Raising Cane’s is an American staple, but gluten free dieters might find themselves wondering if there are actually any Raising Cane’s gluten free meal options.1 Or more importantly, is their renowned special sauce (Cane’s sauce) okay for gluten free guests to enjoy.
Gluten sensitive individuals should know that Raising Cane’s does offer a limited menu for gluten free guests to choose from, including everyone’s favorite special sauce. With locations all across America, anyone can use this list to order their favorites without the stress of gluten exposure.
Is Raising Cane’s Gluten-Free?
Raising Cane’s is known for their crispy chicken and special sauce. But gluten free dieters need to know, if Raising Cane’s is gluten-free. The answer is a little bit of yes and a little bit of no, and here’s why.
Raising Cane’s has a limited number of gluten free meal, sauces, and drink options that gluten free guests may not even be aware of. In fact, there are also secret ways to order a typically gluten contaminated meal and make it completely gluten free. Gluten free dieters everywhere are invited to utilize the list below to ensure a gluten free experience when dining at America’s favorite chicken joint.
Source: mphillips007 via Canva.com2
That being said, some of the items on this list are technically gluten free but may have gluten exposure! Gluten free dieters must keep in mind that cross contamination is very possible, especially since Raising Cane’s uses the same kitchen and fryers for their chicken and fries. Gluten free guests with severe allergies are recommended to stay on the safe side and stick to items that likely will not have any cross contamination. Additionally, there are other chicken restaurants like pollo tropical gluten free options that can help satisfy a gluten free dieter’s craving for chicken.
Does Raising Cane’s Have a Gluten Free Menu?
When it comes to Raising Cane’s, they have a limited number of gluten free options to choose from, especially when wanting to enjoy some truly southern cooked food. However, even though they have menu items that happen to be gluten free, Raising Cane’s does not have a specific gluten free menu.
This can be dangerous for gluten free dieters, especially if they have Celiac’s Disease that causes a harsh immune response to gluten exposure, or just a really severe gluten allergy in general.3 Guests should always check in with their Raising Cane’s professional to alert them of food allergies in an attempt to minimize gluten exposure.
Is Raising Cane’s Menu Gluten Free Certified or GF Certified?
Raising Cane’s may have a few gluten free items and some secret hacks to make an otherwise gluten filled order be gluten free. However, they do not have a gluten free certified menu. This means that there are no set regulations or national standards for gluten free items, making their foods still at risk for minimal gluten contamination or exposure.4 Gluten free guests wanting to stay on the safe side might be better sticking to their gluten free drink options or making their food at home instead.
Raising Cane’s Gluten Free Menu Items
There is a limited number of gluten free items at Raising Cane’s. Check out the list below for a total of 12 different menu items that gluten free guests can enjoy. And don’t forget to add on the special sauce to top off any meal!
Gluten Free Chicken
Raising Cane’s has the best chicken around! It’s fried to a perfect, golden, crisp and seasoned with a trade secret medley of spices.
However, Raising Cane’s chicken is not gluten-free. Raising cane’s chicken is fried with the use of coated bread crumbs. So while this meal may be delicious, it is unfortunately not gluten free. Gluten free dieters should be very wary of chicken from this restaurant, especially if they have a severe allergy or celiac’s disease.
Source: Diana Craciun’s Images via Canva.com5
This may seem unfair to gluten free guests, as chicken is the main meal served at Raising Cane’s locations. But do not fear. There is actually a way to secretly order Raising Cane’s delicious chicken without all the gluten that normally accompanies it.
1. Naked Chicken: This is a special, secret, off the menu item. It’s similar to the fried chicken tenders, but merely lacks the gluten heavy breadcrumbs that coats the chicken in the initial recipe. Don’t forget to include the special sauce!
Calories: 265 calories.
Chicken is reported to be 165 calories per 100 grams serving size, which would be roughly the amount found in a three piece chicken tender serving.6 However, because it is fried in the Raising Cane’s deep fryer, an additional 100 calories is approximated for this meal.
Carbs: 0 grams.
Fat: 16 grams.
Protein: 31 grams.
Gluten free guests can simply let an employee know about their gluten allergy, and request that their chicken is prepared without being fried with breadcrumbs. This “naked” Raising Cane’s gluten-free order is a great way for gluten free dieters to enjoy a high in protein meal while minimizing their gluten exposure.
Dieters may wonder whether chicken tenders or chicken wings are beneficial for weight loss. Well, ordering chicken this way will significantly increase the protein ratio while decreasing the amount of calories, fat content, and carbohydrates that come with fried chicken. This will only improve the amount of nutrition this meal can provide. Research shows that a diet high in protein is best for weight loss and appetite regulation.7 Furthermore, eating protein can help dieters trying to build strength and harden muscles, creating a leaner looking facade.
Additionally, Raising Cane’s offers a delicious chicken tender sandwich. While the original recipe calls for a gluten dense bun and the chicken to be fried in breadcrumbs, gluten free guests can opt for the naked chicken and bunless version. Requesting extra lettuce upon ordering will allow gluten free dieters to turn their sandwich into a tasty and healthy lettuce wrap that is sure to satisfy.
2. Naked Chicken Sandwich Without the Bun: This hidden, off the menu item is perfect not only for gluten free guests but also dieters who are trying to watch their weight! It’s filling, low in calories, and pretty healthy compared to the Raising Cane’s alternatives. Top it off with Raising Cane’s gluten-free special sauce!
Calories: 460 calories.
Carbs: 6 grams.
Fat: 35 grams.
Protein: 31 grams.
It is important to note that even when ordering a “naked” chicken at Raising Cane’s, the food itself is still cooked in the same fryers as the gluten containing traditional fried chicken fingers. This leads to the possibility of gluten contamination. Gluten free guests with very severe allergies or celiac’s disease should avoid this order and try an option that is definitively gluten free instead.
Gluten Free Sides
Raising Cane’s are not only known for their fried chicken fingers. They’re also known for their golden, crispy, crinkle cut fries and flavorful southern coleslaw. Checkout the list below for more information in regards to Raising Cane’s gluten-free side items and nutritional information.
3. Coleslaw. This classic southern coleslaw is the only food item that is 100% guaranteed to be gluten free without the risk of contamination by the fryer. It’s also pretty low calorie, making it a great choice for dieting for beginners. Enjoy!
Calories: 100 calories.
Carbs: 11 grams.
Fat: 6 grams.
Protein: 1 gram.
Gluten Free Sauces
Raising Cane’s is known for their special sauce, and luckily for gluten free dieters everywhere, their special sauce is gluten free! But what many gluten free guests are unaware of is that there are actually other gluten free sauces that are available upon request at every Raising Cane’s location across America.
4. Special Sauce. Everyone’s favorite
Calories: 190 calories.
Carbs: 6 grams.
Fat: 19 grams.
Protein: 0 grams.
5. Honey Mustard. Available at all Raising Cane’s restaurants upon request. Nutritional information is reported from USDA based on a 2 tablespoons serving size.8
Calories: 139 calories.
Carbs: 7 grams.
Fat: 12 grams.
Protein: 0 grams.
6. Hot Sauce. This low calorie spicy sauce is offered upon request as well. Nutritional information is reported based on 1 teaspoon serving size.9 In fact, hot sauce is recommended for weight loss! It’s the perfect side sauce for chicken lovers who like it hot.
Calories: 1 calorie.
Carbs: 0 grams.
Fat: 0 grams.
Protein: 0 grams.
Gluten Free Drinks
Luckily for gluten free dieters, Raising Cane’s has a number of gluten free drink options on their menu. Check out the list below for a comprehensive guide to every gluten free drink option that Raising Cane’s has to offer. Don’t worry, these options are not reported in any specific order. Each drink is guaranteed to satisfy, and makes a great addition to any gluten free food order at Raising Cane’s.
As an important note, nutritional information is based on a regular sized drink. Dieters should be aware that calories, carbs, fat, and protein content will change based on the size chosen.
7. Lemonade.
Calories: 180 calories.
Carbs: 46 grams.
Fat: 0 grams.
Protein: 0 grams.
8. Sweet Tea.
Calories: 140 calories.
Carbs: 36 grams.
Fat: 0 grams.
Protein: 0 grams.
9. Unsweet Tea.
Calories: 0 calories.
Carbs: 0 grams.
Fat: 0 grams.
Protein: 0 grams.
10. Half Tea/Half Lemonade.
Calories: 160 calories.
Carbs: 41 grams.
Fat: 0 grams.
Protein: 0 grams.
11. Fountain Drink.
Calories: varies.
Carbs: varies.
Fat: 0 grams.
Protein: 0 grams.
Raising Cane’s Menu Items To Avoid
There are a number of menu items that do contain gluten and require a special order or avoidance entirely to ensure a gluten free experience. The most noteworthy gluten containing item on the Raising Cane’s menu is their world renowned crispy chicken tenders. While the chicken itself is very healthy and a gluten free ingredient, it’s accompanied by a mix of breadcrumbs that contains gluten.
Source: nanoqfu via Canva.com10
Next, gluten free individuals enjoying a meal at Raising Cane’s should completely avoid the texas toast. Made from thickly sliced bread and pan fried in butter, this southern side is unfortunately very high in gluten content.
Even certain ingredients that might not contain gluten themselves are at risk of contamination! This is because raising cane’s uses the same cooking tools and deep fryers to cook their fries and gluten coated chicken tenders. So a gluten free guest who orders a side of fries or even the “naked” version of their tasty chicken are at a risk of gluten contamination.
It’s recommended that those with very severe gluten allergies or celiac’s disease with significant autoimmune responses to gluten avoid this restaurant. Or at the very least, only order one of the few food and drink items that is proven to not have any gluten at all.
Raising Cane’s Gluten Free Sample Order
If you need an idea for something to enjoy, try ordering a naked box combo with an extra side of slaw instead of the typical Texas toast. Top the meal off with a sweet tea for a true taste of southern comfort food. Or simply order the sandwich combo! But make sure to tell the Cane’s professional about gluten allergies, and request the naked chicken and lettuce wrap.
Raising Cane’s gluten-free options may be limited, but at least they are delicious. Try any number of the Raising Cane’s gluten -free items listed above and don’t forget to include Raising Cane’s gluten free special sauce!
References
14kodiak. “chicken Strip.” Canva.com. Accessed 12 April 2023. <https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEEI_q_AgQ-chicken-strip/>
2mphillips007. “Chicken Fingers.” Canva. Accessed 12 April 2023. <https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEE5xq2yQU-chicken-fingers/>
3National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 2022. Celiac Disease. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Web. Retrieved on 21 November 2022. <https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease>
4U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2022. Questions and Answers Gluten Free Food Labeling Final Rule. Food Labeling Nutrition. Web. Retrieved on 21 November 2022. <https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/questions-and-answers-gluten-free-food-labeling-final-rule>
5Diana Craciun’s Images. “Eating Fried Chicken with French Fries.” Canva. Accessed 12 April 2023. <https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEqR_SIAqE-eating-fried-chicken-with-french-fries/>
6Food Data Central of National Agricultural Library. 2019. Food Data Chicken, Broilers or Fryers, Breast, Meat Only, Cooked, and Roasted. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Web. Retrieved on 19 November 2022. <https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171477/nutrients>
7Leidy, H. J., Clifton, P. M., Astrup, A., Wycherley, T. P., Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Luscombe-Marsh, N. D., Woods, S. C., & Mattes, R. D. (2015). The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 101(6), 1320S–1329S. <https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.084038>
8Food Data Central of National Agricultural Library. 2019. Food Data Salad Dressing, Honey Mustard, Regular. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Web. Retrieved on 21 November 2022. <https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171043/nutrients>
9Food Data Central of National Agricultural Library. 2019. Food Data Red Hot Sauce. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Web. Retrieved on 21 November 2022. <https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/587763/nutrients>
10spicy chicken sandwich – Photos by Canva. (n.d.). Canva. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from <https://www.canva.com/photos/MAC9cpMcJOo-spicy-chicken-sandwich/>