Plain potatoes are naturally gluten-free, but fries often contain gluten from added coatings, seasonings (like wheat flour), or severe cross-contamination in shared fryers with breaded items (chicken, onion rings). Always check labels or ask restaurants about coatings and dedicated fryers if you have Celiac or a gluten sensitivity, as many popular restaurant fries are not gluten-free.
*natural Beef Flavor Contains Hydrolyzed Wheat And Hydrolyzed Milk As Starting Ingredients." One of those items is "natural beef flavor," which is comprised of "wheat and milk derivatives." So yes, McDonald's fries contain wheat and are, unfortunately, not gluten free.
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.
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.
Potatoes are mostly gluten-free. However, at restaurants, if they are cooked in a fryer with battered fried foods that contain gluten there is a problem. It means the oil is contaminated and nothing prepared in that fryer is considered gluten-free.
Our beloved frozen McCain Home Chips are now available gluten-free, so you can enjoy your family favourite meals stress-free.
Our French Fries are proudly Australian Made, Gluten Free, Vegetarian Friendly, and great for entertaining!
Here are some of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity:
It's important to know that peanuts, peanut butter, peanut flour and peanut oil are considered naturally gluten-free foods.
Grains, starches or flours that can be part of a gluten-free diet include:
Testing found varying levels of gluten in the fry samples, including samples tested from the same restaurant. The gluten level in a shared fryer at any given time likely varies depending upon several factors, including previously cooked foods, oil change frequency, and filtration system.
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.
Hot Chips & Fries
Potato & corn are naturally gluten free, however chip seasonings may contain wheat starch or malt vinegar.
How to read a label for gluten
At McDonald's, truly gluten-free options are limited due to cross-contamination risks, but potential choices (with extreme caution for celiac disease) include burgers without buns, some drinks, soft-serve ice cream in a cup, and potentially hash browns/fries (depending on location/frying oil), but McDonald's doesn't guarantee any item is free from gluten, so always check ingredients and ask about preparation for your region.
Are potatoes gluten free? Yes, whole potatoes, such as russet potatoes, red, or gold potatoes are naturally gluten free (GF). You can typically find these potatoes in the produce section of the grocery store.
Real eggs, no matter their grade, size or color, are naturally gluten free. Whether the egg comes from a chicken, duck, or another bird doesn't make a difference. Even egg products like liquid egg whites are often gluten free, though it's a good idea to check the label to be sure.
Cereals made with wheat, barley, and rye are the main offenders here, which includes your gluten-containing store cupboard favourites like Weetabix, Cheerios, Shreddies, and Bran Flakes.
Key sources of gluten include wheat (including varieties like spelt, kamut, farro, and durum), barley, rye, and triticale. This means that many common foods such as bread, pasta, cereals, baked goods, and beer must be avoided unless labeled gluten-free.
Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated aids digestion and helps flush out gluten more quickly. Consume Fiber-Rich Foods: Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promote healthy digestion.
"Gluten belly" is a term that people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance use to describe the sensations they experience after accidentally eating gluten. This includes bloating, swelling, pain, gas, nausea, and diarrhea. The best remedy for gluten belly is time.
Currently, there is no test for gluten sensitivity. People with digestive symptoms that suggest celiac disease should see a gastroenterologist to determine their risk for either celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Surprisingly gluten-free foods include many naturally GF items like fruits, veggies, rice, quinoa, and pure meats, plus unexpected processed foods such as certain potato chips, ice creams (without mix-ins), plain chocolates, popcorn, and even some specific store-brand chicken nuggets or fish fingers, but always check labels for hidden wheat or barley malt, especially in flavored versions.
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.