Yes, most mashed potatoes are naturally gluten-free because potatoes, milk, and butter are gluten-free, but cross-contamination in restaurants or hidden gluten in seasoning mixes and some packaged versions (especially instant) are risks, so checking labels or asking questions is crucial. The main culprits for gluten in mashed potatoes are flour thickeners or seasonings, and they are often served with non-GF gravy.
Good news! Yes, for the most part, mashed potatoes are gluten-free. Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, and typical mashed potato ingredients like milk, butter, salt, and pepper are gluten-free, too.
Many everyday items surprisingly contain gluten, including sauces/gravies (thickened with flour), soy sauce, some processed meats, licorice, malt flavoring (in some ice creams/candies/cereals), flavored rice cakes/chips, certain seasonings, and even cross-contaminated french fries due to shared fryers or flour coatings. Always check labels for hidden wheat, barley, rye, or malt ingredients in processed foods, sauces, and even some cheeses.
KFC mashed potatoes are gluten-free and MSG-free, although the gravy is not. This means those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this carby delight, so long as they order their potatoes without the gravy. Additional gluten-free sides include coleslaw, corn on the cob, and sweet kernel corn.
Grains and ingredients that should be avoided include wheat, rye, barley, brewer's yeast, malt, triticale (a combo of rye and wheat), and oats not labeled "gluten-free." Foods made from wheat have high amounts of gluten.
There's no scientific evidence to suggest that people actually go through “withdrawal” when they stop eating gluten. Some people report feeling dizziness, nausea, extreme hunger and even anxiety and depression when they suddenly go from eating a lot of gluten to being gluten-free.
Yes, all rice (in its natural form) is gluten-free. Rice is one of the most popular gluten-free grains for people with celiac disease. Many gluten-free packaged goods are made with rice flour instead of wheat flour.
Gluten is used to add protein, texture, and flavor to foods and also to bind things together: think the filling in crab cakes or the breading mix that is used to coat fried chicken1.
No, McDonald's does not offer certified gluten-free options in the U.S. due to the high risk of cross-contamination in their shared kitchens, meaning most items, including fries and nuggets, can come into contact with gluten ingredients, making it unsafe for those with celiac disease or severe sensitivity, though some drinks and specific international locations may have limited choices.
KFC's gluten-free options are extremely limited, focusing mainly on select sides and sauces, as all their fried chicken and fries contain wheat and pose cross-contamination risks due to shared fryers; safe bets typically include plain mashed potatoes (no gravy), corn on the cob, coleslaw, green beans, and some salads without croutons, plus beverages and certain desserts, but always check the latest allergen guide for your region.
Here are some of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity:
Your symptoms should improve considerably within weeks of starting a gluten-free diet. However, it may take up to a few years for your digestive system to heal completely. A GP will offer you an annual review during which your height and weight will be measured and your symptoms reviewed.
It's important to know that peanuts, peanut butter, peanut flour and peanut oil are considered naturally gluten-free foods.
Eggs are naturally gluten-free, even if the chickens were fed wheat. During digestion, chickens break down gluten proteins so that they are no longer harmful for people with celiac disease.
The following foods and drinks contain gluten and should be avoided:
Beans, seeds, legumes and nuts in their natural, unprocessed forms. Eggs. Lean, nonprocessed meats, fish and poultry without seasoning. Most low-fat dairy products including plain milk, plain yogurt and unprocessed cheese.
For the best gluten-free fast food, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and Five Guys are top contenders, offering customizable bowls, grilled options with GF buns/fries, and lettuce-wrapped burgers with dedicated fryers, respectively, with Wendy's and In-N-Out also strong with salads, baked potatoes, and "protein-style" burgers. Always confirm with staff about cross-contamination protocols, especially regarding shared fryers and utensils, as options vary by location and ingredient updates.
4.9% of French fries presented gluten between 5.32 and 12.96 ppm. Number of gluten-fried products was not associated with gluten contamination. Sharing oil was not associated with gluten contamination. No significant associations between gluten contamination and frequency of oil change.
The items on our menu that are free from ingredients containing gluten include our French Fries, which are cooked in dedicated fryers using a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil; Hash Browns; Fruit Bags; Carrot Sticks and Shaker Side Salad® with Balsamic Dressing; as well as some McFlurry® desserts, such as the Crunchie and ...
Many common foods like fruits, vegetables, quinoa, and corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making a gluten-free diet more accessible than it may seem. Incorporating gluten-free foods such as dark chocolate, rice noodles, and buckwheat into your meals can add variety and nutrition to your diet.
Thinking of ordering a Chinese takeaway?
Celiac disease requires avoiding gluten from wheat, barley, and rye, so key foods to skip are breads, pastas, cereals, baked goods (cakes, cookies), beer, and many sauces/condiments (like soy sauce or malt vinegar), as these are primary sources of gluten, with careful label reading essential for hidden gluten in processed items.
Chinese people traditionally eat white rice because it's easier to digest, cooks faster, stores longer, has a neutral flavor that complements dishes, and was historically a sign of status (as brown rice was for the poor). While brown rice is more nutritious, its bran makes it harder to digest and more prone to spoilage, and modern technology made white rice more accessible, shifting cultural preference, although health-conscious individuals now mix in brown rice.
Symptoms of gluten intolerance can vary widely and may include:
Yes, basmati rice is naturally gluten-free, as all rice varieties are, making them safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. However, always check labels for potential cross-contamination from shared processing facilities or gluten-containing additions like sauces (such as soy sauce) in flavored rice products.