Kamil Perry
Sonic Drive-In, a well-known fast-food chain, offers a variety of gluten-free options to cater to diverse dietary needs. While they don't have a dedicated gluten-free menu, certain items on their regular menu are listed as not containing gluten. However, cross-contamination is a significant concern due to shared cooking spaces and equipment. This includes their fryers, which are used for both gluten-free and gluten-containing items, creating a risk for those with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease. As for their chili cheese fries, while the fries themselves may be gluten-free, the chili contains gluten, according to their allergen statement. Therefore, it is important for customers with gluten sensitivities to be vigilant and make informed decisions when dining at Sonic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free menu | No |
| Gluten-free options | Yes |
| Gluten-free bread | No |
| Gluten-free buns | No |
| Gluten-free chili cheese fries | No |
| Gluten-free fries | Yes, but may be fried in the same oil as gluten-containing foods |
| Gluten-free tater tots | Yes, but may be fried in the same oil as gluten-containing foods |
| Gluten-free drinks | Yes |
| Gluten-free slushies | Yes |
| Gluten-free shakes | Yes, but may contain gluten due to toppings or mix-ins |
| Gluten-free grilled foods | Yes, but may be cooked on the same grill as gluten-containing foods |
| Gluten-free breakfast foods | Yes, but prepared on shared surfaces |
| Gluten-free onion rings | Yes |
| Gluten-free mozzarella sticks | Yes |
| Gluten-free desserts | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Sonic's chili contains gluten
Sonic's chilli contains gluten, according to its allergen statement. While the fast-food chain has introduced several items for gluten-sensitive customers, it does not offer a gluten-free bun or any other gluten-free bread options.
A former multi-store supervisor for Sonic Drive-In has stated that there is "absolutely no such thing as a dedicated fryer at any Sonic" restaurant she worked in. She also mentioned that milkshakes are all mixed with the same equipment, and the spindle is not cleaned in between shakes, leading to cross-contamination.
Some sources claim that Sonic has a dedicated fryer for only fries and tater tots, while others claim the opposite. However, it is important to note that Sonic uses shared areas for food preparation, which can lead to cross-contamination. This is particularly risky for people with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
While Sonic does not have a separate gluten-free menu, they do offer several items that are listed in their allergen guide as not containing gluten. These include drinks like Coke Zero, Fanta Strawberry, and Minute Maid Orange Juice, and certain toppings and condiments. Sonic's real ice cream and many of their shakes are also gluten-free, though it is always good to double-check for any added toppings or mix-ins that could contain gluten.
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Cheese is gluten-free
Cheese is generally gluten-free, but it's important to read labels and be cautious about cross-contamination. Most cheeses start with milk from cows, sheep, goats, or buffalo, and gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. While natural cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss are less likely to contain gluten, processed varieties like shredded cheese or cheese spreads may include glutenous starches or other additives. Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, but there is some debate as mold cultures may be grown on wheat or rye bread. Dairy-free cheese alternatives may also contain gluten, as some are made with flour.
When it comes to Sonic's chili cheese fries, the situation is less straightforward. While cheese is gluten-free, chili is listed among the gluten-containing items at Sonic. Additionally, cross-contamination is a significant concern, as they use shared fryers and preparation surfaces. Therefore, while the cheese in the chili cheese fries is likely gluten-free, the overall dish cannot be considered safe for a gluten-free diet due to potential cross-contamination.
Cheese is naturally gluten-free, and many types are safe for gluten-intolerant individuals. However, it's always important to read labels and be cautious about cross-contamination, especially in restaurants. Natural cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss are good options, while processed varieties like shredded cheese or cheese spreads may sometimes contain gluten. Blue cheese is usually safe, but there is some debate. Dairy-free cheese alternatives may contain gluten, so they should be avoided unless the ingredients are verified.
When eating out, it's essential to be vigilant and inquire about food preparation to ensure your meal is gluten-free. While Sonic offers gluten-free options, they are not a dedicated gluten-free facility, and cross-contamination is a significant concern. Their grilled foods, including burgers and hot dogs, can be gluten-free if ordered without the bun, but they are cooked on shared grills. Additionally, their fryers are used for both gluten-free and gluten-containing items, making it unsafe for those with gluten intolerance to consume fried foods like chili cheese fries.
Overall, cheese is generally gluten-free, but it's important to be cautious about processed varieties and cross-contamination, especially in restaurants. When eating at Sonic, opting for grilled foods without buns or choosing from their gluten-friendly dessert options might be safer choices for those on a gluten-free diet.
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Fries are gluten-free but fried in shared oil
If you're following a gluten-free diet, eating out at fast-food restaurants like Sonic Drive-In can be challenging. While Sonic does offer gluten-free options, it's important to be aware of the risk of cross-contamination due to shared cooking equipment and surfaces.
Sonic's fries are gluten-free, but it's important to note that they are fried in shared oil with other gluten-containing foods. This means that while the fries themselves are gluten-free, there is a possibility of cross-contamination during the cooking process. This is a significant concern for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, as even a small amount of gluten can cause an adverse reaction.
In response to this concern, some Sonic locations have implemented dedicated fryers exclusively for cooking fries and tater tots. This measure helps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and makes these side dishes a safer option for gluten-intolerant individuals. However, it's important to verify this information with your local Sonic drive-through, as not all locations may have the same practices. If a dedicated fryer is not available, it is recommended to avoid the fries to minimise the risk of gluten exposure.
To ensure a gluten-free dining experience at Sonic, it is advisable to inquire about their food preparation methods and any potential risks of cross-contamination. While their grilled foods, such as burgers and hot dogs, can be ordered without the bun to make them gluten-free, these items are typically cooked on the same grills as gluten-containing foods. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss your dietary restrictions with the staff and assess your risk tolerance before placing your order.
Additionally, Sonic offers a variety of naturally gluten-free drinks, sides, and dessert items. Their slushies, lemon and limeades, coffee, and hot chocolate are all gluten-free options. However, it's important to remain vigilant and always check for the latest information, as ingredients and preparation methods may change over time.
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High risk of cross-contamination
Sonic does offer gluten-free options, but it is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, and there is a high risk of cross-contamination. This is due to the use of shared fryers and cooking equipment, which can cause gluten-free foods to come into contact with gluten. For those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, this cross-contamination can be dangerous, and it is recommended to speak directly with the restaurant about their preparation methods and any potential risks.
One example of an item with a high risk of cross-contamination is Sonic's chili cheese fries. While french fries are naturally gluten-free, Sonic does not have a dedicated gluten-free fryer, and their fries are cooked in the same oil as other gluten-containing foods. This means that even if you order gluten-free chili and cheese toppings, the fries themselves are likely to have trace amounts of gluten due to cross-contamination in the fryer.
Another example is Sonic's grilled foods, such as burgers and hot dogs, which can be ordered without a bun to make them gluten-free. However, these items are cooked on the same grills as gluten-containing items, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. While some people with gluten sensitivities may be able to tolerate this, it is important to be vigilant and ask questions about food preparation to ensure your meal is safe to consume.
Sonic's shakes and milkshakes are also highly cross-contaminated, as they are mixed with the same equipment, and the spindle is not cleaned between shakes. This means that gluten from one shake can easily contaminate another that does not contain gluten. If you are looking for a gluten-free beverage option at Sonic, it is recommended to stick to drinks like Coke Zero, Fanta Strawberry, Minute Maid Orange Juice, or slushies.
It is important to note that Sonic states on its official allergen menu that they cannot eliminate the risk of cross-contact or guarantee that any item is free of gluten. While they offer gluten-free options, it is up to the customer to assess their risk tolerance and make an informed decision based on their specific dietary needs and restrictions.
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No gluten-free bread options
While Sonic does offer gluten-free options, it is important to note that they do not provide gluten-free bread. This means that if you want to enjoy a sandwich or burger at Sonic, you will need to bring your own gluten-free bun or bread.
Sonic has introduced several items for gluten-sensitive customers, recognising the need for gluten-free options and demonstrating their commitment to catering to diverse dietary needs. Their gluten-free offerings primarily include drinks, sides, and certain toppings and condiments. Some of the gluten-free drinks options include Coke Zero®, Fanta® Strawberry, Minute Maid® Orange Juice, and slushies. Sides like apple slices and gluten-free proteins such as hamburger patties, bacon, breakfast sausage, and sliced ham are also available.
However, it is essential to be vigilant about cross-contamination risks. Sonic does not have a dedicated gluten-free facility, and their kitchens are not gluten-free certified. They use shared cooking spaces and equipment for gluten-free and gluten-containing items, which can be unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
In terms of fries, there is conflicting information. Some sources claim that Sonic has a dedicated fryer for fries and tater tots, making them gluten-free. However, others state that Sonic uses the same fryer for all their food, including gluten-containing items, which creates a high risk of cross-contamination. Therefore, it is advisable to verify this information with your local Sonic or assume that their fries are not gluten-free.
Additionally, Sonic's chili contains gluten, according to their allergen statement. So, while you can enjoy gluten-free options at Sonic, the lack of gluten-free bread and the potential for cross-contamination may limit your choices, especially if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Sonic chili contains gluten, and their cheese is fried, increasing the chances of cross-contamination.
Yes, Sonic offers a selection of gluten-free items. However, it is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, and there may be a risk of cross-contamination. Their gluten-free offerings primarily include drinks, slushes, and certain toppings and condiments.
Some gluten-free options at Sonic include hamburger patties, bacon, breakfast sausage, sliced ham, hot dogs, Philly steak, eggs, grilled onions, peppers, apple slices, coffee, and hot chocolate.
Drinks such as Coke Zero®, Fanta® Strawberry, Minute Maid® Orange Juice, lemon and limeades, and slushies are gluten-free.
