Finding gluten-free options is challenging, especially when you’re craving something crispy and satisfying. KFC comes first and is popular for crispy fried chicken, but what if you’re avoiding gluten? Can you still enjoy a safe bite?
The reality is that the KFC gluten free menu is quite limited, especially if you’re coeliac or highly sensitive to gluten. However, some gluten-free options are available for you to try. While the fried items are not gluten-free due to wheat-based breading, there are still a few sides and snacks you can enjoy without worry.
In this article, we’ll explore exactly what’s safe, what to skip, and how to order smart at KFC. Whether you’re newly gluten-free or have been searching for a coeliac-friendly life for years, this information will help you dine with more confidence.
See Also: KFC Tottenham Court Road Menu
KFC Gluten Free Allergen Policy
Before you order, check out KFC’s allergen policy if you’re coeliac or gluten-intolerant, as it’s essential to do a quick glance-through before eating out, especially with KFC.
KFC offers a complete allergen guide for its entire menu. You can check it in-store, online, or download a PDF copy for your convenience. They regularly update this, which is encouraging, as ingredients and recipes can change at any moment.
KFC follows UK law; therefore, all 14 allergens must be stated, which include gluten, eggs, dairy, soya, etc.. What’s good about KFC is that they inform you of cross-contamination, which can happen in both their kitchens and factories.
They offer distinct symbols that indicate whether an allergen is included in the product or may simply be present in the product.
The catch-22 is that staff will not advise you on what is safe to eat, so even if it appears gluten-free, you are expected to read the allergen guide and make your own decision. KFC offers UK diners an allergen guide for gluten-free choices.
Download PDF KFC Allergen and Nutritional Info
Is KFC Gluten-Free?
Most items of KFC are not gluten-free, but we appreciate KFC’s transparency; they provide a complete food allergen description to inform decisions, without trying to mislead or conceal the risk. However, there is a risk of cross-contact.
KFC offers a detailed allergen guide; however, the gluten-free dining experience is limited and not entirely safe for all individuals. If you’re coeliac or highly sensitive, just stick to the few limited safe items and check the most recent allergen list before you order.
If you’re exploring gluten free restaurants in London, KFC offers limited gluten-free options, but it’s always best to check their allergen guide before ordering.
Chicken
The crispy chicken items at KFC are not gluten-free. Their chicken items are made with wheat; therefore, they are suitable for coeliacs. KFC menu includes:
❌Not Gluten-Free: Avoid at KFC
Unfortunately, the following items contain wheat and are not safe for those who are coeliac or following a strict gluten-free diet:
- Original Recipe Chicken (All pieces)
Keel
Drumstick
Thigh
Rib
Wing - Popcorn Chicken
- Hot Wings
- Mini Fillet
- Boneless Chicken
- Dipped Bites (All Flavours)
Kansas BBQ
Sweet Chilli
Buffalo
Let’s explain them in detail:
Original Recipe Chicken:
This is one of the most popular items at KFC that people generally enjoy. However, the crispy coating is made with flour, so it’s not suitable for those with coeliac disease.
Hot Wings:
Hot wings are spicy and popular, but they are also coated with wheat before being fried. Sadly, it’s not a gluten-free item.
Mini Fillets:
They might look safe, but they are also made with bread that’s not gluten-free.
Popcorn Chicken:
These bite-sized chicken pieces are covered in the same wheat-based batter as the Original Recipe; therefore, they are similarly unsuitable.
See Also: KFC Guildford High Street Menu
Burgers & Wraps
When it comes to the section of burgers & wraps, both items are gluten-free because burgers consist of a bun and chicken coating, and wrap also consists of wheat.
❌ Contains Gluten (Avoid)
- Kentucky Mayo Twister – contains wheat
- Sweet Chilli Twister – contains wheat
- Smokey BBQ Twister – contains wheat
- Flamin’ Mini Wrap – contains wheat
- Supercharger Twister – contains wheat
- BBQ Mini Wrap – contains wheat
- All Burgers (including Fillet, Zinger, and Tower varieties)
Fillet Burger: A classic burger with a chicken fillet covered in Original Recipe batter and served on a wheat bun with lettuce and mayonnaise.
Zinger Burger: For those who want it spicy, the Zinger includes a spicy-coated chicken fillet; however, both the coating and the bun include gluten.
Twister Wraps: Wheat tortillas are used in all kinds of KFC’s Twister Wraps; therefore, they are off-limits regardless of filling.
Vegan Burger: Although it’s commendable that KFC offers a vegan option, the Quorn fillet is coated in the same wheat-based Original Recipe coating as the chicken and served on a wheat bun.
Tower Burgers: These burgers have a hash brown; however, with a gluten-containing bun, breaded chicken, and the potential of cross-contamination from the hash brown, they are not suitable for coeliacs.
Classic Sides & Dips
KFC has the same kitchen; therefore, they admit to a chance of cross-contamination compared to McDonald’s because they have a separate fryer for cooked fries. Their fries don’t contain gluten, but they are fried in the same oil, so they may come into contact with gluten.
Gluten-Free Friendly (No Gluten Ingredients):
- Corn on the Cob
- Coleslaw
- Creamy Mash
- Real Tomato Sauce Dip
- Garlic Buttermilk Mayo Dip
- Sticky Sweet Chilli Sauce Dip
- Spicy Supercharger Dip
❌ Avoid (Contains Gluten):
- Gravy
- BBQ Beans
- Smoky BBQ Dip
Corn on the Cob:
It’s a safe option for coeliac disease. It’s naturally gluten-free and not made with gluten-containing items.
Coleslaw:
It’s a good side and gluten-free option, best suited for those who avoid gluten-containing items.
Southern Rice and Garden Salad:
Southern Rice and Garden Salad may contain traces of wheat due to shared processing facilities.
Gravy and BBQ beans:
Gravy and BBQ beans contain gluten and should be avoided.
Smoky BBQ Dip:
Smoky BBQ Dip contains gluten and is not suitable for individuals with coeliac disease.
Fries & Hash Browns:
Although these items do not contain gluten, they are cooked in the same fryer as gluten-containing foods. They are not recommended for coeliacs due to the danger of cross-contamination.
See Also: KFC Huddersfield Leeds Road Menu
Drinks
It’s good news for all gluten-free users that all drinks of KFC are gluten-free.
- Pepsi Max
- Diet Pepsi
- Pepsi Cherry Max
- Tango
- 7UP Free
- Lipton Peach
- Tropicana Orange
- Apple & Blackcurrant Fruit Shoot
- Orange Fruit Shoot
- Robinsons
- Watermelon Lime
- Sparkling Water
- Still Water
- Latte
- Cappuccino
- Tea
- Black Americano
- White Americano
- Hot Chocolate
- Espresso
Desserts & Krushems
Not all desserts at KFC are gluten-free. You can try some KFC gluten free desserts and avoid others that contain gluten.
✅KFC Gluten-Free Desserts
- Chocolate Sundae
- Milkybar Sundae
- Mini Chocolate Sundae
- Pineapple Sticks
⚠️ May Contain Wheat (Use Caution)
- Milkybar Krushems – may contain barley & wheat
- Aero Krushems – may contain barley & wheat
- Aero Peppermint Sundae – may contain barley & wheat
- Aero Sundae – may contain barley & wheat
❌ Contains Gluten (Avoid)
- Oreo Biscuit Krushems – contains wheat
- Oreo Sundae – contains wheat
- Milk Chocolate Cookie – contains wheat
- White Chocolate Cookie – contains wheat
Milkybar Sundae: Now for a gluten-free dessert – vanilla soft serve with Milkybar sauce.
Mini Chocolate Sundae: A smaller version of the Chocolate Sundae, great for a small sweet treat.
Pineapple Sticks: Just sliced up fresh pineapple, so they’re naturally gluten-free.
Krushems: Although the Krushems themselves are not a source of gluten, there is a risk of cross-contamination since they are made using shared equipment. If you’re OK with that risk, they could be an option, but they’re not 100% safe for coeliacs.
FAQs
Is KFC gluten free?
KFC is not gluten-free. Most of the popular items like chicken, wraps, and burgers contain gluten and should be avoided by people with coeliac disease.
Are KFC fries gluten free?
KFC fries don’t contain gluten ingredients, but they’re cooked in shared oil with gluten products. Due to this cross-contamination, they aren’t safe for people with coeliac disease.
What’s gluten free at KFC?
KFC gluten free menu includes limited options like drinks, desserts, and sides and dips.
Is KFC coleslaw gluten free?
Yes, it’s a gluten-free option, best suited for people with celiac disease.
Are KFC mashed potatoes gluten free?
Yes, KFC mashed potatoes are gluten-free on their own. Just be sure to skip the gravy, as it contains gluten.
Are there any gluten free dessert options at KFC?
Yes, some dessert options are gluten free, like Milkybar Sundae, Mini Chocolate Sundae, and Pineapple Sticks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, KFC gluten free options are limited, especially for coeliacs, but a few safe choices like corn on the cob, coleslaw, mashed potatoes (without gravy), and select desserts do exist. While most main items contain gluten, some sides and dips are made without gluten ingredients.
However, cross-contamination is a risk, particularly with fries and rice. If you’re following a gluten free diet, always check the allergen guide. With caution, you can still find gluten free KFC choices to enjoy safely.
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