Are Chick-fil-A's Grilled Nuggets Actually Gluten Free? The Facts

Are Chick-fil-A's Grilled Nuggets Gluten Free?

Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those following a gluten free diet, eating at restaurants can be challenging. Fast food restaurants often have limited gluten free options. Chick-fil-A, a popular fast food chain in the United States, offers grilled chicken nuggets that many assume to be gluten free. But are Chick-fil-A's grilled nuggets really gluten free?

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue and skin rashes. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict lifelong gluten free diet. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may also find great benefit from removing gluten from their diets.

Potential Sources of Gluten in Fast Food

Many assume that grilled chicken is always a gluten free option. However, at fast food restaurants, there are often hidden sources of gluten even in foods that seem naturally gluten free. Here are some potential sources of gluten to watch out for:

• Breading or batter on fried foods
• Thickening agents like wheat flour in sauces and gravies
• Croutons or breadcrumbs as ingredients in salads or side dishes
• Breading on supposedly grilled meats if pre-breading is involved
• Marinades or seasonings that contain glutenous ingredients
• Cross-contamination from shared cooking equipment or prep areas

When a restaurant menu does not clearly state a dish is gluten free, it is always smart for those avoiding gluten to ask questions and get clarity before ordering.

Are Chick-fil-A's Grilled Nuggets Gluten Free?

According to Chick-fil-A, their grilled chicken nuggets are not gluten free. In a response to a customer question on their website in 2022, Chick-fil-A stated:

"Our Grilled Nuggets and Grilled Filets are not listed as gluten free. A supplier unintentionally added wheat protein to the marinade and breaded filets."

They note that the breading on their Grilled Filets, an otherwise gluten free cut of chicken, now contains traces of wheat due to the change in the recipe. Unfortunately, this means those needing to avoid gluten cannot safely eat these menu items.

Understanding Chick-fil-A's Gluten Free Options

While the grilled nuggets and filets now contain traces of gluten, Chick-fil-A does offer some other gluten free choices:

• Grilled chicken sandwiches or wraps without the bun or wrap
• Salads without croutons
• Waffle potato fries
• Kale crunch side salad
• Fruit cups
• Chocolate chunk cookies

Chick-fil-A notes their diet lemonade, fresh squeezed lemonade and iced tea are all gluten free as well. All sauces and dressings also do not contain any glutenous ingredients.

Best Practices When Ordering

Those avoiding gluten should always confirm with the restaurant, even when ordering seemingly gluten free foods like grilled chicken. Here are some best practices when ordering at Chick-fil-A:

• Ask about preparation methods - request no breading, no marinade, no seasoning
• Specify that you need a gluten free meal
• Ask for servings with clean gloves and on a sanitized surface
• Avoid fried menu items due to potential cross-contamination from shared fryers
• Build your meal using only naturally gluten free sides like fruit and salads
• Check the restaurant's gluten free info online before visiting

The Impact of Supplier Changes

Chick-fil-A's response about the accidental addition of gluten to their grilled nuggets highlights an important reality those with food sensitivities need to be aware of. Suppliers and recipes can change at any time, meaning menu items that were once safe may no longer be.

Restaurants don't always make announcements about changes to suppliers or ingredients. The only way to know for sure if menu items are truly gluten free is to check every time you order. Don't assume menu items are gluten free based on past experiences. Always confirm each time you visit.

Handling Accidental Gluten Exposure

If you do experience accidental exposure to gluten, here are some tips that may help reduce symptoms:

• Drink plenty of water to help flush gluten from your system
• Take activated charcoal or bentonite clay to help bind to gluten
• Consume bone broth to repair gut lining
• Take digestive enzymes like bromelain, papain or pancreatin
• Consider probiotic supplements to support healthy gut flora
• Get light exercise like walking to keep digestive system active

Being strict with your diet and carefully inspecting labels, asking questions and confirming ingredients, remains the best way to avoid accidental gluten exposure when eating out.

The Takeaway on Chick-fil-A and Gluten

Contrary to popular belief, Chick-fil-A's grilled nuggets and grilled filets do contain gluten. A change in the supplier led to gluten being added to the recipe when the company switched from a milk-based marinade to one with wheat protein. Those with celiac disease or sensitivity to gluten cannot safely consume these menu items.

Fortunately, Chick-fil-A still has various gluten free options available. Sticking to salad, fruits, fries and other naturally gluten free menu items can allow those avoiding gluten to still enjoy Chick-fil-A. But be sure to ask questions every time you visit to confirm menu items are still being prepared without gluten.

With vigilance about what you order and proactive communication with restaurant staff to check on ingredients, those avoiding gluten can still partake in an occasional fast food meal. Just be ready to walk through your order in detail, ask questions, and confirm preparation methods to ensure no cross-contamination. With care taken, places like Chick-fil-A can still work for gluten free diets.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.