Finding gluten-free food at NFL football stadiums? You bet! Because, let’s face it, if you don’t have a burger, barbeque, pizza, or nachos at the game, were you even there? For some, scoring hearty gameday food is almost as good as the game itself.
So, good news for our football fans that have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or another food allergies. You can absolutely kick off your gluten-free gameday! Because stadiums are stepping up their food offerings to cater to people with dietary restrictions.
Score a touchdown with safe gluten-free at football stadiums
While NFL Football stadiums vary in their availability of gluten-free food, below are some general suggestions on the types of ‘safe’ foods you may find. Later in this article, we spotlight specific gluten-free options at some stadiums across the country.
Important note: Always verify with the vendor to ensure the safety of ingredients and the preparation of items in a gluten-free environment. Additionally, inquire about any special seasonings or sauces, and examine condiments carefully, as some may contain gluten.
1. Grilled Meats
Grilled meats like hamburgers, hot dogs, or grilled chicken are often gluten-free when served without buns. But err on the safe side and ask vendors about any cross-contamination that could have occurred, especially during the preparation process. Most stadiums offer gluten-free buns upon request, but you may need to go to specific stands to get one.
2. Salads
Many stadium concessions offer salads. Omitting croutons or certain dressings can make them gluten free.
3. Popcorn
Plain popcorn is usually gluten-free. But some flavored varieties may contain gluten, so watch out for this.
4. Nachos
Some stadiums offer gluten-free nacho options using corn tortilla chips and gluten-free cheese sauce. If other toppings are available – because who doesn’t love some loaded nachos?! – you’re usually safe with jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, etc.
5. Tacos
Look for vendors serving tacos with corn tortillas, as these are typically gluten-free. Make sure to confirm the ingredients of fillings and toppings.
6. Vegetarian / Vegan options
Many vegetarian and vegan options are naturally gluten-free, such as veggie burgers or plant-based wraps. But watch out to be sure the wrap itself and any ingredients are indeed free of gluten.
7. Fresh Fruit
“Fruit” probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think game-day fare, but some stadiums do offer fresh fruit cups. This usually is a safe gluten-free snack option.
8. Frozen Treats
Basic flavors of ice cream typically are gluten-free, but always check with the vendor to confirm ingredients and potential cross-contamination risks, especially when cones are being served. Minute Maid Soft Frozen Lemonade is also a staple at many NFL Football stadiums. It’s gluten-free.
Don’t fumble your food choices! It’s you as the consumer who must clearly communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies to the concession staff to ensure the safe preparation of your food. Cross-contamination risks abound, especially in stadiums where cooking equipment is likely shared with gluten-filled items. Consequently, always verify ingredients and preparation methods to minimize the risk of accidental gluten consumption.
Tackle your hunger: Play-by-play of gluten-free at football stadiums
Nowadays, many NFL stadiums offer gluten-free options at their concession stands. Some even direct you to designated sections where you can get a gluten-free bun for burgers and hot dogs.
But what if you’re craving something different, heartier, or healthier than a burger or dog? No need for a time-out – the stadiums listed below have gluten-free options ready to go!
Allegiant Stadium | Las Vegas Raiders
Besides gluten-free hamburger and hot dog buns available in multiple sections, other gluten-free selections you can find include BBQ Mexicana (Section 122) and Vegan Funfetti Cake at Café Lola (Sections 316 and 328). Click here to learn more.
Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City Chiefs
Outside food is prohibited to be brought into Arrowhead Stadium, according to the venue’s “A to Z Guide.” So, what this means is you either eat before heading to the game or select from Arrowhead’s gluten-free options, which predominantly consists of gluten-free hamburgers and hot dogs, available in several sections. Gluten-free pizza is available as well (Sections 107 and 125). Click here to learn more (scroll to Gluten Free Menu Items).
Empower Field at Mile High | Denver Broncos
At Empower Field you’ll find gluten-free options such as wild grain bowls, bratwurst and sausages, chips and salsa, and vegetable snack trays with hummus or ranch dip. Gluten-free buns are available upon request at several stands throughout the stadium. Click here to learn more (scroll to Gluten Friendly / Vegan Food Options).
Gillette Stadium | New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium offers a selection of gluten-free items, including gluten-free buns for burgers and hot dogs, and your typical gluten-free snacks (popcorn, candy, cotton candy). Additionally, salads (without dressing) and fruit cups are available at the Market Express (Sections 105 and 129). See the Concession Guide here.
Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia Eagles
Grab and Go Harvest Cobb Salads and gluten-free cookies are available at the East and West markets in the club level. Sandwiches at the Markets and Action Stations in the club level can be made on a gluten-free roll. Additional gluten-free items are available at Section 120 and 216, including hot dogs in a gluten-free bun, sausage and gluten-free rolls, and Red Bridge beer. Click here to learn more.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta Falcons
Among the items listed for fans “Avoiding Gluten” are Avoiding Gluten mac & cheese (from The Mac Shac Cart); smoked wings, smoked BBQ nachos, and smoked ribs (Williamson Bros. BBQ); and plenty of stands that have gluten-free buns for specialty burgers and hot dogs. Click here for more information.
NRG Stadium | Houston Texans
TexMex Cantina at the club level (Sections 309 and 337) accommodate fans with dietary restrictions. The gluten-free “Go Naked Without the Bowl” taco bowl is one such featured item. Pappas Bar-B-Q features a gluten-free menu with plenty of barbecue choices. However, the menu’s find print reads: “Our gluten-free menu items are prepared in a shared work area that also processes wheat & gluten products. However small, there is always a chance that gluten-free items may come in contact with products containing gluten.” This means cross-contamination is a real possibility, so be sure to talk to the vendor when considering this option. Click here for more information.
State Farm Stadium | Arizona Cardinals
Gluten-free and vegan pizza can be found in Sections 209 and 240. A gluten-free California roll is available at Kaizen (Sections 136, 217 and 240). Or grab a Macho Nacho at Touchdown Tortilla (Section 452). If you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, gluten-free goodies are available at Amelia’s by EAT (Sections 222 and 247), including gluten-free lemon bars, salted chocolate chip cookies, and brown-butter rice crispy treats. Read more about the new menu options at State Farm Stadium.
Make a game-winning play with these gluten-free tips
Here are some tips to avoid any fumbles, and instead make game day enjoyable and filled with safe eating:
- Check the stadium’s official website to see what information is available regarding special dietary offerings.
- Contact guest services to confirm or inquire about the availability of gluten-free food options, as offerings may vary by event.
- Find out if you can bring your own food into the stadium. This will ensure access to safe food and save you a few bucks.
- Talk to the vendor at the concession stand. Ask questions. Request to see an allergen list if needed. Most concession stands should have one.
- Always, always, always read ingredient labels.
Let me know in the comments which other stadiums you’d like me to cover. Have a good season! Go Browns!
For baseball fans, read Gluten-Free at MLB stadiums: Finding safe food options