Quick Answer
Chick-fil-A’s tortilla soup does contain some gluten. The tortilla strips used in the soup are made from wheat flour, which contains gluten. However, Chick-fil-A notes that the soup has less than 20 parts per million of gluten, meaning it can be considered gluten-free by FDA standards. Those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity may still want to avoid it.
Ingredients in Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup
The main ingredients in Chick-fil-A’s tortilla soup are:
- Chicken stock
- Onions
- Carrots
- Celery
- Tomatoes
- Tortilla strips
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Cilantro
The tortilla strips are the ingredient that contains gluten. They are made from wheat flour, which contains the proteins glutenin and gliadin. When mixed with water, these proteins form gluten.
Other soup ingredients, like the vegetables, chicken stock, and cheese, are naturally gluten-free. However, cross-contamination is possible during food preparation and cooking.
Gluten Content of Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup
According to Chick-fil-A, their tortilla soup contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
This is below the FDA threshold for labeling foods as “gluten-free.” The FDA allows foods with less than 20 ppm of gluten to be marketed as gluten-free, as this very low level is unlikely to cause issues for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
However, some people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity react to amounts of gluten below 20 ppm. For these individuals, Chick-fil-A tortilla soup would likely contain too much gluten.
Gluten Content of Tortilla Soup at Other Restaurants
The gluten content can vary depending on where you get tortilla soup:
| Restaurant | Gluten-Free? |
|---|---|
| Chipotle | Yes – uses corn tortilla strips |
| Qdoba | No – contains wheat flour |
| Panera Bread | No – contains wheat flour |
Some restaurants use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, making their tortilla soup gluten-free. Check the menu or ask the staff to confirm ingredients.
Is Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup Safe for Celiacs?
Chick-fil-A states their tortilla soup contains less than 20 ppm of gluten. At this trace amount, the soup may be safe for some with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. However, others are highly sensitive and need to avoid it entirely.
Here are some things for those with celiac disease to consider:
- Ask about preparation procedures to prevent cross-contamination
- Start with a small serving size to test your reaction
- Be aware that gluten tolerance can change over time
- Look for symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, headaches after eating it
Those with celiac disease should also check if the restaurant has a gluten-free menu and preparation area. Proper precautions reduce, but don’t eliminate, the risk of cross-contamination.
Alternatives to Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup
If you need to avoid the gluten in Chick-fil-A’s tortilla soup, some gluten-free alternatives include:
- Chipotle tortilla soup made with corn tortillas
- Queso soup
- Chicken and rice soup
- Chicken noodle soup with gluten-free pasta
- Chicken and vegetable soup
You can also try making tortilla soup at home, using gluten-free corn tortillas or tortilla chips. This lets you control all the ingredients and prevent cross-contamination.
Some recipe ideas include:
- Slow cooker chicken tortilla soup
- Instant Pot tortilla soup
- Easy stove-top tortilla soup
Follow recipes that don’t include wheat flour or barley, and choose verified gluten-free stocks and seasonings.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A tortilla soup contains a small amount of gluten from wheat flour tortilla strips. While the gluten content is under 20 ppm, some people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance may need to avoid it. Check the restaurant’s allergen information and preparation procedures to decide if the soup is safe for you. Gluten-free alternative soups or homemade recipes can provide a similar option without the gluten risk. Being informed about menu items helps those with gluten restrictions make safe choices.