Buffalo wings, a beloved American appetizer, have become a staple at sports bars and casual dining restaurants. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the question of whether these savory chicken wings are safe to consume often arises. Traditional buffalo wings are typically gluten-free, consisting of chicken wings coated in a sauce made from hot sauce and butter.

However, when dining out, caution is necessary. Some restaurants may use ingredients containing gluten in their wing sauces or seasonings. Cross-contamination during preparation can also be a concern, especially in kitchens that handle various gluten-containing foods.

Buffalo Wild Wings, a popular chain known for its wings, offers gluten-free options. They provide a dedicated menu for customers with dietary restrictions. It’s important to note that while certain items are prepared without gluten-containing ingredients, the restaurant advises that cross-contamination may occur due to shared cooking spaces.

Understanding Gluten in Foods

Gluten plays a significant role in many foods, including some unexpected items. Its presence can have serious health implications for certain individuals.

Defining Gluten and Gluten-Free Options

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It gives bread its chewy texture and helps food maintain its shape. Gluten-free foods are made without these grains or their derivatives. Rice, quinoa, and corn are naturally gluten-free alternatives. Many manufacturers now offer gluten-free versions of traditionally gluten-containing products.

Food labels must clearly state if a product contains gluten. The FDA requires foods labeled “gluten-free” to have less than 20 parts per million of gluten. This small amount is considered safe for most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Gluten Free Versus Cross-Contamination

A food may be inherently gluten-free but become contaminated during processing. Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free foods come into contact with gluten-containing ingredients. This can happen in shared kitchen spaces or on manufacturing equipment.

Restaurants and food producers must take special precautions to prevent cross-contact. These include using separate utensils, cooking surfaces, and storage areas for gluten-free items. Even small amounts of gluten from cross-contamination can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.

Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. It affects about 1% of the population. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine, causing damage and malabsorption of nutrients.

Gluten sensitivity, while not an autoimmune condition, can cause similar symptoms to celiac disease. These may include digestive issues, headaches, and fatigue. Unlike celiac disease, gluten sensitivity does not cause intestinal damage.

Both conditions require strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. Individuals must carefully read food labels and be cautious when eating out to avoid gluten exposure.

Buffalo Wings and Gluten Content

Traditional buffalo wings are often gluten-free, but cross-contamination and added ingredients can introduce gluten. Restaurant practices and menu options vary widely when it comes to accommodating gluten-sensitive diners.

Traditional Chicken Wings and Gluten Exposure

Plain chicken wings are naturally gluten-free. However, the preparation method can introduce gluten. Many restaurants coat wings in flour before frying, adding a crispy texture but also gluten. Some establishments use gluten-free flour alternatives or skip the coating entirely.

Buffalo sauce, the classic wing topping, is typically gluten-free. It consists of hot sauce and butter. But always verify ingredients, as some variations may include gluten-containing additives.

Frying oil poses another risk. If the same oil is used for breaded items and wings, cross-contamination can occur.

Navigating Buffalo Wild Wings as a Gluten-Conscious Consumer

Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) offers some gluten-free options, but caution is necessary. They do not guarantee a completely gluten-free environment due to shared cooking spaces.

BWW’s traditional wings and some sauces are made without gluten ingredients. However, the restaurant advises of potential cross-contamination risks.

Gluten-free items at BWW include:

• Traditional wings (no breading)
• Some sauces and seasonings
• Chili con queso with chips
• Buffalo chicken tots

Always inform staff of gluten sensitivities when ordering. Request that wings be prepared in a dedicated fryer if possible.

Sides and Sauces—Hidden Gluten Risks

Side dishes and sauces can be unexpected sources of gluten at wing restaurants. French fries are often gluten-free but may be cooked in shared oil. BWW’s fries are not considered gluten-free due to this risk.

Common gluten-containing sides include:

• Breaded onion rings
• Mozzarella sticks
• Some potato skins

Dressings like ranch and blue cheese are usually gluten-free, but verify ingredients. BWW offers gluten-free options for these.

Specialty sauces may contain gluten from additives or thickeners. At BWW, many sauces are gluten-free, including their Parmesan Garlic sauce. Always check current allergen information, as recipes can change.

Gluten-Free Menu Options

Buffalo Wild Wings offers several gluten-free choices for diners with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The restaurant provides options across multiple menu categories, including wings, proteins, and salads.

Buffalo Wild Wings’ Gluten-Free Menu

Buffalo Wild Wings maintains a dedicated gluten-free menu to help customers make informed choices. Traditional wings are gluten-free but fried in shared oil. The restaurant offers various gluten-free sauces and dry rubs for wings.

Gluten-free appetizers include chili con queso with chips, chips and salsa, and house-made guacamole. Buffalo Chicken Tots and Dirty Dubs Tots are also listed as gluten-free options.

Safe Protein Choices and Accommodations

Grilled chicken breast is a safe gluten-free protein option at Buffalo Wild Wings. The restaurant can prepare burgers without buns for gluten-sensitive guests.

Naked chicken tenders, while not breaded, may be subject to cross-contamination during frying. Buffalo Wild Wings advises caution for those with severe gluten sensitivities.

The restaurant can accommodate requests for lettuce-wrapped burgers or protein-only options to avoid gluten-containing buns.

Salads and Dressings Without Gluten

Buffalo Wild Wings offers several salads that can be made gluten-free with modifications. Guests should request removal of croutons or other gluten-containing toppings.

Gluten-free dressing options include ranch, bleu cheese, and southwestern ranch. The restaurant provides a list of gluten-free dressings on their allergen menu.

Garden salads and grilled chicken salads are popular choices for gluten-sensitive diners. Customers should always confirm the gluten-free status of salad ingredients with staff before ordering.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination poses a significant risk for those with gluten sensitivities dining at restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings. Proper awareness and precautions are essential to ensure a safe eating experience.

Understanding Cross-Contact in Restaurants

Cross-contact occurs when gluten-containing foods come into contact with gluten-free items. In restaurants, this can happen through shared cooking surfaces, utensils, or fryers. For Buffalo Wild Wings, the main concern is shared fryers.

Traditional wings are gluten-free, but may be fried in the same oil as breaded items. This creates a high risk of cross-contamination. Sauces and seasonings can also be a source if utensils are shared between gluten and gluten-free options.

Staff training is crucial to minimize these risks. Proper handling and preparation techniques can significantly reduce the chances of cross-contact.

Making Safe Dining Choices

When dining out, communication is key. Inform the staff about gluten sensitivities before ordering. Request that gluten-free items be prepared separately using clean equipment.

At Buffalo Wild Wings, consider these options:

• Order traditional wings cooked in a dedicated fryer
• Choose grilled items over fried
• Ask for sauces to be applied with clean utensils
• Avoid items like fries that may share fryers with breaded foods

Be cautious with seasoned items, as some may contain gluten. When in doubt, ask for plain options and add your own seasonings.

Allergen Information and Transparency

Restaurants are increasingly providing allergen information to customers. Buffalo Wild Wings offers an online allergen guide, which is a valuable resource for gluten-sensitive diners.

Key points to remember:

• Review the allergen guide before visiting
• Ask about recent menu changes not reflected in online resources
• Inquire about the restaurant’s allergen protocols

While the allergen guide is helpful, it’s important to discuss specific preparation methods with staff. Some locations may have better practices for handling allergens than others.

Be aware that even with precautions, there’s always a risk of cross-contamination in shared kitchen environments. Individuals with severe gluten sensitivities may need to exercise extra caution or consider alternative dining options.

Buffalo Wild Wings Specialty Items

Buffalo Wild Wings offers a variety of unique menu items beyond traditional wings. Many of these specialty options cater to different dietary needs, including gluten-free choices.

Savory Seasonings and Their Gluten Status

Buffalo Wild Wings features an array of flavorful seasonings for their wings and other dishes. Most dry rubs and seasonings are gluten-free, including popular options like Desert Heat, Lemon Pepper, and Caribbean Jerk. The Buffalo seasoning, a classic choice, is also gluten-free.

Chipotle BBQ and Mango Habanero seasonings provide bold flavors without gluten. Spicy Garlic and Sweet BBQ rubs offer contrasting taste profiles while remaining gluten-free. It’s important to note that while these seasonings are gluten-free, cross-contamination may occur during food preparation.

Non-traditional Wings and Alternative Options

For those seeking alternatives to traditional chicken wings, Buffalo Wild Wings offers some gluten-free options. Cauliflower wings provide a vegetarian-friendly choice, though customers should verify the breading used.

The Ultimate Nachos with Chicken can be modified to be gluten-free by omitting certain toppings. Chili Con Queso Dip, when served with corn tortilla chips, is a gluten-free appetizer option.

Buffalo Wild Wings’ menu also includes grilled chicken items that can be prepared without gluten-containing ingredients. These alternatives allow customers with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the flavors without compromising their dietary needs.

Signature Dishes and Gluten Considerations

Several signature sauces at Buffalo Wild Wings are gluten-free, expanding the options for those avoiding gluten. The Mild sauce and Sweet BBQ wing sauce are popular gluten-free choices. Bourbon Honey Mustard and Parmesan Garlic sauces also do not contain gluten ingredients.

When ordering signature dishes, customers should be aware that some items may contain hidden sources of gluten. For example, the Honey BBQ sauce contains wheat-based ingredients and is not gluten-free.

It’s advisable for guests with gluten sensitivities to consult the restaurant’s allergen guide or speak with staff to ensure their selections meet their dietary requirements. While many signature items can be enjoyed gluten-free, careful ordering is key.

Beverages and Gluten Concerns

When dining out, beverage choices can be just as important as food selections for those avoiding gluten. Buffalo Wild Wings offers a range of drink options, some of which are naturally gluten-free while others require careful consideration.

Gluten-Free Alcoholic Options

Many alcoholic beverages at Buffalo Wild Wings are gluten-free. Wine and hard ciders like Angry Orchard are safe choices. Most distilled spirits used in cocktails are gluten-free, including vodka, rum, and tequila. However, beer-based cocktails should be avoided.

Some gluten-free beer options may be available, but it’s essential to verify with staff. Not all locations carry the same selections, and availability can change.

Soft Drinks and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Most soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages at Buffalo Wild Wings are gluten-free. This includes sodas, iced tea, lemonade, and water. Coffee and hot tea are typically safe options as well.

Fruit juices and milk are generally gluten-free, but it’s wise to check if any additives are used. Smoothies or specialty non-alcoholic drinks may contain gluten-containing ingredients, so always inquire about their components before ordering.

Dining Experience at Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings offers a lively sports bar atmosphere with an extensive menu of classic bar foods and wing varieties. The chain focuses on providing a fun environment for watching games while enjoying casual American cuisine.

Sports Bar Atmosphere and Menu Range

Buffalo Wild Wings features large TV screens throughout the restaurant, broadcasting various sporting events. The energetic ambiance caters to sports enthusiasts and casual diners alike. The menu boasts a wide selection of items beyond their signature wings.

Popular choices include:

• Traditional and boneless wings with numerous sauce options
• Burgers and sandwiches
• Wraps and salads
• Appetizers like nachos and mozzarella sticks
• Bar food favorites such as fries and onion rings

The restaurant also offers a full bar with beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. This diverse menu allows patrons to find suitable options for different tastes and dietary needs.

Service and Customer Accommodations

Buffalo Wild Wings strives to provide attentive service in a bustling environment. Servers are trained to handle high-volume crowds, especially during major sporting events and game days. The chain aims to accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences.

For gluten-sensitive customers, Buffalo Wild Wings offers some gluten-free options. These include:

• Naked wings (without breading)
• Select sauces and dry rubs
• Certain appetizers like chips and salsa

Staff members can provide information about allergens and ingredients upon request. However, cross-contamination risks exist due to shared cooking surfaces and fryers. Customers with severe gluten sensitivities should exercise caution and communicate their needs clearly to the staff.