Frederic Melton
Cracker Barrel is a popular restaurant chain with over 640 locations across 43 states in America. The restaurant has been criticized for not offering a gluten-free menu, which has disappointed customers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, Cracker Barrel does offer some gluten-free options, and their staff are reportedly knowledgeable about accommodating dietary restrictions. While there is a risk of cross-contamination, certain items like grits, eggs, bacon, and hash browns are considered safe for gluten-intolerant individuals. Notably, Cracker Barrel's Coarse Ground Grits, a Southern staple made from stone-ground white corn, are gluten-free and can be enjoyed with toppings like cheese.
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What You'll Learn
Cracker Barrel's coarse ground grits are gluten-free
While Cracker Barrel has been criticized for not offering a gluten-free menu, the restaurant does offer some gluten-free options. One of these options is Cracker Barrel's Coarse Ground Grits, which are gluten-free. These grits are a Southern staple, made from stone-ground white corn, and are a popular breakfast choice due to their creamy texture and mild flavor. They can be cooked and topped with shredded cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, either while hot or after cooling.
The coarse ground grits differ from Cracker Barrel's Homestyle Grits in terms of texture. The former has a larger, more noticeable cornmeal texture, while the latter is finer and smoother. Both types of grits are made from stone-ground white corn, but the difference lies in the grind size.
Although Cracker Barrel's Coarse Ground Grits are gluten-free, it's important to consider the risk of cross-contamination in a shared kitchen environment. The restaurant provides a "Nutritional Information Guide" to assist customers with food allergies, but it's always advisable to speak with the restaurant manager before ordering to ensure your needs are met.
Cracker Barrel's Coarse Ground Grits can be part of a healthy breakfast, offering a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. However, they are relatively high in sodium, so limiting added ingredients like butter or excessive cheese can help control the overall fat and sodium content.
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, Cracker Barrel may not be the first choice due to limited gluten-free options and the potential for cross-contamination. However, some customers with celiac disease have reported positive experiences, enjoying various gluten-free dishes without any adverse reactions.
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Cracker Barrel does not have a gluten-free menu
While Cracker Barrel does offer some gluten-free options, it does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu. This can make it challenging for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to find suitable dining options. The restaurant's menu features traditional American comfort food, with many dishes containing gluten.
Those with gluten restrictions can still enjoy certain items at Cracker Barrel, but caution and prior knowledge are necessary. The restaurant provides an allergen menu on its website, which can help identify gluten-free choices. However, it is not user-friendly, and there is still a high risk of cross-contact. Some safe options include eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, grits, hash browns, and certain types of potatoes.
The lack of a dedicated gluten-free menu at Cracker Barrel has been a source of disappointment for many customers, especially those with celiac disease. Some have expressed frustration at the limited options and the difficulty in navigating the menu to find safe choices. The absence of clear labelling or gluten-free indicators on the regular menu adds to the challenge.
Despite the challenges, some customers with gluten restrictions have reported positive experiences at Cracker Barrel. They commend the staff's knowledge and caution in handling their dietary needs. However, others have encountered staff who seemed unaware of gluten restrictions or unable to accommodate their requests.
In conclusion, while Cracker Barrel does not have a gluten-free menu, it offers a selection of gluten-free options. Customers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must exercise caution and communicate their dietary needs clearly to the staff. The availability of gluten-free choices varies across locations, and the risk of cross-contact remains. While some customers have managed to find suitable meals, others have been disappointed by the limited options and potential for cross-contamination.
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Gluten-free options are available at Cracker Barrel
While Cracker Barrel does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu, the restaurant offers various gluten-free options. It is important to note that, as with most restaurants, there is always a chance of cross-contamination.
For breakfast, gluten-free options include eggs, grits, bacon, and sausage. Grits, a Southern staple made from stone-ground white corn, can be topped with cheese, butter, or gravy. Other gluten-free breakfast choices are hash browns and the Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfait (without granola).
For lunch or dinner, gluten-free options include the House, Country House, or Grilled Chicken Salad (without croutons or saltine crackers, and avoiding Blue Cheese or Thousand Island Salad Dressing). The U.S. Catfish Fillet (grilled) is also gluten-free. Additionally, meats like rainbow trout, maple bacon chicken, chicken tenders, and hamburger (without the bun) are safe choices. Sides such as carrots, beans, sweet potatoes, baked potatoes, turnip greens, pinto beans, and mashed potatoes are also gluten-free.
It is recommended that guests with gluten allergies or celiac disease speak with the restaurant manager before ordering to ensure their needs are met and to minimise the risk of cross-contamination.
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Cracker Barrel's allergen menu lists gluten-free items
Cracker Barrel does not have a gluten-free menu, and a search of their website yields no results for "gluten-free". However, they do have an allergen menu that lists gluten-free items, which can also be found online. While the allergen menu is reported to be difficult to read, it is comprehensive and lists all other allergens.
The allergen menu is not extensive, and there is a high risk of cross-contact, so it is not recommended for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. However, some gluten-free options are available, and the staff are reportedly knowledgeable and careful with food allergies. It is recommended that guests with food allergies speak with the restaurant manager before ordering to ensure the kitchen is aware of their needs.
Gluten-free items on the menu include eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, chicken tenders, and some meats. For breakfast, guests can order the Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfait without the granola topping, and the House, Country House, or Grilled Chicken Salad without croutons or saltine crackers and without Blue Cheese or Thousand Island Salad Dressing. The U.S. Catfish Fillet, grilled chicken tenders, and rainbow trout are also gluten-free options.
Sides that are gluten-free include green beans, carrots, beans, turnip greens, pinto beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, baked potatoes, and fried apples. Hash browns are gluten-free, but there is a risk of cross-contamination during preparation. Grits are also gluten-free, although one source mentions that they are no longer gluten-free, so it is best to check with the restaurant directly.
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Cross-contamination risk is present at Cracker Barrel
While Cracker Barrel offers gluten-free items, the risk of cross-contamination is always present. This is due to the shared kitchen spaces and equipment used in food preparation.
One customer with celiac disease shared their experience, explaining that they only ordered a side of mashed potatoes to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. They informed the staff about their condition and the importance of avoiding gluten, and fortunately, they did not have a reaction.
Another customer with celiac disease expressed disappointment with their experience. They ordered the hamburger steak without a bun, green beans, and broccoli, only to later discover that the hamburger steak contained gluten. This highlights the challenge of navigating gluten-free options at Cracker Barrel, even for those with a deep understanding of their condition.
To minimise the risk of cross-contamination, it is essential to take proactive measures. One recommendation is to request that the grill be cleaned before cooking your food, as some customers have done without issue. Additionally, it is advised to speak with the restaurant manager before placing your order. By doing so, you can make the kitchen staff aware of your gluten intolerance and any specific requirements.
While Cracker Barrel does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu, they do offer a "Nutritional Information Guide" that can help you make informed choices. It is also recommended to ask for assistance in identifying gluten-free options and understanding the potential risks of cross-contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Cracker Barrel's Coarse Ground Grits are gluten-free. They are made from stone-ground white corn and can be enjoyed with toppings like butter, cheese, or gravy.
Cracker Barrel offers a variety of gluten-free options, including eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, hash browns, and baked potatoes. They also have gluten-free salads and meats like rainbow trout and chicken tenders. However, it's important to note that Cracker Barrel does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu, and there is a risk of cross-contamination.
While Cracker Barrel offers gluten-free options, some customers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity have expressed concerns about cross-contamination and limited choices. It is recommended to speak with the restaurant manager before ordering to ensure your needs are met.
