What is gluten free at Mcdonald’s UK? Coeliac Safe?

Want to know what is gluten free at Mcdonald’s? Chips? Do they reuse oil that has been used to cook gluten-containing things? How about the Big Mac sauce? Milkshakes? Find out here!!

This information has been complied from: (1) Mcdonald’s website, (2) Emailing them and (3) Speaking to my local stores. Unfortunately they decided to be very vague but I’m going to do my best to be as clear as possible.

Warning on Cross Contamination

WHAT RISK IS THERE?

There are several options that are labelled gluten free at Mcdonalds but as with lots of places these days, they use the caveat that “due to our kitchen set up, we cannot guarantee that cross-contamination will not occur”. Mcdonald’s Source

As far as I can gather from speaking to my local stores, this risk is minimal. Its just the same risk as my kitchen – I prepare Charlie some gluten-containing food and therefore technically there is a “risk” but its about how you manage it!

The good thing about Mcdonald’s is they have a very structured set up. For example, their gluten free chips are only ever fried in the same vat as the veggie dippers (which are also gluten free) and nothing else. As I understand it, the oil from other vats is never reused for the chips (more info below) and they are only handled using the same scoop too so the cc risk is minimal.

HOW I HANDLE THAT “RISK”:

In my opinion, their set up means that the cross contamination risk on gluten free items is kept to a minimum and I am comfortable to eat there.

I do not ask about their procedures every time I visit because I go to the same stores every time.

HOW OTHERS DEAL WITH IT:

I asked my Instagram followers if they are comfortable to eat in Mcdonalds. 70% said yes so I’m not alone (and I wonder if that might be a little higher after reading this guide)! I then asked if they ALWAYS tell the store they are coeliac and only 20% said yes, so again I’m not alone there too…phew!!

All that said, it should be easy enough to ask the manager some basic questions and get comfortable each time. I know lots of you DM’ed to say you do that too!

**FOR THE REST OF THIS BLOG POST I am going to assume we are comfortable with that cross contamination risk.**

CHIPS

Are the fries gluten free? Yes, they are cooked in dedicated fryers. Mcdonald’s Source

This is for the UK ONLY. In the US, they contain wheat.

Do I need to worry about them reusing oil that might have had gluten-containing things in it? This concern first came from a message I saw on Facebook. The lady said the oil being used at Mcdonalds UK stores is filtered and reused, causing cross contamination concerns. BUT from what I’ve read and from speaking to my local store, it seems like the actual process they follow means the cross contamination risk would be tiny so its not a concern for me. Hopefully this will remove your concerns too…

• “How do you filter your frying oil to make sure it doesn’t contaminate your vegetarian products? All of McDonald’s U.K. restaurants filter vats in the same order and in sequence at least once a day. The vats are filtered in the following order: Fries and Veggie Dippers {both gf}, Pies, Chicken, and Filet-o-Fish®. The unit is then cleaned before being used again.” Mcdonald’s Source

• “The Fries vat uses a dedicated filter box so isn’t mixed with the others at all” Mcdonald’s Source

OTHER MAINS

Are the Big Mac®s gluten free? The beef patty, Big Mac® sauce, pickles, onions and lettuce in the Big Mac® do not have any gluten containing ingredients. The bun contains gluten. You can request a burger without a bun. Mcdonald’s Source. Not the prettiest but you can always bring your own bun!

Does the Big Tasty sauce contain any wheat or gluten? There are no gluten or wheat containing ingredients in the Big Tasty Sauce served on its own. Mcdonald’s source

Are McDonald’s veggie goujons gluten free? Yes, without a bun. The Pepper & Pesto Goujon itself has no gluten containing ingredients and is cooked in a separate fryer, away from other ingredients containing gluten. Mcdonalds Source

Are the chicken nuggets gluten free? NO! they contain wheat flour Mcdonalds Source

Are any of your milkshakes are gluten-free? Yes. In the U.K. the standard milkshakes (chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and banana) have no gluten containing ingredients. Mcdonalds Sauce

BREAKFAST

What are the gluten free breakfast options? Hash Browns, Eggs, Back Bacon and the Sausage Patty Mcdonalds Source. I can highly recommend using 2 hash browns as a bun, sandwiching egg and a patty in the middle!

SIDES, SAUCES & DRINKS

Which sides are gluten free? Fruit Bags and Carrot Sticks. WARNING: The Side Salad®, Grilled Chicken Salad and Grilled Chicken and Bacon Salads are now a may contain!!!

Which sauces are gluten free? The only sauce that contains gluten to date is the sweet and sour dip! Here’s their latest allergen matrix for what is available (12/4/2023). To see the latest allergen booklet click here

Which desserts and drinks are gluten free? Sometimes the McFlurry® options are gluten free but they change them too often to include a list in this post! Have a look at their allergen booklet here. All of the permanent menu drinks are also free from ingredients containing gluten. Mcdonald’s Source

THE BIG QUESTION: Why don’t the UK have gluten free buns like the Netherlands?

According to Mcdonald’s: “The menus, and therefore the kitchen layout and equipment available in our restaurants located around the world vary. To offer gluten-free buns, we would need separate storage and toasting equipment in place to prevent cross-contamination, which many of our U.K. restaurants kitchens do not currently have the capacity to provide.” Mcdonald’s Source

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WANT SOME MORE GUIDES ON EATING OUT?

Eating at Other Peoples Houses – a letter to someone who is cooking for you

Tips for Eating in a Restaurant