gluten-free entrees like street tacos, burgers, and wraps. Of course, the star of the show is their award-winning traditional and boneless wings with a variety of gluten-free sauces.
It is essential to note that not all menu items are naturally gluten-free, and cross-contamination is always possible. You can find a list of all gluten-free items available at Buffalo Wild Wings on their website under the Allergen Filter. You can also ask for the gluten-free menu upon arrival or by placing a call in advance.
Make sure to inform your server that you have a gluten intolerance and double-check that they understand the severity of your allergy. They take extra precautions to avoid contamination, such as changing gloves, cleaning utensils, and avoiding shared fryers.
A personal journey of a gluten intolerant individual experiencing a completely gluten-free meal at Buffalo Wild Wings
Many people with gluten intolerance avoid eating out due to the fear of cross-contamination or the embarrassment of making special requests. But with Buffalo Wild Wings, it is a completely different experience.
One happy customer shared her recent experience of dining at Buffalo Wild Wings as a gluten intolerant individual. She was pleasantly surprised by the various gluten-free options and felt completely safe and welcomed. She ordered the traditional wings with the honey BBQ sauce and street tacos, which were both delicious and safe for her to enjoy.
Top 5 gluten-free alternatives to Buffalo Wild Wings’ signature wings
If you are someone who loves wings but cannot have gluten, don’t worry, we have got you covered. Here are the top five gluten-free alternatives to Buffalo Wild Wings’ signature wings:
- Grilled wings
- Baked wings
- Cauliflower wings
- Butterfly shrimp
- BBQ ribs
All of these alternatives are gluten-free, and they taste just as good as traditional wings, if not better.
Breaking down the science behind gluten intolerance and the safety of eating at Buffalo Wild Wings
Gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, is a genetic autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it can be detrimental to those with gluten intolerance. When gluten is ingested, the body’s immune system attacks the small intestine, which results in a variety of symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Buffalo Wild Wings has taken extensive measures to ensure the safety of their gluten-free items. They have designated procedures to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. For instance, they have a separate fryer that is exclusively used for gluten-free items. Moreover, they have a team member in each restaurant designated to coordinate the ordering and preparation of gluten-free items.
A comparison of the gluten-free options at Buffalo Wild Wings to other popular chain restaurants
Buffalo Wild Wings is one of the few chain restaurants with an extensive gluten-free menu. Some other chain restaurants offer limited gluten-free options or may use shared fryers or preparation areas, making them unsafe for those with gluten intolerance. Here’s a quick table comparing Buffalo Wild Wings’ gluten-free options to other popular chain restaurants:
| Restaurant | Gluten-Free Options | Safety Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Garden | Limited options (Salad, Entrees) | Potential Cross-Contamination |
| Applebee’s | Limited options (Salad, Steaks) | Shared Fryers and Preparation Areas |
| Chili’s | Limited options (Entrees, Salad) | Shared fryers and Preparation Areas |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | Comprehensive gluten-free menu (Appetizers, Entrees, Sauces, Sides) | Separate Fryers and Prepared Spaces, Dedicated Staff |
From the table, it’s clear that Buffalo Wild Wings is a clear winner, offering a broad range of gluten-free options with a high emphasis on safety measures.
An interview with a Buffalo Wild Wings representative about their gluten-free offerings and measures taken to prevent cross-contamination
We caught up with a Buffalo Wild Wings representative to gain more insight into the measures that the restaurant takes to ensure the safety of their gluten-free options. They explained that they have a thorough training program for all staff members that includes gluten-free education. Every restaurant has a dedicated team to prepare gluten-free food. These team members even take special training classes to avoid cross-contamination.
Buffalo Wild Wings uses a proprietary gluten-free flour that they use to create their gluten-free sauces. They also have a dedicated fryer for their gluten-free items only. They informed us that they take all food allergies seriously and are a part of Allergy Eats, a platform that helps those with allergies find safe dining options.
A list of unexpected sources of gluten at Buffalo Wild Wings and how to avoid them
Some menu items at Buffalo Wild Wings have potential hidden sources of gluten that may come as a surprise. One of these is the Blue Cheese dressing, which contains gluten from the cheese culture. You need to use Ranch dressing as a substitute. The side of beer-battered onion rings and fried pickle spears also contains gluten from wheat. If you are looking to go gluten-free, you should skip these sides entirely.
Conclusion
Buffalo Wild Wings has gone above and beyond in catering to the gluten-free community. With an extensive gluten-free menu and dedicated safety measures, it’s clear that Buffalo Wild Wings is one of the safest options for gluten intolerant individuals. With the unexpected sources of gluten also at the back of your mind, you can make healthy dining choices that are safe and satisfying.
