Finding Gluten-Free Food at America's Mexican Fast Food Chains

Celiac.com 08/08/2024 - When on the go or short on time, finding gluten-free dining options can be challenging, especially at fast food restaurants. However, Mexican cuisine often offers some reliable choices. 

Even Mexican fast food chains can offer some decent options. Of course, not all Mexican fast food chains are equal in providing gluten-free options, so it's crucial to know where you can find safe and delicious meals. Eating out at any restaurant is always risky, even if they offer a gluten-free menu, but if you accept such risks the listing below may be helpful.

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Remember, individual experiences may vary, so always check with staff about ingredients and preparation methods. If you have feedback, or know of any other Mexican fast food chains that offer good gluten-free food options, be sure to tell us in the comments below.

Here's an updated list that includes new additions, making it easier for gluten-free diners to enjoy Mexican fast food.

Mexican Fast Food Chains with Naturally Gluten-Free Options

#1: Chipotle
Chipotle offers a variety of gluten-free options, with clear labeling. Except for flour tortillas, most items, including corn tortillas, all meats, beans, vegetables, and sides, are gluten-free.

#2: El Pollo Loco
At El Pollo Loco, you can enjoy a range of gluten-free items like flame-grilled chicken, corn tortillas, pinto and refried beans, avocado salsa, Cotija cheese, mixed vegetables, and flan. Just avoid flour tortillas.

#3: Jimboy's Tacos
Jimboy's is known for fresh preparation, Jimboy's Tacos offers a solid gluten-free menu including tacos (bean, ground beef, chicken, steak, carnitas), Tacoburgers, taquitos, tostadas, and their signature guacamole & sour cream.

#4: Baja Fresh
Baja Fresh features gluten-free options such as Baja Tacos with corn tortillas, “Bare style" burritos, Baja Ensaladas, grilled vegetables, carnitas, rice, and beans. All dressings and salsas are gluten-free.

#5: Qdoba
Qdoba provides diverse gluten-free choices, including chicken, chorizo, flat iron steak, pork, seasoned shredded beef, cilantro lime rice, black beans, tortilla soup, salsas, dressings, queso, and guacamole.

#6 Taco Cabana
Taco Cabana offers a variety of gluten-free options including beans (black, borracho, refried), barbacoa, chicken fajita meat, rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken taco meat, steak fajita meat, and gluten-free salsas and toppings.

#7: Mighty Taco
Mighty Taco makes it easy for gluten-free diners with corn shell options for any taco and excluding flour tortillas from most items. They offer Mighty Tacos with various fillings, salads, and more.

#8: Del Taco
Del Taco has expanded its gluten-free offerings, featuring items like the Grilled Chicken Taco, Street Tacos, and the Epic Grilled Chicken Avocado Burrito (without the flour tortilla). Additionally, their seasoned fries, beans, rice, and various salsas are gluten-free.

#9: Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy's Tacos, known for its creative taco combinations, offers a variety of gluten-free options. Diners can choose from corn tortilla tacos filled with meats like chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp. They also provide gluten-free sides such as refried black beans, Mexican rice, and queso.

#10: Taco Del Mar
Taco Del Mar provides gluten-free choices like corn tortilla tacos, burrito bowls (sans the tortilla), and a selection of fillings including seasoned chicken, pork, and fish. They also offer gluten-free rice and beans, and a range of salsas and toppings.

As always, cross-contamination can be an issue at restaurants, so be sure to double check to make sure your chosen location is using dedicated fryers for gluten-free items, and that you are confident that the final product will be gluten-free. 

If you know of other chains we should add to our list, or have feedback on these, please share in the comments below! Your experiences help others find reliable gluten-free dining options.