Applebee’s Gluten-Free: Price, Calories, & Ingredients

By the ApplebeesMenuPrices.us Team · Prices & calories checked against Applebee’s official menu · Last updated: August 27, 2026

I remember sitting at an Applebee’s table, menu in hand, feeling completely lost.
I have gluten sensitivity. Every restaurant visit feels like a small battle. You scan the menu. You ask the server. You cross your fingers and hope nothing makes you sick later.
At Applebee’s, I learned something important the hard way. The menu says “gluten sensitive.” It does not say “gluten-free.”
That one word difference changes everything.
In this guide, I will walk you through Applebee’s gluten-free menu in 2026. You will learn what is safe, what to avoid, and how to order without stress.
If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this article is for you. Let’s start with the most important fact first. For more details about the gluten-free menu, you can visit the homepage.

Is Applebee’s Truly Gluten-Free?

Applebee’s is not a certified gluten-free restaurant. Many dishes are prepared in shared cooking environments where gluten-containing ingredients are also handled; cross-contamination can occur.
This does not mean you cannot eat there. It means you need to be careful and informed.
The menu uses the phrase “gluten sensitive” — not “gluten free.” That is a key distinction. Gluten-sensitive options are made without gluten ingredients. But they may still come into contact with gluten during cooking.
For celiac disease: Talk to the manager before ordering. Confirm how your food will be prepared.
For mild gluten sensitivity: Many items on the menu will work just fine for you.

Applebee’s Gluten-Free Menu Items

Here is a breakdown of what you can order from Applebee’s gluten-free menu.

White Queso Dip & Chips

$14.99 | 920 cal

Neighborhood Nachos with Beef

$18.99 | 2,000 cal

Neighborhood Nachos Chipotle Lime Chicken

$18.99 | 1,880 cal

Crunchy Onion Rings

$10.99 | 1330 cal

Salads

Salads are one of the safest choices at Applebee’s.
Applebee’s offers a range of gluten-free dishes, including salads, steaks, grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, and sides like mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
Tips for salads:
Skip croutons — always ask for them to be left off
Ask about dressing ingredients
Request a clean bowl and utensils

Quesadilla Chicken Salad

$20.99 | 2230 cal

Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad

$20.99 | 910 cal

Crispy Chicken Tender Salad

$20.99 | 1220 cal

Grilled Chicken Tender Salad

$20.99 | 1030 cal

Grilled Proteins (Chicken, Steak, Shrimp)

Grilled items are your best friends on the Applebee’s gluten-free menu.
Grilled Chicken: naturally gluten-free when no marinade with gluten is used
Steaks: safe if cooked on a clean grill surface
Shrimp Skewers: a popular and safe option
Applebee’s gluten-free menu items include Grilled Chicken, Salad, Steak, Pork Ribs, and Beef Ribs.
Always remind your server to use clean utensils and change gloves before preparing your meal.

Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp

$24.99 | 800 cal

Chicken Tenders Plate

$18.99 | 1080 cal

Chicken Tenders Platter

$12.99 | 1,410 cal

Grilled Chicken Breast

$21.99 | 550 cal

Bowls

Applebee’s gluten-free bowls provide flavorful meal options for guests who need to avoid gluten. Options include fresh bowls with grilled protein, veggies, and rich flavors.
Bowls are filling and easy to customize. Ask for no sauces unless the server confirms they are gluten-free.

Sides

Safe sides at Applebee’s include:
Mashed potatoes
Steamed vegetables
Side salads (without croutons)
What about French fries?
The French fries are gluten-free, but it’s important to ask the server to confirm if they are cooked separately to avoid cross-contamination.
Fries cooked in a shared fryer with breaded items are risky. Always ask before ordering.

Basket Waffle Fries

$7.59 | 780 cal

Onion Rings

$5.99 | 560 cal

4-Cheese Mac & Cheese ¥

$5.99 | 390 cal

Garlicky Green Beans

$4.99 | 150 cal

Desserts

Options are very limited here. Most desserts contain gluten. Ask your server what is available on the day you visit.
One real diner reported that their waitress advised against the only listed gluten-free dessert, ice cream, due to preparation concerns. Always confirm.

Sizzlin’ Caramel Apple Pie

$9.99 | 1030 Cal

Sizzlin’ Butter Pecan Blondie

$10.99 | 1020 Cal

NEW Sizzlin’ Cookie Dough Pie

$8.99 | 1020 Cal

Oreo® Cookie Shake

$6.99 | 840 Cal

What to AVOID on Applebee’s Gluten-Free Menu

Some items look safe but are not. Avoid these:
Bread and buns: Applebee’s buns are not gluten-free. There is no gluten-free bread option for sandwiches or burgers.
Pasta: Gluten-free pasta is not typically available on Applebee’s menu.
Fried items from shared fryers: high risk for cross-contamination
Sauces and dressings sometimes contain hidden sources of gluten, so it is always best to ask before ordering.

How to Order Safely at Applebee’s (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps every time you visit:
Tell your server upfront: Say you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity before ordering
Ask about preparation: Find out if your food is cooked on shared surfaces
Request clean tools: Ask staff to use fresh gloves, clean utensils, and a clean prep area
Avoid shared fryers: Ask if your fries or proteins are cooked separately
Confirm sauces: Many sauces contain gluten; ask before adding any
Talk to the manager: For celiac disease, always speak directly with the manager
Be sure to inform the Applebee’s staff about any food allergies before placing your order. They are trained to help you choose the best options based on your needs. Be confident about your health matters, so ask about ingredients and how your meal is prepared.

Gluten-Sensitive vs. Gluten-Free: Know the Difference

This is the most important thing to understand before dining at Applebee’s.
Term
Meaning
Gluten-Free
Certified — no gluten in food or kitchen
Gluten-Sensitive
Made without gluten ingredients, but cross-contamination is possible
Applebee’s uses the term ” gluten-sensitive ” on the menu.
Guests with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease should inform staff before ordering and verify ingredient preparation to ensure a safe dining experience.
If you have celiac disease, this is not the same as eating at a certified gluten-free restaurant. Proceed with extra caution.

Is Applebee’s Gluten-Free Menu Good for Celiac Disease?

Real diners with celiac have reported both good and bad experiences. One diner called ahead, spoke with the manager, and had a safe and enjoyable meal.
One customer was nervous about eating there but called ahead, talked to a manager, and when she arrived, spoke to the manager again, who made sure the shrimp was cooked safely and she did not get sick.
The lesson? Preparation is everything. Call ahead. Speak to the manager. Know your risk level.

Quick Guide to Applebee’s Gluten-Free Menu

Category	Safe Items	Watch Out For
Starters	Grilled Shrimp Skewers, Veggie Platter	Anything fried in shared oil
Salads	Garden salads, Side salads	Croutons, certain dressings
Proteins	Grilled Chicken, Steak, Shrimp	Marinades, shared grills
Sides	Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Veggies	Fries (ask about fryer)
Bowls	Grilled protein bowls	Heavy sauces
Desserts	Ask server	Most options contain gluten
Bread/Pasta	Not available gluten-free	All buns and pasta

Conclusion

After years of navigating restaurant menus with gluten sensitivity, I have learned one thing. Knowledge is the best protection.
Applebee’s gluten-free menu is not perfect. But it has solid options if you know what to order and how to ask.
I now walk into every Applebee’s with a simple checklist. I tell my server right away. I ask about the fryers. I skip the bread without a second thought. And I always confirm my sauces.
The result? I have had many safe, enjoyable meals there.
If you have celiac disease, take extra steps. Call ahead. Speak to the manager. The staff is generally helpful and willing to accommodate your needs.
You deserve to eat out without fear. Use this guide, ask the right questions, and you will be in a much stronger position every time you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

People with celiac disease can dine at Applebee’s, but extra precautions are necessary. It is best to speak with the manager, discuss food preparation methods, and confirm that steps are taken to reduce cross-contamination.

Gluten-free food is prepared to avoid gluten entirely, while gluten-sensitive items are made without gluten ingredients but may come into contact with gluten during preparation.

Popular gluten-sensitive choices include grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, side salads without croutons, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and certain protein bowls with modified ingredients.

The fries themselves may not contain gluten ingredients, but they can be cooked in shared fryers with breaded foods. Always ask your server whether the fries are prepared separately.

Yes, salads can be a good option. However, you should request no croutons and confirm that the dressing does not contain gluten ingredients.

No, Applebee’s does not typically offer gluten-free buns. If ordering a burger, ask for it without the bun and verify all toppings and sauces.

Some sauces and dressings may contain hidden gluten ingredients. It is always a good idea to ask your server about specific sauces before ordering.

No, gluten-free pasta is generally not available on the Applebee’s menu. Traditional pasta dishes should be avoided if you are following a gluten-free diet.

Inform your server about your gluten allergy or sensitivity, ask for clean utensils and gloves, avoid shared fryers, and confirm how your food will be prepared before ordering.

Most desserts at Applebee’s contain gluten. Availability may vary by location, so ask your server about any gluten-sensitive dessert options before ordering.