Raising Cane’s Gluten-Free Options (2025 Guide)

Ken’s is known for its chicken fingers, Texas toast, coleslaw, and signature Ken’s sauce. While the menu is intentionally simple, it is not designed for gluten-free diners. The restaurant does not offer a dedicated gluten-free menu, and gluten and non-gluten foods are prepared in the same kitchen.
That said, a small number of items are gluten-free by ingredient, which may work for those who are not highly sensitive to gluten.
What to Avoid at Raising Cane’s if You’re Gluten-Free
Several menu items contain wheat or are exposed to gluten through shared cooking equipment. If you avoid gluten, steer clear of the following:
Chicken Fingers
Breaded with wheat flour and fried in shared oil.
Not safe for any gluten-free diet.
Texas Toast
Made from wheat bread.
Chicken Sandwich
Includes a wheat bun and breaded chicken.
Crinkle-Cut Fries
Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, but the fries are cooked in the same fryer as the breaded chicken, creating a high risk of cross-contamination.
Those with celiac disease or high sensitivity should avoid all fried items.
Gluten-Free Items at Raising Cane’s (Ingredient-Based)
Raising Cane’s does not officially label any items as gluten-free, but the following do not contain gluten ingredients:
Cane’s Sauce
Gluten-free by ingredients.
Coleslaw
Made with cabbage, dressing, and seasonings that contain no gluten ingredients.
Beverages
Lemonade, sweet tea, unsweetened tea, and fountain sodas are naturally gluten-free.
Naked Chicken Fingers (location-dependent)
Unbreaded chicken tenders.
These must be cooked separately to avoid gluten exposure.
Cross-Contamination Risks
Even items without gluten ingredients may not be safe due to how food is prepared. Cross-contamination is the biggest concern, especially for those with celiac disease.
Key Risks Include:
Shared Fryers: Fries and breaded chicken are cooked in the same oil
Shared Utensils: Tongs, gloves, and trays may contact breaded foods
Shared Prep Areas: Kitchens are not gluten-free certified
Bottom line: Raising Cane’s may work for people with mild gluten sensitivity who are comfortable with cross-contact, but it is not recommended for strict gluten-free or celiac diets.
Here is the table formatted cleanly and clearly:
| Item | Gluten in Ingredients? | Cross-Contamination Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Naked Chicken Fingers | No | Low–Medium (depends on cooking method) |
| Cane’s Sauce | No | Medium |
| Coleslaw | No | Low |
| Fries | No | High (shared fryer) |
| Drinks | No | Low |
How to Order More Safely (If You Choose to Eat at Cane’s)
If you decide to eat at Raising Cane’s, these steps may help reduce the risk of gluten exposure:
- Clearly inform the staff that you cannot have gluten
- Ask for fresh gloves before handling your food
- Request clean utensils and prep tools
- Stick to sealed beverages, such as bottled water, bottled tea, or canned soda
- Avoid all fried items, as they share cooking oil
These precautions can lower the risk, but they cannot eliminate cross-contamination entirely.
Why These Options Matter
Many families have at least one person with gluten sensitivity, and understanding safer choices makes dining together easier. While Raising Cane’s menu is simple, its shared cooking equipment creates challenges for those with celiac disease. In these cases, eating at home or choosing restaurants with certified gluten-free kitchens may be the safer option.
Conclusion
Raising Cane’s has very limited gluten-free options, and how safe it is depends largely on your level of gluten sensitivity. Although items like Cane’s Sauce, coleslaw, and beverages are gluten-free by ingredients, the use of shared fryers and prep areas makes cross-contamination a serious concern.
- If you have mild gluten sensitivity, you may be able to enjoy a small selection of items with caution.
- If you have celiac disease, Raising Cane’s is generally not considered safe due to shared cooking equipment.
This guide is designed to help you make informed choices, so you can decide what works best for your health while dining with confidence
FAQs
Is Raising Cane’s gluten-free?
No, Raising Cane’s is not gluten-free. The restaurant does not offer a gluten-free menu, and gluten-containing foods are prepared in the same kitchen using shared equipment.
Does Raising Cane’s have any gluten-free options?
Raising Cane’s has a few items that are gluten-free by ingredients, such as Cane’s Sauce, coleslaw, and drinks. However, cross-contamination is possible due to shared prep areas and fryers.
Are Raising Cane’s chicken fingers gluten-free?
No. Raising Cane’s chicken fingers are breaded with wheat flour and fried in shared oil, making them unsafe for anyone avoiding gluten.



