If you live in the Midwest, you definitely know about Culver's. Known for their fried foods, frozen custard, and ButterBurgers (yes, they actually serve a dish called a ButterBurger), Culver's is just as delicious as it sounds.Culver's is basically a state fair open year-round, without the marked-up prices and super-sketchy rides. A midwestern dream come true, if you will.
If you have Celiac Disease or are avoiding gluten, it may seem as though Culver's indulgent menu is off-limits. With their main menu item being placed on a bun, it can be quite scary to dine here for anyone who doesn't eat gluten. Never fear, Culver's offers a variety of gluten-friendly meals, shakes, and sides.
With some simple modifications, almost everything on the menu can be a gluten-free option.Here's the full run-through of the gluten-free Culver's menu items.
#SpoonTip: Culver's has an entire gluten-free guidethat lists all its gluten-free menu items.
Burgers
Fantastic news: all the ButterBurgers at Culver's can be made gluten-free by asking for a gluten-free bun. There are several variations on the classic ButterBurger, but they all should be safe if you swap out the bun for a gluten-free one.
However, the Nutrient and Allergen Guideon their website warns that all of their meats are grilled on a surface that is also used to cook items with gluten, so you might want to steer clear if you have a serious allergy. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Salads
I know no one goes to Culver's for the salad. But here's the thing: all of their salads are gluten-free if you order them without croutons, and they come with the same grilled chicken that's served on their grilled chicken sandwiches.
If you're looking for a healthier option, their salads aren't a bad call. As far as fast-food salads go, they're pretty low in calories and have decently interesting flavor combinations. They do have a substantial amount of sodium, but that's to be expected from anything at a fast-food restaurant.To make them healthier, order the dressing on the side.
As with the burgers, the chicken is grilled on a surface that is also used to cook glutinous items, so proceed with caution if your allergy is severe.
#SpoonTip: The gluten-free salad dressings are bleu cheese, French, honey mustard, ranch, and raspberry vinaigrette.
Soups
As with the salads, it seems a little strange to order soup at a fast food restaurant. However, it gets pretty cold here in the Midwest during the winter, and sometimes a cozy bowl of soup is exactly what you need.If that's the case for you, there are four gluten-free Culver's soups: George's Chili, Baja Chicken Enchilada, Broccoli Cheese, and Potato Au Gratin. Just make sure you skip the crackers on the side.
Sides
Here's where things get sad. Some of the most enticing options on the Culver's menu – fries, cheese curds, onion rings – cannot be made gluten-free. The only gluten-free side options are green beans, mashed potatoes (without gravy), a side salad, applesauce, or coleslaw.
Personally, I wouldn't bother with any of these sides. Instead, supplement your meal with the next, more important item on this list.
Frozen Custard
Besides cheese curds and ButterBurgers, the most famous item on the Culver's menu is their frozen custard. A richer version of ice cream, this stuff is worth a trip to Culver's on its own. Let's be real, what's a trip to Culver's without a huge cup of creamy, thick custard?
All of the flavors are gluten-free, as are most of the toppings and mix-ins. Unfortunately, cookie dough and brownie bites are off the table, but there are still plenty of options. You can order a simple scoop, a shake, or one of their concrete mixers, which is comparable to aDQ blizzard. Arguably, this is the best gluten-free Culver's order.
#SpoonTip: Skip the cone when ordering your custard.
Overall, the Culver's menu is fairly gluten-free friendly. Although you can't get fries or curds, there's a pretty decent range of options that includes some of their most popular menu items.As long as you know how to work the menu, practically any restaurant can suit your food needs. It might just be my midwestern bias, but I'd say Culver's is one of the best fast food restaurants for people with dietary restrictions.
FAQs
However, the frying oil at Culver's is typically shared with other foods, so there is high risk of cross-contact with other items that contain gluten, for example breaded chicken tenders or fish. For this reason, Culver's can't guarantee that the fries are completely gluten-free.
Do Culvers cheese curds have gluten? ›
Some of the most enticing options on the Culver's menu – fries, cheese curds, onion rings – cannot be made gluten-free. The only gluten-free side options are green beans, mashed potatoes (without gravy), a side salad, applesauce, or coleslaw. Personally, I wouldn't bother with any of these sides.
What are the ingredients in Culver's gluten-free buns? ›
CONTAINS EGG, MILK. Rotella's Gluten-Free Bun - Water, Modified Starch, Rice Flour and Rice Starch, Chickpea, Granulated Sugar, Faba Bean Protein, Canola Oil, Salt, Yeast, Sorbitan Monostearate, Ascorbic Acid, Pea Fiber, Modified Cellulose, Cultured Brown Rice, Brown Rice, Xanthan Gum, Psyllium Husk Powder.
What is the unhealthiest food at Culvers? ›
The Bratwurst Pub Burger at Culver's is considered unhealthy due to its high calorie and fat content, as well as its high sodium content, Chun comments. "One serving of the Bratwurst Pub Burger contains 1,010 calories, 65 grams of fat (28 grams of saturated fat), and 2,100 milligrams of sodium.
Are battered French fries gluten-free? ›
Fries are now commonly breaded, giving them a crispier texture. These fries cannot be consumed by someone who is gluten intolerant. Fries that are cooked in a shared fryer with other products may have cross contamination even if they don't have any ingredients containing gluten.
Do cheese curds have gluten? ›
Cheese Curd is gluten free. Cheese Curd should be safe for patients with celiac and other gluten-related disorders.
Are Culver's cheese curds battered? ›
Cheese Curds are snackable, bite-sized chunks of unaged cheese, breaded and deep-fried for a warm buttery crunch.
Are Culvers burgers healthy? ›
Culver's has one of the healthiest fast food burger options according to dietitians. The specific burger that made the cut is the single original butterburger.
Is Culver's fish sandwich healthy? ›
Worst: Culver's North Atlantic Cod Sandwich
Although this sandwich has slightly fewer calories and sodium counts, this sandwich is even higher in saturated fat at 8 grams—over half your daily recommended limit—and provides an unnecessary 6 grams of added sugar.
Is Chick Fil A gluten free bun celiac safe? ›
The bun arrives at our restaurants pre-packaged to prevent gluten cross-contact. However, once the bun is removed from its packaging it is no longer considered gluten-free because it may come into contact with ingredients in our kitchens that do contain gluten.
However, the bun does contain gluten, and while you can request a burger to be served without the bun, we cannot guarantee that cross-contamination will not occur, due to our kitchen set up.
Can you get gluten-free buns? ›
Thanks to our Gluten-Free and Vegan gourmet buns, you can be sure to have options for everyone the next time you BBQ. Pair with our selection of gluten-free burgers to grill delicious gluten-free feasts all summer long! *Trademark of Celiac Canada.
What is the Culver's scandal? ›
MINNEAPOLIS – R & G Endeavors, Inc., a fast-food franchisee doing business as Culver's Restaurants of Cottage Grove, violated federal law when it subjected employees to a hostile work environment based on race, sex, sexual orientation, and disability, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in ...
Is Culvers custard better for you than ice cream? ›
Brands vary, but vanilla ice-cream typically has about 10 per cent more calories than custard, as well as twice the saturated fat, less protein and half the calcium and potassium. However, ice-cream usually has less sugar and salt, too.
Who is Culver's biggest rival? ›
Culver's main competitors are Chipotle Mexican Grill, Papa Murphy's, and Darden Restaurants.
Why would French fries not be gluten-free? ›
It is easy to believe that the fries are gluten-free because potatoes are on your safe list. However, restaurants often have only one fryer, and once your French fries have been deep fried in the oil they also used to fry the chicken nuggets, well, I hate to break it to you, but your fries are no longer gluten-free.
Why are McDonald's fries not gluten-free? ›
On its website, McDonald's says its fries contain potatoes, vegetable oil, dextrose, a food additive to “maintain color” in the finished fries, and another additive listed as “Natural Beef Flavor.” That ingredient comes with an asterisk noting that the flavoring contains both hydrolyzed milk and hydrolyzed wheat.
Why are sweet potato fries not gluten-free? ›
Sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free. The only problem that arises is in how they are prepared. For example, are they prepared in an area or on a surface that is shared with gluten-containing ingredients? Are they fried in a deep fryer that also fries foods that contain gluten?
Why are Outback fries not gluten-free? ›
Outback's Aussie Fries are not gluten-free in the USA due to the risk of gluten cross-contamination. However, Outback does offer several dedicated gluten-free options, including grilled meats, steamed vegetables, and side salads.
