Golden Corral offers many gluten-free options in their endless buffet. However, while this buffet chain provides gluten-less menu items, they warn about potential cross-contaminations during the food preparation.
Golden Corral’s allergen statement:
“To Our Guests with Allergies,
Our buffet offerings change frequently and may use ingredients containing common food allergens such as peanuts and other tree nuts, seafood including shellfish, whey, wheat/gluten, eggs, dairy and soy. If you have any questions about ingredients, please ask to speak with a restaurant manager. However, because of the handcrafted nature of our menu items, the variety of procedures used in our kitchens and grills, our reliance on our suppliers, and the self-service nature of our buffets, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of ingredient information or the possibility that an ingredient might be transferred among food items and must disclaim any liability regarding the accuracy of such information.”
Why Avoid Gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. For some people, consuming gluten can lead to adverse reactions. There are three main types of gluten-related disorders:
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is the most severe form of gluten-related disorder, affecting about 1% of the population. Those with this disease experience diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, skin reactions like dermatitis herpetiformis, depression, unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, autoimmune disorders, joint and muscle pain, and leg or arm numbness.
Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a milder form of gluten intolerance. Among its symptoms are bloating, diarrhea and constipation, stomach pain, migraines, headaches, fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain, and brain fog.
Wheat Allergy Symptoms
Wheat allergy is a food allergy that can cause skin rash, digestive issues, nasal congestion, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
How to Avoid Gluten at Restaurants
It can be a bit challenging to eat out when you have gluten intolerance or have a gluten-free lifestyle. Most of the time, restaurants don’t really indicate on their menus which items don’t have gluten so you’re left guessing.
The key is to be aware of which food items tend to contain gluten products. The most prone to cross contact with gluten are salads, marinades, sauces, broths, soups, fried foods, seasoned rice and seasoned noodles.
It also recommended that you call the restaurant ahead of time to discuss your meal options that way you can clearly explain your situation, and they may even be able to offer suggestions.
It may be a good idea to avoid eating out during peak hours, so dine early or late. This way, you can get the full attention of your server when you explain your dietary restrictions.
Gluten-Free Options at Golden Corral
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you’re in luck because Golden Corral carries gluten-free food. But as mentioned earlier, it isn’t quite willing to guarantee that those gluten-free items have not been exposed to gluten-containing stuff.
Here’s a list of Golden Corral food items that do not contain gluten:
- Proteins
- Carved Turkey
- Carved Cajun Sausage
- Grilled Pork Chops
- Turkey Strips
- Ham Strips
- Vegetables and Sides
- Sugar Snap Peas
- Key West Blend
- Creamed Spinach
- Creamed Corn
- Mashed Potatoes
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Baked Potato
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Desserts
- Sugar-free Jell-o
- Sugar-free Pudding
- Chocolate Icing
- Whipped OnTop
- Vanilla Soft Serve
- Chocolate Soft Serve
- Sherbets
- Candy Corn
- Gummy Bears
- Jelly Beans
- Orange Slices
- Chocolate Fountain
- Breakfast
- Scrambled Eggs
- Liquid Eggs
- Whole Eggs
- Corned Beef Hash
- Bacon
- Breakfast Links
- Split Smoked Sausage
- Breakfast Sausage Patties
- Shredded Hash Browns
- Orange Juice
- Apple Juice
- Orange Guava Juice
- Others
- Solid Margarine
- BBQ Sauce
- Cajun Mayo
- Oil & Vinegar
- Caesar Dressing
- Mayonnaise
- Cole Slaw
- Ranch Dressing Mix
There is definitely plenty of items to choose from even if you have a gluten allergy or are adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle. The only downside is that GC does not offer any substitutes for food items that contain gluten. They don’t have gluten-less waffles, pancakes or French toast. Perhaps soon?
Reviews from Customers with Gluten Intolerance
Found a handful reviews from FindMeGlutenFree.com left by customers who have gluten-related issues:
I attended a family gathering at this restaurant & was apprehensive due to having Celiac. The GM Steve met with me & personally cooked my food separately (grilled chicken tenders, fish, & steamed green beans). I also ate a salad. I was so impressed with all of the staff. I did not have any problems eating this meal. Not sure about other franchises, however.
5300 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606
Ask to speak with the manager. He will get you a copy of the list of foods on the bar and he will even be friendly and happy to help!! Then you can check each food item! You still have to be careful, because it is a buffet. However, at least you have options of food not made with wheat. of course I always wish for more options. LOL
3340 Ross Clark Cir, Dothan, AL 36303
Very friendly and quick to help. If you want a steak ask the cashier to make you a gluten free steak and they will bring it out to your table.
3551 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, Branson, MO 65616
If you go to the Golden Corral website, they have a list of all their food with information regarding their nutritional facts.
2122 N Cassia St, Nampa, ID 83651
Very limited options that are GF. Ground meat is not GF. What was GF wasn’t a great quality.
2122 N Cassia St, Nampa, ID 83651
I attended a family gathering at this restaurant & was apprehensive due to having Celiac. The GM Steve met with me & personally cooked my food separately (grilled chicken tenders, fish, & steamed green beans). I also ate a salad. I was so impressed with all of the staff. I did not have any problems eating this meal. Not sure about other franchises, however.
5300 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606
Too much of a chance. when i do eat here i look for things in the rawest form salads veggies fruits. some of the meats that dont look battered or fried. but there is still a huge chance.
1096 West Hwy. 40, Vernal, UT 84078
So many items I thought were gluten free contain wheat! Sure explains the stomach ache after eating at Golden Corral! Thank you for this list! I can be more selective and better informed in the future! No more avoiding Golden Corral. 🙂
4705 U.S. 98, Lakeland, FL 33809
Should You Go to Golden Corral If You Have Gluten Intolerance?
Buffets might seem like a convenient option for gluten-free dining but they can be a risky choice as well. Most buffet kitchens aren’t set up to prioritize gluten-free food preparation, so there’s the risk of cross-contamination.
In addition, communal serving spoons pose a significant risk as not everyone follows proper etiquette. Again, risk of cross-contact. A single serving spoon used for multiple dishes can unknowingly contaminate what was once a safe option.
This does not mean you should avoid eating vegetarian at Golden Corral. Familiarize yourself with the menu, talk to the staff, or better yet, ask to speak to the manager. Be vigilant and well-informed about your safest options.