Three Different Types of Gluten-Free Menus

You may be wondering what this topic is about and why there are different "types" of menus. You may see three different types of menus listed when you read reviews for a restaurant: gluten-free menu, a labeled menu, and a dedicated menu.

Gluten-Free Menu
​A gluten-free menu is a menu that a restaurant puts together that only lists gluten-free offerings. This is

extremely helpful because when a server hands you a gluten-free menu, you don't have to ask what is gluten-free. Everything on that menu is gluten-free! That is a big plus when ordering because you don't have to ask the server what is OK to eat, and the server doesn't have to take time to check with the chef. Although this process is fine and I always encourage people to have the server double-check for safety. It's really nice not to have to go through this process and just choose something off a menu.

Labeled Menu

Make sure to read the key before you order from a labeled menu. A labeled menu is a menu that everyone receives but has a key to denote foods with allergen and dietary preferences such as vegetarian and vegan. Always read the key first as there isn't a consistent labeling pattern among restaurants in the US. A symbol with wheat or a G could mean either the food contains gluten or the food is gluten-free. Usually, there will be a key at the top or bottom of the menu, which explains their food labels. 

Another item you should note with a labeled menu is that sometimes a main plate or appetizer will be marked containing gluten only because this dish is served with 

bread. For example, many times, hummus will be labeled as containing gluten. However, it's only because this appetizer is served with naan. To date, I haven't found hummus that contains gluten in its ingredients! (That's at least one food that I know of…)

​Always ask your server if the only reason the dish is labeled to have gluten is because of the bread. If they aren't sure, have them check with the chef. Remember, meats can have marinades that contain liquid gluten, so you never want to assume a dish is gluten-free. 
​
If the dish contains gluten because of bread, ask for a substitute. You can often get apples, cucumbers, carrots, or other veggies that will nicely complement the dish without making your sick. Sometimes, you'll score big, and they will ask you if you want gluten-free bread! If not, I'm OK with a veggie or fruit substitute, and I've never been charged extra for this type of substitution.

Dedicated Gluten-Free Menu

​When you are at a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, meaning the establishment doesn't serve or prepare any type of gluten in their food or in the kitchen, this is the safest place to eat. They will have a dedicated gluten-free menu. What this means for us Celiac folk is that we can eat like "normal" people and order anything we want off the menu! Dedicated restaurants are also the most likely places you'll have a choice of several different desserts to eat, besides a dedicated gluten-free bakery.

Links and Resources Mentioned
Grab the Guide to Traveling Gluten Free
Get the BEST all-natural gluten-free travel cosmetics at Lemongrass Spa!
Visit my Travel Deals page on my website
Support Travel Gluten Free on Patreon

Journey with Travel Gluten Free on Social Media
​Twitter      Facebook    Youtube      Pinterest    Instagram    On the Web

Spread the love of Travel Gluten Free podcast and share this podcast with a friend!