There are few people out there who haven't heard of Applebee's. But does Applebee's have a gluten-free menu? If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, be sure to check out this post before heading out.
Applebee's has a large menu, and while they do not claim to be gluten-free, they do have a range of gluten-free options.
Remember, menus change often, so this is not guaranteed to be accurate. Always check with your server.
It should be noted that they conditionally state that their food may come into contact with other gluten-containing items due to the shared food and preparation environment.
However, if you're headed there with friends and family and want to know what you could enjoy safely, read on for the full guide to Applebee's gluten free menu. I'll share everything that's gluten free and also mention tips to eat gluten free items there safely.
Is There Gluten-Free Food at Applebee's?
Yes, Applebee's has different options if you're looking to avoid gluten. But it's important to note that they clearly state that there may be a risk of cross-contamination due to the shared food spaces.
For this reason, if you have severe gluten intolerance, I would recommend being careful and avoiding it.
Applebee's Menu Items Without Gluten (2026)
Every item below is listed by Applebee's as containing no gluten, with its other allergens in the second column. From their official allergen menu, last updated 08/25/2026.
Note the "no sauce" items. Several of the ribs and riblets are only gluten free without their glaze - Applebee's lists them that way, and it is exactly how you need to order them.
Limited Time Offers
| Item (no gluten) | Other Allergens |
|---|---|
| Chips & Salsa - Sampler | — |
| Riblets - Sampler | Soy |
| Rockin' Poppin' Shirley | Milk |
| Strawberry Lemon Poppi | — |
Appetizers
| Item (no gluten) | Other Allergens |
|---|---|
| Classic Bone-In Wings (no flavor or dipping sauce) | — |
| White Queso Dip & Chips | Milk |
Side Salads & Soups
| Item (no gluten) | Other Allergens |
|---|---|
| Chicken Tortilla Soup | Milk, Soy |
Steaks & Ribs
| Item (no gluten) | Other Allergens |
|---|---|
| 6 oz. USDA Select Sirloin | Milk, Soy |
| 8 oz. USDA Select Sirloin | Milk, Soy |
| 12 oz. Ribeye | Milk, Soy |
| Applebee's Riblets Plate (no sauce) | Soy |
| Applebee's Riblets Platter (no sauce) | Milk, Eggs, Soy |
| Bourbon Street Steak | Milk, Soy |
| Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs (no sauce) | Milk, Eggs |
| Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs (no sauce) - Half Rack | — |
Chicken
| Item (no gluten) | Other Allergens |
|---|---|
| Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp | Milk, Shellfish, Soy |
| Fiesta Lime Chicken | Milk, Eggs, Soy |
| Grilled Chicken Breast | Milk, Soy |
Seafood
| Item (no gluten) | Other Allergens |
|---|---|
| Blackened Cajun Salmon | Milk, Fish, Soy |
Salads
| Item (no gluten) | Other Allergens |
|---|---|
| California Grilled Chicken Salad | Milk, Soy |
| Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad | Tree Nuts, Soy |
Bowls
| Item (no gluten) | Other Allergens |
|---|---|
| Southwest Chicken Bowl | Soy |
| Tex-Mex Shrimp Bowl | Shellfish, Soy |
Sides & Extras
| Item (no gluten) | Other Allergens |
|---|---|
| Baked Potato | Milk |
| Classic Fries (Side) | — |
| Fries Basket | — |
| Garlicky Green Beans | Milk, Soy |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Milk, Soy |
| Homestyle Cheesy Broccoli | Milk |
| Loaded Baked Potato | Milk |
| Loaded Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Milk, Soy |
| Signature Coleslaw | Milk, Eggs |
| Steamed Broccoli | Milk |
Kids Menu
| Item (no gluten) | Other Allergens |
|---|---|
| 1% Milk | Milk |
| 100% Apple Juice | — |
| Applesauce | — |
| Broccoli | — |
| Fries | — |
| Kids Fruit Smoothie - Mango | — |
| Kids Fruit Smoothie - Pina Colada | Tree Nuts |
| Kids Fruit Smoothie - Strawberry Blue Tropical Swirl | — |
| Kids Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Milk, Soy |
| Kids Shake - Chocolate | Milk |
| Kids Shake - Strawberry | Milk |
| Kids Shake - Vanilla | Milk |
| Kids Sundae - Hot Fudge | Milk, Soy |
| Kids Sundae - Strawberry | Milk |
| Sliced Strawberries with Vanilla Yogurt | Milk |
Fryer warning: Applebee's Classic Fries are listed as having no gluten ingredients, but the Waffle Fries and Crispy Pickle Fries contain gluten, and all items share the fryer oil. If you have celiac disease, treat all fried items as unsafe regardless of what the ingredient list says.
Source: Applebee's allergen menu, 08/25/2026.
Eating somewhere else? See my gluten free guides to Ruby Tuesday, Panera, First Watch, and Olive Garden.
Tips for Placing an Order for Gluten Free Items at Applebee's
Check Their Latest Menu Online
Before heading out, check their online menu, then click on 'Nutrition & Allergens.' You'll be taken to their gluten-friendly menu, where you can check what they have available and see if there are any updates.
Speak Up About Your Dietary Needs
It's important to communicate your dietary restrictions to your server. This will alert them to the need to take extra precautions when preparing and serving your food. Applebee's staff are trained to be aware of different dietary needs and will do their best to accommodate you.
Be Aware of Cross-Contamination
Even though an item may be listed as gluten-free, there's always a risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen. If you're extremely sensitive to gluten, it's crucial to inform your server so they can relay this information to the kitchen staff.
Consider Customizations
If you're not finding an item that suits your needs, consider customizations. Applebee's is generally accommodating to modifications. For instance, you can request to have a burger without the bun or a salad without croutons.
Double-Check Your Order
Before you dig in, double-check your order to ensure it's gluten-free. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask your server to confirm.
Karen Kelly
Karen Kelly is a nationally syndicated food and travel writer, founder of Seasonal Cravings, and co-founder of The Roam Report. She develops approachable seasonal recipes and covers travel and lifestyle trends. Her work has appeared in numerous media outlets, including Yahoo, Taste of Home, Apple News, NBC, FOX, and other national and regional publications.
Beata d says
Applebee's is NOT gluten free....the Riverdale,NJ location did not make any accommodations for my daughter altho a March 2024 release states they have a GF menu and older versions say gluten sensitivity. How about DONT POST YOU OFFER A GF OPTION WHEN YOU DONT! It's already challenging enough to go out socially and try to fit in.