Growing up, I was deprived of the heavenly foods made by the Golden Arches. Yeah, I could thank my mom for feeding me carrot sticks instead of French fries or baked foods instead of fried, but I wonder if her decisions would have been different if she ever tasted McDonald’s famous French fries! Now that I’ve developed a gluten sensitivity, I had to find gluten-free McDonald’s food to make up for what I missed during my childhood.
Mcdonald’s is everywhere and serves over 69 million people worldwide each day. But for those with life-threatening food allergies or even food sensitivities like myself, eating at fast food restaurants can be difficult. But don’t fret, here’s a list of gluten-free McDonald’s items to satisfy your drunk-eat cravings.
Keep in mind that cross-contamination in any restaurant can be detrimental for some people, while going unnoticed to others. Although this list contains items that do not deliberately contain gluten, the possibility that some may have come in contact with gluten is always a threat — and can be particularly high due to the fast work-pace of the restaurant.
1. Any Burger without the Bun (and no Big Mac Sauce)
You can order any of your favourite Mcdonald’s burgers sans bun (and no Big Mac Sauce) to make it gluten-free. Although cross-contamination is always a concern, the actual ingredients of most burgers are safe to eat for your gluten-sensitive tummy.
2. M&M’s or Cadbury Chocolate McFlurry
No one can ever pass up a Mcflurry. Ice cream? Check. Chocolate? Check. Cheap? Check. Just remember to avoid any McFlurry flavors that contain Oreos, cookies, or brownie pieces.
3. Hot Fudge or Caramel Sundaes
If you’re more of a soft serve kind of person, the McDonald’s sundae is perfect for you.
#SpoonTip: Add nuts to give your dessert an extra gluten-free crunch.
4. Caramel, Chocolate Chip, or Mocha Frappe
These delicious blends of sugar, spice, and everything nice are ideal to indulge in on-the-go. Cheaper than Starbucks, these drinks will curb your sugar cravings without irritating your gluten-sensitive stomach.
5. Coffee
Iced or hot, the famous premium roast coffee has been said to be one of the best among fast food restaurants. For only $1, how can you go wrong?
6. Smoothies
McDonald’s smoothies are a perfect fruity snack to indulge in on the reg. There are so many flavour options to satisfy your cravings and bring you back to warmer weather times. My favourites? The classic Strawberry Banana and Mango Pineapple.
7. Salads
All McDonald’s salads have the potential to be gluten-free, if ordered correctly. A general rule of thumb is to avoid any “Crispy Chicken,” like in the Caesar Salad, or “Tortilla Strips,” like in the Premium Southwest Salad.
#SpoonTip: Check out McDonald’s online ingredients list to double check that your salad and dressings don’t contain wheat.
8. French Fries
I saved the best for last. There’s some debate about whether there is major cross-contamination in their fries during the frying process. But according to McDonald’s website, there is not! They do not cook their potatoey goodnesses in the same fryers as their gluten items — making them safe to eat for our celiac friends.
Gluten-free McDonald’s items are definitely a possibility and now you know exactly how to get them. You’re welcome.
If you are interested if other allergens are in McDonald’s foods, check out this link for all the menu items and their ingredients.