While Gluten-free meals are not new to the Whataburger menu, steps still need to be put in place to get the best out of your order. This is essential for not just the look of the brand but, most importantly, your health, your well-being, and the conscious effort to overlook what goes into your Body.
This is essential because ordering gluten-free meals from Whataburger or any restaurant at all in the world is super important to someone with gluten sensitivity, especially as a result of celiac disease. Any intake of these would lead to adverse effects, which will end up negatively affecting your Body.
What is Gluten Sensitivity
Gluten sensitivity is a non-celiac disorder that is caused by gluten consumption from meals. There actually are a lot of gluten-related disorders, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity just happened to be one of them.
This disorder is responsible for both gastrointestinal and other problems in the human Body. Headaches, skin rash, brain fog, joint pain, muscle pain, and skin rash characterize it.
These associated symptoms happen most likely hours or days after gluten consumption for someone sensitive. Gluten sensitivity has no cure but can only be managed; its only treatment is staying away from gluten-packed meals.
Gluten-Free Meals at Whataburger
Whataburger offers a handful of gluten-free meals and beverages. These meals primarily contain no gluten, which makes them safe to some extent. In cases where there are no gluten-free meals, gluten-free alternatives are made available.
Burgers: Most Whataburger burgers are made gluten-free when the buns are removed and served on a platter. However, the buns are the main gluten-containing culprits. So, if you want to go gluten-free with Whataburger burgers, go bunless.
- Whataburger.
- Double Meat Whataburger.
- Triple Meat Whataburger.
- Jalapeño and Cheese Whataburger.
- Bacon and Cheese Whataburger.
- Avocado Bacon Burger.
- Whataburger Jr.
- Double Meat Whataburger Jr.
- Sweet and Spicy Bacon Burger
- Whataburger Patty Melt
Chicken Options: These high-protein meals contain all protein types except for gluten protein, which makes them safe for the gluten-sensitive.
- Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Grilled Chicken Fillet
Breakfast Meals: If you need a gluten-free breakfast that’s still light and power-packed to kick-start your day.
- Hashbrowns
Sides: This is quite tricky. They could be high in gluten-free protein but risk cross-contamination due to the use of shared utensils and work areas.
- French Fries
- Apple Slices
Salads: Salads are mostly veggies and contain no protein. To make this a gluten-free meal, ditch the sauces, as they could contain gluten, and add chicken strips for protein.
- Apple & Cranberry Chicken Salad
- Cobb Salad
- Apple Salad
Desserts, Snacks, and Drinks: All drinks served at Whataburger, including drinks and shakes, are entirely gluten-free, except for malt. Malt is made of barley, and gluten is contained in barley, wheat, and rye.
Fruit Chews are all the gluten-free desserts and snacks available at Whataburger.
Risks of Cross-contamination and How to Tackle Them
Now that all these meals have been listed as not having any gluten in them, they are the perfect gluten-free options. Does that make them 100% safe? No! There are also risks of cross-contamination, which could cause the same damage as eating a gluten-packed meal.
How Does Cross-Contamination Occur?
This happens when gluten-containing meals or ingredients come in contact with gluten-free meals, thereby contaminating them with gluten. This causes them to have some level of gluten, which they primarily lack, and can result in gluten damage to those who are sensitive.
How Can This Be Tackled?
This can only be done when the restaurant divides preparation tools and workspace areas to seclude gluten-free meals from non-gluten-free meals. The leading cause of cross-contamination is meals prepared with the same tools, such as frying oil or pans, spoons, air fryers, and so on.
Tips for Customizing Your Order for a More Gluten-free Plate
There are so many considerations to consider when getting a gluten-free meal. It includes:
- Always go through the allergen menu of any meal you want. A meal that has no gluten ingredient today can be switched up and contain gluten.
- Clear communication with staff is essential to avoid being served wrongly or to get the best advice on the meals that best suit you.
- Opt for only gluten-free meals, and if the meal you want contains gluten, ensure you go for a gluten-free alternative.
- Salads are your safest option as they contain no proteins except added ones. You could also go for sides like French fries if you want a fuller meal, so you’re not tempted to eat anything gluten-containing.
- Always be prepared with your medication with you. Because after all is said and done, and all precautions are put in place, anything can happen.
FAQs
What gluten-free options are available at Whataburger?
Whataburger offers many gluten-free options, from French fries on the sides to fruit chew snacks, bunless burger options, and a truckload of beverages except for malt. There’s always a gluten-free meal or alternative to satisfy.
What causes cross-contamination?
Contamination is caused by sharing the same workspace preparation tables and utensils for both gluten-free and non-gluten-free meals.
What symptoms follow gluten consumption for a person with gluten sensitivity?
The symptoms that follow consuming a gluten-packed meal for one with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease are headaches, itching, muscle and joint pains, brain fog, intestinal lining destruction, indigestion, and so much more.
What’s one gluten-packed meal someone with gluten sensitivity should totally avoid?
One gluten-packed meal to avoid for someone who is gluten-sensitive is the breakfast biscuit with cheese and malt beverage.
Conclusion
Eating Gluten-free at Whataburger is simple. You need to place the right orders with the proper guidance. It’s a good thing Whataburger is open to customization, so many of your burgers can be made bunless, and other meals can be taken without sauce or condiments.
Cross-contamination is a high-risk problem, but it can also be contained by safety applications like dividing workspaces and using separate utensils. This goes to lower risks and keep those with gluten sensitivity safe from harm.
