Are you wondering whether American food is suitable for someone who is on a gluten free diet? Or maybe you want to hear about examples of common American dishes that are gluten free? Well either way, you are in the right place! In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about gluten in American food.
We start out by discussing examples of American ingredients and dishes that are gluten free. After that, we discuss examples of American dishes and ingredients that are not gluten free. Next, we discuss examples of American dishes that may or may not be gluten free depending on where they are prepared. Finally, we discuss whether American food is a good option for someone who is on a gluten free diet.
What American food is gluten free?
What American food is gluten free? In this section, we will discuss common examples of American food that are gluten free. First, we will discuss examples of common ingredients that are used in American cooking that are gluten free. After that, we will discuss common American dishes that are gluten free.
Note that while the dishes and ingredients we discuss in this section are often gluten free, that does not mean that they will be gluten free at all establishments. Make sure to consult with the chef or check the allergen label to ensure that the specific item you plan to eat is gluten free.
Gluten free American ingredients
What are some examples of ingredients that are commonly used in American cooking that are gluten free? In this section, we will discuss common examples of ingredients that are used in American cooking that are gluten free.
- Vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, spinach, celery, carrots)
- Aromatics (garlic, onions)
- Meats (chicken, beef, pork, fish)
- Cheese (cheddar, American, swiss)
- Rice
- Milk and cream
- Peanut butter
- Jelly and jam
Gluten free American dishes
What are some examples of American dishes that are gluten free? Here are some examples of common American dishes that are gluten free.
- Pot roast
- Chili (often gluten free)
- Mashed potatoes
- Grits
What American food is not gluten free?
And what are some examples of American items that are not gluten free? In this section, we will discuss examples of American food that are not gluten free. First, we will discuss common ingredients that are used in American cooking that are not gluten free. After that, we will discuss common American dishes that are not gluten free.
Note that while the ingredients and dishes we discuss in this section are generally not gluten free, that does not mean that gluten free versions of these items do not exist. There may be some restaurants and establishments that make gluten free versions of these items.
American ingredients that contain gluten
What are some examples of common ingredients that are used in American cooking that contain gluten? Here are some examples of ingredients that are commonly used in American cooking that contain gluten.
- Wheat flour
- Bread
- Bread crumbs
- Pasta
- Worcestershire sauce (often contains gluten)
- Barbecue sauce (often contains gluten)
American dishes that contain gluten
What are some examples of popular American dishes that contain gluten? Here are some examples of common American dishes that contain gluten.
- Hot dogs
- Hamburgers
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Macaroni and cheese
- Fried chicken and chicken nuggets
- Pasta salad
- Pie (apple, key lime, pumpkin)
- Pizza
- Onion rings
- Biscuits and gravy
- Cornbread
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- French toast
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- Philly cheesesteak
- Lobster rolls
- Chicken noodle soup
American food that may or may not be gluten free
What are some examples of American dishes that may or may not be gluten free depending on where they are made? Here are some examples of American dishes that may or may not be gluten free. For each dish we discuss in this section, we will provide details on how gluten might be introduced into this dish.
- Salads. Salads are one common example of an American dish that may or may not be gluten free depending on where they are made. Many salads contain croutons that are made from wheat based bread. These salads will not be gluten free. That being said, many salads can be made gluten free if they are served without croutons.
- Chicken wings. Chicken wings are another common example of an American dish that may or may not be gluten free. Chicken wings that are coated in breadcrumbs or flour will generally not be gluten free, whereas chicken wings that are not breaded are more likely to be gluten free. Additionally, some chicken wings may be coated in sauces that contain gluten.
- French fries. French fries are another example of a popular American dish that may or may not be gluten free. Some french fries are coated in flour before they are fried to help ensure that the fries get nice and crispy. These fries will not be gluten free. Even if the fries are not coated in flour, they may contain trace amounts of gluten if they are cooked in a fryer that is also used to cook dishes that are battered or breaded.
- Meatloaf. Meatloaf is another common example of an American dish that may or may not contain gluten. Meatloaf is often made with bread crumbs, which means that it is usually not gluten free. That being said, meat loaf is sometimes made with oatmeal or other substances that do not contain gluten rather than bread crumbs. In these cases, the meatloaf may be gluten free.
- Anything that is made in the fryer (cross contamination). If you are sensitive to trace amounts of gluten from cross contamination, you should be careful when eating any food that is cooked in the fryer. There are many common American dishes that are battered in wheat flour or coated in breadcrumbs before being fried. That means that unless the fryer is dedicated to gluten free items, food that is made in the fryer may contain traces of gluten.
Is American food suitable for a gluten free diet?
Is American food a good option for someone who is on a gluten free diet? No, American food is not a good option for someone who is on a gluten free diet. In fact, American food might be one of the most difficult cuisines out there for someone who is on a gluten free diet. Most common American dishes are made with bread, pasta, bread crumbs, or some type of wheat based batter. That means that there are not many popular American dishes that are gluten free.
If you want to go to an American restaurant with someone who maintains a gluten free diet, then you should make sure to look for a restaurant that specifically caters to gluten free diners. Otherwise, there may not be much food that person can eat.
Gluten free American restaurants
- Pretty Good Advice in Santa Cruz, California
- The Misfit in Santa Monica, California
- MeeT on Main in Vancouver, British Columbia
- Yardbird in Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, and more locations
- Oxford Exchange in Tampa, Florida
- Fox & Son Fair Foods in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles in Toronto, Ontario
- Lovebird in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
- Spoon in Tahoe City, California
- Firefly Restaurant in San Francisco, California
- Alden & Harlow in Cambridge, Massachusetts
- The Local Kitchen & Drinks in Waltham, Massachusetts
- Chubbs Chicken Sandwiches in Santa Cruz, California
- Side Street Cafe in Bar Harbor, Maine
Gluten free American recipes
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