Introduction
When it comes to finding gluten-free options at Noodles & Company, it’s important to approach your dining experience with caution. While the restaurant offers a “gluten sensitive” menu, there is a high risk of cross-contamination. This article will guide you through the gluten-free options available at Noodles & Company and provide important considerations to keep in mind.
Gluten-Free Options at Noodles & Company
Fortunately, there are several ways to enjoy gluten-free meals at Noodles & Company. By swapping out the wheat noodles, you can opt for gluten-free alternatives such as pipette, zoodles, or cauliflower gnocchi. These options are free from gluten ingredients, allowing you to customize your dish to suit your dietary needs.
However, it’s essential to note that there is an additional cost associated with ordering gluten-free noodle options. Noodles & Company up-charges $1.50 for gluten-free noodles and an additional $0.75 for zoodles.
Important Considerations when Ordering
Before placing your order, it’s crucial to understand some key considerations to ensure a safe gluten-free dining experience at Noodles & Company.
- Cauliflower Rigatoni: Be cautious not to confuse it with the gluten-free cauliflower gnocchi, as the rigatoni contains wheat.
- Rice Noodles in Pad Thai: The rice noodles used in the pad thai are gluten-free and do not require a noodle swap.
- Croutons and Crispy Jalapenos: Some dishes may come with croutons or crispy jalapenos, which contain gluten and should be omitted from your order.
- Tofu: The tofu is seasoned with soy sauce, which contains gluten, making it unsuitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Grilled Chicken: While the grilled chicken itself is gluten-free, it is cooked on the same surface as the parmesan crusted chicken, which contains gluten. To avoid cross-contamination, consider asking the staff to bake your chicken instead of grilling it.
Gluten-Free Menu Options at Noodles & Company
Here is a comprehensive list of gluten-free menu options at Noodles & Company. These dishes can be made gluten-free by requesting a noodle swap with the gluten-free alternatives mentioned earlier:
- Buffalo Chicken Mac (no crispy jalapenos)
- Buttered Noodles
- Cauliflower Rigatoni in Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce
- Cauliflower Rigatoni Fresca with Shrimp
- Chicken Veracruz Salad (no crispy jalapenos)
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (no croutons)
- Pad Thai (no noodle swap needed)
- Penne Rosa
- Pesto Cavatappi
- Shrimp Scampi
- The Med Salad w/ Chicken (contains pasta, be sure to substitute with gluten-free noodle)
- Tomato Basil Bisque
- Wisconsin Mac & Cheese
- Zucchini Pesto Cream with Grilled Chicken
Gluten-Containing Items to Avoid
To maintain a gluten-free diet at Noodles & Company, it’s crucial to avoid the following items:
- Alfredo MonteAmore
- Breadcrumbs
- Cavatappi noodle
- Cauliflower Rigatoni (contains wheat)
- Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Chicken, parmesan crusted
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Cookies
- Croutons (Focaccia)
- Crispy jalapeños
- Elbow noodle
- Egg noodle
- Grilled Orange Chicken Lo Mein
- Japanese Pan Noodles
- Meatballs, all
- Potstickers
- Spicy Peanut Saute
- Spicy Korean Beef Noodles
- Rice Crispy Treats
- Spaghetti noodle
- Thai Chicken Soup
- Tofu, seasoned
- Tomato Basil Bisque
- Udon noodle
Testing Noodles & Company for Hidden Gluten
To ensure a confident gluten-free dining experience, you can use the Nima Sensor, a portable gluten-detecting device. By testing three dishes at Noodles & Company, the following results were obtained:
- (1) Mac and Cheese: Nima Smile = No Gluten Found
- (2) Pasta Fresca with Chicken: Nima Smile = No Gluten Found
- (3) Pad Thai: Nima Smile = No Gluten Found
For a visual demonstration of testing food for hidden gluten, you can watch the recorded video provided in the original article.
Additional Resources
For further guidance on eating out gluten-free and traveling, the author recommends their ebook, “The Ultimate Guide to Eating Out Gluten Free.” Additionally, the book “Dear Gluten, It’s Not Me, It’s You” provides more information about following a gluten-free lifestyle, including tips for dining out.
Investing in a gluten-detecting device, such as the Nima Sensor, ALLIS Sensor, or The Allergy Amulet, can provide additional peace of mind when dining out. However, availability may vary, so it’s advisable to check the respective websites for the latest information.
For more insights into testing other restaurants for hidden gluten, the author’s Eating Out Library offers a comprehensive collection of tested restaurants, including Panera, Five Guys, Chick-fil-A, Red Robin, and the Olive Garden.
Lastly, the author shares an article titled “5 Things I Wish Restaurants Knew About Gluten Free,” providing valuable advice to restaurants on how they can improve their gluten-free offerings.