In-N-Out Is A Pretty Safe Option For Gluten-Free Fast Food

Essentially the most difficult a part of touring with celiac illness is attempting to determine the place to eat on the go. Belief me, I ought to know. For the longest time, I by no means stepped foot inside a restaurant in the event that they weren’t a dedicated gluten-free establishment.

Sadly, many beloved mom-and-pop places closed down as a result of COVID-19 pandemic and have not reopened. It is costly to personal a restaurant, particularly one that’s marketed towards gluten-free prospects. Though having a devoted place to eat is a godsend for many who endure from wheat allergic reactions or different autoimmune situations, it does alienate a fraction of the general public who falsely consider that gluten-free meals simply is not on par with good ol’ pure wheat.

That was why I used to be a stammering bundle of nerves once I confirmed as much as my first In-N-Out simply outdoors of San Diego.

As beforehand said, I’ve not stepped right into a restaurant that was not devoted gluten-free since 2018, the place I had a cross-contamination concern so dangerous that I used to be truly taken to the hospital. Not desirous to repeat that have, I’ve largely prevented social outings and solely store at locations the place I can have management over the meals being ready.

That was why I instructed my coworkers to simply drop me off at a neighborhood grocery retailer so I might choose up my go-to journey dinner of pork rinds, chilly cuts, and cheese to make my very own mini charcuterie. Nonetheless, one in every of my coworkers’ brothers, who additionally grew up celiac, apparently went to In-N-Out on a regular basis rising up and had by no means gotten sick as soon as.

Caving to look stress, I lastly gave in. I agreed to go together with them beneath the situation that I speak to the worker on the counter and see what measures have been in place to forestall cross-contamination. If my fears have been assuaged, I’d order… one thing. If not, I’d simply head again to the native grocery retailer and spend the night time wrapping pork rinds in stringy cheese.

I let my coworkers order first in order that I’d get a separate ticket for my allergy. When it was my flip to order, I nervously stammered out, “Hello, I’ve by no means eaten at In-N-Out earlier than as a result of I’ve celiac illness and I get very sick if there’s any gluten cross-contamination. What measures do you might have in place to verify individuals with gluten allergic reactions do not get sick consuming right here?”

In a uncommon stroke of luck, the restaurant was not crowded (I used to be the one one in line) and the worker was truly actually well-trained. He proceeded to clarify how they be certain that to prepare dinner their onions on a separate grill from the burgers and that each one staff change their gloves earlier than dealing with a gluten-free order. Fries have been naturally gluten-free, since they have been the one factor that went within the fryer, so the one factor I needed to fear about have been the buns.

Guided by the recommendation of my coworkers, I used to be instructed to get a double-double, protein-style, animal-style burger. Double-double means that there have been two cheese-covered patties, whereas “animal type” refers to a mustard-glazed patty that’s topped with grilled onions, pickles, and the restaurant’s unfold. Protein-style means wrapped in lettuce. Nervously, I stated I wished a protein-style double-double, no onions, no sauce, and nothing like that. Proper after I ordered, the worker truly stepped away from the register to name out {that a} gluten-free order was coming in. That impressed me. I used to be additionally happy to see that the receipt was marked with an allergy too.

Evidently, I received my burger and it was scrumptious – a lot so, that I made a decision to get one other one: animal-style. I waited ten minutes between burgers and did not have any indicators of a response, so I assumed I used to be okay. And I used to be proper. I waited all night time like I used to be about to have a coronary heart assault, however I used to be high-quality. I ate at In-N-Out and I did not get sick. It was a miracle. I ate at a fast-food institution for the primary time since I used to be identified with celiac illness over fifteen years in the past and didn’t get sick. It felt like a miracle, but I felt extra regular than I ever have in my total life.

Fortuitously, there are a lot of issues which you could order at In-N-Out which are gluten-free, for the reason that solely factor that has gluten are the buns. Following my expertise, a spokesperson for the quick meals franchise instructed me that most of the objects on the Not-So-Secret menu are gluten-free and capable of be personalized as such.

For instance, not solely do the burgers come animal-style. You can even get animal-style fries, which have grilled onions, a slice of melted cheese, and their signature unfold. I usually don’t like consuming something that has “secret elements” – particularly with my allergic reactions – however a spokesperson assured me that it was fully gluten-free.

As well as, there’s additionally a Flying Dutchman, which is a Double-Double with simply two beef patties and two slices of cheese. You’ll be able to order this onion-wrapped, the place they primarily provide you with two onions to function buns as an alternative. This can be ordered animal-style, which implies you’ll get the pickles, the unfold, and the mustard-glazed patties as effectively.

There’s additionally an possibility known as “monkey type,” which is animal-style fries added to a burger, together with a “pup patty,” which is a plain, unsalted beef patty that may be ordered to present your canine. I haven’t tried this myself, however apparently you may simply order a “meat patty, no salt,” which can be a secure guess for somebody who needs to attempt In-N-Out with little or no allergy threat.

In whole, my journey to San Diego introduced me to 2 completely different In-N-Out places a complete of 4 instances. I solely received fortunate on my first journey; the remainder of the time I went, it was extraordinarily crowded and I needed to wait in line for some time earlier than it was my flip to order. I didn’t get sick any time I went, which was fairly a aid. I did have to attend a very long time for my protein-style burger, however I’d reasonably wait twice as lengthy  than threat getting sick (even when it meant my coworkers all completed consuming earlier than I even received my meals).

Sadly, there’s dangerous information. When The Blast spoke with a consultant for In-N-Out, they emphasised that there isn’t a approach to assure that consuming at In-N-Out will end in a very gluten-free expertise for the client, since there are gluten-containing objects on the menu.

Whereas she did affirm that it was normal apply for workers to vary their gloves earlier than allergy orders, she was a bit cagey once I requested if buns and onions have been cooked on separate grills, or whether or not or not the identical brush was used to use their animal-style sauce on each buns and lettuce wraps. I’ve seen some chatter on-line {that a} squirt bottle is utilized in some locations, whereas others say that they should keep away from the sauce altogether as a result of contamination threat.

So, on the finish of the day, it appears that evidently In-N-Out may not be as secure because it first appeared, however I didn’t get sick, and that’s an enormous win for me. However will it’s a win for you? The one factor to do is head to your native In-N-Out and take a look at it (in case you are fortunate sufficient to have an In-N-Out close to you).

Crucial piece of recommendation that I may give is to advocate for your self on the counter. In the event that they dismiss you and your considerations, or flat-out received’t reply your questions, simply head proper out the door and take a look at one other location. If one thing doesn’t appear proper, don’t eat it. Your well being is just not definitely worth the value of a burger.

However, in case you’re like me, celiac and nervous in regards to the means to eat out with coworkers, it’s value a shot, particularly if it makes you are feeling only a bit extra like everybody else.

Have you ever eaten at In-N-Out whereas avoiding gluten? What was your expertise? Are there some other quick meals chains that you just eat at which are nice for celiacs? Tell us within the feedback under!