Are McDonald’s Fries Gluten Free? (+ other menu items)
If you’re sensitive to gluten, you’re likely on a gluten-free diet, but it can be hard to know what’s right for you at a fast food restaurant like McDonald’s.
Have you always wanted to try McDonald’s fries, but didn’t know if they were gluten-free? We’ve got surprising fry answers and more gluten-free McDonald’s facts below!
Are McDonald’s Fries Gluten Free?
Unfortunately, McDonald’s fries are not gluten-free because they contain both hydrolyzed wheat and milk, ingredients that are added to the fries at the potato processing plant. French fries also contain natural beef flavor, giving them their famous taste.
If you’re wondering if McDonald’s offers other gluten-free menu options and more, read on to find out!
What’s in McDonald’s French Fries?
McDonald’s fries are not considered gluten-free because the potatoes themselves contain wheat and milk derivatives, which are produced in potato processing plants.
In addition to the above ingredients, McDonald’s French fries also contain natural beef flavor, hydrogenated soybean oil, vegetable oil, dextrose, salt and sodium acid pyrophosphate.
Are McDonald’s Hash Browns Gluten Free?
Since McDonald’s hash browns use the same potatoes as french fries, they are not gluten-free.
Wheat and milk are listed as ingredients in hash browns, just like they are used in French fries.
On top of that, the potential for cross-contamination is high because hash browns and french fries are cooked in the same fryer.
Does McDonald’s have a gluten-free menu?
Unfortunately, McDonald’s does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu, so it can be difficult to know which products are safe for people with gluten sensitivities.
For the same reason, figuring out some gluten-free menu items isn’t too complicated, especially if you’re requesting that your food be modified when it’s prepared.
Does McDonald’s have gluten-free options?
McDonald’s does have gluten-free options, especially if you’re willing to ask for modifications to normal menu items.
For example, if you’re gluten-free, McDonald’s burgers are safe to eat, just skip the bun (you can use lettuce instead).
Also, if you order a Big Mac, you also need to tell the staff not to use the Big Mac sauce in order to keep the burger gluten-free. Cross-contamination is always a risk in Hamburg, though.
Most salads also contain gluten-free ingredients, but crispy chicken and tortilla strips should be avoided, so order a salad without these options, or leave them out beforehand.
For something sweeter, the McFlurry option without brownies, Oreos and cookies is the perfect gluten-free option if you have a sweet tooth. As a bonus, caramel or hot fudge sundaes are also acceptable, along with parfaits!
Beyond that, drinks like coffee, smoothies, and Frappuccinos are some of McDonald’s delicious gluten-free offerings.
Does McDonald’s offer gluten-free bread?
Currently, McDonald’s is not offering gluten-free bread options to customers and has no plans to include them on the menu. Almost all breads contain large amounts of wheat.
Or, if you know you’re going to McDonald’s and want the full sandwich experience, you can always buy a package of gluten-free bread and bring one with you.
Likewise, you can order the sandwich without the bread to stay gluten-free, although it won’t taste the same.
Does McDonald’s have a gluten-free breakfast?
McDonald’s eggs, bacon, and breakfast sausage are three gluten-free menu items you can order, but you should order them as side dishes to ensure the products are gluten-free.
Beyond that, the granola-free fruit and yogurt parfait and fruit and maple oatmeal are great for those with gluten sensitivities. Apple slices are also a great breakfast snack.
Is McDonald’s Salad Dressing Gluten Free?
If you’re on a gluten-free diet, you’ll love the fact that McDonald’s offers gluten-free salad dressings, which you can use with a variety of foods, including:
- newman’s own cobb dressing
- Newman’s Own Creamy Caesar Dressing
- Newman’s Own Low Fat Balsamic Vinegar
- Newman’s Own Ranch Sauce
Along with one of the many salads McDonald’s offers, you can use these dressings to create your own gluten-free lunch or dinner salad.
Gluten-free McDonald’s menu options exist in several countries outside the US
Although McDonald’s in the U.S. doesn’t specifically serve gluten-free diets, the fast food chain does offer gluten-free options in other countries, including:
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Norway
- Finland
- Hungary
Plus, with gluten-free bread available at McDonald’s locations in these countries, you can enjoy the full sandwich experience at no extra cost. Just ask for it!
For more, you can also check out our related posts on whether McDonald’s fries are vegan, whether McDonald’s smoothies have caffeine, and when McDonald’s serves lunch.
in conclusion
Sadly, McDonald’s fries are not gluten-free, but some people with gluten sensitivities can eat them and claim to have no adverse side effects.
If you have severe gluten sensitivity, it’s best not to try them as they contain milk and wheat.
Even though McDonald’s fries aren’t gluten-free, McDonald’s still has plenty of gluten-free options so you can still eat as much as you want at a fast food restaurant.
