Applebee’s Gluten-Free Options (Gluten Free Menu 2023)

Applebee’s is a well-known American casual dining chain, known for its laid-back atmosphere and affordable menu options. With over 2,000 locations in the United States, the restaurant has become a staple in communities across the country. 

Applebee’s offers a variety of options for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, making it possible for them to enjoy a safe and delicious meal. With a dedicated gluten-sensitive menu and the ability to make modifications to menu items, customers have many options to choose from. We will go through Applebee’s gluten-free options and tips on how to order them.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye. It is responsible for the elastic texture of dough and helps bread to rise. Gluten is also used as a binding agent in many processed foods, such as soups, sauces, and salad dressings.

For people who have celiac disease, gluten causes an immune reaction that damages the lining of the small intestine, making it difficult for the body to absorb certain nutrients. This can lead to a range of health problems, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, and anemia.

Additionally, some people may have a gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance, which can cause symptoms similar to those of celiac disease, such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but they don’t have the same level of damage in their small intestine.

Guide on Ordering Gluten-Free

Eating out at a restaurant can be a challenge for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, as cross-contamination and hidden sources of gluten can make it difficult to find safe options. However, with a little bit of preparation and knowledge, it is possible to safely order gluten-free at Applebee’s.

Step 1: Research the menu beforehand

Before heading to Applebee’s, take a look at the restaurant’s menu online to get an idea of what gluten-free options are available. Many restaurants, including Applebee’s, now have gluten-free menus or symbols indicating which dishes are gluten-free. This can make it easier to plan ahead and know what to order when you arrive.

Step 2: Communicate with your server

When you arrive at the restaurant, let your server know that you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease and need to order a gluten-free meal. It’s important to communicate this clearly and ask any questions you may have about the menu or preparation of the dishes.

Step 3: Be aware of cross-contamination

Even if a dish is labeled as gluten-free, it can still be at risk for cross-contamination if it is prepared in the same kitchen or on the same grill as gluten-containing dishes. Ask your server about the restaurant’s procedures for preventing cross-contamination, such as using separate utensils and cooking surfaces.

Step 4: Look for gluten-free options

Applebee’s has a gluten-free menu, which includes options such as grilled chicken, steak, and shrimp, as well as salads and sides like sweet potato fries and sautéed vegetables. Avoid dishes that are breaded or made with soy sauce, as these are common sources of gluten.

Step 5: Check for hidden sources of gluten

Even if a dish seems gluten-free, it may contain hidden sources of gluten, such as in the form of thickeners, flavorings, or other ingredients. Be sure to ask your server about the ingredients in each dish and double-check that they are safe for a gluten-free diet.

Applebee’s Gluten-Free Options

Applebee’s offers a variety of options for individuals with gluten sensitivities. From a dedicated gluten-sensitive menu to the ability to make modifications, customers have many options to enjoy a safe and delicious meal. 

Here is a list of gluten-free options at Applebee’s:

• Appetizers
• Salads
• Soups
• Steak and Ribs
• Chicken
• Seafood
• Bowls
• Burger Substitutions and Add Ons
• Sides and Extras
• Kids Menu
• Drinks

We listed all the items in these categories below, these items are certified gluten-free and listed in Applebee’s official gluten-free allergen menu.

Gluten-Free Appetizers

• Bone-In Wings with Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Sauce
• Bone-In Wings with Original Cheetos Sauce
• Double Crunch Bone-In Wings
• Neighborhood Nachos – Beef
• Neighborhood Nachos – Chicken
• White Queso Dip & Chips

Salads

• Fiesta Chicken Chopped Salad
• Grilled Shrimp ‘N Spinach Salad
• Spinach Salad, Lunch Combo
• Bleu Cheese Dressing
• Chili Lime Vinaigrette
• Dijon Honey Mustard Dressing
• Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
• Goddess Dressing
• Garlic Caesar Dressing
• Jalapeno Dressing
• Honey French Dressing
• Italian Dressing, Fat-Free
• Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette
• Oriental Dressing
• Mexi Ranch Dressing

Ribs and Steak

• 6 oz. Top Sirloin
• 8 oz. Top Sirloin
• 12 oz. Ribeye
• 12 oz. New York Strip
• Bourbon Street Steak
• Applebee’s Riblets Plate with Honey BBQ sauce
• Applebee’s Riblets Platter with Honey BBQ sauce
• Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs with Honey BBQ sauce
• Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs – Half Rack with Honey BBQ sauce

Chicken

• Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp
• Fiesta Lime Chicken
• Grilled Chicken Breast
• Caprese Mozzarella Chicken

Seafood

• Blackened Cajun Salmon
• Blackened Tilapia
• Savory Cedar Salmon
• Grilled Shrimp Skewer

Soup

• Chicken Tortilla Soup

Bowls

• Southwest Chicken Bowl
• Tex-Mex Shrimp Bowl

Burger Substitutions and Add Ons

• Chicken Breast Patty
• Bourbon St. Burger (no buns)
• Quesadilla Burger (no buns)
• Impossible Burger Patty
• Lettuce Cup

Sides and Extras

• Baked Potato
• Classic Fries
• Fries Basket
• Garlicky Green Beans
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Homestyle Cheesy Broccoli
• Loaded Baked Potato
• Loaded Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Steamed Broccoli

Kids Menu

• Applesauce
• Broccoli
• Fries
• Kids’ Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Sliced Strawberries with Vanilla Yogurt
• Kids 1% Milk
• Kids Sundae – Hot Fudge, Strawberry, Chocolate
• Kids Shake – Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla
• Kids Fruit Smoothie – Mango, Pina Colada, Strawberry Banana

Drinks

• Brewed Hot Tea
• Fresh Brewed Coffee
• Fresh Brewed Decaf Coffee
• Chocolate Shake
• Strawberry Shake
• Vanilla Shake
• Red Bull
• Blackberry Lemonade
• Blue Raspberry Lemonade
• Dragon Fruit Lemonade
• Kiwi Lemonade
• Mango Lemonade
• Passion Fruit Lemonade
• Peach Lemonade
• Pomegranate Lemonade
• Raspberry Lemonade
• Strawberry Lemonade
• Mango Smoothie
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Strawberry Colada Smoothie Swirl
• Strawberry Mango Smoothie Swirl
• Blackberry Iced Tea
• Dragon Fruit Iced Tea
• Kiwi Iced Tea
• Mango Iced Tea
• Passion Fruit Iced Tea
• Peach Iced Tea
• Pomegranate Iced Tea
• Raspberry Iced Tea
• Strawberry Iced Tea
• Brewed Iced Tea
• Sweet Tea
• Bottled Water
• Perrier Sparkling Water

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Applebee’s have a gluten-free menu?

Yes, Applebee’s gluten-free options include grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, salads, and sides such as sweet potato fries and vegetables.

Is there a risk of cross-contamination at Applebee’s?

While Applebee’s takes steps to prevent cross-contamination, there is always a risk when eating out. It’s important to communicate your gluten-free needs to your server and ask about the restaurant’s procedures for preventing cross-contamination, such as using separate utensils and cooking surfaces.

Does Applebee’s has gluten-free buns?

Applebee’s does not offer gluten-free buns. Many restaurants and fast food chains do not have gluten-free bun options, so it’s always best to check with your server or check the menu online before ordering to confirm the availability of gluten-free options. If gluten-free buns are not available, you can ask to have your sandwich or burger wrapped in lettuce or served without the bun.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Applebee’s offers a variety of gluten-free options for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. By doing a little bit of research and communicating with servers, these individuals can safely enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Applebee’s gluten-free options include grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, salads, sides, and more!

It’s important to be aware of cross-contamination and hidden sources of gluten, and double-check the ingredients of each dish before ordering. By taking these precautions, individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can dine out with confidence at Applebee’s.