Dining out with food allergies requires more than just checking the menu — it means understanding how each restaurant handles cross-contamination, shared fryers, and ingredient changes. This page provides allergen overviews for every chain on MenuPrices.us, based on publicly available allergen information updated for 2026.
⚠️Always verify directly with the restaurant
This page is a general reference guide only. Allergen information can change when recipes are updated, and shared cooking equipment creates cross-contamination risk. If you have a severe allergy, always inform the staff and consult the restaurant’s official allergen guide before ordering. Do not rely solely on this page for medical decisions.
⚠️The 9 Major Allergens (FDA 2023)
The FDA recognizes these as the most common food allergens in the US
🥜
Peanuts
Present in sauces, desserts, and Asian-style dishes. Chick-fil-A notably uses 100% refined peanut oil for frying.
🌰
Tree Nuts
Found in salads, desserts, and specialty items. Common in Olive Garden dishes and cookie toppings at Crumbl.
🥛
Milk / Dairy
The most widespread allergen in restaurant cooking. Present in buns, sauces, cheese, and most dessert items.
🥚
Eggs
In breading, sauces (mayo), salad dressings, and most baked goods. Chick-fil-A uses eggs in most breading processes.
🌾
Wheat / Gluten
In buns, tortillas, pasta, breading, and most sauces. Olive Garden’s pasta dishes all contain wheat.
🐟
Fish
In sauces, Caesar dressings (anchovies), and seafood items. Also a cross-contamination risk at shared fryers.
🦐
Shellfish
In shrimp dishes at Applebee’s and Olive Garden. Cross-contamination risk in restaurants that serve seafood.
🫘
Soy
In sauces, marinades, tofu (Chipotle Sofritas), and cooking oils. Very widespread in fast-casual kitchens.
🌿
Sesame (new 2023)
Added to FDA list in 2023. Present in buns, sauces, and some specialty items. Not yet fully labeled by all chains.
🔍Allergen Overview by Restaurant
Key allergen notes for each chain we cover
🐔Chick-fil-A
Key allergen notes
Frying oil100% peanut oil
Gluten-free optionsGrilled items, salads
Dairy presentBuns, dressings, shakes
Allergen toolAvailable on website
🌯Chipotle
Key allergen notes
Gluten-free baseRice bowls & salads
Wheat presentFlour tortillas only
SoySofritas (tofu-based)
DairyCheese, sour cream
🍝Olive Garden
Key allergen notes
Wheat/GlutenAll pasta dishes
DairyVery widespread
ShellfishShrimp dishes
GF optionsAsk staff; limited
🥩Applebee’s
Key allergen notes
WheatMost dishes
ShellfishShrimp & seafood items
DairyWidespread
Allergen guidePDF available online
🍟Wendy’s
Key allergen notes
WheatBuns, breading, sauces
DairyFrosty, cheese, dressings
SoyPresent in oils & sauces
GF optionsSalads (no croutons)
☕Dutch Bros
Key allergen notes
DairyMost drinks; oat/almond alt.
SoyIn some syrups & sauces
GlutenDrinks are GF; no food
Non-dairy optionsOat, almond, coconut
📋Cross-Allergen Comparison Table
Does this chain’s kitchen present a risk for your specific allergy? Use this table as a starting point — always confirm with staff for severe allergies.
✓ = Allergen present in at least some menu items | ✗ = Not typically present | ⚠️ = Present and notable (e.g. Chick-fil-A peanut oil) | ? = Confirm with restaurant
💡Best practice for dining with allergies
Always inform your server of your allergy when you sit down — not just when ordering. Ask specifically about shared fryers and prep surfaces. For the most accurate, current allergen data, use each restaurant’s official online allergen tool or ask to see their printed allergen guide, which they are legally required to have available.
🗂️Other Menu Info Guides
Questions about allergen data? Contact us at info@menuprices.us. For more information see our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
