By Amy Burkhart MD, RD

May 2024

Gluten-free dining has become more accessible thanks to a growing array of options and readily available information on smartphones. However, it’s also become riskier for individuals who need to avoid even the smallest traces of gluten. While in the past, asking about gluten-free options might have led to confusion, nowadays, the response is often reassuring: “gluten-free – no problem!” While this may seem reassuring, for those on medically restricted diets, an overly casual attitude towards gluten-free can be problematic.

Restaurants are drawn into the gluten-free market by economic incentives and customer requests.

According to a consumer research firm NPD Group survey, 30% of the American population is on or has tried a gluten-free diet.

Restaurants that offer gluten-free selections increase their appeal, customer base, and profit potential. Despite the ever-increasing popularity of gluten-free items offered by restaurants, diners on a gluten-free diet for medical reasons must proceed with caution. Although gluten-free dining options have increased, education on how to institute GF food preparation safely has not necessarily kept pace.  Diners need to determine if the restaurant staff understands cross-contamination and if the advertised options are really gluten-free.

Restaurants are not mandated to adhere to gluten-free labeling regulations.

While the FDA encourages restaurants to follow these guidelines if they claim menu items are gluten-free, there’s no formal oversight or legal requirement. It’s essentially a gamble. The gluten-free dining experience hinges on the commitment of restaurant staff to understand and implement proper preparation methods.

Consumers can be advocates and request their favorite restaurant to participate in a certification program

While GF certification programs are a positive step, no one has scientifically evaluated whether restaurants participating in a gluten-free certification program offer a lower risk for diners. It would be difficult to study. But I would argue that any restaurant vested in training its staff in proper technique is a safer option than one that doesn’t.

Restaurants have a variety of training options. The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG) offers restaurant awareness and foodservice certification resources restaurant awareness and foodservice certification resources. Beyond Celiac offers Gluten-Free Resource Education and Awareness Training (GREAT). Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) offers resources for restaurants. It has a partnership with the National Restaurant Association to offer the SafeServ Allergens Online Course, and one with MenuTrinfo to offer the AllerTrain program.

A restaurant offering a completely gluten-free environment brings comfort to individuals on a gluten-free diet.

The convenience of ordering from a menu without the usual barrage of questions is a significant relief. While it remains essential to ensure the restaurant comprehends the intricacies of the gluten-free diet and sources gluten-free ingredients, 100% gluten-free establishments offer a reassuring sense of normalcy. The challenges with these types of establishments is that they simply are that common. To make finding them a bit easier,  explore my free worldwide guide to 100% gluten-free restaurants, a unique resource in its entirety. As always, please inquire about their practices during your visit.

Numerous apps and websites assist in discovering restaurants accommodating gluten-free diets.

In addition, platforms like Yelp, Urban Spoon, and TripAdvisor offer helpful reviews. However, it’s crucial to recognize all of these as a starting point for locating gluten-free dining options. The information provided may lack monitoring, updates, or validation. Always maintain a questioning mindset, even when selecting a restaurant highly recommended by these platforms. Asking pertinent questions ensures a satisfactory dining experience and minimizes potential regrets.

After improving health, dining out is one of the most relevant topics for people on a gluten-free diet.

The use of technology provides streamlined access to information on restaurants and dining out. But, it is important to use the information as a base from which to start. Ultimately, the responsibility is yours. Ask the questions and assess the risk. Traveling and dining out on a restricted diet have their challenges. But, it is my hope that we will continue along the path toward more awareness, less worry, and more delicious food.

You can make a difference. Your input matters

1. If a new restaurant opens in your area, go in early and talk to them about catering safely to GF dieters. They are trying to have a successful run, so let them know people will travel if they learn a location can feed them safely! I did this with a restaurant in our area. I talked to them about the GF community; they modified a couple of items, made an entirely GF menu, and now have three very successful locations. Yes, their food is good too:). Some people will listen, especially if they know there is a market for their product. They want to succeed.
2. Let your favorite restaurant or anyone interested know about the certification programs. They provide an extra level of safety for you and the entire gluten-free community.
3. Bring your friends; more people means more business for the restaurant and a higher chance of prosperity.
4. If you have a negative experience, consider the situation before posting about it. Not all mistakes require a negative review. What matters is the restaurant’s response and the number of incidents. Many restaurants want to cater to GF dieters, yet errors can still be made.
5. Share positive experiences by leaving Google and Tripadvisor reviews. Reward the restaurants that do it right with positive reviews and return business. It is hard to keep a restaurant afloat. They love any positive free advertising! Many restaurants are invested in catering to gluten-free dieters; we want them to stay open!

Eating socially is an important part of human culture and often involves dining out. But doing it safely on a strict gluten-free diet, including those with celiac disease, is vital.

Here are a few tips to make your dining experience safer and make a change for the better for your life, those around you, and the entire gluten-free community.

1. Be kind: Kindness will get you farther in life than demands; this includes when dining out.
2. If you have a medical need for a gluten-free diet, such as celiac disease, make it clear that your requests are medical needs, not preferences. This will typically garner more credibility.
3. When possible, frequent the same restaurants. They will get to know you, and the need for multiple questions may dwindle over time.
4. Call ahead when possible to inquire about their ability to accommodate a strict GF diet
5. Speak to a manager or chef when possible. They are a good final set of eyes on food preparation.
6. If your instinct tells you they don’t understand, don’t eat there. It is not worth a game of roulette.
7. Use GF dining apps; they are a great launching point, but do not rely on them entirely. Still, ask questions!
8. Realize that asking questions, while uncomfortable for many, means the difference between feeling well or not. It is your health, and it is their job to answer them.
9. Visit my free, dedicated, gluten-free restaurant locator; dining out worry-free is fantastic! Email me if your favorite is not listed.