Navigating the Gluten-Free Taco Bell: What You Need to Know?
Gluten-Free Taco Bell
Over the last few years, people with gluten issues have increased their quest for gluten-free foods and beverages and thus have forced fast-food restaurants to consider developing facilities that can meet the needs of people with gluten problems. Taco Bell which coined for itself a Mexico theme restaurant and offers great Mexican food is not an exception. Although Taco Bell does not specifically cater for the gluten–intolerant public, it does have several items that could be avoided by such consumers. Following is a guide to assist you to choose wisely when you are eating out at Taco Bell and, at the same time, are gluten-free.
Understanding Gluten-Free at Taco Bell
These include wheat based products, barley and rye and the products derived from them contain a protein that is detrimental to the health of individuals with such diseases as celiac disease or gluten intolerance. To my knowledge, nearly all of the items sold by Taco Bell can be ordered at least in a manner that will keep them from containing gluten for their clients, though of course there is always the problem of cross-contamination and thus food choices should not be taken lightly.
Taco Bell’s Gluten-Free Offerings
Taco Salad Bowl:
If one wants to avoid taking gluten then one of the most recommended meals to take is the taco salad bowl. The salad can be enjoyed gluten-free if the shell is not included. Among the proteins, one can select grilled chicken or beef and then add greens and gluten-free sauce to the dish.
Power Bowl:
All of the Power Bowls offered at Taco Bell include grilled chicken or steak: if ordered without the tortilla or any sauces that contain gluten, the meal is gluten-free. With the base of the rice and beans and some additional toppings which are so fresh, it is very filling.
Burrito Bowls:
A regular burrito is served with a flour tortilla; however, if one chooses not to have the tortilla at all (burrito bowl), it is gluten-free. Taco Bell has an allergen guide where customers should verify whether sauces or cheese, for instance, that is being added is gluten-free.
Soft Tacos:
The shells of soft taco in Taco Bell are also made from flour tortilla which means that the taco is not gluten free. Nevertheless, if you requested a taco without the shell, the substance is used to fill the salad or you can eat the taco in the bowl.
Nachos Bell Grande:
Nachos Bell Grande does not contain gluten in the tortilla chips. But to be sure, it is recommended that one checks with the staff to avoid cross-contact from other gluten-containing products.
Customizing Your Order
In order to increase your confidence, try to specify which peculiar aspects of your meal should be prepared without gluten: sauces and seasonings usually contain it. Make sure to ask your server to bring out fresh ingredients and inform them you wish there to be no cross contamination with gluten. Regarding meats & cheeses – the management/staff of the particular TA can always assist the guest with regard to ingredients & sourcing of gluten.
Cross-Contamination Considerations
However, even when ordering has been carefully done there is always the likelihood of cross-contact in the fast food establishment. Communicative utensils and contact points can in this way introduce gluten. If you are uniquely sensitive to gluten, then it may be wise to contact the restaurant before heading in to discuss what they can offer or go to Taco Bell where they had a rapport for, at the least, listening to requests for gluten-free foods.
Conclusion
Thus, despite the Taco Bell menu with an insufficient list of gluten-free products, one can still have a meal there not eating gluten. Thus, having taco salad bowls, Power Bowls, and nachos, and choosing not to add gluten to your meal is possible to have a delicious meal. Preferably make it your etiquette to inform the service providers of your dietary restrictions so that your meal can as much as possible be made safe for your consumption.
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