For those who love the vibrant atmosphere and delicious food at Buffalo Wild Wings but navigate the challenges of a gluten-free diet, the thought of enjoying your favorite wings might seem like a distant dream. Given how prevalent hidden gluten can be in sauces, seasonings, and fried foods, it’s natural to approach fast-casual restaurants with caution. However, Buffalo Wild Wings, affectionately known as B-Dubs, offers a surprisingly robust selection of options that are crafted without wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. While they don’t feature a certified gluten-free menu, their commitment to transparency is evident through a comprehensive Allergen and Preparation Guide, which is an invaluable resource for diners with dietary restrictions.
This guide empowers guests to confidently choose from a variety of gluten-friendly dishes, whether you’re dining in with friends to catch a game or picking up an order to enjoy at home. From flavorful entrees to satisfying sides and an impressive array of sauces and dry rubs, finding gluten-free food at Buffalo Wild Wings is more achievable than you might expect. However, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between “gluten-free options” and a “certified gluten-free environment,” especially for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.
Like many popular restaurant chains, B-Dubs operates a shared kitchen environment. This means that even items prepared without gluten-containing ingredients may come into contact with them through shared cooking equipment, preparation surfaces, utensils, or even airborne particles. The restaurant diligently provides allergen information, but they also clearly state the potential for cross-contact. Therefore, while many menu items are “made without gluten,” they are not “certified gluten-free.” For those with strict dietary needs, understanding these nuances and taking extra precautions is paramount.
Are you ready to discover what delicious gluten-free options await you at Buffalo Wild Wings? Let’s dive into our detailed guide, designed to help you navigate the menu with confidence and enjoy a satisfying meal without the worry of gluten.
Understanding Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Friendly at Buffalo Wild Wings
Before exploring the specific menu items, it’s vital to clarify what “gluten-free” means in the context of Buffalo Wild Wings. Gluten is a protein found primarily in wheat, barley, and rye. For individuals with celiac disease, even trace amounts can cause severe health reactions. For others with gluten sensitivity, avoidance is key to managing symptoms.
Buffalo Wild Wings offers “gluten-friendly” or “made without gluten” options. This means that the ingredients themselves do not contain gluten. However, due to shared kitchen spaces and cooking methods, the risk of cross-contamination cannot be entirely eliminated. It’s important to note that an item being “wheat-free” does not automatically mean it’s “gluten-free,” as gluten is also found in barley and rye. Always refer to the official Allergen and Preparation Guide for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Top Gluten-Free Menu Items at Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings excels in providing a variety of flavorful options that are naturally free from gluten. By consulting their Allergen and Preparation Guide, you can pinpoint exactly which dishes are suitable for your dietary needs. Remember, while these items are prepared without gluten, the potential for cross-contact in a shared kitchen environment always exists. When ordering, it’s always a good practice to communicate your dietary needs clearly to the staff.
Gluten-Free Main Dishes & Bases:
The foundation of a great gluten-free meal at B-Dubs often starts with a simple, unbreaded protein or a hearty shareable. These items serve as excellent canvases for their extensive range of gluten-free sauces and toppings.
- Naked Chicken Tenders: These unbreaded tenders are a fantastic gluten-free base, allowing you to enjoy the flavor of the chicken without the typical breading. Pair them with your favorite gluten-free sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Tots: While “tots” typically imply fried potatoes, this dish is crafted to be gluten-friendly. However, due to shared fryers, it carries a higher risk of cross-contamination.
- Chips & Dip Trio: A flavorful appetizer featuring tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole, and queso. Note the cross-contamination warning for fried chips.
- Chips & House-Made Guacamole: Fresh, creamy guacamole served with corn tortilla chips. A simple and satisfying choice, but consider the fryer risk for the chips.
- Hatch Queso with Chips (with chili and guacamole): A rich, spicy queso with chili and guacamole, paired with tortilla chips. This is a hearty appetizer, again with the caveat regarding fried chips.
- Ultimate Nachos (with chili, chicken, and guacamole): A loaded plate of nachos featuring tortilla chips, chili, chicken, and guacamole. A substantial option, but like other chip-based dishes, the frying process for the chips should be noted.
- Hamburger Patty: You can enjoy a juicy hamburger patty without the bun. Consider wrapping it in lettuce or serving it as a protein-rich entree.
- Carnitas Pork: Savory slow-cooked pork, a versatile protein that can be added to salads or enjoyed on its own.
- Grilled Chicken Breast: A lean and healthy protein option, perfect for building a custom gluten-free meal.
- Pulled Chicken: Another flavorful and tender chicken option that’s naturally gluten-free.
- Sirloin Beef: A robust and satisfying beef option, great for pairing with sides.
- B-Dubs Breakfast Bowl: A morning-friendly option that combines various gluten-free ingredients. Check the guide for specific components as offerings can vary by location.
- Chili con Queso with Chips (party menu): A larger format of their popular queso, suitable for sharing. The same cross-contamination considerations for chips apply.
Gluten-Free Sides:
Complement your main dish with a variety of delicious gluten-free sides, ranging from fresh vegetables to classic potato options (with the usual fryer warnings).
- Carrots and Celery Sticks with Ranch Dressing: A refreshing and crisp choice, perfect for dipping into their gluten-free ranch.
- Chips & Salsa: A classic pairing, though the chips carry a risk of cross-contamination from shared fryers.
- French Fries: While the fries themselves are made from potatoes, they are cooked in shared fryers, posing a significant risk of gluten cross-contact.
- Garden Side Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens and vegetables. Ensure you choose a gluten-free dressing.
- Rice (Hawaii only): A simple, steamed rice option, if available in your region.
- Tots: Like French Fries, tots are also cooked in shared fryers and thus carry a high risk of cross-contamination.
- Mandarin Oranges: A sweet and simple fruit option for a light finish or refreshing side.
Gluten-Free Toppings:
Customize your gluten-free meal with an array of toppings to add flavor and texture. From various cheeses to savory bacon and fresh produce, these additions can elevate your dish.
- American Cheese: A classic, mild cheese choice.
- Bleu Cheese Crumbles: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: A popular, versatile cheese topping.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: For those who enjoy a little spice.
- Cheddar Jack Cheese: A blend for balanced flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: A distinctive, nutty cheese option.
- Grilled White Onions: Adds a sweet, savory depth.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy and tender.
- Grilled Mushrooms: A smoky, umami addition.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Crispy and flavorful.
- Bacon Aioli: A rich, savory sauce.
- Hatch Chile Aioli: Offers a smoky, subtly spicy kick.
- Guacamole: Fresh, creamy, and always a good choice.
- Mayo: A simple, classic condiment.
- Ketchup: Ubiquitous and reliably gluten-free.
- Yellow Mustard: Another standard, gluten-free condiment.
- Hatch Queso: A cheesy, zesty topping.
- Chili: Hearty and flavorful, often used on nachos or as a side.
- Bacon Crumbles: Adds a textural crunch and salty flavor.
Gluten-Free Dressings, Sauces, and Dry Rubs:
One of the highlights for gluten-free diners at Buffalo Wild Wings is the extensive selection of sauces and dry rubs. Many of these iconic flavor profiles are naturally gluten-free, allowing you to enjoy the full B-Dubs experience on naked tenders, grilled chicken, or even a side salad.
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy, classic favorite.
- Bleu Cheese Dressing: Tangy and bold, perfect for dipping.
- Southwestern Ranch Dressing: A zesty variation of ranch.
- Vidalia Onion Vinaigrette: A lighter, flavorful dressing.
- Blazin’ Knockout Sauce: For those who crave extreme heat.
- Buffalo Bacon Sauce: A smoky, savory buffalo variant.
- Caribbean Jerk Sauce: Sweet and spicy with tropical notes.
- Golden Fire Sauce: A unique, sweet heat profile.
- Honey BBQ Sauce: A sweet and tangy BBQ classic.
- Hot Sauce: A straightforward, classic hot pepper sauce.
- Jammin’ Jalapeño Sauce: A vibrant, spicy-sweet flavor.
- Lemon Pepper Sauce: Bright, zesty, and savory.
- Hot BBQ Sauce: Combines the best of BBQ with a spicy kick.
- Mango Habanero Sauce: Fruity and fiery for a tropical heat.
- Medium Sauce: A balanced, classic buffalo flavor.
- Original Buffalo Sauce: The quintessential buffalo wing sauce.
- Mild Sauce: A gentle introduction to buffalo flavor.
- Nashville Hot Sauce: A trendy, intensely spicy, and savory option.
- Parmesan Garlic Sauce: Rich, savory, and aromatic.
- Spicy Garlic Sauce: A flavorful blend of heat and garlic.
- Sweet BBQ Sauce: A sweeter, milder BBQ option.
- Wild Sauce: A step up in heat from the Hot sauce.
- Buffalo Dry Rub: Captures the essence of buffalo flavor in a seasoning.
- Chipotle BBQ Dry Rub: Smoky and savory with a hint of spice.
- Desert Heat Dry Rub: A complex, spicy, and earthy blend.
- Lemon Pepper Dry Rub: Zesty, peppery, and aromatic.
- Salt and Vinegar Dry Rub: A classic, tangy, and savory profile.
This extensive list of gluten-free sauces and dry rubs is a significant advantage for gluten-free diners, as it allows them to customize their non-breaded protein choices with the signature B-Dubs flavors they love.
Higher Risk Gluten-Free Menu Items
While many items are made without gluten, some inherently carry a higher risk of cross-contamination due to how they are prepared. These items are often cooked in shared fryers or on shared surfaces. For those with celiac disease or severe sensitivities, it’s particularly important to be aware of these potential risks.
- Buffalo Chicken Tots: Fried potatoes combined with chicken. The tots are a fryer risk.
- Chips & Dip Trio: Tortilla chips are typically fried in shared fryers.
- Chips & House-Made Guacamole: Again, the fried tortilla chips are the main concern.
- Chips & Salsa: Similar to other chip-based dishes.
- Hatch Queso with Chips: The tortilla chips are the potential source of cross-contamination.
- Ultimate Nachos: The large quantity of tortilla chips increases the risk.
- French Fries: Cooked in shared fryers with gluten-containing breaded items.
- Tots: Also cooked in shared fryers.
- Chili con Queso with Chips: Party menu item, same chip risk.
- B-Dubs Breakfast Bowl: Depending on regional preparation, certain components might be exposed to gluten. Always verify.
It’s crucial to understand that Buffalo Wild Wings does not have dedicated gluten-free fryers or cooking surfaces. If cross-contamination from shared fryers is a concern, it’s best to avoid all fried items, including fries, tots, and tortilla chips.
Buffalo Wild Wings’ Official Stance on Gluten and Allergens
Buffalo Wild Wings maintains a commendable level of transparency regarding their ingredients and allergen information, which is a significant advantage for diners with dietary restrictions. While they do not make a “gluten-free certified” claim, their official statement, found within their Allergen and Preparation Guide, outlines their approach:
“We know many of our valued Guests have varying degrees of food intolerances and allergies they deal with daily. To ensure you have a safe experience, please review the following information to assist you with selecting menu options that best fit your individual needs. Because of our reliance on suppliers for accurate information, shared cooking and preparation areas in our kitchens, and cooking procedures, we cannot eliminate the risk of cross-contact or guarantee that any item is free of any allergen and no items are certified gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan.”
This statement is important for gluten-free diners. It clearly communicates that while they strive to provide accurate information and options, they cannot guarantee a complete absence of allergens due to the nature of their kitchen operations. This places the responsibility on the individual diner to assess their own risk tolerance and make informed choices, using the provided guide as their primary tool.
Buffalo Wild Wings’ Preparation of Menu Items and Cross-Contamination Risks
Understanding the operational realities of a Buffalo Wild Wings kitchen is key to making safe gluten-free choices. Their kitchens are bustling environments designed for efficiency, which inherently involves shared equipment and spaces:
- Shared Fryers: A critical point of concern. Buffalo Wild Wings does not use separate fryers for gluten-free items. This means that items like French fries, tots, and tortilla chips, while made from gluten-free ingredients, are cooked in the same oil as breaded chicken wings and other gluten-containing fried foods. This significantly increases the risk of cross-contamination.
- Shared Cooking Bowls for Wings: Traditional, boneless, and even cauliflower wings are typically fried (if applicable) and then tossed in sauces or seasonings in the same communal bowls. If you’re opting for naked tenders, ensure they are prepared and sauced carefully to avoid contact with residual gluten from other wing preparations.
- Shared Grills: The grills used for items like hamburger patties, grilled chicken breasts, and other proteins are also shared. While they are routinely cleaned, there’s always a possibility of trace gluten residue from previously cooked items.
- Supplier and Regional Variations: Buffalo Wild Wings relies on allergen information provided by its manufacturers and suppliers. They also acknowledge that regional suppliers, recipes, and preparation techniques can vary, meaning allergen content might not be identical across all locations. This emphasizes the importance of checking the guide frequently and asking staff about specific local practices.
Making Special Requests for a Safer Experience
While no restaurant can guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment without dedicated facilities, you can take proactive steps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination at Buffalo Wild Wings. Clear communication with the staff is your best tool:
- Communicate Clearly: Inform your server that you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity. Use specific language like “gluten allergy” rather than just “gluten-free” to emphasize the seriousness of your request.
- Ask for Clean Surfaces and Utensils: Request that the kitchen staff clean their workspace, use fresh gloves, and utilize clean utensils and separate bowls for preparing your order, especially for items like naked tenders or salads.
- Avoid Shared Fryers: If you have celiac disease, it’s generally safest to avoid any fried items (French fries, tots, tortilla chips) altogether, as they are cooked in shared fryers.
- Speak to a Manager: If you have specific concerns or complex dietary needs, don’t hesitate to ask to speak with a manager. They are often the most knowledgeable about kitchen procedures and can provide further guidance or ensure your requests are relayed properly to the kitchen staff.
- Consider Off-Peak Hours: Visiting during less busy times might allow the kitchen staff more time and attention to dedicate to special preparation requests.
While these requests can help reduce the risk, it’s important to remember that they do not eliminate it entirely. Manage your expectations and always prioritize your health and comfort.
What to Strictly Avoid at Buffalo Wild Wings
To ensure a safe gluten-free experience, it’s equally important to know what to avoid. Steer clear of any items that are overtly gluten-containing or likely to be, unless specifically verified as gluten-free on the allergen guide.
- All Breaded Wings: This includes traditional wings (unless “naked” is specified and confirmed), boneless wings, and any other breaded protein options.
- Buns and Wraps: Any sandwiches, burgers, or wraps served with standard bread products.
- Beer-Battered Items: If any menu item is described as “beer-battered,” it will contain gluten.
- Desserts: Most dessert items in casual restaurants typically contain gluten unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Undetermined Dressings and Sauces: While many B-Dubs sauces are gluten-free, some are not. Always double-check the Allergen Guide for dressings and sauces, especially newer or limited-time offerings. For example, some teriyaki or Asian-inspired sauces often contain soy sauce, which usually has wheat.
- Croutons: Standard croutons on salads are made from bread. Request your salad without them.
- Malt Vinegar: Malt is a gluten-containing grain, so avoid malt vinegar.
- Pretzels: Any pretzel-based items or sides are not gluten-free.
When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose a different item or confirm with staff. Your health is the priority.
Beyond the Menu: Tips for Dining Out Gluten-Free at Buffalo Wild Wings
Dining out with a gluten-free diet requires a bit of planning and vigilance. Here are some additional tips for a successful experience at B-Dubs:
- Always Check the Latest Allergen Guide: Restaurant menus and ingredient lists can change without notice. Before every visit, take a few minutes to review the most current Allergen and Preparation Guide on the Buffalo Wild Wings website.
- Be Specific and Confident: Don’t be shy about your dietary needs. Clearly state “I have a gluten allergy” or “I need gluten-free options due to celiac disease” to ensure your message is taken seriously.
- Double-Check Your Order: When your food arrives, quickly verify that it looks as expected and question anything that seems out of place (e.g., if you ordered naked tenders but they look breaded).
- Carry a Chef Card: For severe allergies, a chef card explaining your dietary restrictions can be a helpful tool to hand to your server.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with any changes in Buffalo Wild Wings’ allergen policies or menu items by checking their official resources.
Conclusion: Enjoying Buffalo Wild Wings Gluten-Free
Navigating a gluten-free diet at Buffalo Wild Wings is certainly possible, thanks to their commitment to providing detailed allergen information and a variety of naturally gluten-free ingredients. While the shared kitchen environment means that a 100% certified gluten-free meal cannot be guaranteed, careful planning, clear communication with staff, and informed menu choices can lead to a satisfying and safe dining experience.
Armed with their comprehensive Allergen and Preparation Guide and the tips outlined above, you can confidently explore the menu, customize your order, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and delicious flavors that Buffalo Wild Wings has to offer. So go ahead, find your favorite gluten-free sauce, pair it with some naked tenders, and enjoy your game day feast without the gluten worry!
Other Gluten-Free Menu Guides
Our mission is to help you dine out safely and deliciously. We continually analyze popular restaurants for their gluten-free offerings. If there’s a restaurant you’d like us to investigate, please reach out to us directly or send a DM on Instagram! Here are some of our other detailed gluten-free menu guides:
- Wendy’s Gluten-Free Menu Items
- McDonald’s Gluten-Free Menu Items
- Panera Gluten-Free Menu Items
- Starbucks Gluten-Free Menu Items
- Chipotle Gluten-Free Menu Items
- Jersey Mike’s Gluten-Free Menu Items
- Taco Bell’s Gluten-Free Menu Items
- Chick-fil-A Gluten-Free Menu Items
- Olive Garden Gluten-Free Menu Items
- Domino’s Gluten-Free Menu Items
- Applebee’s Gluten-Free Menu Items
- Dunkin’ Donuts Gluten-Free Menu Items
- IHOP Gluten-Free Menu Items
- Shake Shack Gluten-Free Menu Items
- Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Menu Items
Photos: Julianne Tripp Hillian