For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, dining out can be challenging. With gluten hiding in everything from salad dressings to french fries, it’s important to do your research before eating at a restaurant. Buffalo Wild Wings is a popular sports bar and grill with locations across the United States. But can celiacs safely eat there? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks and damages the small intestine, leading to an inability to properly absorb nutrients. This can cause symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.
Celiac disease impacts about 1% of the population worldwide. It can develop at any age, although symptoms may start in childhood after first exposure to gluten. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, which allows the small intestine to heal.
What Foods Contain Gluten?
Many foods contain gluten or can be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing and preparation:
- Breads, pastas and baked goods made with wheat, barley or rye
- Beer and ales
- Many processed foods like canned soups, salad dressings, sauces and seasonings
- Meats that have been breaded or marinated
- Fried foods that are cooked in shared oil
- Foods that have picked up traces of gluten in a shared kitchen
Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause issues for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. That’s why dining out can be a minefield.
What Menu Items Are Gluten-Free at Buffalo Wild Wings?
The good news is that Buffalo Wild Wings does offer some gluten-free options. However, cross-contamination is still a risk in their kitchens. Here are some of the gluten-free menu choices:
Gluten-Free Sauces and Dry Rubs
- Mild
- Medium
- Hot
- Garlic Parm
- Spicy Garlic
- Mango Habanero
- Sweet BBQ
- Thai Curry
- Caribbean Jerk
- Salt & Vinegar Dry Rub
Gluten-Free Wings and Boneless Wings
Traditional or boneless wings tossed in any of the gluten-free sauces or dry rubs. Request them to be prepared separately from breaded items.
Salads Without Croutons or Dressing
Garden salad, Caesar salad or wedge salad ordered without croutons or dressing, which may contain gluten. Request new gloves before preparing to avoid cross-contamination.
Naked Tenders
Grilled chicken tenders tossed in a gluten-free sauce. Make sure to specify no breading.
Burgers Without Buns
Burgers served over a salad or lettuce wrap instead of a gluten-containing bun.
What Menu Items Are Not Gluten-Free at Buffalo Wild Wings?
While Buffalo Wild Wings does offer some gluten-free choices, many menu items are off-limits for celiacs and those avoiding gluten. These include:
- Breaded wings and boneless wings
- Chicken sandwiches and wraps
- Burgers served on buns
- Pizza
- Pretzels and beer cheese
- Chips and dipping sauces
- Desserts
In general, fried foods pose a high risk of cross-contamination with gluten. Even wings cooked in the same fryer as breaded items can pick up traces of gluten. It’s safest to stick to grilled options when dining at Buffalo Wild Wings.
What Steps Does Buffalo Wild Wings Take for Gluten-Free Diners?
Buffalo Wild Wings outlines several procedures they follow to accommodate gluten-free guests:
- Gluten-free wings and tenders are cooked in separate fryers from breaded items.
- Gluten-free orders are prepared on foil sheets away from other items.
- Staff change gloves and wash hands when handling gluten-free requests.
- Gluten-free buns are available for burgers and sandwiches.
- Gluten-free dressings are offered for salads.
However, while they make an effort to reduce cross-contamination, they do not claim their restaurant kitchens are 100% gluten-free. There is still some risk of trace gluten exposure.
Tips for Ordering Gluten-Free at Buffalo Wild Wings
If you need to avoid gluten, here are some tips for ordering safely:
- Check out the menu online first and stick to naturally gluten-free choices.
- Ask if they have a gluten-free menu and allergen guide.
- Specify that you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy.
- Request that your food be prepared in a clean area with fresh gloves.
- Ask for wings or tenders to be cooked fresh in a dedicated fryer.
- Avoid breaded items, croutons, dressings and buns.
- Opt for grilled preparations when possible.
- Ask about ingredients and preparation if you have any doubts.
Should You Eat Gluten-Free at Buffalo Wild Wings If You Have Celiac Disease?
While Buffalo Wild Wings makes an effort to accommodate gluten-free diners, there are still risks due to shared kitchen equipment and the complexity of their menu. Even if you order carefully, cross-contamination can occur.
Many celiacs choose to avoid eating at Buffalo Wild Wings and similar restaurants with shared fryers and prep areas. The consequences of getting “glutened” just aren’t worth it.
However, some celiacs may decide the risk is low enough with certain menu items. This is a personal choice that depends on the sensitivity of your individual symptoms.
No matter what you decide, make sure you clearly communicate your needs related to cross-contamination. And if you do indulge, pay close attention to any reaction afterwards so you can better gauge your tolerance level.
Other Gluten-Free Dining Options
If the uncertainty of eating gluten-free at Buffalo Wild Wings is too stressful, there are safer options out there. Here are some other dining ideas:
Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants
Look for restaurants that specifically cater to gluten-free and celiac diners. Their kitchens follow strict protocols to avoid cross-contamination.
Steak and Seafood
Most steakhouses and seafood restaurants offer grilled proteins and simple sides that are naturally gluten-free.
Farm-to-Table and Health-Conscious Places
These restaurants often emphasize fresh, high-quality ingredients and can accommodate dietary needs.
Ethnic Cuisines
Italian, Mexican, Thai and other ethnic restaurants often have corn tortillas, rice noodles and other gluten-free staples.
Food Trucks and Pop-Up Kitchens
These outlets with smaller menus generally use less shared equipment and separate allergen protocols.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity have to weigh the risks and benefits of eating at chain restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings that use shared fryers and prep areas. While some menu items may be reasonably safe, caution is still advised.
By educating yourself, asking questions and working with staff, you may be able to enjoy an occasional meal out without getting sick. But there are also many dedicated gluten-free establishments to explore if you prefer to play it safe.