Is Golden Corral gluten free? The Golden Corral is a restaurant chain which offers food in a buffet style. The website says that their buffets have over 150 items. However, what we need to know today is whether or not this restaurant chain has gluten free options for those with a gluten allergy/intolerance or Celiacs. Let’s go find out what we can discover!
Golden Corral Gluten Free?
If you go to their website, they have this statement below regarding their dietary options:
“At Golden Corral©, we support the freedom to eat what you love, or quite possibly, what you need. From meat and potatoes to plant-based diets, our buffet of almost 150 items accommodates almost every nutrition plan, helping you stay within your health goals and leave feeling satisfied with your meal.”
Right below this statement they list “Gluten-free” along with many other dietary options. So is this saying that they are gluten free? Not quite.
Golden Corral Gluten Free? Not truly Gluten Free
At their website, you can click on their “Allergen Statement” and you are given this below:
“Our buffet offerings change frequently and may use ingredients containing common food allergens such as peanuts and other tree nuts, seafood including shellfish, whey, wheat/gluten, eggs, dairy, and soy. If you have any questions about ingredients, please ask to speak with a restaurant manager. However, because of the handcrafted nature of our menu items, the variety of procedures used in our kitchens and grills, our reliance on our suppliers, and the self-service nature of our buffets, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of ingredient information. The possibility that an ingredient might be transferred among food items and must disclaim any liability regarding the accuracy of such information.”
So what is this saying? In a nutshell, it is stating that there is a risk of cross contamination from the kitchen, from their suppliers, and from the buffet itself. So caution is definitely needed if you are to eat from here especially if you are extremely gluten sensitive or Celiac.
Are buffets ever safe for Celiacs to eat at?
Buffets are probably one of the least safe options for Celiacs who want to dine out. Why? Because serving utensils could easily get switched among dishes that are gluten free to those that aren’t, and then back again – causing major cross contamination issues.
Conclusion
As we can see, even though the Golden Corral might have items in their buffet that are gluten free, there is a definite risk of cross contamination. For Celiacs and those with serious gluten allergies or intolerances, this must be weighed before making a decision on whether to eat here or not. Once you look at all the factors involved, you then can make an informed decision that is best for you. Eat well and stay safe.