Patrick Oconnell
McAlister's Deli is an American fast-casual chain with about 450 locations in 28 states. While the company offers gluten-free bread and gluten-sensitive menu items, it is not a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. The broccoli cheddar soup cup and bowl are listed as containing gluten, wheat, milk, and soy. However, one customer review noted that the staff was knowledgeable about gluten-containing items and took precautions to avoid cross-contamination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | No |
| Calories (cup) | 290-291 |
| Calories (bowl) | 417-420 |
| Fat | 26.8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Allergens | Gluten, milk, soy, wheat |
| Ingredients | Broccoli, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, chicken broth |
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What You'll Learn
McAlister's Deli offers gluten-free bread
McAlister's Deli offers a range of gluten-free options for customers with minor gluten sensitivity. The restaurant is transparent about its shared preparation environment, which may not be suitable for those with Celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
The deli offers gluten-free bread, allowing customers to enjoy sandwiches without gluten. The staff is knowledgeable about gluten-free options and takes precautions to prevent cross-contamination, such as changing gloves and using new equipment.
While the bread is gluten-free, the toaster used for sandwiches is shared with regular bread, so some caution is advised. The gluten-free bread option is not available at all locations, so customers should check with their local McAlister's Deli before assuming it is on offer.
In addition to gluten-free bread, McAlister's Deli offers a variety of other gluten-free choices. These include sandwiches, salads, nachos, potato salad, and grilled cheese. The deli also provides a separate gluten-sensitive menu on its website, giving customers a wide range of options to choose from.
While McAlister's Deli offers gluten-free bread and other gluten-free options, it is important to note that their Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not gluten-free. The soup contains gluten, milk, soy, and wheat. For those with gluten sensitivities, it is essential to review the allergen information provided by the restaurant before consuming any menu items.
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The broccoli cheese soup is not gluten-free
Broccoli cheese soup is a popular offering at McAlister's Deli, a fast-casual chain with about 450 locations in 28 states across the US. While the chain does offer gluten-free options, it is important to note that their broccoli cheese soup is not gluten-free.
The broccoli cheese soup at McAlister's contains gluten, as indicated in the allergy information provided by the restaurant. The soup is made with a creamy base of chicken broth, which contains gluten. Additionally, the soup is served with crackers that also contain gluten. The presence of gluten in these ingredients makes the broccoli cheese soup unsuitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
McAlister's Deli has received praise for its gluten-free options and the precautions taken to avoid cross-contamination. They offer gluten-free bread and are known to replace orders if contamination occurs. However, it is important to note that their kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, and cross-contact risks may still exist.
When it comes to soups, McAlister's Deli has been noted to offer dairy-free options, but their gluten-free options are limited. The Chicken Tortilla, Country Potato, and Tomato Bisque soups are listed as containing dairy, while the Cajun Red Beans & Rice contain milk. While the broccoli cheese soup is not gluten-free, those with dairy restrictions can opt for steamed broccoli without butter as a safe side dish.
In conclusion, while McAlister's Deli makes efforts to accommodate dietary restrictions, their broccoli cheese soup is not gluten-free. Individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should avoid this soup due to the presence of gluten in the chicken broth base and accompanying crackers. It is always advisable to inquire about specific ingredients and safety precautions when dining out to make informed choices regarding one's dietary needs.
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The soup contains wheat and barley
McAlister's Deli offers a range of gluten-free options, including gluten-free bread and sandwiches. However, their Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains wheat and barley, making it unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
The soup is made with a creamy base of chicken broth and features a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, combined with chunks of broccoli. While the soup is not gluten-free, McAlister's does provide gluten-sensitive options on its menu, including salads, spuds, and sandwiches. These options cater to customers with gluten intolerance, but those with celiac disease should be cautious due to potential cross-contamination risks.
The Broccoli Cheddar Soup is available in a cup or bowl, and both portions contain wheat and barley. The presence of wheat and barley in the soup's ingredients indicates that it is not gluten-free. Wheat and barley are grains that contain gluten proteins, which can trigger adverse reactions in individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Wheat is a type of grass that is widely cultivated for its edible grains. It is a staple food for a large part of the global population and is commonly used in baking and the production of various food products. Barley, on the other hand, is a cereal grain belonging to the grass family and is often used in brewing and as a source of animal feed.
When it comes to gluten intolerance or celiac disease, it is crucial to avoid consuming gluten-containing grains like wheat and barley. Even a small amount of gluten can cause severe symptoms in individuals with celiac disease, including damage to the small intestine and long-term health complications. Therefore, it is essential for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease to carefully review ingredient information and choose gluten-free options when dining out.
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McAlister's staff are knowledgeable about allergens
McAlister's Deli offers a range of options for customers with dietary restrictions, and their staff are well-versed in allergen information. The company provides detailed nutritional and allergen information on its website, and staff are trained to advise customers on gluten-free options.
For instance, one customer review mentioned that the cashier proactively suggested that their baked potato would not be cooked in the oven to prevent cross-contact with gluten. This suggests that McAlister's staff are knowledgeable about gluten allergens and are trained to take the necessary precautions to ensure customer safety.
Another customer review highlighted that the servers knew their allergen lists well and could advise on whether a menu item contained gluten. The same review also mentioned that the staff were willing to replace orders if they were contaminated, demonstrating their commitment to accommodating customers' dietary needs.
While McAlister's Deli offers gluten-free bread and certain gluten-free menu items, it is important to note that their kitchens are not dedicated gluten-free facilities. Cross-contamination is still a risk, as highlighted in a review where a customer with gluten intolerance reacted to their food due to shared utensils being used for gluten-containing items.
Overall, McAlister's staff are knowledgeable about allergens and are trained to assist customers with dietary restrictions. They offer guidance on gluten-free options and take precautions to prevent cross-contamination. However, as with most restaurants, McAlister's cannot guarantee that their products are completely free of allergens due to the use of shared equipment for food preparation.
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The kitchen is clean and organised
While McAlister's Deli offers a range of gluten-free options, their Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains gluten. This soup is made with a creamy base of chicken broth and includes crackers, which are made with wheat flour and malted barley flour. The soup is also noted to contain milk, soy, and wheat allergens.
For those seeking gluten-free options at McAlister's Deli, it is important to be cautious. While the kitchen is clean and organised, the establishment is not a dedicated gluten-free facility. This means that cross-contamination is a possibility, especially with baked goods like sandwiches and bread. The staff, however, are knowledgeable and can advise on gluten-containing items.
McAlister's Deli offers a range of gluten-free options for customers with dietary restrictions. They provide gluten-free bread for sandwiches, and their baked potatoes can be customised to be gluten-free. The servers are generally well-informed about gluten-containing items and can guide customers in making safe choices.
The kitchen at McAlister's Deli maintains a clean and organised environment, which is commendable for a restaurant offering gluten-free options. A clean kitchen reduces the risk of cross-contamination, which is essential for customers with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It is important to note that despite their efforts, some customers have reported reactions to certain foods, highlighting the complexity of managing gluten-free diets in a shared kitchen space.
While McAlister's Deli makes efforts to accommodate dietary restrictions, it is always advisable for customers with gluten intolerance or celiac disease to exercise caution. The kitchen's cleanliness and organisation are positive indicators, but the potential for cross-contamination remains. It is essential to communicate your dietary needs clearly and inquire about specific ingredients and preparation methods to make an informed decision about your meal choices.
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Frequently asked questions
No, McAlister's broccoli cheese soup contains gluten, milk, soy and wheat.
Yes, McAlister's offers gluten-free bread and most of their sandwiches and salads can be made without gluten.
McAlister's broccoli cheese soup contains milk, soy and wheat. It does not contain egg, fish, peanuts, shellfish or tree nuts.
