Last Updated on December 8, 2022
Today, we’re going to be answering the question: are Carl’s Jr fries gluten free? And taking a look at which foods you can safely enjoy at Carl’s Jr when following a gluten free diet. We’ll also be looking at a gluten free copycat recipe of Carl’s Jr’s infamous French fries.
Eating out when intolerant to gluten can be incredibly difficult, and fast food chains are among the hardest to navigate. You would like to think that most fries would be gluten free; they’re just potato after all. However, that is not always the case. But are Carl’s Jr fries gluten free? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Carl’s Jr?
Carl’s Jr is a popular fast food chain restaurant that was founded in the US over 80 years ago. Since then the company has branched out to Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa and South America. In fact, they currently have almost 3,200 locations all around the world.
This well-known fast food outlet sells the following much loved foods:
- hamburgers
- chicken
- sandwiches
- salads
- burritos
- nachos
- wraps
- breakfast
- fries
- desserts
- milkshakes
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Ingredients In Carl’s Jr Fries
You may be wondering what the ingredients are when it comes to the natural cut fries at Carl’s Jr. Each fry contains the following ingredients:
- potatoes
- vegetable oil (canola oil/sunflower oil/palm oil/sunflower oil)
- modified food starch (potato/tapioca/corn)
- rice flour
- dextrin
- salt
- leavening
- dextrose
- xanthan gum
Nutritional Information Of Carl’s Jr Fries
You may be curious as to the nutritional value when it comes to Carl’s Jr natural cut fries. Each regular serving (which is around 147g), contains the following:
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 5g
Are Carl’s Jr Fries Gluten Free?
As you can probably tell from the ingredients, Carl’s Jr fries do not contain any gluten. However, Carl’s Jr does not classify them as “gluten free”. This is because they’re prepared in a kitchen that handles gluten free products. It’s also worth noting that some locations do not use a separate fryer for their fries, so it’s always worth checking with your server; particularly if you’re very sensitive to gluten.
Does Carl’s Jr Offer A Gluten Free Bun?
While the fries may be free from gluten, the burger buns that they offer are not. And unfortunately, they do not currently offer a gluten free bun. However, they do offer a lettuce wrap for those following a gluten free diet.
Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free Burger Buns, 12 Ounce
Carl’s Jr Gluten Free Menu
Besides the fries, there are quite a few options that are free from gluten at Carl’s Jr. Let’s take a look at what we can safely enjoy at this popular chain.
Bread
- lettuce wrap
Burgers – Are Carl’s Jr Fries Gluten Free
- famous star
- famous star with cheese
- 1/2lb guacamole thickburger
- 1/3lb guacamole thickburger
- 1/2lb low carb thickburger
- 1/3lb low carb thickburger
Sides
- natural cut fries (check with server if a separate fryer is used)
Ice Cream Shakes
- vanilla shake
- strawberry shake
- chocolate shake
Sauces and Dressings
- sweet and bold BBQ dipping sauce
- honey mustard dipping sauce
- spicy buffalo dipping sauce
- buttermilk ranch dipping sauce
- house dressing
- blue cheese dressing
- low fat balsamic vinaigrette dressing
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Carl’s Jr Menu Fries Recipe (Copycat Chili Cheese Fries)
If you’re looking to recreate the infamous chili cheese fries from Carl’s Jr at home, they’re super easy and absolutely delicious. This recipe is inspired by one from Dinner at the Zoo. Let’s take a closer look.
Ingredients
For the fries
- 32oz of French fries (frozen)
- 2 cups of shredded cheese
- handful of green onions
- dollop of sour cream
- cooking spray
For the chili – Are Carl’s Jr Fries Gluten Free
- 1 tsp of vegetable oil
- 1lb of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 1 tsp of minced garlic
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 2 8oz cans of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup of beef broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp of brown sugar
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1/4 tsp of pepper
- 1 can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chili
Add oil to a pot and heat over a medium to high heat. Once hot, add the beef and add the pepper, along with most of the salt. Break up the beef as it cooks and after a few minutes, drain off any grease. Once drained, add the diced onion and cook for a further 4-5 minutes, or until the onion is soft. Now add the garlic and stir for around half a minute. Now add the remaining salt, tomato sauce, tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cocoa powder and brown sugar. Mix well and leave to simmer.
Step 2: Simmer
Leave to cook for around 30-45 minutes. This allows time for the chili to thicken. Be sure to stir occasionally throughout cooking. After this time, add the cans of kidney beans and leave for a further 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Leave on a low heat while you prepare the fries.
Step 3: Cook the Fries
Spray a pan with cooking spray and place the fries evenly onto the pan. Follow the instructions on the packet and remove from oven once ready.
Step 4: Serve
Now turn the heat to 400F. While the oven is heating, spoon over your chili mixture and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Place in your oven and leave until the cheese is melted. Add sour cream and onions. Serve and enjoy!
Conclusion – Are Carl’s Jr Fries Gluten Free?
I hope this question has helped to answer the question: are Carl’s Jr fries gluten free? And given you an idea of which foods you can safely enjoy when visiting a Carl’s Jr fast food chain. I would recommend bringing along your own bun when visiting anywhere that doesn’t serve gluten free buns. There’s only so many lettuce wraps I can take!
What’s your go-to order when eating out at Carl’s Jr? Please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!
Hi, my name’s Zoë. I’m 28 years old and live in London, UK. I work full time as a freelance writer and critic for West End theatre. Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I spend most of my free time at the theatre, or at conventions. I’m married to the love of my life, and live in a small apartment with my fur baby, Lillie. I run two of my own blogs: No Safer Place and Stage to Page: both of which have won awards. I also have a YouTube channel where I talk about all things stagey.
