Nearly 3 million people in the United States avoid gluten for medical or personal reasons. If you're one of them, you might fear your days of enjoying delicious dishes at barbecue restaurants are done. Thankfully, that's probably not true unless your doctor recommends dining at home due to a severe wheat allergy or gluten intolerance. Here are several popular sides and main courses gluten-free diners can request at BBQ restaurants:

Corn on the Cob

Bite into crisp, juicy corn kernels for a classic side that's gluten-free. Just make sure you watch out for restaurants that season corn on the cob, as these seasonings may contain gluten. It's generally safe to use real butter, not a margarine-style substitute, on your corn. You can also season corn on the cob with salt and pepper. 

Salad With an Oil-Based Dressing

Salad is generally a trusted side or main course for folks on a gluten-free diet. It's easy to customize a salad even if the menu lists ingredients with gluten, but keep in mind that cross-contamination may occur during the preparation process.

Before you chow down on a salad, make sure it doesn't contain any of these ingredients:

  • Croutons made from wheat flour
  • Soy sauce
  • Fried onions
  • Fried chicken

The ingredients above commonly contain wheat unless the menu states that they are gluten-free. That doesn't mean other ingredients are automatically safe, though. Talk to the restaurant to make sure there's no wheat hiding in the following salad toppings:

  • Bacon bits
  • Cheese sauce
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Salad dressing
  • Grilled chicken coated with beef flavoring

Other salad toppings may also contain wheat. It's best to ask the restaurant which ingredients are safe for you.

Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are a fairly safe option for diners who don't eat gluten. Order yours plain if you're worried that toppings, such as cheese sauce and bacon bits, might contain wheat.

You can add flavor to your baked potato with real butter, salt, and pepper. Salsa and sour cream might also be gluten-free options at a barbecue restaurant.

Dry-Rubbed Ribs

Scared to try meat that's drenched in barbecue sauce? There are many gluten-free sauces available, but order dry-rubbed meat if you don't want to chance a gluten reaction.

Dry-rubbed ribs get their rich flavor from spices rather than a sauce. Expect to find ingredients such as brown sugar, garlic powder, and pepper in a dry-rubbed rack of ribs. Your restaurant may also offer dry-rubbed chicken or wings.

Remember, every restaurant uses different recipes; you might safely enjoy a dish at one barbecue restaurant but become ill at another. Always call a restaurant in advance or check out their nutrition information online for up-to-date information on ingredients and cooking procedures. You can also add an extra layer of protection to your dining experience by informing your server that you can't consume gluten. Please contact a medical professional immediately if you fear you've been 'glutened' after eating at a barbecue restaurant.

Contact a company like Grumpy's Bar B Que Roadhouse for more information and assistance. 

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