Randy Chandler
Eating out while adhering to a gluten-free diet can be challenging. Taco John's, a well-known Mexican-inspired fast-food chain, does not offer a gluten-free menu and does not guarantee that any of its menu items are gluten-free. While some items may be free of gluten ingredients, cross-contamination is a significant concern due to the use of shared fryers and the presence of wheat in meat seasonings. The nacho cheese sauce itself is considered safe, but individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities should exercise caution when dining at Taco John's.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free menu | No |
| Gluten-free guarantee | No |
| Safe for people with celiac disease | No |
| Wheat in meat seasoning | Yes |
| Dedicated fryer | No |
| Meat contains oats | Yes |
| Safe option | Nacho cheese sauce |
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$2.08
What You'll Learn
Taco John's does not offer a gluten-free menu
The main ingredient in their meat seasoning is cracker meal, which contains wheat. This includes the meat in their nachos, which are fried in the same oil as their crunchy chicken and hard shell tacos. Therefore, the only gluten-free item mentioned is the nacho cheese sauce. However, even this cannot be guaranteed to be gluten-free due to the risk of cross-contamination.
For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, it is important to be cautious when eating at Taco John's. The restaurant does not promise that any of its menu items are gluten-free, so it may not be the best choice for those with dietary restrictions.
While Taco John's does not cater to gluten-free diets, there are other fast-food options available. For example, Taco Bell allows customers to customize existing menu items to satisfy their dietary needs. However, it is always important to check with the restaurant about the ingredients used and the potential for cross-contamination.
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The nacho cheese sauce is gluten-free
While Taco John's does not offer a gluten-free menu, and does not promise that any of its menu items are gluten-free, the nacho cheese sauce is gluten-free. This makes it a safe option for those with celiac disease. However, it is important to note that there is a risk of cross-contamination with other gluten-containing ingredients during preparation or serving.
Taco John's nacho cheese sauce is made primarily of cheese, milk, and various additives. The cheese component typically includes cheddar cheese and other processed cheese products. Additional ingredients often include whey, modified food starch, and spices for flavor and texture.
While the exact recipe is proprietary, these are the main components that make up the nacho cheese sauce. It is important to note that the gluten-free status of the nacho cheese sauce does not extend to other ingredients used in Taco John's dishes, such as their meat seasoning, which contains wheat, or their flour tortillas, which are fried in the same oil as other gluten-containing items.
So, while the nacho cheese sauce itself is gluten-free, it is important for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities to carefully consider their choices when dining at Taco John's due to the potential for cross-contamination.
In conclusion, the nacho cheese sauce at Taco John's is gluten-free, but it is important to be cautious about the other ingredients and preparation methods that could introduce gluten into your meal.
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All other menu items may contain gluten
While Taco John's nacho cheese sauce is gluten-free, the same cannot be said for the rest of the menu items. The fast-food chain does not offer a gluten-free menu or guarantee that any of its other menu items are gluten-free. Therefore, it may not be the best choice for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Taco John's management has confirmed that their taco meat contains oats and wheat, with the main ingredient in the meat seasoning being cracker meal, which is made from ground crackers. Additionally, they fry their nachos and tacos in the same fryer as their crunchy chicken, increasing the risk of gluten contamination.
The corn tortillas at Taco John's also contain wheat, and there are no dedicated fryers, meaning that cross-contamination is likely. This is supported by customer reviews, which indicate that consuming their gluten-containing items caused adverse reactions for those with celiac disease.
While the nacho cheese sauce is gluten-free, it is important to note that it is fried in the same oil as other gluten-containing items. So, while it is safe for those who are gluten intolerant, it may not be suitable for those with celiac disease due to the potential for cross-contamination.
In summary, while the nacho cheese sauce at Taco John's is gluten-free, all other menu items may contain gluten, and the restaurant does not provide a gluten-free guarantee. Therefore, those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should exercise caution when dining at Taco John's.
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The corn tortillas contain wheat
While Taco John's does offer some gluten-free items, they do not offer a gluten-free menu or guarantee that any of their menu items are gluten-free. This means that those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should exercise caution when eating at Taco John's.
One item that Taco John's offers that contains gluten is their corn tortillas. Corn tortillas are typically made with corn, water, and salt, and are naturally gluten-free. However, at Taco John's, the corn tortillas contain wheat, which makes them unsuitable for those avoiding gluten. This is unfortunate, as corn tortillas are often a gluten-free alternative to flour tortillas, which are typically made with wheat flour.
In addition to their corn tortillas, Taco John's meat seasoning also contains wheat. This includes the seasoning for their ground beef, which is an ingredient in their Super Nachos. The Super Nachos also include tortilla chips, refried beans, tomatoes, guacamole, olives, sour cream, and nacho cheese. While the nacho cheese at Taco John's is gluten-free, the presence of wheat in the corn tortillas and meat seasoning means that those with gluten intolerance should avoid this dish.
The presence of wheat in the corn tortillas and meat seasoning at Taco John's is concerning for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Wheat is a common allergen and can cause adverse reactions in those with gluten sensitivity. It is important for restaurants to provide accurate and transparent information about the ingredients and allergen content of their dishes to ensure the safety of their customers.
In summary, while Taco John's offers some gluten-free items, the presence of wheat in their corn tortillas and meat seasoning means that those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should be cautious when dining at this establishment. It is important for individuals with gluten sensitivity to carefully review ingredient information and allergen statements when dining out to ensure their safety.
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The meat seasoning contains wheat
Taco John's does not offer a gluten-free menu, nor do they promise that any of their menu items are gluten-free. While there are some items on the menu that do not contain wheat or gluten ingredients, they are not guaranteed to be gluten-free due to the potential for cross-contamination.
Taco John's meat seasoning contains wheat, which is listed in their allergen statement. A former supervisor at Taco John's confirmed that the main ingredient in the meat seasoning is cracker meal (ground crackers). The same source also mentions that the flour tortillas are fried in the same oil as other gluten-containing items.
Another source mentions that their corn tortillas contain wheat, and they use the same fryer for multiple items, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
Therefore, it is not recommended for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease to eat at Taco John's, as there is a high risk of gluten exposure. The only item mentioned as being safe from gluten is the nacho cheese sauce. However, other menu items like Super Nachos, which include nacho cheese sauce, also contain gluten through ground beef and tortilla chips.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally considered that nacho cheese is gluten-free, but Taco John's does not offer a gluten-free menu and does not promise that any of its menu items are gluten-free. Therefore, it might not be the best choice for people with celiac disease.
The Super Nachos, which include nacho cheese, ground beef, cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, refried beans, tomatoes, guacamole, olives, and sour cream, are a great sharing option. The Super Potato Oles are similar, but with fried potato pieces instead of tortilla chips. The side salad is also a healthier option.
There is a high risk of cross-contamination as Taco John's has only one fryer and does not have dedicated gluten-free fryers. All the seasoning for their meat contains wheat, and the flour tortillas are fried in the same oil as other gluten-containing items.
