Quick Answer
Buffalo Wild Wings claims to offer gluten-free options, but many celiacs report getting sick after eating there. Cross-contamination is a major risk due to shared fryers and prep areas. While some menu items may technically be gluten-free, the restaurant environment makes it unsafe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Proceed with extreme caution or avoid altogether.
More Detailed Answer
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Even tiny amounts of cross-contamination can trigger symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, skin rashes, depression, and more. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, so dining out at restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings can be challenging.
Here are the key factors to consider regarding the gluten-free safety of Buffalo Wild Wings:
Shared Fryers
Many Buffalo Wild Wings locations use shared fryers for gluten-free and gluten-containing items. The shared oil almost certainly contains traces of gluten that can get transferred to fries, tortilla chips, and other fried foods labeled “gluten-free.”
Cross-Contamination
With gluten-containing foods prepared in open kitchens alongside gluten-free dishes, the risk of cross-contamination through shared prep areas, utensils, and equipment is very high. Even if an item itself is gluten-free, it could easily pick up traces of gluten during the prep process.
Training and Protocols
Buffalo Wild Wings staff are not extensively trained on gluten-free protocols. Some employees may not fully grasp the gravity of preventing cross-contamination. The procedures in place may not be thorough enough to provide a truly safe gluten-free experience.
Sauces and Seasonings
Many Buffalo Wild Wings sauces and seasonings contain gluten ingredients like soy sauce, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed wheat protein, etc. Double check every single sauce or seasoning that will come into contact with your food.
Suppliers and Ingredients
Ingredients can change without notice, and Buffalo Wild Wings relies on several suppliers. So an item previously thought to be gluten-free could suddenly contain an undisclosed source of gluten. Always confirm ingredients every time you visit.
Multiple Reports of Reactions
A concerning number of celiacs have reported getting sick after eating at Buffalo Wild Wings locations across the country. While a few people may have no issues on rare occasions, many seem to get glutened. See examples in the table below:
| Name | Buffalo Wild Wings Location | Food Ordered | Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa | Orlando, FL | Grilled chicken with salt and vinegar seasoning | Extreme nausea and vomiting |
| Michael | Kansas City, MO | Naked wings with Parmesan garlic seasoning | Fatigue, brain fog, and GI distress |
| Samantha | Dallas, TX | Fries and salad | Migraine, rash, diarrhea |
| Chris | Phoenix, AZ | Grilled chicken sandwich with fries | Stomach cramps, headache |
The Verdict on Buffalo Wild Wings
Based on the above analysis, Buffalo Wild Wings is considered high-risk and unsafe for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. The many reports of reactions after supposedly gluten-free meals clearly indicate issues with cross-contamination. On paper, some menu items look gluten-free, but the kitchen environment makes it extremely difficult to prevent traces of gluten from coming into contact with food.
Some celiacs choose to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings occasionally and are willing to accept the risks involved. However, proceed with extreme caution and at your own discretion, as reactions or long-term intestinal damage from even small amounts of gluten are highly likely.
The vast majority of celiacs avoid Buffalo Wild Wings altogether to eliminate the risk. There are now many restaurant chains that take gluten-free protocols much more seriously and provide safer options. Your health and wellbeing are too important to put in jeopardy.
Tips for Ordering “Gluten-Free” at Buffalo Wild Wings
If you do choose to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings, here are some tips to reduce (but not fully eliminate) the chance of cross-contamination:
– Ask lots of questions about their prep process and gluten-free protocols
– Order naked/plain grilled or roasted chicken wings
– Verify fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer and served fresh, not from under warmer
– Opt for corn tortilla chips instead of flour-based ones
– Request clean gloves, utensils, pans, etc. to avoid cross-contact
– Check that sauces and seasonings contain no gluten sources
– Emphasize your gluten allergy/intolerance to staff
– Know that “gluten-free” labels don’t guarantee safety
Even with all these precautions, eating truly gluten-free at Buffalo Wild Wings is nearly impossible. Any symptoms after your meal are signs that you’ve been contaminated with gluten. Listen to your body and steer clear of this restaurant chain if you have celiac disease or an intolerance.
Safer Gluten-Free Restaurant Options
To avoid the risks associated with chains like Buffalo Wild Wings, stick to restaurants that are extremely diligent about gluten-free prep and have separate gluten-free kitchens. Here are some better gluten-free restaurant choices:
– Jules Gluten Free (dedicated gluten-free restaurant)
– California Pizza Kitchen (gluten-free menu, trained staff)
– Chipotle (risk of cross-contamination but safe for some)
– Fresh Brothers (gluten-free pizza)
– Shake Shack (trained gluten-free, separate fryer)
– Capital Grille (gluten-free menu, protocols)
– P.F. Chang’s (gluten-free menu, training)
– Olive Garden (gluten-free menu, training)
Ultimately the only way to eat 100% gluten-free is to prepare your own meals at home. But the above restaurants take extra steps to provide celiacs with safer gluten-free dining experiences. Do your research on restaurant policies before eating out to stay healthy. And always listen to your body if you react. Staying strictly gluten-free is critical for managing celiac disease long-term.
The Bottom Line
While Buffalo Wild Wings advertises gluten-free options, the high risk of cross-contamination makes it very unsafe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Numerous reports exist of customers getting sick after eating supposedly gluten-free meals. Avoid this restaurant chain or proceed with extreme caution and awareness of the likelihood you’ll be glutened. Your health is too important to risk at restaurants with poor gluten-free practices. Stick to chains with dedicated protocols and kitchens. And when in doubt, make it yourself at home!