El Pollo Loco Gluten Free Menu, Options & Review

Are you tired of scouring menus looking for gluten-free options? Look no further than El Pollo Loco! The popular fast-food chain offers a variety of gluten-free options for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at El Pollo Loco’s gluten-free menu, the options available, and provide a detailed review of their offerings.
Introduction to El Pollo Loco
Before we dive into the gluten-free options, let’s take a quick look at El Pollo Loco. Founded in 1975, El Pollo Loco is a fast-food restaurant chain that specializes in flame-grilled chicken. The chain has over 480 locations across the United States and is known for its fresh, flavorful, and affordable menu options.
Understanding Gluten-Free
For those who are new to a gluten-free diet, it’s important to understand what gluten is and where it can be found. Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, consuming gluten can cause a range of symptoms, including bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
El Pollo Loco Gluten-Free Menu Options
Now let’s take a closer look at the gluten-free options available at El Pollo Loco. The chain offers a variety of gluten-free menu items, including:
Grilled Chicken
El Pollo Loco’s famous flame-grilled chicken is gluten-free, making it a great option for those on a gluten-free diet. The chicken is marinated in a blend of citrus, herbs, and spices, then flame-grilled to perfection.
Sides
El Pollo Loco offers several gluten-free side options, including:
- Broccoli
- Corn on the cob
- Pinto beans
- Black beans
- Cole slaw
- Loco salad (without croutons)
Drinks
All of El Pollo Loco’s drinks are gluten-free, including their soft drinks, iced tea, and bottled water.
Sauces
While most of El Pollo Loco’s sauces contain gluten, there are a few that are gluten-free, including:
- Avocado salsa
- Pico de gallo
- Fire-grilled chicken sauce
It’s important to note that El Pollo Loco’s gluten-free options may vary by location, so it’s always best to double-check with the restaurant before ordering.
Our Review of El Pollo Loco’s Gluten-Free Options
We visited our local El Pollo Loco to try out their gluten-free options and were impressed with the variety and quality of the offerings. The flame-grilled chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the sides were fresh and tasty. We particularly enjoyed the pinto beans and corn on the cob. The avocado salsa was a standout, providing a zesty kick to the meal.
The only downside was the limited selection of gluten-free sauces. While the avocado salsa and pico de gallo were delicious, we would have liked to see more options.
Overall, we highly recommend El Pollo Loco’s gluten-free options for those on a gluten-free diet. The restaurant offers a variety of fresh, flavorful, and affordable options that are sure to satisfy.
Conclusion
El Pollo Loco is a great option for those on a gluten-free diet. With a variety of gluten-free menu items, including their famous flame-grilled chicken, fresh sides, and delicious drinks, there’s something for everyone. While the selection of gluten-free sauces is limited, the quality of the food makes up for it.